Infinity E-Ticket Touring Review
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
This Product
Infinity E-Ticket Touring | |||||
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Awards | Best Overall Stand Up Paddle Board | Top Pick for Beginner Paddlers | Best Bang for the Buck | Best Bargain Buy | |
Price | $1,495 List | $1,430 List | $1,295 List $995.00 at Amazon | $800 List $841.45 at Amazon | $410 List |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | If fast performance is what you're after and you are willing to pay the price, this is the board to check out | For the cream of the crop when it comes to stand up paddle boards, it’s hard to go wrong with the Catalyst | An excellent option for beginner or intermediate paddlers seeking a stable and easily transportable board that doesn't compromise on glide performance | If you want a great bang for the buck when it comes to SUPs, this is a fantastic option | An affordable and durable option for beginner paddlers looking for a board that is stable and will keep up with others |
Rating Categories | Infinity E-Ticket T... | Surftech Catalyst T... | Isle Cruiser 2 | Tahe Beach Performer | Pelican Flow 106 |
Glide Performance (35%) | |||||
Stability (25%) | |||||
Maneuverability (15%) | |||||
Ease of Transport (15%) | |||||
Construction Quality (10%) | |||||
Specs | Infinity E-Ticket T... | Surftech Catalyst T... | Isle Cruiser 2 | Tahe Beach Performer | Pelican Flow 106 |
Measured Weight | 28.8 lb | 27.0 lb | 27.5 lb | 33.4 lb | 46.0 lb |
Weight Capacity | Not specified | 215 lb | 235 lb | 200 lb | 230 lb |
Measured Width | 29.1" | 32.5" | 32.0" | 31.5" | 32.0" |
Measured Length | 12' 6" | 11' 2" | 10' 5" | 10' 6" | 10' 5" |
Measured Thickness | 7.7" | 5.2" | 4.5" | 5.0" | 6.0" |
Board Volume | 291 L | 203 L | 175L | 185 L | 230 L |
Fin Configuration | Single detachable center fin | Single detachable center fin | Single detachable center fin | Large detachable center fin with 2 optional side fins | Single detachable center fin (tool required) |
Bungee Cargo System | Yes | Yes | Yes, double | Yes | Yes |
Our Analysis and Test Results
We tested the 12'6" model of the Infinity E-Ticket touring SUP, which measures 29.1 inches wide and reports a total volume of 280 liters. This well-constructed board is built with a carbon Innegra glass sandwich construction and a lowered-standing deck that is reinforced with an extra layer of carbon. The board has a foam traction pad, ample cargo net space, a single center fin set up, a plug for a board leash at the back, and an action camera leash attachment spot on the front. This design is available in four sizes ranging from 11-14 feet long.
Performance Comparison
Glide Performance
Considered a performance touring board, the Infinity E-Ticket carries some DNA from the original race-focused Infinity Blackfish model. The length, hull profile, and construction are all geared towards moving fast, and once it gets going, the E-Ticket carries its speed well, even once you have stopped taking paddle strokes.
The E-Ticket goes fast on the flats and tracks easily. Those looking to put in some miles or go on a self-assisted mission will appreciate the speed they can generate on this swift SUP. In addition, if the winds start to blow and the chop picks up, you can rest assured that this board can continue to charge full steam ahead thanks to the high volume, slightly rockered nose.
Stability
The board has a high-volume nose, helping to cut through chop and delivering stability in challenging conditions. In addition, it has a soft, rounded underbelly at the front of the board, and with soft rails, this helps the board slide over waves from all directions.
Although the E-Ticket isn't that wide at its broadest point (just forward of center), it maintains a lot of width through to the tail of the board. These long, extended parallel lines and the wide tail all add stability to this otherwise swift board.
On the hull, a shallow single concave starts under the paddler, which helps provide a little lift when paddling, adding a secondary level of stability. Furthermore, in a nod to the racing genetics of the E-Ticket, this SUP has a recessed deck that significantly lowers the center of gravity, adding further stability to this well-crafted board.
Maneuverability
The length of the E-Ticket means that for the beginner paddler, it is more conducive to good tracking than easy maneuvering. When turning on flat water, it took more strokes to rotate this board 360 degrees than most of the other boards we tested.
However, despite its length, for advanced paddlers, other design features keep the E-Ticket relatively agile. The narrow profile and thick, soft rails make it easy to transfer this board from edge to edge, delivering a remarkably maneuverable feel for a board of this length. In addition, the wide tail with a raised tail kick helps the paddler easily identify the rear of the board so that they can move their feet to maneuver their weight and initiate some fun buoy turns.
Ease of Transport
We like the deep inlaid handle in the center of this SUP. The contour and size give paddlers a secure and comfortable carrying point. In addition, the E-Ticket is one of the lighter boards we reviewed. However, unfortunately, these great features still don't make carrying it the easiest.
The balance of the weight around the carrying handle leaves the board tail heavy, making it more susceptible to knocks while carrying, particularly for shorter paddlers. Given how sensitive this board construction is to dings, this was especially worrying. It was such a surprising feature in an otherwise well-designed board that we even worried we had a lemon, but after checking in on other specimens, we confirmed that this was across boards.
Due to its delicate nature, loading the E-Ticket onto a car roof and securing it down for transport is a skill worth perfecting. It is important not to over-tighten your straps as this can cut into the glass and lead to costly damage. SUP-specific roof rack systems are designed to help take care of this important task.
Construction Quality
The carbon Innegra and glass sandwich construction of this board help to give it a lightweight but solid feel. The rails and underfoot standing patch are reinforced to try to help avoid dinging the board in common impact zones.
With composite SUPs like the E-Ticket, the rails are where the board is most at risk of damage. In addition, despite the carbon Innegra weave, these boards do not stand up well to pressure and can easily have the outer layer punctured if exposed to high forces (rock, over-tightening of straps, hit corners, etc.).
Should You Buy the Infinity E-Ticket Touring ?
If you are looking to cover some distance or going fast on your SUP is what makes you happy, then the E-Ticket may be the right ticket for you. Just keep in mind that this is not an entry-level board. With a narrow deck profile, this board is suited more to paddlers with at least some basic experience. You'll also want to look elsewhere if you don't know how to care for your equipment, fix your own gear, or have the number of a good local epoxy worker.
What Other Stand Up Paddle Boards Should You Consider?
If you want to go fast, the Starboard Generation LT was our favorite outright performer. If you enjoy this style of sleek touring board but want an inflatable option that you can roll up at the end of the day or season, check out the Red Paddle Co Voyager+ MSL.