In this review, we will be going overThe Nixy Hungington Compact SUP package.
Below we will let you know when to consider the Compact, and we will inform you all about their featured and why they may matter to you.
Nixy has one of the best reputations in the SUP industry for being a customer-oriented brand that takes its time to both help and inform its customers. So how does the Huntington Compact compare against other all around boards?
Read on below!
What Did we think of the huntington g5 package?
With the rise of compact paddle boards having less space to store your SUP has become a crucial part of the game. With the shorter Huntington and Huntington compact boards you can expect a well designed manueverable board for smaller paddlers. However, if you are a larger inexperienced paddler you may want to stay clear of the boards 9’6″ dimensions because you will have to concentrate a bit harder to stay on the board.
I was a bit wary testing this board on the Nikomekl river with a good amount of wind and tide, it actuall did better than I expected on the water. The same day I tested the Nixy Venice so I will be detailing how this board compared to the Venice as well.
This is also an underrated choice as an inbetween SUP for a teenager who’s too small for a regular 10’6″ all around board but too big for a kids SUP.
Both packages come with features and accessories that you would expect from Nixy.
Nixy Huntington Paddle Board Review Ratings
Below are the ratings of the Nixy Huntington SUP.
Total Rating: 8.7 (Average of Below Numbers)
Click the Links below to jump to each section.
- On-Water Performance – 8
- Stability 7.5
- Tracking 7.5
- Speed 7.5
- Manueverability 9
- SUP Construction – 8.5
- Board Features – 8
- Deck Pad 8.5
- D Rings 8
- Deck Bungees 8
- Action Mounts 7.5
- Handles 8
- Accessories – 9
- Backpack 9
- Paddle 9
- Pump 9
- Fins 9
- Setup/ Take Down – 9.5
Pros
- One of the most travel-friendly SUPs you can get your hands on
- Nixy has some of the best customer service in the business
- Great SUP to take on airplanes to save on luggage fees
- Nixy’s Lightest board comes in at 18.75 Lbs
- Extremely maneuverable
- Tracking is improved from previous years
- 4 piece paddle is compact
- Includes high-quality manufacturing that comes with all Nixy boards
- Can be used in a variety of different environments
- Great board to use in tidal environments or mangroves where you need manueverability
Cons
- The pump May be difficult to fit in the bag the first few times
- Not the best tracking board in the Nixy Lineup
- Could have a great variety of designs
- Not the best choice for heavier or taller paddlers
Who Should Be Using the Nixy Huntington SUPs
Simply put, the Nixy Huntington series is designed for folks who want to travel. For those who want to carry the bare basics you need in a minimized package, the Compact is your friend!
This SUP is not just for those traveling enthusiasts though, it’s also a great board for those who want a solid recreational board with some maneuverability capability. It’s also a good board to learn some advanced maneuvers on such as pivot turns due to its more controllable length.
If you yourself are a “compact” person then this series is well worth the look. The 30 lbs package weight is more than manageable with the Ultra Compact bag. Meaning you won’t be carrying around a big bag that looks like it dwarfs you.
It’s also one of the best SUP packages to transport by bike, scooter, skateboard or to bring on public transport.
What SUP Activities can the Nixy Huntington be used for?
The Nixy Huntington is one of Nixy’s most versatile SUPs for a wide range of SUP skill levels.
Backcountry Hikes
The Huntington Compact make good backcountry companions thanks to their lightweight design. You may want to get a different bag for it though as the Nixy bag that comes with the SUP can be a bit bulky.
As long as you can find a good little space to set-up your SUP you are golden! Consider packing the Nixy Landing Mat as well to ensure your board does not get dirty when it gets folded up.
Recreational Paddling
For those who are just finding their sea legs or for those who want a board that can explore their surroundings with them the Huntington is a great package for this.
It can be paddled in calm coastal bays, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. Its maneuverability makes it a good nod for tighter waterways like winding rivers or even mangroves.
Yoga
The Nixy Huntington is a solid yoga pick but it has some preferences as to whom it may be for.
Use this board for SUP Yoga if you are:
- Smaller in stature
- Have some experience with Yoga and balancing
- You have a little ways to travel to get to the water
The deck pads on both the Compact and Ultra Compact boards are wide and the front deck bungees take up a small space.
