Great review! I live in Jacksonville and we have oyster beds here. I don’t hit them very often but sometimes I might scrape against one I didn’t see. I currently have an Ace-Tec Bic paddle board that does pretty well in the kind of fishing I do but have my eye on a new Bote. I had an HD years ago that did not have Gatorshell and it got scraped up pretty good so I sold it. I imagine you have some oysters where you are too. How is the Gatorshell holding up?
I’m torn between the HD 10’6 and 12’. I’m only 5’1, and curious how much weight you’ve put on the 10’6 and if it changes the experience on it with more weight? Thanks!!
Here's pros and cons, and mind you I'm 6' 205" now: 10'6" Pros: smaller, easier to store; more nimble in the water; lighter weight; 10'6" Cons: Requires more core stability, not as buoyant so requires more skill 12' Pros: More buoyant means more forgiving to move 12" Cons: That extra foot is a pain for storage; it's heavier; slower in the water.
Thank you bro - have you added any of the Bote accessories? Or do you typically just cruise around with minimal gear? Excellent review really helped me make my decision. I was looking at Pau Hana but they just don’t seem to have the quality of Bote. What is your diet and workout routine - looking ripped my brother.
Pretty minimal gear, but I've always had my eyes on Bote's accessories. Just haven't really needed it. As far as diet workout routine, it's ever changing. Diet, I don't restrict myself on the types of food, I just track towards my goals (e.g. deficit for cutting like in this video, surplus for muscle building), and always make sure I hit my protein (1g of protein per pound of body weight). Appreciate it!
My inflatable Bote SUP just blew last week as I was about to get in the water (it was 100F out 🥲) and since I had been thinking about getting a hard board for a while, I bit the bullet and also got the HD 10’6”. You’re not kidding when you say this thing cuts through the water! Holyyy! Even after “downgrading” in length from a 11’6”, and w/o any side fins, the new board is significantly superior. The one thing I’m still getting used to is loading it on top of my car. I loved how easy it was to just deflate the iSUP, roll it and put it in the trunk. You’re right that the HD is kind of heavy, and being a 150 lb woman, it’s taking me a bit to figure out how to load it without scratching the tail. I ordered some helicopter tape to protect it, so hopefully that’ll help. How do you like your car rack? And could you share what kind it is pls? Right now I’m using cheap foam blocks and tie downs, but I want something permanent so I can push the board onto my car more easily. Great video!
I've definitely spent my fair share of time in Osage. I've used cheaper boards, and to me BOTE is incredible. Not on purpose obviously, but I've dropped it on coral, sea walls, and have accidentally dropped it on concrete, and it still looks brand new. I'll be doing more reviews on things like their Lono Kayak soon. Great products.
So I was sold on the board before I saw your video buuuuut now I just want one all the sooner. I have one concern that I can't seem to get addressed. I live in Texas. I would have to get it shipped to me... via freight. I've only seen 1 video of iit coming out of a box. I want the 12 HD for he same reasons you mentioned. Dog and weight. (My hubby is well over 6 ft and solid) I am really concerned about the board in shipping. The box isn't very sturdy from the 1 video I saw unboxing. And their return policy is really strict. The cardboard can flex and give without showing damage but the board inside is rigid. I'm just worried about unseen damage with any flex load during shipping. Any advice about getting it shipped?
Sorry, I was able to purchase mine at the store. Hopefully that's not a big issue because I'll be ordering more of their products to review in the future.
It's tough to compare the two, having only been exposed personally to the BOTE Gatorshell. From the looks of the two competing technologies, it appears that BOTE has chosen to use thicker, and heavier (ballistic) materials, whereas the ACE-TEC composition is of more material while keeping in line with how boards are traditionally made. BOTE is more of the overbuilt to overprotect. At the same size board, the BOTE holds more weight, but is heavier at an additional 10 lbs. From a durability standpoint, I'd put my bet on the Gatorshell, but i'm sure both do an outstanding job.
Great video, I just picked up a HD 10'6" Classic Teak and I love it can't wait to get it out on the water. How is yours mounted to the wall in your living room? I was going to store mine in the shed but am worried the heat may cause it some problems down the line. Thanks again for this and all your inspiring videos. Subscribed as well and can't wait to get on it. Thanks again.
That was a while ago now. I moved and mounted it outside and it spent a better part of a year in the Florida heat and sun and still looks brand new. Now it's sitting in my garage in Austin, Texas. Personally, I wouldn't worry about the heat causing any problems because it's so well built. But don't came at me if I'm wrong, lol.
Nice review! I’m eyeing on the 10’6 HD as a fitness touring board. But I’m 200lbs, I worry if this will slow the board too much. Are you satisfied with the speed?
If I think about it, I definitely paddle harder on this board than others I've tried. It's a heavier board, but this all around is for a variety of activities. I think their Traveller model may be more what you're looking for?
I appreciate your thorough review! I was specifically interested in the durability so this was very helpful. WTG!
What kind of roof rack is that?
Any comments about the fin setup? Ease of installation, durability and type of attachment? Tracking and stability would also be useful- thanks
Great review! I live in Jacksonville and we have oyster beds here. I don’t hit them very often but sometimes I might scrape against one I didn’t see. I currently have an Ace-Tec Bic paddle board that does pretty well in the kind of fishing I do but have my eye on a new Bote. I had an HD years ago that did not have Gatorshell and it got scraped up pretty good so I sold it. I imagine you have some oysters where you are too. How is the Gatorshell holding up?
