Honest, real reviews about Botes's most popular inflatable paddleboard - the HD Aero 11'6" SUP.
Bote HD Aero 11’6” iSUP Review - 2021
Founded in 2009 – Bote is among the oldest and largest SUP brands in the world. Located in Destin FL – the company is jointly owned by husband-and-wife team Magda and Corey Cooper and private equity firm Prairie Capital Group. Along with SUP boards (hard and inflatable) the company also manufactures kayaks, skiffs, docks, coolers, and other products marketed primarily to anglers and fishermen.
Bote is another one of these companies that insist on bombarding a person’s consciousness with an exhausting lineup of SUP models. I actually had to stop and carb-load midway through scrolling their product list. But, hey, if you have the financial wherewithal to manage that level of inventory then more power to you. Call me a simpleton (you will not be the first) – but I prefer one (at the most two) models per category. Do we as consumers really need a tangerine/razzmatazz color option?
We were excited to finally test the much-ballyhooed Breeze 10’8” Aero iSUP. Except what we received was a completely different model. Oops! So we’ll be reviewing the HD Aero 11’6” board in this edition.
Our grading system is as follows:
ABILITIES
Let's go over the three most important components for a SUP's performance:
1. Stability
2. Glide/Tracking
3. Maneuverability
Stability - The 6” thickness of this board is a hallmark spec across all Aero models. This stands in stark contrast to the 4.7” thickness of our recently reviewed Ride MSL model. There is a perceived sense of stability on the thinner board because it positions the paddler closer to the water. Our team felt that the 6” thickness of the Bote HD Aero is fundamentally more stable than the Ride MSL model and several others we’ve tested in this class. To be fair, we’ve been reviewing models in the 10 ft range so there’s nearly an additional foot of length and a whopping 10lbs of weight between the HD we’re reviewing in this edition and the Breeze model we requested. Generally speaking the heavier/longer the board the more stable the experience. The HD model also features reinforced rails – thicker than on their smaller Breeze model – which increases stability as does the flat bottom which provides side to side stability.
Glide/Tracking – At 30lbs, the HD Aero is the heaviest board we’ve tested (once again, we had hoped to be reviewing the 20 lb. Breeze Aero). tried out which is a great attribute on land but does no favors to the board’s tracking. The entry style “lifted” hull helps the action of the board but overall we found the HD Aero sluggish compared to other boards of this style and size and positively slow in even the slightest headwind. We did notice a modest improvement when the included middle fin was installed.
Maneuverability – For a 30 lb. board the HD Aero does offer surprisingly agile maneuvering. This is no doubt helped by the thick rails and the entry rocker. The board’s aquiline nose helps too. Turning was accomplished by two strokes max with action that we haven’t seen yet in this class.
BOARD DESIGN/SHAPE
The HD Aero’s dimensions are 11’6” x 34” W x 6” D. It weighs in at 30lbs and has a weight capacity of 315 lbs, which seems surprisingly low. At 30lbs we would have thought that number to be closer to 375. The tapered nose, while not ideal for paddling with our canine buddies, is easy on the eyes and, as stated above, part of why the HD Aero maneuvers so well.
Three things we love about this board are the RAC receivers (these mount directly on the board to instantly outfit your board for a fishing expedition), paddle sheath (which instantly frees up one’s hands), and the Sandspear Sheath (which essentially is a cleverly designed anchor). Bote has differentiated itself in the market as a Fisherman-friendly brand and is constantly innovating in this regard.
Additionally, the board features 7 D-Rings plus a removable bungee cord system. The D-Rings are great for dry bags and phone cases
As for the overall look, Bote does not disappoint. Like their competitors in the uber high-priced range (this board retails for $1,299!), it is obvious that significant money has been paid for the artistry. Bote really does offer up stunningly beautiful museum pieces.
FINS
As previously stated the HD Aero has two permanent side fins and an optional removable center fin for increased tracking and overall maneuverability.
ACCESSORIES
The HD Aero package includes a roll-top storage backpack, 3-piece adjustable paddle, manual hand pump, and repair kit.
CONCLUSION
Bote’s HD Aero is that beauty pageant contestant that looks the part but, frankly, can’t carry a tune. The stability of the board is excellent as one would expect on a 30lb. frame but the lackluster glide/tracking cannot be overstated. Especially at a price tag almost twice that of other boards we’ve reviewed in this “all-around” class. Having said that - if you’re a fishing enthusiast and/or a person that needs a Fuchsia/Dandelion color option then this just be your board.
Comments