Reviews You Can Rely On

FB Sport Lightning Review

You'd be hard-pressed to find a more affordable board, but the functionality and quality of this board is also on the lower end of the spectrum
gearlab tested logo
FB Sport Lightning Review (The Lightning performed fine on calm water days.)
The Lightning performed fine on calm water days.
Credit: Katie Young
Price:  $240 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   FB Sport
By Katie Young ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 30, 2024
63
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#16 of 20
  • Stability - 35% 7.0
  • Glide Performance - 25% 6.0
  • Maneuverability - 15% 6.0
  • Ease of Use - 15% 6.0
  • Construction Quality - 10% 5.5

Our Verdict

The FB Sport Lightning is a budget-friendly option for beginners looking to enjoy calm paddling sessions. While it's great for entry-level users, the quality is lacking, and there are better-performing boards available in a similar price range. Our testers found it adequate for casual use, but the board falls short in comparison to higher-end models that offer more stability and durability. If you're just starting out and want an affordable way to try paddleboarding, it's a decent choice, but seasoned paddlers may want to invest in a more robust option.
REASONS TO BUY
Price
Ease of use
REASONS TO AVOID
Durability
No handles on the tip and tail

Compare to Similar Products

 
fb sport lightning
This Product
FB Sport Lightning
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Inflatable SUP
Best Buy Award
Best Value Inflatable SUP
  
Price $240 List
$199.99 at Amazon
$399.98 at Dick's Sporting Goods
Compare at 3 sellers
$219 List
$180.61 at Amazon
$330 List
$149.90 at Amazon
$250 List
$169.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
63
85
77
69
56
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line This inflatable's price point is hard to beat but the quality and functionality are on the lower end of what many paddlers are likely looking forThis board captured our attention with its exceptional stability, smooth maneuverability, and incredible valueIf you're looking for the most stable and affordable stand up paddle board out there, this might be the one for youA lightweight, easy to use, and affordable board with solid all-around performanceThe low price and extra accessories that come with this SUP make it an appealing choice for anyone new to stand-up paddle boarding
Rating Categories FB Sport Lightning Bote Wulf Aero Advenor Extra Wide FunWater 11 Aqua Plus Thick
Stability (35%)
7.0
9.0
10.0
7.0
5.0
Glide Performance (25%)
6.0
7.5
6.0
7.0
6.0
Maneuverability (15%)
6.0
9.0
6.0
6.0
5.0
Ease of Use (15%)
6.0
8.5
7.0
8.0
7.5
Construction Quality (10%)
5.5
8.0
7.0
6.0
5.0
Specs FB Sport Lightning Bote Wulf Aero Advenor Extra Wide FunWater 11 Aqua Plus Thick
Measured Weight 18 lb 16.5 lb 18 lb 19 lb 18 lb
Weight Capacity 350 lb 250 lb 330 lb 330 lb 330 lb
Measured Width 33" 34" 33" 33" 33"
Measured Length 11' 10.4' 11' 11' 11'
Measured Thickness 6" 6" 6" 6" 6"
Paddle Included Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Fin Configuration 1 detachable fin with 2 permanent 1 detachable fin 2 small detachable fins, 1 large detachble fin 2+1 plastic fins, with large detachable center fin 1 center detachable
Folded Dimensions 35" x 16" x 10" 34" x 19" x 8.5" 34" x 18" x 9" 34" x 16" x 7" 33" x 17" x 9"
Bungee Cargo System Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Pump Included Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Backpack Included Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Lightning offers beginner paddle boarders an entry-level priced board that would be well suited for calm paddles. While we appreciate having entry-level price-boards available for folks to get into the sport, there are better, higher-quality boards on the market that are in a similar price range. Overall this SUP did ok with our testers but with this board, you're getting what you paid for.

Performance Comparison


fb sport lightning - this sup is fairly easy to use except in windy conditions where we...
This SUP is fairly easy to use except in windy conditions where we felt like we were fighting to keep it going in one direction.
Credit: Katie Young

Stability


This inflatable offers very average stability for a stand up paddle board. On a glassy paddle, we had no issues staying up on this board. But sadly with anything else than flat water we lost a bit of confidence in the FB Sport. This board also has a decent amount of flex to it, especially if you are moving on it. Where this board struggles is in rough water. The board goes up and over waves in a very bouncy manner, making it hard to stay standing. When we had boat wakes coming our way, we often opted to kneel while we went over them so we didn't get bucked off. The Lightning also does not handle broadside waves very well. We felt that waves coming in from the side sucked the edge of the board down, making it easy to teeter off.

