What max PSI for an inflatable? Manufacturer or gut?

Question

There's the manufacturer recommendation, but then there's a gut factor that says you can go a bit tighter (including what a rep might say for their product given their own experiences). What do you do?

Answer 1

I wouldn't exceed the max rated psi. You can usually get by with less than the max. Remember the pressure in the board will increase when it warms up. High density drop-stitch boards are usually rated at a higher psi than the cheaper linear drop-stitch boards.

Answer 2

Don't exceed recommendation, but if you want higher buy a board that can go higher. You are usually getting a better quality anyways.

Answer 3

The SUP I sell recommends 15-18 psi. I have used it at lower levels, e.g. 10 and been very comfortable, safe and satisfied. As others have said, I would not exceed the manufacturer's recommendation (just like, well sort of like, the psi of tires on your car or bicycle.)