However if you are looking for the Best Paddle Board for Yoga take a look at a SUP that is more specialized for that use like the Nixy Venice SUP.
Nixy Huntington On-Water Performance
| Rating Factor | Score | Average SUP Score (All Around Boards) |
|---|---|---|
| Total On-Water Score | 8 | 8.0 |
| Stability Score | 7.5 /10 | 8.3 |
| Tracking Score | 7.5 /10 | 7.8 |
| Speed Score | 7.5 /10 | 7.7 |
| Manueverability Score | 9 /10 | 8.1 |
One of the areas that the Huntington series shines in is maneuverability. In my mind, it’s the most maneuverable board in the Nixy lineup! But how does it stack up in the other big 3 categories?
Stability
When comparing these boards to other Nixy boards they will be sufficient to paddle stability-wise. But they would most likely fall in the lower end of the lineup because of the smaller length. Only the Manhattan would be more unstable because of its 28” width.
I’m a 6’0 guy at about 185 lbs and I decieded to bring this board to the windy Nikomkl river when the tide was coming in. I was expecting to be quite the task to stay on but it actally wasnt too bad. During some reverse sweep strokes I had to be a bit more midful in terms of balance and really concentrate on my strokes and balance. But other than that standing on the board was relatively simple when paddling forward.
What also does help the Huntington be more stable is the wider tail as well. Some smaller customers even report that the board is stable enough to do yoga on.
For new paddlers I would reccomend practicing in an area where you are comfortable falling into the water. Especially for bigger/ taller folks like me.
Tracking
The tracking ability of the Nixy Compact was not too bad although there are some things that are a bit unusual about it. First off the fin actually installs backwards. I thought this was a mistake at first but this will no doubt effect tracking ability to a degree. The board is also 9’6″ which is shorter than your average all around SUP.
When paddling with the board I traced it to be about 3.5 strokes a side which is below the average we typically have for all around SUPs.
Speed
Speed racer if you are looking at a board you may want to look elsewhere like the Nixy Manhattan!
While the Huntington series can get through the water sufficiently it will be slower than Nixy’s most popular board, the Newport series. This is because the Newport is longer and has a bit more of a pointed shape.
Having said that the thing that did help the board motor is its lightweight size. The board is one of the lightest from Nixy’s lineup which gives it great acceleration from standstill compared to heavier boards.
Maneuverability
This is where the Huntington Compact will shine. Its 9’6” length coupled with a single fin will make this board more maneuverable and easier to control for turns. Doing more intermediate maneuvers such as sweep strokes or pivot turns will also be a bit easier to learn because of its smaller length.
When I was doing reverse sweep strokes and reverse side paddles, the board was definetly more manueverable, especially compared to the Nixy Venice that I paddled the same day in the same conditions. The Huntington G5 is a nimble little board that would be a great pick for smaller paddlers.
I would say it’s a great pick for those areas where you will need a bit more maneuverability such as paddling in mangroves, paddling in calm windy rivers, or even navigating coastal nooks and crannies.
Nixy Huntington Stats Deconstructed
- Type of Board: Traveling/ Recreational
- Length: 9’6″
- Width: 32″
- Thickness: 6″
- Volume: 250 L
- Weight: 18.75 Lbs
- Maximum Capacity: 250 Lbs
| Rating Factor | Score | Average Score (All Around) |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Score | 8.5 /10 | 8.3 |
With many companies that claim to have “Travel-Friendly SUPs”, there is often a give and take you to have to consider. Often times these SUPs are made of a single layer of PVC which, while lighter and easier to fold will cause problems with reliability down the road.
The Huntington G4 does not have that problem. Like with the rest of Nixy’s SUPs both Huntington boards feature dual-layered fusion laminate coupled with woven drop stitch.
What does this jargon mean for you?
Well, you get a more durable and reliable board that will last years. The fusion laminate process involves machines that take 2 layers of PVC and fuses them together making a lightweight but durable layer that saves on glue which is done through manual labor. The problem with manual gluing is that this is often where manufacturer defects are found.
