iROCKER XL Ultra 3.0 Inflatable Paddleboard
Pros
- One of the largest size compact iSUPs with full-size performance
- Great stability, but can still paddle quickly when you want it to
- New welded seam construction for better durability and heat resistance
- Included rechargeable pump adds a lot of value and portability to this kit
- New Magnetite accessory mounting system
- Versatile features without crowding the SUP deck
Cons
- We’d like to see an extended deck pad to better use the full size of the board, especially to share with a passenger or pet
The iRocker XL Ultra 3.0 borrows the size and general shape of the Blackfin Model XL 6.0, gives it a new construction with lightweight materials and folding design, and pairs it with a feature set and accessory kit specifically designed to make this one of the “largest” compact iSUPs on the market.
The new materials and welded construction keep the board under 21 pounds, even though it is a full 11’6” x 34” x 6”, and, along with the paddle, rechargeable electric pump, and accessory kit, packs into a bag just 24” x 18” x 6”.
The XL Ultra 3.0 is a compact board with larger than life features and performance.
We think the iROCKER XL Ultra 3.0 would be great for paddlers who
- Larger paddlers who want a full-size all-around SUP while still enjoying the benefits of a compact board
- Prefer high stability, but still want an efficiently-paddling board
- Want the option to bring anything and everything they can think of on the water
- Want a truly portable electric pump (no car required) included in their iSUP kit
iROCKER XL Ultra 3.0: Spec Sheet
- Main Category: All-Around, Inflatable
- Board Dimensions: 11’6” x 34” x 6”
- Board Weight: 20.8 lbs
- Max Capacity: 360 lbs
- Recommended PSI: 12-16 PSI
- Fins: 5” Twin-fins w/ snap-lock fin box
- Paddle: 5-piece w/ carbon shaft and nylon blade
- Materials: Fusion PVC w/ woven dropstitch core; welded seams
- Price Range: High
- Warranty: 3 years
Performance Review of the iROCKER XL Ultra 3.0 Stand Up Paddle Board
Overall Score: [9.7/10]
- Stability: 9.8/10
- Speed: 9.1/10
- Tracking: 9.2
- Maneuverability: 8.9/10
- Construction Quality: 9.6/10
- Features/Accessories: 9.8/10
Stability Rating: [9.8/10]
iRocker’s Blackfin Model XL has always been among the top of our list of recommendations for larger paddlers as its wider size, extra length, and specially-tuned shape keeps it very stable without feeling like you are paddling a door through the water. The XL Ultra 3.0 borrows this same size and outline to bring a high level of stability to the world of compact, travel-friendly iSUPs.
The front half of the board is kept wide with just a short tapering section at the very front in order to maximize stability and capacity. The tail is drawn in a little to help it paddle faster and more efficiently – giving it a bit of a sporty feel for a board so large – but not so small that it makes the board less stable. On the water it feels confident and secure whether it is flat or rocking in the chop.
Compared to some of iROCKER’s other Ultra-series compact iSUPs, the XL Ultra 3.0 is more stable than the CX Ultra 3.0, but not quite as stable as the extra wide Cruiser Ultra 3.0 (which is nearly 35” wide in our measurements). The extra length of the XL Ultra 3.0 does help close that gap, as well as give it some other boost in paddling performance.
Speed Test: 9.1/10
The XL Ultra 3.0 is primarily a stability-focused large-size all-around iSUP, but the extra length and tapered tail do give it a few benefits when you want to cover long distances on the water.
Those two shape features help the XL Ultra 3.0 paddle faster than the slightly narrower CX Ultra 3.0 when you put them head to head in a sprint. There is still some flex in the XL Ultra 3.0 at these speeds, and the slightly lower nose (compared to the Blackfin Model XL) tends to push through the water more than glide across.
There wasn’t any noticeable flex at regular cruising speeds, and the XL Ultra 3.0 paddles more effortlessly across the water, rather than pushing like it does in a sprint. In all, it is faster and easier to paddle than the Cruiser Ultra 3.0 and feels about the same to our testers as the CX Ultra 3.0 when paddled back-to-back.
Tracking: 9.3/10
The new Ultra 3.0 boards have a new fin system with twin 5” fins. The previous Ultra and Ultra 2.0 boards had twin 9” fins that gave them incredible tracking, but also incredibly hard to turn.
The XL Ultra 3.0 has a much better balance of tracking and maneuverability thanks to these shorter fins. The extra waterline length of the XL Ultra gives it a bit more oomph in the tracking department, though. Our testers found it very easy to paddle straight, and were regularly taking 8-10 paddle strokes before feeling the need to switch sides to stay on course.
Maneuverability: 9.1/10
Those new fins really balanced out the whole Ultra lineup, but especially the XL Ultra 3.0. The previous Blackfin XL Ultra was very difficult to turn without some advanced maneuvering. But the new XL Ultra 3.0 really surprised us with how well it turns.
Even though it’s a larger, longer board with a twin-fin setup, it still turns as easily with basic sweep strokes as your average all-around iSUP that’s shorter and narrower.
