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Body Glove Performer 11’ 2021 iSUP
The Performer Stand Up Paddle Board is a staple in Body Glove’s lineup for several years now and from what I can tell it's been a huge seller since I first reviewed the original Performer back in 2016. In 2020 Body glove updated the performer with a new version that had a slightly thinner profile, fins with 30% more surface area, and new triple-layered side rails construction with upgraded carbon-reinforced stringers to improve stability without adding any additional weight. Fast forward to this spring and Body Glove has once again made some welcome tweaks to the beloved Performer design to make it better than ever.
Watch the following video review to learn all about the new and improved Body Glove Performer 11’ 2021 SUP.
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Over the years we’ve reviewed quite a few Body Glove SUPs including the Body Glove Raptor 10’8, the Body Glove Glide 11 Inflatable Kayak which is still for sale and has been joined in the lineup by a shorter more versatile kayak/SUP called the porter 9’6” and finally Body Glove's innovative EZ 8’2” iBoard Inflatable Surfboard.
If you aren’t familiar with the Performer, it’s an Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board or iSUP as Body Glove calls it. It has a huge appeal with beginner and intermediate paddlers alike and is adept on flat or moving water. It's designed with stability and durability in mind which is reflected in the board’s overall shape and dimensions make give it universal appeal to both fun-seeking families and those who are more adventurous and might want to have more fun on low-level whitewater.
While the original Performer iSUP was 6” thick, that has now been reduced to 5.4” but all the other dimensions remain the same along with the inflation rate and weight. Body Glove didn’t want to change the winning formula of the Performer iSUP too much so instead they added some clever new aesthetic and performance features for the 2021 version.
The first thing you notice right off the bat is the Performer’s all-new sleek silver ClearTech Inflatable Material with two-tone drop-stitch construction and new graphic design complete with mountain motif. There are also two small windows, one on the deck and one on the underside that shows off the carbon stringers which ad rigidity.
At the front of the new Performer, Body Glove incorporated a tow hook which allows you to tow the Performer and increase the fun factor and versatility of this iSUP. The tow rope rests in the clip and is not permanently affixed so it is easy to release if needed. The Maximum recommended speed while towing the Performer is 12 km/h or 8mph.
There is also a new action camera mount built right into the front of the board which ensures a solid and secure platform to affix your Go-Pro or other waterproof sports camera. This feature ensures you won’t lose your camera no matter how rough the water or adventure is as it is not simple two-sided adhesive holding your expensive action camera to the board.
The cargo bungee on the bow of the board has also been upgraded, this time with a new stability harness which allows you to easily change the tension on the bungees and confidently secure cargo of all sizes and shapes.
In the middle of the Performer’s deck, you’ll find two D-ring attachment points designed specifically to lash down a cooler which is almost an essential piece of paddling gear in summer. Body Glove has positioned the lashing points perfectly so that you can easily use the cooler as a seat if it happens to be a rigid cooler.
The paddle included in the Performer iSUP package still comes with the appealing faux wood blade design but for Spring 2021 the paddle has been upgraded and now uses an oval shaft design for increased strength and ergonomic grip.
The leash (which is still included) is now made out of a translucent material to better match the Performer’s overall design.
Starting in 2021 Body Glove has removed all the plastic packaging from their shipping process and replaced it with recyclable paper products instead. The paper is very heavyweight and more protective than the previous plastic wrap and is also more environmentally conscious. I applaud Body Glove for this move in the right direction, it will not go unnoticed by customers.The Body Glove Performer 11’ 2021 SUP includes everything you need to get out on the water this summer. It’s one of the most versatile and reasonably priced SUP’s we’ve reviewed and will provide you and/or your family countless enjoyable days on the water so be sure to check it out if you are thinking about a SUP for this summer.
Included:
- Lightweight 3-piece adjustable paddle (178-216 cm/70-85")
- High-pressure, dual-action hand pump
- 11' translucent ankle coil leash
- Cell-phone dry bag
- Repair kit
- Carry-all backpack
Features:
- 11ft Stable Platform PVC Construction.
- Triple Layer Stringer.
- Side Rails and 3 Durable Fixed Fins.
- New Two-Toned Silver Clear Tek Drop-Stitch.
- Action Camera Mount and Carry All Backpack.
- Paddle Integrated Carrying System.
The three rear fins provide good stability (even for beginners) and are very durable and will stand up to the inevitable abuse you'll throw the Performer's way.
The inflation/deflation valve is easy to use and has a low profile so it won't get in your way.
Verdict:
Each new version of Body Glove’s Performer 11’ iSUP continually improves upon the last and this latest iteration adds some really nice-to-have features that round out an already proven board design. Of all the new improvements, the new action camera mount and oval shaft of the paddle are the two that I feel trump the rest.
The fact that you can now confidently and securely fasten your action camera directly to the Performer is a huge plus for those of us who like to paddle moving water. I was never confident that the double-sided tape Go-Pro supplies with their camera was ever enough to ensure that my $400 camera remained permanently adhered to a SUP. Body Glove has changed this with a mount that is built into the top deck of the Performer. Brilliant!
On the ergonomic side, the paddle which is included with the Performer now boasts an oval shaft design that not only increased the paddle's overall strength but also provides you with a much more natural and comfortable grip. While this paddle is still heavier than a more high-performance paddle it is adjustable and breaks down into three pieces to fit inside the Performer carrying case so that everything is contained securely for any kind of travel adventures you might have.
The tow rope compatibility, cooler tie-down D-rings, and cargo bungee tensioner are also welcome additions to the Performer iSUP as are the new board graphics. While I was always a fan of previous graphics, like the Performer’s features, these graphics just get better with each new version of the Performer and I think that the mountain motif on this 2021 model is the best yet.
If you are in the market for an inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard then be sure to consider the new Performer iSUP as you can’t beat its performance, quality, versatility, and features
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PROS:
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CONS:
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SPECS:
Price: $1,324CAN / $999US
Dimensions (L x W x H): 335 x 86 x 13.7cm /
11’ x 34” x 5.4”
Weight: 10.9kg / 24lb
Colours: Silver/Charcoal, Blue/Wood
RATING: 9/10
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Features 1.5/2 |
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