The Surf-Forecast Test Drive: Boardbags
Whether it's for throwing a board in the back of the car for a sesh at home, or travelling halfway around the world, boardbags are essential. But what are the best out there? We tested them so you don't have to.
The boardbag might be the most disrespected, and most important, of all your surfing hardware. But with your treasured surfboards costing a small fortune, getting the right bag is one of the better surfing investments you can make. Whether it's for throwing a board in the back of the car for a sesh at home, or travelling halfway around the world, boardbags are essential. But what are the best out there? We tested them so you don't have to.
Best For Long Haul: Db Surf Pro Coffin
Db broke the mould and most boardbag design rules, with their Surf Pro Coffin. The look and feel was vastly different - black mat finish and Scandi lines made the most unsexy of all surf hardware suddenly desirable. A fully compressible, rib-protected travel coffin for boards up to 6’6”, then added, real innovation and protection. The custom wheels add weight, but are a game changer on the long transfers between the car and the airport. That it connects easily with the rest of the Db ecosystem means you can have your roller bag and boards all connected and mobile. And when empty, the bag rolls up to a third of its size. The 6’6” and new 7’6” each hold 3 to 4 boards, and remain the gold standard in stylish, surfboard protection.
If you head to Db, use the discount code < FORECAST > and watch your basket price drop by 10% on a new Surf Pro Coffin. It also works for other Db products.
Best Three Board Allrounder: FCS Travel 3 All Purpose Cover
You’ve probably seen FCS Travel 3 All Purpose Cover being hauled by surfers in all airports all over the world. The 12 mm of dual-density body padding, as well as an added 2 mm of plastic on the nose and tail parts made out of military-grade nylon and long-life moulded PK Delrin zipper, has made this bag a trusted companion. Sizes come in 6’3”, 6’8” and 7’0”, and fit three boards. The coffin-style opening system makes it easy to drop your boards in, and has it separators that sit between the boards. There are no wheels, which keeps the weight of the bag down, though it makes for heavy lifting when fully stacked.
Best For Two Boards: Ocean & Earth APEX
The Australian accessory company Ocean & Earth have developed a reputation for no bullshit products made by surfers for surfers. Their latest big innovation was the APEX, top-end travel cover for shortboards, fishes and longboards ranging from 5’8" to 10’0” with the new XPS / IPS system. The double-board bag has been their biggest seller. The external protection system (XPS) is a structured external shell that provides the initial high-impact defence designed to protect. The internal protection system (IPS) is the internally positioned cushioning pads and compression straps that keep the precious cargo cushioned and cradled at all times. Not cheap, but given the cost of surfboards, and the lifetime guarantee, this is an investment that will always pay off.
Best Single Board Bag: Db Surf Daybag Single Mid-length
Pure versatility gets Db’s mid-length boardbag into the last slot. The bag is adjustable, coping with boards ranging from 6' 5 to 7'6” and when empty, compresses down to a fraction of its unrolled size. This isn’t just a gimmick, but a pretty good solution to the age-old single board bag issue. The ability to cinch the board length to match the size of your board is crucial in preventing transit damage, as well as providing options. The 10mm PU foam on top and bottom, with added 2mm EVA padded nose and tail protection, will then frustrate even the most psychotic of baggage handlers. And all in Db’s singular signature black matt finish. Pure class.
Click here to get at least 10% off a Db boardbag, or any of their ace gear through Surf-Forecast.
Best For Shortboard Single: Da Kine Team Mission Surfboard Bag
This is an uncompromising and best-selling design that will deal with dings, wax smears, and sun damage. Da Kine's Team Mission Surfboard Bag Thruster has 600D diamond ripstop top for light-weight durability, a heat reflecting energy shield bottom and 10 mm of closed-cell foam padding. Da Kine are known for products that can withstand the toughest of all conditions and this is the bag out there doing a lot of the heavy lifting. And it’s never let anyone down.
Are you already using the Surf Forecast app? If not, you can download it here so you can check that the conditions are right the next time you use your boardbag.