Love mine this was a great informative and helpful feeling better about my purchase . It is heavy but it’s the Cadillac of them all. Enjoy it!!!
I’m torn between the HD 10’6 and 12’. I’m only 5’1, and curious how much weight you’ve put on the 10’6 and if it changes the experience on it with more weight? Thanks!!
Here's pros and cons, and mind you I'm 6' 205" now:
10'6" Pros: smaller, easier to store; more nimble in the water; lighter weight;
10'6" Cons: Requires more core stability, not as buoyant so requires more skill
12' Pros: More buoyant means more forgiving to move
12" Cons: That extra foot is a pain for storage; it's heavier; slower in the water.
Thank you bro - have you added any of the Bote accessories? Or do you typically just cruise around with minimal gear? Excellent review really helped me make my decision. I was looking at Pau Hana but they just don’t seem to have the quality of Bote. What is your diet and workout routine - looking ripped my brother.
Pretty minimal gear, but I've always had my eyes on Bote's accessories. Just haven't really needed it.
As far as diet workout routine, it's ever changing. Diet, I don't restrict myself on the types of food, I just track towards my goals (e.g. deficit for cutting like in this video, surplus for muscle building), and always make sure I hit my protein (1g of protein per pound of body weight). Appreciate it!
@@WesJH You are welcome Brother - take care.
My inflatable Bote SUP just blew last week as I was about to get in the water (it was 100F out 🥲) and since I had been thinking about getting a hard board for a while, I bit the bullet and also got the HD 10’6”.
You’re not kidding when you say this thing cuts through the water! Holyyy! Even after “downgrading” in length from a 11’6”, and w/o any side fins, the new board is significantly superior.
The one thing I’m still getting used to is loading it on top of my car. I loved how easy it was to just deflate the iSUP, roll it and put it in the trunk.
You’re right that the HD is kind of heavy, and being a 150 lb woman, it’s taking me a bit to figure out how to load it without scratching the tail. I ordered some helicopter tape to protect it, so hopefully that’ll help.
How do you like your car rack? And could you share what kind it is pls?
Right now I’m using cheap foam blocks and tie downs, but I want something permanent so I can push the board onto my car more easily.
Great video!
Thule Sup Taxi! Love it. Had the Yakima SupDawg which is great too. My preference is Thule
@@WesJH thanks for replying!
Props for that bomb a$$ tee shirt. I've got a cheap board I got from Costco for the Ozarks. Looking at upgrading to one of these.
I've definitely spent my fair share of time in Osage. I've used cheaper boards, and to me BOTE is incredible. Not on purpose obviously, but I've dropped it on coral, sea walls, and have accidentally dropped it on concrete, and it still looks brand new. I'll be doing more reviews on things like their Lono Kayak soon. Great products.
So I was sold on the board before I saw your video buuuuut now I just want one all the sooner. I have one concern that I can't seem to get addressed. I live in Texas. I would have to get it shipped to me... via freight. I've only seen 1 video of iit coming out of a box. I want the 12 HD for he same reasons you mentioned. Dog and weight. (My hubby is well over 6 ft and solid) I am really concerned about the board in shipping. The box isn't very sturdy from the 1 video I saw unboxing. And their return policy is really strict. The cardboard can flex and give without showing damage but the board inside is rigid. I'm just worried about unseen damage with any flex load during shipping. Any advice about getting it shipped?
Sorry, I was able to purchase mine at the store. Hopefully that's not a big issue because I'll be ordering more of their products to review in the future.
Thanks for the review. How does Gatorshell compares to SIC MAUI ace-tec?
It's tough to compare the two, having only been exposed personally to the BOTE Gatorshell. From the looks of the two competing technologies, it appears that BOTE has chosen to use thicker, and heavier (ballistic) materials, whereas the ACE-TEC composition is of more material while keeping in line with how boards are traditionally made. BOTE is more of the overbuilt to overprotect. At the same size board, the BOTE holds more weight, but is heavier at an additional 10 lbs. From a durability standpoint, I'd put my bet on the Gatorshell, but i'm sure both do an outstanding job.
@@WesJH Thanks!
hi! between the flood classic teak and the full classic aqua trax, what would you recommend?
Personally, I love the look of the classic teak over the full trax. Advantage of the full trax would be grip for a dog.
Great video, I just picked up a HD 10'6" Classic Teak and I love it can't wait to get it out on the water. How is yours mounted to the wall in your living room? I was going to store mine in the shed but am worried the heat may cause it some problems down the line. Thanks again for this and all your inspiring videos. Subscribed as well and can't wait to get on it. Thanks again.
That was a while ago now. I moved and mounted it outside and it spent a better part of a year in the Florida heat and sun and still looks brand new. Now it's sitting in my garage in Austin, Texas. Personally, I wouldn't worry about the heat causing any problems because it's so well built. But don't came at me if I'm wrong, lol.
Nice review! I’m eyeing on the 10’6 HD as a fitness touring board. But I’m 200lbs, I worry if this will slow the board too much. Are you satisfied with the speed?
If I think about it, I definitely paddle harder on this board than others I've tried. It's a heavier board, but this all around is for a variety of activities. I think their Traveller model may be more what you're looking for?
Are you able to paddle surf with this board?
Just picked up an inflatable bote hd aero
What about an inflatable SUP?
Of the premium brands, I’ve personally only used BOTE’s. That review is coming down the pipeline. They’re great
Good video...TY