Product Review: 2016 Jobe Aero SUP 11-6 Inflatable Paddle Board System

Last month we received the first of Jobe’s 2016 inflatable paddle board line. Well known in Europe for windsurf, water boards and attire, Jobe expanded into the inflatable paddle board line a few years ago. Since then, the line has evolved to encompass a cohesive look, epitomized by complete “paddle board packages” including paddle, pump, backpack, leash and board – pretty much everything needed to get on the water.

The 2016 inflatable Aero SUP line includes 6 models ranging in size from 9’4″ to 12’6″ covering the gamut from surf to yoga. The current boards also feature Jobe’s new technology  – a heavy-duty, double-laminate material which is stronger and lighter, providing up to 35% weight savings over previous models; the 2016 models now hover around the 20 lb. mark.
Our first Jobe review features the Aero SUP 11-6 all-round, recreational touring model.
(Please note: some of the info will be repeated from prior writeups.)
Jobe Aero SUP 11-6 Inflatable SUP – Getting Started
The board as-arrived is 35 x 17 x 12 inches in the box.

Inside is the Aero SUP 11-6 body, backpack, repair kit, single action pump with pressure gauge, cinch belt, removable fin, adjustable fiberglass breakdown paddle, ankle leash and instructions. Once rolled up, the SUP board fits into the backpack, as well as breakdown paddle  and pump – each of these attach to the outside of the backpack, but could also be stowed inside. The board itself weighs 22.5 lbs, while the paddle and pump are 2 lbs each – a total of 31.75 lbs in the pack. The boxed weight is 36 lbs. The package easily fits in the back of a small car.

For your first set up, remove the cinch strap and unroll the SUP body. Lay it out face up so that you can access the military valve.

The Aero SUP 11-6 utilizes one spring-loaded military valve for inflation. These are very simple to use and feature an inflate mode (spring plunger is UP) and a deflate mode (spring plunger is DOWN). By using your finger to gently push on the plunger, it can be moved to the inflate mode (air goes in and doesn’t come back out) and deflate mode (air goes in and comes back out). As a cautionary note, before you make the effort to inflate the board, PLEASE make sure the plunger is in the inflate position.
The Aero SUP paddle board system includes a high-pressure, 2000 cm3 single-action pump with a gauge – what we term the “tall  barrel” as it pushes out less air, though takes a bit less effort to attain the higher pressures.
First, attach the gauge to the pump – the gauge attaches via a pin/slot system.

Next, attach the hose to the gauge.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Leave a Reply