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Surftech Catalyst Tuflite V-Tech Review

Sleek, stylish, speedy, and stable, this board is one of our all-time favorites
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Surftech Catalyst Tuflite V-Tech Review (The Catalyst isn't designed as a full-on touring board however, we weren't disappointed when we took it on longer...)
The Catalyst isn't designed as a full-on touring board however, we weren't disappointed when we took it on longer journeys.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $1,430 List
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Manufacturer:   Surftech
By Katie Young, Sara James, and Marissa Fox  ⋅  Aug 19, 2024
80
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#1 of 11
  • Glide Performance - 35% 8.0
  • Stability - 25% 6.5
  • Maneuverability - 15% 8.5
  • Ease of Transport - 15% 9.0
  • Construction Quality - 10% 9.0

Our Verdict

Meriting one of the top scores we have seen to date, the Surftech Catalyst Tuflite V-Tech easily claims top honors in our lineup. This board offers almost unmatched glide performance and is highly maneuverable, all while being solidly stable, even in relatively rough and wavy conditions. It's got a superb aesthetic, too, often garnering comments from onlookers. On the flip side, we did find it to be a bit cumbersome to transport and prone to accumulating scratches and scuffs. That said, it is still one of our absolute favorite boards we have tested to date, and we highly recommend it. To see how the rest of our lineup measures up, take a look at our full stand up paddle board review.
REASONS TO BUY
Stable
High-quality construction
Comfortable carrying handles
REASONS TO AVOID
Pricey
Feels a bit more fragile than other models
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

 
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Stand Up Paddle Board
Top Pick Award
Top Pick for Beginner Paddlers
Top Pick Award
Highly Versatile with Impeccable Glide
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
Best Buy Award
Best Bargain Buy
Price $1,430 List$1,295 List
$995.00 at Amazon
$1,559 List$800 List
$849.95 at Amazon
$410 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line For the cream of the crop when it comes to stand up paddle boards, it’s hard to go wrong with the CatalystAn excellent option for beginner or intermediate paddlers seeking a stable and easily transportable board that doesn't compromise on glide performanceAll-around high-performance board that excels across the surf, race, and tourIf you want a great bang for the buck when it comes to SUPs, this is a fantastic optionAn affordable and durable option for beginner paddlers looking for a board that is stable and will keep up with others
Rating Categories Surftech Catalyst T... Isle Cruiser 2 Starboard Generatio... Tahe Beach Performer Pelican Flow 106
Glide Performance (35%)
8.0
7.0
9.0
6.0
6.5
Stability (25%)
6.5
8.5
5.5
8.0
6.5
Maneuverability (15%)
8.5
6.0
5.5
6.0
5.0
Ease of Transport (15%)
9.0
9.0
7.0
8.5
4.0
Construction Quality (10%)
9.0
6.5
8.5
9.0
5.5
Specs Surftech Catalyst T... Isle Cruiser 2 Starboard Generatio... Tahe Beach Performer Pelican Flow 106
Measured Weight 27.0 lb 27.5 lb 30.4 lb 33.4 lb 46.0 lb
Weight Capacity 215 lb 235 lb 220 lb 200 lb 230 lb
Measured Width 32.5" 32.0" 28.1" 31.5" 32.0"
Measured Length 11' 2" 10' 5" 12' 6" 10' 6" 10' 5"
Measured Thickness 5.2" 4.5" 6.2" 5.0" 6.0"
Board Volume 203 L 175L 249 L 185 L 230 L
Fin Configuration Single detachable center fin Single detachable center fin Large detachable center fin with 2 optional side fins Large detachable center fin with 2 optional side fins Single detachable center fin (tool required)
Bungee Cargo System Yes Yes, double Yes Yes Yes

Our Analysis and Test Results

Surftech designed the Catalyst Tuflite V-Tech in conjunction with legendary board designer Joe Bark. At 11' 2" long, 32.5" wide, and 5.2" thick, this board strikes a great balance between stability and agility. It has a single, removable center fin, ¾ length deck pad, a recessed center handle, a padded rear carrying handle, and four tie-down spots. It's designed to be great for cruising and touring on flat water and even works well for surfing small-to-mid-sized waves. Surftech also made this SUP more eco-friendly, partnering with Sustainable Surf's Eco Board Project and using bio-based resins and foam to reduce the use of petrochemical-based products.

