SUP INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINESANDBANKS STYLE ELITE PRO SPORT 10’10 2023 TEST REVIEW

SANDBANKS STYLE ELITE PRO SPORT 10’10 2023 TEST REVIEW

Verdict

The Elite Pro Sport has classy looks but features state-of-the-art X-stitch drop stitch construction. Sandbanks Style have cleverly combined this with a reduced thickness of 4’75” to create a sleek, stable low-volume touring and fitness board. The comprehensive accessory pack is most welcome: leash with QR waist belt, generous back pack and a hardy three-piece paddle. Hoofing value at just over £500 for the X-stitch upgrade.

Overview

The Elite Pro Sport carries a template that looks similar to a classic 12’6 x 30 tourer, though of course at 10’10 it’s more compact. A standing area of maximal width continues well forward of the mid-point before a fast taper towards the sleek nose. Towards the back, the rails fade inward to a broad, square tail.

A comfy carry handle is sited in the middle of the deck, and an extra carry / grab handle sits widthways across the tail. A cargo bungee is located just forward of the ¾ length diamond groove EVA deck pad. Under the nose is a useful forward tow point.

The package includes a Bravo SUPer two-stage pump, a lightweight three-piece fibreglass paddle, and an ankle surf leash with a safety breaker. There’s also a quick-release belt and a valve repair kit. To carry everything, you get a lightweight, durable wheelie rucksack that has enough room not only for the board and the included gear but also for a few spare towels or similar items. The whole package comes with a five-year warranty.

Brand Claim

The Elite Pro Sport board, designed to combine the features of all-rounder and touring boards, offers enhanced hydrodynamic shaping, tracking performance, and glide speed. It’s ideal for anyone wanting a faster, less cumbersome, and more manoeuvrable board. Despite its narrower design (30” wide and 4.75” thick), the Elite Pro Sport ensures stability with its reduced thickness lowering the centre of gravity. It’s a perfect blend of speed, manoeuvrability, and stability. Our X-stitch Elite Pro Sport is our first board to incorporate cross stitch technology making it even stronger and lighter than ever before.

Performance

The Elite Pro Sport can hold a hefty 20psi to create a hard shell. The X-stitch drop stitch construction reduces flex which compliments the sleek 4.75” profile. This reduced ride height combined with increased rigidity gives a reassuring ride and reliable feedback as to what the board is doing.

The Elite Pro Sport behaves like a compact tourer. You get a nice glide return for your paddle input, and with the three-fin set up it tracks great. Smaller riders will appreciate the truncated length over a full size 12’6; it reduces the turning radius as well as the influence of cross winds. That said, this board has a maximum rider weight of 110kg so it will suit just about anyone who is after a compact tourer.

We used the Elite Pro Sport intensively on local rivers and smooth coastal runs, passing it between instructors and clients. All confirmed the accessible, rewarding performance of this neat board. It would make a great everyday board for paddlers looking to cover everything from leisure to exploring to fitness runs.