The one downside in maneuverability comes when you want to make a snappy pivot turn. The shorter deck pad on the XL Ultra means you can’t easily step to the tail to lift the nose without walking onto the more slippery PVC shell of the board. The shorter deck pad is a trade off for the weight and compactability of the board, but it would be nice to see it extended a little farther back not only to make these turns easier, but to have more room when you are paddling with a passenger or a pet.
Construction Quality: 9.6/10
iRocker changed up their board construction with the Ultra 3.0 in two big ways. They are still using a lightweight cross-woven drop stitch core to keep the board light and rigid, but have switched to a lightweight PVC shell and rail material that are now heat-welded instead of glued together. The combination of new materials and constructions gives the finished board a weight of just 20.8 pounds – incredibly light for such a large board!
These are iRocker’s first welded-construction iSUPs. In our testing and experience we’ve found heat-welding to be more consistent and offer better protection against over-inflation and heat damage than a typical glued rail.
The board still has a maximum recommended pressure of 16 PSI, but now with the welded rails the risk of damage to your board if you take a quick break on a hot summer’s day is reduced (though we still recommend either keeping the board wet or in the shade any time it’s not being used and partially deflated for long breaks).
Board Stiffness:
Stiffness Test: 1.50” Bend
Our stiffness test is performed by placing the SUP on top of two sawhorses that are set 7’ apart. We then measure the board before and after loading 150 lbs onto the board’s midpoint (usually across the center handle). Of course, this test does not mimic the SUP’s behavior on the water, but it’s an unbiased way for us to understand how certain construction methods affect stiffness and overall performance of each paddleboard.
The XL Ultra 3.0 did well in our bend test for a compact board, but still falls in the average range for our bend test. The lightweight materials do have a bit more flex on land, but as noted in our speed section, it doesn’t translate to flex on the water unless you are moving fast or in very rough conditions.
Overall we are very impressed with iRocker’s new Ultra construction. It’s difficult to balance the design needs for a compact iSUP, and we think iRocker has done an excellent job with these new paddle boards.
Features/Accessory Review: [9.8/10]
The iRocker XL Ultra 3.0 is built to be highly versatile and compact when stored. It has a full feature set on the board and comes with a great kit of accessories as well.
The XLUltra 3.0 is compatible with iRocker’s kayak seat and shoulder sling with four D-rings around the middle of the board, has two 6-point cargo systems with removable bungees (19 D-rings in total on the board), two threaded mounting points, and two magnetic mounting points.
The deck pad uses the same stamped and grooved EVA foam as on their other paddle boards to combine a comfortable feel against your skin with plenty of traction while standing. It’s split down the middle to allow the XL Ultra 3.0 to fold in half lengthwise before folding to fit into the compact backpack. I do wish iROCKER would extend the deck pad farther back on the board to give you more space and range of movement, as well as more room for a passenger or pet.
Included Accessories:
The iROCKER XL Ultra 3.0 comes with an impressive set of accessories – all of which easily fit into the Ultra compact backpack. Included with the iROCKER XL Ultra 3.0 are the following accessories:
- 5-piece carbon shaft paddle w/ a nylon blade
- iROCKER Rechargeable Power Pump Max electric pump
- 5” snap-lock fins (x2)
- 10’ coiled leash
- Waterproof Accessory Pouch
- Water-resistant Compact roll-top/front zip backpack
iROCKER has upgraded their Ultra kits with a rechargeable electric pump, a smart addition that greatly improves portability. Paddlers no longer need to rely on a manual pump or inflate near their vehicle as the new iROCKER Power Pump can inflate multiple boards on a single charge and stores neatly in the streamlined backpack.
The Ultra backpack itself has also been updated with water-resistant materials. While not fully waterproof, it can handle splashes or light rain and features a full front panel that unzips across its 2’ x 1’ frame, making it easy to pack the rolled-up board. Inside, side pockets fit the 5-piece paddle, and there’s room for the accessory pouch, towels, clothes, and other essentials.
The included accessory pouch is labeled waterproof, making it a safe place for the pump or valuables on the water, but because it does not completely seal, it should only be considered water/splash resistant. For critical items, like car keys and electronics, a fully waterproof dry bag is still recommended.
The new 5-piece paddle uses hexagonal connection inserts to eliminate play between the segments and feels great on the water. However, its segmented design prevents the handle from retracting fully, limiting adjustability for paddlers under 5’4”.
Summary Review of the iROCKER XL Ultra 3.0
The new XL Ultra 3.0 is a unique board. It’s super lightweight and compact, but offers full-size performance on the water for larger paddlers or sharing with a friend or pet. It would be nice to see an extended deck pad and maybe a fishing mount to make it even more versatile, especially since the Blackfin XL Ultra compact fishing SUP has been discontinued. But, with two threaded mounts and lots of cargo space (plus the new Magtite mounts) there is still tons of room for everything you need on the water for an afternoon, day, or even a multiday SUP camping trip.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading through our review of the iROCKER XL Ultra 3.0, and encourage you to hit us with any questions or suggestions in the comments below.
Until next time, stay safe and happy paddling!
SupBoardGuide
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