21 Sep 2015
Posted by mattwright
How do older Bark Surftech Tuflite models compare to the newer Commanders ? Found a couple of Tuflite boards (new & used, $600-800) locally and considering getting one instead of a Commander, will that put me at a significant disadvantage in races? I don’t subscribe to the newer gear is better thought, but don’t want to end up on something not right for me and end up selling it a few months down the road. I’ve done this with a SUP, it’s an expensive mistake. I’m new to prone paddling, but have been surfing/swimming for years. Any guidance is appreciated.
This is one of those cases where, at least in our opinon, new is significantly (er…hugely) better. The shape of the new commander is so much better than the old board there really is no comparison. If you were going to say it was just for training, I would say get whatever you want. But, on the other hand, because you mention races, for us the decision is easy. Spend the money and get a new board.
The only caveat to that is if you are a really small guy (150lbs<) or really big guy (>220). In that case, as a general rule one size does not fit all. If you are on the extremes of body size/conformation you might consider a custom board or one of the lighter, hollow, carbon boards on the market.
Price: $34.95 Prone Paddleboarding: Essential Techniques from breedfreakphoto on Vimeo .
