Best Kneeboards of 2019 – Top Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Kneeboards have become popular sometime after the 1970s, however, the sport was invented much sooner than that. Most riders used surfboards as a substitute because at first, the kneeboards were quite expensive. But, as their popularity grew so did the number of manufacturers making knee boards thus the price saw a proportional drop.

Choosing a kneeboard can be complicated just like a picking a good surf or wakeboard however if you follow several easy rules then you will be set to pick a good kneeboard in no time. Thus, firstly keep in mind that good kneeboard will have to either be high enough to reach your belly button when placed on the floor or fit between your knees and chin when held in front of you.

Moreover, there are some important points to remember when buying the best kneeboard and learning how to ride one. Firstly, if you are tall and choose a small kneeboard then you will risk dragging your legs behind. Secondly, check carefully to see what material the kneeboard is made of because nowadays kneeboards are often made from PE material which stands for polyethene.

Moreover, some models of kneeboards might me made from PP which stands from polypropylene foam. The latter has been used for a very long time as it is much more durable and long lasting albeit being heavier the PE kneeboards. However, kneeboards made from PP are better for cold waters.

Furthermore, keep in mind that kneeboards made from polypro material might not be suitable for everybody as they tend to get super stiff in cold water. Lastly, some kneeboards manufacturers now use a mix of these materials to create premium class body boards that are much more flex and easier to ride.

What parts of the kneeboard should you carefully inspect before purchase?

Pay close attention to the chine which is the large area that goes around and meets at the rail plus remembers that after the water gets sucked up from the under the deck it wraps the rails up thus creates the point of vacuum. Furthermore, remember that the wide point of the kneeboard will determine how maneuverable the kneeboard is plus it will also affect the overall flotation of the kneeboard regardless of what pulls it.

Moreover, the width of the kneeboard will also determine how buoyant it is, however, it will also affect your ability to easily turn the body boards thus remember that the width of the kneeboard is a double-edged sword. For this reason, many manufacturers have started designing narrow kneeboard so as to allow the rider to take sharper and harder turns when riding the water wakes made by boats.

Most kneeboards have a much wider point in front of the kneeboard so as to give the board more surface area thus making the kneeboard much suitable for the prone riders.

How to choose the best kneeboard?

As mentioned above, regular kneeboards have become much slimmer in the last decade thus now you can find many different kneeboards with varying degree of thickness. However, keep in mind that the slimmer the kneeboard is the less buoyancy it will have despite giving better control to the rider.

Moreover, the speed of the kneeboard will also be affected, however, it is true that thinner kneeboards are much cheaper to purchase. Also, look to see how rough the rocker, gentle upward curve of the kneeboard is because it will determine how well you can ride the kneeboard.

Overall, you should look for a kneeboard that is medium thick with a foam deck that will naturally expand thus creating the needed rocker edge.

Comparison of 10 Best Kneeboards in 2019

Top 10 Best Kneeboard Reviews in 2019

#1 O’Brien Voodoo Kneeboard with Adjustable Strap

O’Brien Voodoo Kneeboard with Adjustable Strap is a brightly colored kneeboard board with EVA foam pad and ultimate control and maneuverability that most riders strive for when enjoying kneeboarding.

Moreover, the pocket template of this kneeboard will ensure that you can control the acceleration of the board in small to medium boat wakes. The strap can be adjusted as need plus the manufacturer provides good customer support and offers a 2-year warranty period.

Also Read: Best SkimBoards of 2019 – Choose the Right Board for You

#2 ZUP Lime and Yellow Kneeboard with EVA Foam Padding

ZUP EVA Padded Kneeboard is made with a reliable PP core and PE material deck with round contours that will ensure a smooth ride and good kneeboard floatation.

Moreover, customers have reported that this kneeboard has the needed thickness and tail width in the form of a crescent. Plus, ZUP kneeboards are affordable and come with a 1-year warranty.

#3 Driftsun Adult and Teenage Kneeboard with Warranty

Driftsun Adult and Teenage Kneeboard have been proven to be durable and reliable thanks to its strong core and great stringer. Moreover, customers have reported the customer service to be friendly and helpful plus the manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty.

Furthermore, customers can choose from several fun colors that will fit men and women. Also, riders have reported loving these Driftsun kneeboards because they come with strong cores and EVA padded form.

#4 Serene life Black Kneeboard with Adjustable Strap

Serene life Black Kneeboard is made with the latest technology that has been developed to give the rider maximum speed, manoeuvrability as well as control.

Moreover, customers have reported that this kneeboard will be perfect for medium to high waves. Also, this board is made to have a much wider template than most regular kneeboards.

Furthermore, because of its strong core, this kneeboard will be perfect for heavy individuals plus the PE deck has been designed with wave cushions so as to give the rider much softer experience even on high waves.

Also Read: Best Bodyboard Fins of 2019 – Top Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

#5 Hydro Slide Yellow Razorback Kneeboard

Customers have reported that this kneeboard will be perfect for medium to high wakes because it is made to have a much wider template than most regular kneeboards.