The woven drop stitch material is woven in a wicker-like design as opposed to it being loosely knitted. This means your SUP will keep form for longer without featuring any defects.
On top of this the Compact features heat welded side rails that serve as an extra layer of rigidity coupled with an extra string later of the protection. The sides are usually where the seams are so it’s important that those areas are the ones that get the protection!
Nixy Huntington SUP Profile
The Huntington used to have two models with the G4 Models. The Compact and Ultra Compact. It appears for the G5 model it has disconintued the Ultra Compact model as they now just offer the Nixy Huntington. There have been a few changes in the G5 models though. While a lot of the features are the same we will detail a few of the changes besides the color scheme below.
Whats On Deck
| Rating Factor | Score | Average SUP Score (All Around Boards) |
|---|---|---|
| Board Features Score | 8 | 8.1 |
| Deck Pad Score | 8.5 /10 | 8.3 |
| D-Rings Score | 8 /10 | 8 |
| Deck Webbing Score | 8 /10 | 8.1 |
| Action Mounts Score | 7.5 /10 | 7.8 |
| Handle Score | 8 /10 | 8.2 |
Below we go through some of the similarities and differences between the Huntington G4 Compact and Ultra Compact packages as well as comparisons to other boards in the Nixy lineup.
Nixy Huntington Deck Pad
The deck pads of both SUPs are made of a Eva foam soft stamped UV protected traction pad with little Nixy logos on them. The deckpad is comfortable on the feet and grippy. It also has a nice design.
The Huntington Compact features a grooved traction pad similar to the Newport G4, and Manhattan G4 series. I personally prefer this type of deck pad as I find the grooves help to add a bit of extra traction to your feet while paddling on a wet deck. Its design also mimics the Newports almost to a tee.
D Rings
Both Huntington boards feature 14 D rings. 10 of them are used for the removable deck bungee storage systems. The free ones are:
- Bottom of the nose for towing
- 2 on the sides for the Nixy Premium Kayak Seat
- One on the tail used primarily for a SUP Leash
If you remove the bungee storage systems you can rig up something for bigger items such as coolers. Just be wary of this board’s 250 Lb Maximum capacity limit! For boards that have a lot of storage available check out the Monterey G4.
Huntington Deck Bungees
Both boards feature a standard Nixy bungee setup of 3 rows of deck webbing at the back and 2 small rows at the front. In fact, the set-up is very similar to that of the Nixy Newport.
Some ideas for things you can store in these bungees include:
- Dry Bags
- Bluetooth Speakers
- Phone cases
- Smaller soft coolers
- A place to stash your paddle when not in use
- Hydration bags
- Water bottles
- Snacks
There is so much more I can add to this but these are some of the most common items.
On my Newport, I personally like to keep things that I access more often at the front like water bottles, and sandals while things that I am less likely to grab as often in the back like my Bluetooth speaker or a cooler with snacks.
M8 Action Mounts
Just like on all of their paddle boards Nixy features action mounts on both Huntington series boards.
- The Huntington G4 Compact features 4 Action Mounts
The reason for the difference is the fact that the action mount would be in the way of the fold line along the center of the board for the Ultra Compact. In my mind, this is by no means a deal-breaker as you still get a similar vantage point if you had mounted a camera, phone, or action camera.
Somethings you can mount on the Huntington SUPs include:
- Nixy Navigation Lights for night time paddling
- Cup Holders
- Phone Holders
- Digital Camera Mounts
- Action Camera Mounts
- Single Mount Fishing Rod holder
Handles
Both Huntington’s features 3 handles. Although the handle placements on both SUPs differ slightly.
The Compact features
- A handle on the side of the nose
- Handle in the middle
- Handle on the rear of the board
If I’m honest I’m a bit confused as to why they put the handle on the side of the nose instead of the way they place it on the Newport which is horizontal. Surely this must add a little bit of drag to the board hydrodynamic profile when paddling.
This placement makes more sense to me as you don’t want the handles or the valve to interfere with the folding line of the paddleboard. When carrying the board by yourself it’s probably best to grab it from the right-hand side so that you have less reaching distance to cover. Especially if you are a smaller individual.
