REASONS TO BUY
Robust
Stable
Maneuverable
REASONS TO AVOID
Does not come with a paddle
Not sleek or light
SIC Maui TAO Fit AT Review
A robust and stable option that is likely to outlast most other stand-up paddle boards
Credit: Abriah Wofford
RELATED: Best Stand Up Paddle Boards of 2024
Our Verdict
Standing out for its stable performance and robust construction, the SIC Maui TAO Fit AT is designed to keep you on the water for many seasons to come. The flat deck and keeled nose cut are engineered to give you a truly smooth and stable ride. Despite weighing a bit more than the average SUP, its durability means you don't have to worry when carrying the TAO Fit or when loading it onto or into your vehicle. While not super cheap, this is a high-value option for anyone who wants a board for many years and adventures. Check out how it stacks up against the rest of our lineup in our full review of the best stand up paddle boards.
Editors Note: We updated this article on August 19, 2024, with new comparisons and information from our latest round of side-by-side testing.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
SIC Maui TAO Fit AT | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Stand Up Paddle Board |  Top Pick for Beginner Paddlers |  Best Bang for the Buck | Best Bargain Buy | |
| Price | $1,100 List | $1,430 List | $1,295 List $995.00 at Amazon | $800 List $841.45 at Amazon | $410 List |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A stable and robust SUP that is great for those who aren’t going anywhere in a hurry | For the cream of the crop when it comes to stand up paddle boards, it’s hard to go wrong with the Catalyst | An excellent option for beginner or intermediate paddlers seeking a stable and easily transportable board that doesn't compromise on glide performance | If you want a great bang for the buck when it comes to SUPs, this is a fantastic option | An affordable and durable option for beginner paddlers looking for a board that is stable and will keep up with others |
| Rating Categories | SIC Maui TAO Fit AT | Surftech Catalyst T... | Isle Cruiser 2 | Tahe Beach Performer | Pelican Flow 106 |
| Glide Performance (35%) | |||||
| Stability (25%) | |||||
| Maneuverability (15%) | |||||
| Ease of Transport (15%) | |||||
| Construction Quality (10%) | |||||
| Specs | SIC Maui TAO Fit AT | Surftech Catalyst T... | Isle Cruiser 2 | Tahe Beach Performer | Pelican Flow 106 |
| Measured Weight | 29.2 lb | 27.0 lb | 27.5 lb | 33.4 lb | 46.0 lb |
| Weight Capacity | 220 lb | 215 lb | 235 lb | 200 lb | 230 lb |
| Measured Width | 33.2" | 32.5" | 32.0" | 31.5" | 32.0" |
| Measured Length | 10' 0" | 11' 2" | 10' 5" | 10' 6" | 10' 5" |
| Measured Thickness | 4.8" | 5.2" | 4.5" | 5.0" | 6.0" |
| Board Volume | 195 L | 203 L | 175L | 185 L | 230 L |
| Fin Configuration | Single 9" tool-free detachable center fin | Single detachable center fin | Single detachable center fin | Large detachable center fin with 2 optional side fins | Single detachable center fin (tool required) |
| Bungee Cargo System | Yes | Yes | Yes, double | Yes | Yes |
Show full specification details ▼Hide full specification details ▲
Our Analysis and Test Results
We tested the 10'0" model of the SIC Maui TAO Fit AT. This all-around board measures 33.2 inches wide and 4.8 inches thick, and has a single, tool-free removable center fin. There are also removable bungee tie-downs at the front of the board. It's also offered in an 11'0 model and a slightly heavier (and cheaper) Tough-Tec construction.
Performance Comparison
The TAO Fit AT board is excellent for a variety of water conditions and SUP activities, including yoga and fishing.
Credit: Staci Curtis
Glide Performance
Our testers were very happy with how the TAO Fit performed when it came to glide. It is quite wide but not that long (we tested the 10-foot version), and for a wider board, it kept pace remarkably well.
Due to its solid construction, the TAO Fit has superior glide performance compared to most inflatable SUPs and is just a bit above average when compared to rigid SUPs. The keeled nose cut helps to track through the water, and the thin profile helps a bit, too. The longer, 11-foot version of the TAO Fit delivers superior glide, but due to its shorter waterline length, the 10-foot board is just above average. Our testers felt that this board was easy to keep moving no matter the conditions, and tracking was not an issue.
The TAO Fit isn't the fastest board, nor does it have the smoothest glide but it is completely adequate for most water adventures (and, to be fair, we are going against the current in this video).
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Stability
Designed to accommodate paddlers or an overall load of up to 220 pounds, the TAO Fit AT stands out for its stability. At 33.2 inches wide, this hull shape is one of the widest we tested, helping to distribute paddlers' weight and delivering a stable ride even in a gentle current. We tested out 2 adults on this SUP and while it sat very low, it performed the best of any of our hardshells with the heavy weight.
The hybrid hull offers a unique keeled nose for cutting through chop and softening the ride. This shape transforms into a flat profile along the board's midsection, further contributing to its stand-out stability.