Furthermore, because of its strong core, this kneeboard will be perfect for heavy individuals plus the PE deck has been designed with wave cushions so as to give the rider much softer experience even on high wakes.

#6 Hydroslide Magna Kneeboard with 3 Inch Padded and Adjustable Strap

Hydroslide Magna Kneeboard is made to have superb control and acceleration speed with rough edges for added acceleration. Moreover, customers can choose from many colors plus riders have reported loving the overall design of this kneeboard.

Furthermore, these kneeboards come in a package with kneeboard nylon covers that you could use to store your board when it is not in use. Also, the covers will protect the kneeboard from scuffs and scratches plus the manufacturer has developed this kneeboard especially for the very tough conditions.

#7 O’Brien Black Magic Kneeboard

Another great kneeboard at an affordable price that comes with a great template and strong core made out of PE material. Moreover, the kneeboard is just of the right thickness to give the rider great acceleration speed and control even in high wakes.

Plus, the O’Brien kneeboard is often preferred by many professional riders taking part in world championships taking place around the world.

The manufacturer has specifically designed the kneeboard to have a curved template so as to give the rider the chance to shred large sections of the waves and take high points.

Also Read: Best Wakesurf Boards of 2019 – Reviews & Buying Guide

#8 Radar Denunzio Flo Green Kneeboard

Radar Denunzio Flo Green Kneeboard is made with PP core and round contours that will ensure a smooth ride and good kneeboard floatation. Moreover, customers have reported that this kneeboard has the needed thickness and tail width in the form of a crescent.

Plus, this kneeboard comes with a 1-year warranty. Also, customers have reported that this kneeboard will be perfect for medium to high water wakes. Also, this kneeboard is made to have a much wider template than most regular kneeboards.

Furthermore, because of its strong core, this kneeboard will be perfect for heavy individuals plus the PE deck has been designed with wave cushions so as to give the rider much softer experience even on high wakes. The bottom of the kneeboard has been made with durable material as well as built-in tail and nose bumpers.

#9 Airhead Orange Kneeboard with Adjustable Strap

Airhead Orange Kneeboard is made with ultimate control and maneuverability that most riders strive for. Moreover, the pocket template of the kneeboard will ensure that you can control the acceleration of the kneeboard in small to medium water wakes.

Plus, this kneeboard is high enough to reach your belly button when placed on the floor or fit between your knees and chin when held in front of you.

Also, this kneeboard will be perfect for someone on a budget while its size will make the board perfect for small wakes whereas the smaller kneeboard will be better used with large wakes.

#10 Leader Accessories Painted Kneeboard

A beautiful kneeboard that is made with just of the right thickness in order to give the rider great acceleration speed and control. Plus, the Leader Accessories kneeboard is often preferred by many professional riders taking part in world championships around the world.

The manufacturer has specifically designed this kneeboard to have a curved template so as to give the rider the chance to shred large sections of the waves and take high points.

Also Read: Best Quality Body Boards – Reviews of the Top Brand

What makes a good kneeboard?

A stringer is a narrow tube that is made from composite material and runs down the shaft of the kneeboard thus giving the board its strength and better projection. On the other hand, kneeboards tail is considered to be last exit point for the water right at the bottom of the kneeboard, therefore, many board manufacturers design the tails in a number of ways so as to allow the rider to achieve various effects when riding the wakes created by boats or jet skis.

The rule of thumb is the wider the tail, the faster and more stable the kneeboard will be regardless of what is pulling the rider and at what speed. However, kneeboards with narrow tails have been reported to be much more manageable and are thus preferred by beginning kneeboard riders.

What is the bite term and how it affects the riding experience?

The bite is the term used to call the control and drive of the board plus keep in mind that the steeper the edge is the better control you will get of the board but be prepared to lose the drive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we hope you will remember that the most important factor in choosing the best kneeboard is the wider the tail, the faster and more stable the kneeboard will be. However, keep in mind that some professionals believe that the kneeboards with narrow tails have been reported to be much more manageable and are thus preferred by beginners.

Also, keep in mind that kneeboards made from polypro material might not be suitable for everybody as they tend to get super stiff in cold water. Moreover, some kneeboard manufacturers now use a mix of these materials to create premium class kneeboards that are much more flex and easier to ride. Of course, they cost much more and not every beginning rider would want to pay the hefty sum.

Plus, remember if you will decide on riding on a regular basis then you will need a durable and reliable kneeboard that will allow you to fully experience the sea and the wakes. Furthermore, look for kneeboards that come with a soft EVA foam knee molds because they will ensure you have a smooth riding experience without feeling any strain or pain in the knees especially if you have had previous knee injuries.

The strap that goes over the board should be adjustable so that you can regulate it as needed plus pay attention to the hand grips and make sure they are padded too. Most professional surfers and kneeboard riders strongly advise you to place the kneeboard on the floor at home and see how it feels once you take the position you would be in when riding the board.

You should feel as if the center of the kneeboard is a bit thicker than the rest of the board because such design will allow you to cut through the water wakes at medium to high speed thus helping you elevate yourself in the air.

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