Huntington G5 Accessories Explained
| Rating Factor | Score | Average SUP Score (All Around Boards) |
|---|---|---|
| Accessories Score | 9 /10 | 7.9 |
| Backpack Score | 9 /10 | 8.1 |
| Paddle Score | 9 /10 | 7.8 |
| Pump Score | 9 /10 | 7.6 |
| Fin Score | 9.5 /10 | 8.1 |
The accessories for the Huntington G4 Compact are the same as the accessories on other Nixy paddle boards. The main differences come from the Ultra Compact, whose compact packaging requires accessories to be as such.
Nixy Backpack
There are several differences to be noted between the Compact and Ultra Compact Nixy Paddle Boards.
Huntington G4 Compact
The Huntington Compact comes with a bag that measures 39” x 17 x 9”. As an owner of a Nixy bag I personally think it’s the best bag provided with a SUP of its price range. Its definitely the best one I’ve used so far anyway.
The 2022 bag features padded straps, with plenty of back support to help the bag feel much more comfortable than those ungodly backpacks you used to lug textbooks around in high school.
The inside of the bag provides plenty of room for the folded-up board, the typhoon hand pump, and special pockets for your fins. Because this board is 9’6” you will have more room in the bag to even put other things that you need during your paddling trip.
Of course one of my favorite things about this bag is the fact that it has 3 wheels. The third wheel in the middle is unique to Nixy bags as it keeps the support at the bottom of the bag without allowing it to sag.
New for 2022 and beyond the bag now features pockets for the shoulder straps. This is key when you are rolling the bag and you don’t want the straps to be hanging out and dragging on the ground.
Nixy Paddle
The Nixy paddle that comes with the Huntington compact package is one of my favorite that comes with a SUP. The paddle is very lightweight and feels nice to the touch. Just be wary of keeping the paddle in the sun because it can get hot!
I’m going to write about the 3 piece paddle as here as this is what I have experience with. I personally like the feel of it and its 1.54 lb weight does not feel like a bother to me, even when I’m paddling for 3 plus hours.
The T handle contours the palm of my hand nicely so I can do quick efficient strokes. I’ve had about 1 year of paddling experience with it and it still holds up well! I’ve had some bad luck with paddles in the past, whether it be the handling coming off, or losing a nut to the adjustment portion.
Thankfully none of the above has happened. Let’s see what year 2 has in store!
Nixy Typhoon Pump
One of the best manual pumps I’ve ever used, the typhoon pump is a great addition to the package. Its knobs can be a bit confusing at first but thankfully Nixy has a diagram as to how to work the 3 stage pump.
As you are pumping up the board you start with all chambers being used, as it gets more difficult (usually 5 to 9 PSI Range) you adjust the left knob down so that it fires on 1 chamber on both the up and down motion which makes it less difficult to pump. Finally both knobs go down and you are firing on one chamber only on the downwards pumping motion.
I personally am a bit surprised that Nixy included this pump in the Ultra Compact package. While it definitely makes pumping easier I can’t help but feel that it would add an extra obstacle to folding a board into what is already a smaller bag.
Huntington Fin
Both boards take a completely different take on fin designs.
Huntington G4 Compact
The Compact comes with a single fin that installs onto the FCS-capable Nixy finbox. It won’t provide the same level of tracking as the Newport G4 but customers seem to be happy that it does its job quite well. The single fin does give the board a bit of extra maneuverability, something I always notice when paddling a 3 fin set-up vs a 1 center fin set up boards.
One of the biggest complaints of previous models was that the previous Huntington models provided 2 fins that were 5” side fins. This made the board more “squirrely” and more difficult to paddle in a straight line. Thankfully Nixy rectified this by switching to a 9” fin to the package for much better tracking.
Nixy Leash
Both Huntington packages come with a 10” coiled leash that features 2 stainless steel swivel points to prevent the leash from tangling.
I’ve used my Nixy leash for a year now and have no complaints. It’s comfortable thanks to its nice neoprene padding that goes around your ankle.
Nixy Huntington Set-Up
| Rating Factor | Score | Average Score (All Around) |
|---|---|---|
| Set-Up/ Take-Down Score | 9.5 /10 | 8.2 |
The process for folding this SUP would be similar to folding most other inflatable SUPs. Start folding from the fins (the air valve is at the front of the board) and keep folding. It may be handy to have a permanent marker with you to note the folding lines.