With some waves coming from behind we were a little less certain of our stability on this board.
Credit: Katie Young

Glide Performance


The Lightning just doesn't keep up with its name here. This board is pretty so-so when it comes to glide. On most of our paddles, even on a calm water day, we felt like we were working pretty hard to keep up with other paddlers. The board doesn't move quickly and fails to sustain momentum for more than a few seconds after you stop paddling. While it may work for casual, leisurely rides, if you're looking for speed or efficiency on the water, this board leaves much to be desired. Its performance might suit beginners, but more experienced paddlers will likely find it lacking.

fb sport lightning - low profile board that is easy to carry around.
Low profile board that is easy to carry around.
Credit: Katie Young

Maneuverability


Here, this stand up paddle board got an average rating for us in regards to its maneuverability. It's fairly easy to get turned around 180 degrees, usually taking three to four strokes to get it fully turned around. A better paddle would likely make this board turn a bit faster.

It is hard to keep this SUP moving in a straight line in any wind or waves. Our testers had a hard time taking it out in these conditions because it meant you had to constantly be paddling, or you would turn around in the blink of an eye. Even when paddling, it was hard to remain in the direction we wanted, and there was a lot of fishtailing back and forth as we paddled. Many of our testers felt frustrated with this board if there was anything other than calm, flat conditions.

fb sport lightning - we preferred to take this board out when we weren't trying to keep...
We preferred to take this board out when we weren't trying to keep up with other paddlers, as it took a lot of effort to keep up with others.
Credit: Katie Young

Ease of Use


This board is simple enough to use. We appreciated that it inflated quickly, was easy to roll back up, and fits back into the carry case without a problem. The backpack it comes with is functional and fits the board plus accessories well, but it isn't anything to write home about. It's a very basic fabric bag that doesn't feel super durable. The Lightning has two permanent fins and one removable fin. The removable fin is easy to get in and out of, and we never had any issues with it being difficult to put in or sticky to get out. The board lacks handles on the tip or tail, which isn't a huge missing feature, but it doesn't make using the board a bit easier when it has them.

fb sport lightning - three fin system with the middle one being removable.
Three fin system with the middle one being removable.
Credit: Katie Young

Construction Quality


The construction quality of this board matches the price. The material it is made with feels a bit thinner than other inflatables, so it may not hold up over multiple seasons of heavy use. The deck padding on this board also didn't do it for us. It has a pretty aggressive deck padding that would hurt our feet if we were on it for more than 45 minutes. Sometimes, the more aggressive grip padding looks great but doesn't feel great to stand on for long periods. The paddle that comes with the board is also very bottom tier. It's small, which likely is part of the reason we didn't feel we could move very quickly and was in constant need of adjustment.

This board does have D-rings along the left side for clipping the carrying handle it comes with. Some inflatables have these, but for some reason, this was our first time experiencing constantly catching our paddle on them. Several times during test paddles, we would catch the paddle on the D-ring and almost knock ourselves off. Maybe it's their position or their size, but three of our testers had this experience more than once and can't remember ever having it happen with other boards.

fb sport lightning - easy to carry at just 17.5 pounds.
Easy to carry at just 17.5 pounds.
Credit: Katie Young

Should You Buy the FB Sport Lightning?


This board would do perfectly fine for someone looking to get into stand up paddle boarding without spending too much. For its price, the functionality of this board would work well for beginners. More advanced paddlers or folks looking for a board that just offers a bit more may want to look at some other options.

fb sport lightning - a simple-to-use, lower-end board that will be functional for many...
A simple-to-use, lower-end board that will be functional for many beginner paddlers.
Credit: Katie Young

What Other Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards Should You Consider?


If you're looking for a great entry-level board that offers a bit more all around, check out the ROC Scout or the Bote Wulf Aero. If a more advanced board with some great extra features is what you're seeking, read our review on the Isle Pioneer 3.

fb sport lightning - users will want to be careful with this board on rocks as it has a...
Users will want to be careful with this board on rocks as it has a thinner construction material than other boards.
Credit: Katie Young

Katie Young