Performance Comparison


surftech catalyst tuflite v-tech - we reached for the catalyst again and again - it makes a day out on...
We reached for the Catalyst again and again - it makes a day out on the water that much more enjoyable.
Credit: Sara James

Glide Performance


The most important set of tests for each board in our review deals with how well each one glides and what kind of speed they can achieve. To assess this, we look at how fast the board is in both flat and choppy conditions and how much it glides per paddle stroke.


The Catalyst feels exceptionally light and speedy on the water. It accelerates quickly and has plenty of pickup, allowing you to reach top speed from a standstill without much work. This board easily outpaced most other boards we tested in direct side-by-side analysis. The Catalyst might not be able to match a dedicated race board in terms of speed, but it is far faster than its length would suggest.

surftech catalyst tuflite v-tech - the catalyst has tons of glide, making paddling feel effortless...
The Catalyst has tons of glide, making paddling feel effortless compared to many of the other boards in the group.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

If the water is a little wavy, this board also fares quite well. It easily slices through waves when it hits them head-on, and you can tell it wants to surf when the waves are behind you. That said, a broadside wave can effectively kill your speed, as the Catalyst rocks considerably. Still, this board gets a ton of distance per paddle stroke and makes you feel extremely efficient while paddling.

The Catalyst can track in a straight line with little effort.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Stability


For this metric, we paddled the Catalyst in the worst conditions we could, getting hit with wind, waves, and boat wakes in the process. There were even a few unexpected swims thrown in. Additionally, we had relatively novice paddlers try out each board to get their opinions and loaded them up with cargo to see how they handled the extra load.


This board handles choppy water surprisingly well, almost matching the performance of much larger and wider boards. It can get a little dicey in larger waves or if you aren't moving, which is especially noticeable if you are floating and catch a boat wake or wave broadside. This can cause you to end up in the water if you aren't paying attention — something we can attest to.

While intermediate SUP users found the Catalyst to be rock solid, novice paddlers found it shakier than some of the larger boards, especially when standing up or adjusting their foot position. This board also rocked and moved a bit more in waves than the flatter expedition or beginner boards, testing a beginner's balance more than other models.

surftech catalyst tuflite v-tech - the catalyst is 32.5" wide, putting it the middle of our line up for...
The Catalyst is 32.5" wide, putting it the middle of our line up for stability.
Credit: Sara James

This board has a cargo net in the fore section but only has a weight capacity of around 215 pounds, so you can't load it up with as much gear as other models. However, we found it still plenty stable with a small soft cooler or dry bag strapped to the front. We also wouldn't recommend the Catalyst if you are looking for a board with the hope of bringing your dog along, as their claws will most likely scratch up the surface and may even push you over the board's weight limit.

surftech catalyst tuflite v-tech - this is about the maximum amount of cargo we could put on the...
This is about the maximum amount of cargo we could put on the Catalyst before we noticed an impact on its stability.
Credit: David Wise

Maneuverability


In this metric, we looked at how quickly and easily you can turn each board to avoid an obstacle and how much time and space it took to execute a complete U-turn. We also surfed the SUPs on small waves, analyzing how easy it was to move the board around the wave. The Catalyst continued its dominating performance in each of these aspects.


The Catalyst relies on a single-fin configuration and is overall one of the more maneuverable boards we have seen. It turns quickly, allowing you to nimbly steer the board around obstacles without hitting them.

surftech catalyst tuflite v-tech - if you are confident enough to move your body around on the catalyst...
If you are confident enough to move your body around on the Catalyst you can pivot around the tail making your turns quicker and more efficient.
Credit: Sara James

This board also has a relatively small turning radius for its length, allowing you to negotiate narrower channels or marinas easily. In contrast, other boards would have you doing plenty of three-point turns in the same area if you needed to turn around.

surftech catalyst tuflite v-tech - the catalyst can carve around on a small wave comfortably.
The Catalyst can carve around on a small wave comfortably.
Credit: Sara James

If you are comfortable shifting your weight around on this board, you can whip around a quick tail turn on this board — it stays notably stable during turns like this.

