The iRocker Cruiser 7.0 comes in a variety of fun colors. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Purchasing a paddle board can be intimidating. There are hundreds of options to choose from, ranging from a couple hundred bucks to a couple thousand. Everyone’s after a deal but also is running under the assumption that you get what you pay for. But what if you found a board that performs well and has great accessories, but doesn’t break the bank? Cue the iRocker Cruiser 7.0.
Ringing in at $650 (on sale for $550 at the time of publishing) the Cruiser is an all-around style inflatable paddle board that is a great fit for beginners, families, SUP yogis, and travelers. We recently ran a review on The Best Inflatable Paddle Boards and awarded it the runner-up best overall inflatable paddle board due to its quality, great accessories, and affordability.
| Pros | Cons |
| Comes with an electric pump | Doesn’t include a traditional pump |
| Great value for the price | Not the speediest board |
| Nice accessories | Deck pad only covers 3/4 of the board |
First Impressions
When I first discovered the iRocker Cruiser 7.0, I was cautiously optimistic. Priced at $650, the board includes all the usual iSUP accessories as well as an electric pump, which is a rare inclusion. I was curious to see how the board would perform.
I struck out on my first attempt to get the board inflated with the electric pump. Despite reading the instructions online and watching a YouTube video I failed to get the pump working. Luckily, I had a traditional hand pump so I was still able to hit the water. When I contacted iRocker they quickly rectified the situation, sending me a new pump that functioned perfectly.
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Taking the Cruiser out for a test run. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Notable Features of the iRocker Cruiser 7.0
Available Sizes: 10’6″
Size Tested: 10’6″ x 34″ x 6″
Weight: 25 lbs
Fin Configuration: 2 + 1, all removable
For starters, the iRocker Cruiser 7.0 comes with a wheeled bag that fits the board, pump, paddle, and all its accessories. One of my favorite things about inflatable paddle boards is that you can travel with them as your checked bag. But if you’ve ever lugged an iSUP through the airport without wheels, then you know it’s not the easiest of feats. Wheels are a game changer, not only for airport transport, but everywhere.
The Cruiser 7.0 package includes the board, nylon fins, a leash, a carbon paddle, a wheeled backpack, a repair kit, and an electric pump. I was very impressed by the quality of the included accessories, especially at the $650 price point. The Cruiser doesn’t include kayak accessories, but they can be purchased separately and are reasonably priced. The board and accessories are also often on sale.
Carrying handles and tie-down straps are a couple of features we love on the Cruiser. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Unlike a lot of paddles included in SUP packages, the included carbon paddle is relatively high-quality and doesn’t move around while paddling. It’s easy to adjust and doesn’t require any tools for a secure hold. The fins have a lock-in design, allowing you to secure and remove them without any tools. The leash has a key pocket on the ankle which we thought was cool for the remaining few of us that still have traditional metal car keys. The board also has tie-down straps on the front and aft of the board, which I found to be perfect for storing hats, dry bags, water bottles, and other essentials.
Measuring 10’6″ x 34″ x 6″, the Cruiser is advertised as a board for beginners and families, SUP yoga enthusiasts, and paddlers looking for a stable ride. The length coupled with the width results in an all-around very stable board. I am an experienced paddler but I had a friend who’s new to paddling test out this board on a windy and choppy day and he felt that it was reliably stable. It’s not the absolute most stable board that I’ve tested, but we’ve found that such extreme stability often comes at the cost of speed and maneuverability, and this board presents a nice blend of these characteristics.
The EVA deck pad covers about 3/4 of the board. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Drawbacks
As mentioned above, the Cruiser is not the speediest board out there but I didn’t find it to be any slower than the average iSUP. The pointed nose helps the board cut through the water efficiently, but if you plan on racing or covering great distances, you might want to look elsewhere. Due to its width of 34 inches, it’s also not the most maneuverable board. It’s easy enough to make wide, arching turns but it doesn’t work well for quick, sharp turns.
If we’re going to get nit picky, the Cruiser is advertised as a board for SUP yogis. The EVA deck pad is soft and cushy but it only spans 3/4 of the board. I’m no yogi, but I imagine diehards would prefer a full-length deck pad.
Finally, I love that the board comes with an electric pump but I do wish it included a traditional pump for travel or times when you don’t have access to a power source. Luckily, the Cruiser is fully compatible with other traditional pumps and the included electric pump has a portable battery so you don’t need a separate power source to inflate the board.
The Cruiser, testing side-by-side with some of the competition. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
The Competition
In our The Best Inflatable Paddle Boards review we debated long and hard about whether to award the iRocker Cruiser 7.0 the best overall board or give the title to the ISLE Explorer 3.0. The Explorer is slightly more rigid and durable but it is also pricier and doesn’t include notable extras like an electric pump. In the end, we decided to give the nod to the Explorer due to its higher-quality construction and integration with ISLE’s awesome accessories.
Of all the boards we tested for our best iSUPs review, the only other board that comes with an electric pump is the Blackfin CX Ultra. Comparatively, the CX Ultra is the same length and volume, but it is 1.5″ narrower, making it slightly faster and more maneuverable, but also a tad less stable. The board packs up a bit smaller but the basic package doesn’t include a bag. It’s also $300 more.
Cruisin’. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Final Thoughts
The iRocker Cruiser 7.0 comes in four bright colors and at $650 (also often on sale for less), we found it to be a fairly affordable option that doesn’t sacrifice on performance or accessories. Measuring 10’6″ x 34″ x 6″, the Cruiser is stable enough for beginners, SUP yogis, or those who wish to paddle tandem with their kids or pups. The board includes all the usual accessories as well as an electric pump, which makes getting it inflated a breeze compared to traditional hand pumps
CHECK PRICE ON iRockerEditor’s Note: For more options, including hardboards, here’s our overall Best Paddle Boards Review. Or if you want to check out other inflatable options give The Best Inflatable Paddle Boards a read. We’ve also reviewed The Best SUP Paddles and The Best Lifejackets for Paddleboarding. Need something to wear when paddling? Here’s our guide to The Best Board Shorts, The Best Sun Hats, and The Best Rashguards. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
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