Best Shortboard Surfboard Bags of 2024
Surfing can be expensive, and it’s worth the extra effort to take care of your gear with a quality surfboard bag. A good board bag can save you hundreds of dollars in damages and protect your precious shapes from losing resell value. A surf cover shields your board from the outside elements and can help prevent it from getting weathered. Plus, they make carrying your precious stick to and from the car that much easier.
Shortboard Bags Reviewed
- Dakine - Daylight Thruster Surfboard Bag - $85+
- Pro-Lite - Recession Shortboard Day Surfboard Bag - $86+
- Pro-Lite - Session Shortboard Day Surfboard Bag - $118+
- FCS - Funboard Cover Day Surfboard Bag - $176+
- Dakine - Recon Double Thruster Surfboard Bag - $210+
- Pro-Lite - Rhino Shortboard Travel Bag - $230+
What is a Shortboard Surfboard Bag?
A shortboard surfboard bag is designed for smaller, high-performance, thruster shapes. With a more defined and pointed nose towards the front of the bag, its shape helps secure your favorite ripper.
Read further as we review six of the best surfboard bags for shortboards. We’ll look at everything from simple day bags to heavy-duty travel options.
The bags are listed with the simplest and lightest options first.
Dakine Daylight Thruster Surfboard Bag - $85+
“Affordable and Functional"
The classic Dakine Daylight Thruster surfboard bag has been a top seller at Cleanline. At an affordable price, you can’t beat the quality. With 6.5mm of foam padding and a tough YKK zipper, you can relax knowing your surfboard is safely protected.
A generous size range allows the Daylight bag to fit most shortboard shapes. Remember that Dakine bags run 1” longer than advertised, giving a bit of wiggle room for those odd-shaped boards. Lastly, features like a fin pocket, shoulder strap, and a heat-resistant tarpaulin covering make the Daylight a popular choice for any surfer.
Highlights and Features
- Affordable price point
- Durable YKK Zipper
- Resistant Tarpaulin Material
- Sizes: 5’4-7’0
Pro-Lite Recession Shortboard Day Surfboard Bag - $86+
“Everything you need"
The Pro-Lite Recessions shortboard day bag is a minimalistic version of the Sessions bag. With 3mm of foam throughout, the bag is exceptionally lightweight and will protect your precious shapes from getting damaged. I personally have this board bag in the longboard version. It has treated me well, and I have safely been getting my longboard from A to B.
Pro-Lite bags are cut on the generous side, 3” longer than the advertised length. The bag also has a semi-reflective PE shell on the top and bottom to prevent UV rays from discoloring your board. Especially if you have a white-colored board.
Highlights and Features
- Inner storage pocket
- Strong & lightweight
- Molded non-corrosive zipper
- Comfortable shoulder strap
Pro-Lite Sessions Shortboard Day Surfboard Bag - $118+
“Details for days"
The Pro-Lite Sessions is one of my personal favorite day bags. It’s still going strong over two years of day trips and travel. Pro-Lite went through every detail while creating the Sessions model. This day-use surfboard cover includes a non-corrosive zipper with a railguard for protection, 5mm of foam throughout, and a reinforced nose.
Pro-Lite bags are cut on the generous side, 3” longer than the advertised length. Consider this trusty day bag next time you need something for your shortboard that falls within the 5’10-7’2 length range.
Highlights and Features
- Durable Ripstop Nylon
- Heavy Duty Zipper
- Added padding
- Air Flow Vents
FCS Funboard Cover Day Surfboard Bag - $176+
“Latest and Greatest"
The FCS Funboard Day cover is an outstanding option. It includes some of the latest high-tech features that will heighten your surfing experience. With FCS’s attention to detail, this 3D-fit bag will not disappoint. A few of the key features that make this Funboard/ Fish cover stand out are the lightweight material, 3D protection, and Expandable fin wing.
The expandable fin wing allows you to comfortably store your board with or without fins. Another cool part of the design is the armadillo strip, which helps the surfboard bag stay in place while in carrying your board.
Highlights and Features
- Lightweight
- Expandable fin wing
- 3D- Rail protection
- Contoured Stretch Fit
Dakine Recon Double Thruster Surfboard Bag - $210+
“For the world traveler"
The Dakine Recon board bag is for the surfer on the go with a focus on travel. It could also be used as a day bag, allowing you to bring two boards to your local break. Offered from 6’3 to 7’6, the Dakine Recon is meant for big boy shortboards and mid-lengths.
With 10mm of foam padding, your surfboard will be protected, even on long International expeditions. This bag has quality features like the YKK molded zipper and a hidden second board divider—potentially saving you money on that next flight.
Highlights and Features
- Hidden compartment
- Heavy duty zipper
- Air venting system
- 10mm of padding throughout
Pro-Lite Rhino Shortboard Travel Surfboard Bag - $230+
“Maximum Protection"
Pro-Lite is at the forefront of the surf industry in terms of board bags and accessories. The Rhino travel bag is one of their most popular models. Similar to the Recon, the Rhino sports 10mm of foam padding, can hold up to two surfboards 20.5” in width, and is designed for the use and abuse of air travel. With size lengths ranging from 6’0-6’10, the Rhino bag will protect your favorite shortboards.
Highlights and Features
- Padded 10mm of foam
- Exterior wetsuit/accessories pocket
- Comfortable shoulder strap
- Collapsible with velcro closure
Other Board Bag Reviews
- The 7 Best Surfboard Travel Bags for 2024
- Best Fish and Hybrid Surfboard Bags of 2023
- How to Size a Surfboard Bag
Final Thoughts
If you have any questions, you can always call us at 1-888-546-6176, drop a comment below, or send an email to support@cleanlinesurf.com.
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