The Catalyst is remarkably stable when pivoting on its tail.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Transport


After all our in-water testers, we moved on to rating and scoring how easy it was to transport each board. We compared how balanced every board felt to carry, the handle type, overall comfort, weight, and the difficulty involved in loading the board onto a car.


The Catalyst has an internal recessed handle in the center of the board and a padded soft handle at the back. It feels surprisingly light for its length — weighing in at 27 pounds, this was the lightest board we tested, weighing in two and a half pounds lighter than the average SUP.


The Catalyst feels fairly easy to carry across short stretches alone; it is very well-balanced and isn't overly cumbersome or fatiguing to hold. We found the handle easy to use, providing a solid and secure grip.

surftech catalyst tuflite v-tech - the deeply inlaid handle on the surf tech catalyst is comfortable to...
The deeply inlaid handle on the Surf Tech Catalyst is comfortable to carry from and makes transporting this board easier overall.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

However, we still appreciated having a second person around when loading the board onto a car roof rack. It isn't too difficult to do it solo, but it's easier to keep the board from getting scratched or scuffed with a second person around.

The Catalyst is light and comfortable to carry.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Construction Quality


The Catalyst is meticulously crafted using fiberglass, EPS, a plant-based epoxy resin, and the Surftech tried-and-trusted modeling process. The result is a paddle board that is not only lightweight but also remarkably strong. Its advanced construction ensures impressive rigidity, providing excellent stability and control on the water. The sleek and streamlined design of the board enhances maneuverability, allowing riders to glide through various water conditions effortlessly.


We did find the glossy finish of the Catalyst more prone to visible scuffs than almost all the boards we tested. While this doesn't significantly impact the board's overall performance, it is something to consider when selecting what board is best for your paddling needs and style.

surftech catalyst tuflite v-tech - after side-by-side testing, we didn't have any major damages to the...
After side-by-side testing, we didn't have any major damages to the Catalyst, but there were definitely scratches and scuffs evident anytime we were careless with this board.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The traction pad offers excellent grip and comfort, promoting secure footing while maneuvering. Additionally, the integrated bungee system provides ample storage space for essential gear, making it ideal for excursions. There is a single center fin in the rear, held in place with a screw.

surftech catalyst tuflite v-tech - a cargo net system on the front of the catalyst can be used to carry...
A cargo net system on the front of the Catalyst can be used to carry gear.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the Surftech Catalyst Tuflite V-Tech?


Overall, we would highly recommend the Catalyst to almost anyone. It is a great board for anyone who truly wants the best. It did well across all our tests, though its price tag might prevent some beginners from purchasing it. That said, advanced paddlers will enjoy its speed and maneuverability, while beginners will benefit from its solid stability and paddling efficiency. This great board is one of our all-time favorites and is unlikely to disappoint.

surftech catalyst tuflite v-tech - the catalyst is one of the best sups you can get, but it does come...
The Catalyst is one of the best SUPs you can get, but it does come at a premium price, so it isn't the best value option.
Credit: Sara James

What Other Stand Up Paddle Boards Should You Consider?


If you want to cover some distance on your SUP, a longer, narrower board, such as the Starboard Generation LT or Infinity E-Ticket Touring, may be better suited to your needs. Conversely, if you are not looking to cover much distance and would prefer a SUP that is less fragile to transport, consider one of the inflatable sup options, such as the well-designed Bote Breeze Aero or the premium Bluefin Cruise Carbon. If you want to save major bucks on a hardshell, it's also worth it to check out the Pelican Flow 106. Happy paddling!

surftech catalyst tuflite v-tech - regardless how you choose to enjoy the catalyst, you can be sure to...
Regardless how you choose to enjoy the Catalyst, you can be sure to have fun.
Credit: Sara James

Katie Young, Sara James, and Marissa Fox