Keep folding until you get to the nose. I usually keep folding the board and wrap the nose around it before using the strap to secure the board in place.
About Nixy Sports
Over the years of tracking Nixy’s progress, I have found Nixy to always be a brand that implements cutting-edge materials and techniques to their SUPs. All the while adding high quality add ons and accessories to the mix.
On top of this they have always been supremely attentive to their customers. In one case Nixy actually paid custom duties to a Customer in Canada that they incurred by cross-border shipping.
My experience with Nixy has been very positive when they sent me my Newport board. It arrived to Vancouver, Canada within 2 weeks and they never took longer than a day to get back to me on questions and comments I had.
To See More Nixy Paddle Board Reviews Click here!
Nixy Warranty
All Nixy paddle boards including the Huntington Compact and Ultra Compact boards come with a 3-year warranty on their paddleboards against manufacturing defects. It does not cover wear and tear or accidents of misuse incurred by the customer.
Nixys return policy is pretty standard within the SUP industry. It offers a 30-day money back return.
What Customers Think of the Nixy Huntington G5
In these verified customer reviews we will be covering what customers have commented about both the Huntington Compact and Huntington Ultra Compact series.
Huntington Compact
Some of the most common compliments of the Huntington compact is the fact that it is a very maneuverable board. Customers also seemed to really appreciate the quality of accessories that Nixy included with their board package. Here’s one comment below
“I bought a 9’6″ board for the ease of carrying. I am leaving it inflated for the season and putting it on my car’s surf board rack. The Huntington (it’s nick name) handles well on the water. I’ve had it out in pretty choppy water and was able to maneuver just fine. I can put all my gear under the bungees and have lots of room for yoga and moving around on the board. I haven’t used the seat yet, but I was so pleased to see the quality of it. The case for there board is sturdy, practical & well designed and will be nice for storing the board in the off season. The detachable fin is a plus. The paddle is good, too.I really like my NIXY Huntington G4.”
– Debra B (Verified Nixy Customer)
Where to Buy the Nixy Huntington Series
The best place to purchase Both the Huntington Compact and the Huntington Ultra Compact if you live in the United States would be from the Nixy Website.
You can also order from Amazon as well but Nixy offers free shipping to all of the continental United States on orders $100 and over. Note* As of the time of me writing this Nixy does not offer the Nixy Huntington Ultra Compact on the Amazon USA site.
If you live in another country you can look at your local Amazon to save on some of these shipping and government fees. This is dependent on if Nixy ships its boards to fulfillment centers around the country.
Comparable Boards
It can be a bit tough finding travel boards that fold up as well as the Huntington Ultra Compact board, so we gave it a shot below.
Red Paddle Compact 9’6”
The Red Paddle Compact features a similar design as Nixy but it is 2 -3 times the price of the Huntington Compact. With this price tag, you are paying for the in-house technology that Red Paddle incorporates when making their boards.
So while you may not get the same features as the Huntington series you get the 5-year warranty and the high-quality materials that ensure this SUP lasts a really long time.
Gii Mako 10’ Inflatable Paddle Board
While the Mako will not pack down to be as compact as the Huntington boards it has a lot of comparables that are worth noting.
The Gili Mako 10’ gives you more onboard storage and a longer length which makes the board a bit more stable for bigger people. It also comes with a Tr-fin setup with a racing fin which might give that extra bit of on-water tracking while on the water.
Click here for the Detailed Gili Mako Review.
Should You Get the Nixy Huntington G5 Compact?
If you are a globetrotting explorer who wants a board that can fit luggage requirements I would say this is the obvious pick for traveling. Overall this board with suit you if:
- You are a smaller person
- You want easy transportation (Ultra Compact)
- You are a solo paddler looking for a board to cruise on
- You are going on a hike with this board
- You want a board with good customer service
If things like tracking and speed are more important for you, I would look at the Nixy Newport G4 but the differences between the two will not be too great.
Do you have or know of someone who uses either the Huntington Compact or Huntington Ultra Compact? Let us know on our Facebook page!