Even in moving choppy water, lighter paddlers found it easy to stay upright on the SIC TAO Fit.
Credit: Sara James
The wide-level surface of the flat deck provides an ideal foundation for individuals seeking a board suitable for yoga sessions, as well as for avid anglers aiming to reel in their impressive catch. Moreover, the flat deck serves as an excellent area to securely place your cooler or accompany your child or furry companion on a leisurely journey.
The TAO Fit was tested in gentle currents to see how stable it feels under pressure.
Credit: Sara James
Maneuverability
The TAO Fit is relatively easy to turn on the flat, especially on the shorter, 10-foot board. Cutting across a gentle current or eddy line is also comfortable on this board, as it is easy to engage the edge and carve a line. It doesn't take too many paddle strokes to turn this board a full 360 degrees.
The TAO Fit is also one of the thinnest boards we tested, and, at 195 liters, it comes close to having the lowest volume. This makes it particularly maneuverable. Additionally, with a relatively thin, low-volume tail, advanced paddlers will find they can sink the tail of this board for some impressive buoy turns.
The TAO fit can turn with a couple of well placed strokes.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
We were comfortable surfing this board on small waves, and despite not having the rounded top like the surf-focused TAO Surf, it was still possible to carve the board on a wave. The TAO Fit also has the option to add extra side fins (not included), which can improve the maneuverability of this board when on a wave.
Even when surfing small waves we found the SIC Maui TAO Fit AT stable and agile.
Credit: Sara James
Ease of Transport
At 29.2 pounds, the TAO Fit falls about in the middle for the SUPs we tested. We won't pretend it was the lightest to carry, but it was one of the most stress-free. We were able to lift this up and over our heads by ourselves to load it onto a truck for transport.
Our testers appreciated the grooved inlaid handle, which helps make carrying this SUP more manageable. In addition, the carrying handle is positioned nicely and well-balanced, making it easy to keep the board tail off the ground, a common problem for shorter paddlers carrying heavier boards.
The durable construction of this board significantly impacts transport because we weren't overly stressed when unloading, carrying, and generally using this SUP. Unlike almost all the other non-inflatable models we tested, we would be comfortable throwing the TAO Fit in a truck bed and letting it rattle around for our journey to the lake. We consider this a real bonus as it frees up more time and energy to enjoy the adventure (but obviously, don't try this when traveling at high speeds!)
The balance and positioning of the handle on the TAO Fit make it relatively easy to carry.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Construction Quality
The Ace-Tec (AT) construction of the board we tested employs a waterproof molded EPS foam core encased in fiberglass and epoxy and shielded by a thermoformed ASA plastic outer layer. This construction composition is designed to deliver a good compromise on weight and durability. The full-size deck pad helps to keep you and your things securely on the board, providing a much better grip than a smooth board. For those wanting an even more robust construction, consider the slightly heavier Tough-Tec version, perfect for SUP rental fleets or the most abusive users.
This SUP takes on a tool-free approach of the FCS II 9" touring center fin. This removes one of the major obstacles of stand-up paddle boarding: losing small components when fiddling to secure your fins. We did have a harder time getting the fin in and out versus other SUPs, so we often opted to leave it attached for transport.
With a slide and lock-in system, this screw-less fin setup means one less part to pack or lose.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
A notable characteristic of SIC Maui's product philosophy revolves around emphasizing endurance and sturdiness. By steering clear of planned obsolescence, the company ensures the development of sturdy, long-lasting equipment that stands the test of time, underscoring its dedication to sustainability and meeting customer expectations.
This board has a grippy deck and comes with bungee cord to add a cargo storage spot at the front of the board if desired.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Should You Buy the SIC Maui TAO Fit AT?
This board stands out for its durability, so if you are looking for something that will last, the TAO Fit is a great SUP to consider. It's more stable than most boards we tested and is suitable for those seeking a board for yoga poses, fishing, or carrying a cooler. Folks looking for a light or particularly agile board may want to check out some of the other boards tested in our lineup, but overall we feel the TAO Fit is a high-value and well-conceived paddle board.
The TAO fit can comfortably surf small waves despite not having the ease of edge control afforded by its more rounded sibling, the TAO Surf.
Credit: Sara James
What Other Stand Up Paddle Boards Should You Consider?
The SIC Maui TAO Fit AT is a great board at a fair price. If you want something even tougher than this model, it is also available in the heftier Tough-Tec construction, ideal for rental companies or those who know their gear will get a rough ride. The Tough-Tec version is also cheaper. Another great rigid board to consider that will save you some bills is the Tahe Beach Performer, which performed about the same. If you are worried about dinging your SUP and don't want the TAO Fit due to its extra weight, an inflatable SUP may be the route for you. The FunWater 11 is a cheaper inflatable that aims at the same experience — just don't expect it to deliver the same performance or warranty-backed quality of construction.
The TAO Fit offers a decent ride for a great price and is likely to last for years to come.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
—
Katie Young and Sara James
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