As increasing numbers of fresh recruits decide to grab paddles and ‘sweep’ out to sea, the potential for selling more SUP kit has increased. In this review of Fanatic SUP range we have produced a paddle board comparison of the Fanatic AllWave 9.2ft vs Fanatic Fly 10.6ft
Choosing which type of gear you buy still remains confusing for many. With brands producing multiple kit lines, having access to impartial data about the performance attributes of each piece of equipment is fast becoming a necessity.
In an attempt to address this issue we took two similar performing intermediate surf SUPs from one of the more recognisable brands and give you the low down.
Thanks to Fanatic and K-66 for sorting the gear out.
Kit choice reasoning
Nik Baker is the face behind K-66 Distribution and his company imports Fanatic SUP and windsurfing kit (amongst other things) into the UK.
Mr Baker is constantly on the road visiting retailers, attending demo events and chatting with punters which puts him right at the ‘coal face’ when it comes to giving insights into the mind of the SUP consumer.
He therefore suggested that we put the Fanatic AllWave 9.2ft and Fanatic Fly 10.6ft side by side as these two sticks garner the most amount of interest from progressing SUP surfers.
AllWave 9.2ft vs Fanatic Fly 10.6ft: First Impression
Lying side by side on the beach, the boards initially appear to be worlds apart.
The Fly 10.6ft is obviously longer than the AllWave 9.2ft and each of their overall plan shapes look very different. And yet, both boards are aiming to service the needs of similar paddlers. It just depends on what type of performance you err more towards.
In terms of aesthetics, both sticks boast funky Fanatic graphics and come finished in HRS construction – the brand’s tougher manufacturing technique.
Great quality deck pads, double leash plugs and correctly positioned carry handles complete the look.
The Fly and AllWave also have attachments for windsurfing rigs for those who want to cross over and dabble in a spot of windSUP action.
Review of Fanatic SUP range: Balance
The first thing you notice about both boards when you step onboard is how much balance you have.
The Fly feels like you would have to run off it to fall off, while the AllWave instils a huge amount confidence for such a relatively short SUP due to its perfectly balanced feel.
For those paddlers of a nervous nature, or those that play in choppy waves, the stability of the two boards allows the rider to concentrate on hunting down the best walls and not just focus on staying upright.
There’s a significant amount of volume packed into both shapes which gives a ‘high riding’ sensation – and yet, as soon as you step back onto the tail to pivot round, the manoeuvrability of each board kicks in and you spin on a dime (relative to each boards size), which is great for achieving quick take offs.
One of the most impressive attributes that both boards have is their glide. With just a few short paddle strokes you’ll be sliding along a liquid curve, meaning less time spent floundering and more time having fun. For those with advanced paddling skills this won’t be such an issue but for intermediates who are still developing their skills, the glide characteristics of the AllWave and Fly will be most welcome.
Review of Fanatic SUP range: Maneuverability
Once up and sliding the two boards show their true colours.
Being shorter and sporting a wavier rocker, it’s no surprise that the AllWave is much more manoeuvrable than the Fly. This was to be expected with two surf SUPs of differing lengths and volumes.
For the pure thrill of gliding along a clean swell both boards are fine examples of how SUP can increase your riding time compared to standard prone style surfing. In fat slow waves you will catch rides easily and plane along until your wave eventually fizzles out – great for intermediates.
If you’re an experienced rider looking for higher wave riding performance then it’s most likely that you’d chose the 9.2ft. The Fly is an admirable surf SUP but, with its longer length and larger carving arc, you’re never going to be pulling full G tight turns. If you’re after a more longboard and cruisey style of board then the Fly could fit the bill nicely though.
On a steep and fast wave (doesn’t have to be big) the 9.2ft has an admirable bottom turn that floats you up to the lip nicely. As you connect with the throwing curtain, you get a super whippy ‘off the top’ that sling shots you into the next section – making for an exhilarating experience. You do have to concentrate on engaging your rail with all this speed but it’s one hell of a buzz nonetheless.
The 9.2ft is also the better size if you’re going to be travelling. The shorter length makes it ideal for heading off on a SUP trip or holiday, but this shouldn’t be your sole reason for buying. When travelling with kit, always remember, where there’s a will, there’s a way…
AllWave 9.2ft vs Fanatic Fly 10.6ft: Waves
In more serious waves both the Fly and AllWave coped well. The chunky rails and volume allow for early take offs, giving you plenty of time to set your rail.
If the break you’re surfing is particularly hollow then timing your top turn is critical as you could end up getting shut down if you really try to bash it.
When your riding is getting this serious you’d be better off grabbing one of the Fanatic ProWave models as they’re designed with this type of progressive SUP surfing in mind. However, both the AllWave and Fly are more than capable of being used in serious waves which proves the versatility of the two shapes.
Review of Fanatic SUP range: Flat
As the surf backs off and waves disappear out the sea, the Fly and AllWave are perfectly adequate platforms for ‘sweeping’ around on flat water.
The stability of both boards means that journeying off to explore some nook or cranny in your local area is certainly feasible.
And don’t forget that both models give the option of attaching a windsurfing rig, giving the rider even more options.
AllWave 9.2ft vs Fanatic Fly 10.6ft: Conclusion
For progressing riders who are searching for their next stick then you could do a lot worse than choosing one of these shapes.
If you’re in the market for a more wave orientated board then the 9.2ft AllWave is for you. For those wanting something with a slightly flatter water bias with some wave sliding thrown in for good measure, then it’s the Fly 10.6ft that needs to be in your toy box.
Whichever SUP you choose, both have oodles of performance to call on – be it whether you’re an intermediate looking to take your first tentative forays into the surf or for more advanced riders looking for a stick to cope with less than ideal conditions.
The Fanatic All Wave comes in sizes 8.6ft – 9.10ft and the Fly is available 10ft – 11.6ft ensuring there’s a size in each line that’s perfect for you.
We hope you found this review of Fanatic SUP range useful. If you still can’t decide between the Fanatic AllWave 9.2ft vs Fanatic Fly 10.6ft then perhaps test them out for yourself! Prefer an inflatable SUP? Check out this review of Fanatic Fly Air 12ft.
