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Product Review: New 2018 Red Paddle Co Voyager 12’6″ Inflatable SUP

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We have avidly been awaiting the arrival of the 2018 Red Paddle Co product line. Recently, the truck rolled in and we had our first opportunity to take a look at the new Red Paddle inflatable SUPS, consisting of 23 models for surfing, whitewater, recreation, touring and racing, ranging in size from 8’10 to 22’0.

Attach the hose to the pump, making sure there is no cross-threading. Then attach the integrated adaptor on the end of the hose, to the board by pushing in and turning. You’re ready to pump!

We did measurement tests. The Voyager 12’6″ inflated is approximately 149.5 inches long, 32 inches wide, and just over 5.5 inches deep – pretty much on target with the published specs. Payload is up to 340 lbs/150 kgs.
Red Paddle Twelve Six Voyager On the Water

Besides being very fast and fun to paddle, it’s a great option for long days on the boards, or when the wind kicks up.

While I didn’t bring Cleo along this time, here is a photo of Eddie on an earlier version of the Race 12-6 shown above. Dog claws are no match for the beefy construction material.
Packing It Up

Deflating the board is pretty simple. Remove the tracking fin, making sure to re-attach the fin plate to the screw, so as not to lose it. Burp the plunger a couple of times to release some of the pressure, then push the plunger to the open (down) position and immediately the air will swoosh out. Remove the RSS battens. Move to the snout of the ISUP. Lay the Titan pump down and start tightly rolling up the board from the snout, top side up with the bottom on the outside. As you roll it up, air will continuously be pushed out of the open valve.

When fully rolled up, replace the valve cover and then take the attached strap and cinch it around the bundle. If you’ve rolled up tight enough, the board will easily slip back into the backpack. Put the fin into the interior pocket and use the interior cinch straps to position the load.
Red Paddle Twelve Six Voyager: Bottom Line

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Guide to Choosing Your 2018 Red Paddle Co Inflatable SUP

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2018 heralds the 10 year anniversary of the Red Paddle Co inflatable SUP brand – these have now hit the market!

For 2018, Red Paddle Co has 23 models for surfing, whitewater, recreation, touring and racing, ranging in size from 8’10 to 22’0. This includes the introduction of 1 new model – the Voyager Tandem 15’0″ – 6 renames, a limited-edition anniversary model, a consolidation of the racing boards, revamped graphics and added features on several of the current boards. With all the models, activity types, sizes and features, how does one choose the best board? Each year we update our previous posts to reflect the new Red Paddle Co models and product upgrades – use this guide to take away some of the guesswork when looking at the myriad of options with Red Paddle Co iSUPs.

The more noticeable new features include:

Updated graphics and color scheme for most of the boards and paddles.
Further advances in Red Paddle’s innovative new Monocoque Structural Laminate (MSL) fusion technology. For 2018, Red Paddle again tweaked the material across the entire product line, making the injected, reinforced second layer thicker with increased bond strength.
Boards with removable fins continue to use the standard US Fin box – these are divided into two types. The Sports, Explorers and Whip now feature FCS Connect Tool-less Fin Systems which quickly snap into position without need for hardware or tools, yet now come with a finger screw to ensure the fins are secure. The racing boards (Elites, Max Races) come with a glass race fin.
Each board with removable fin now includes an extra fin pin/screw in the repair kit.
A third set of d-rings with expanded bungee deck lacing on many of the models. This provides a larger surface for attaching gear.
Embroidered logos on the carrying handles, making them softer to touch.
Upgraded deck pads
Inclusion of a second, complementary deck lacing on select boards, allowing one to change the color on the board if desired.
Two versions of the popular Red Paddle backpack – the Classic version and the new All-Terrain Rugged with some upgraded features for traveling comfort.
Expanded list of attachable third-party accessories utilizing the integrated nose mount, from Railblaza.
Updated seals and handles on the Titan dual cylinder hand pump.

Prices are generally remaining the same with some slight decreases over 2017. (See a complete list of the new 2018 Red Paddle Co Line and new features on this blog article.)

All 2018 Red Paddle Co iSUPs  (except the 3 giants) come with either the Classic or Rugged All-Terrain roller backpack featuring integrated wheels, making it easier to thread through airport lobbies, while still comfortable enough to pack into the remote country. Most of the boards come with the Titan dual action pump; the two

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

2018 Red Paddle Co Inflatable Paddle Board SUP Lineup

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We recently received details on Red Paddle Co’s exciting inflatable SUP lineup being introduced for 2018.

Red Paddle Co boards are well-known throughout the world for their ruggedness, innovation and performance. Each of the boards utilize high pressure drop-stitch technology – allowing them to be inflated from 18-20 PSI – and feature quadruple rail construction with double layering. In 2015, Red Paddle introduced the game-changing Titan dual action pump. The following year, Red Paddle introduced a technologically innovative new process named Monocoque Structural Laminate (MSL) fusion technology. In the past, the “board within a board” was glued together, creating extra weight and the potential for hand-gluing errors. The new process consisted of industrially fusing the second layer of polymer to the drop-stitch core at the raw material stage. The end result was a material structurally more sound, even more rigid, as well as lighter – in fact, many of the MSL boards are now 5-10 lbs lighter than previous models.

During 2017, Red Paddle racked up numerous awards throughout the product line, including Gear of the Year from Outside, Men’s Journal and Backpacker magazines. In 2017, Red introduced the integrated RAM mount socket to many of the boards, allowing one to add a universal RAM mount socket, available in two sizes. With this socket, paddlers can purchase a myriad of RAM mounts, allowing one to attach a cell phone holder, camera mount, fishing gear, Go-Pro fixture and cup holders.  The threads also work with RailBlaza accessories.

2018 heralds the 10-year anniversary of the brand. For 2018, Red Paddle Co has 23 models for surfing, whitewater, recreation, touring and racing, ranging in size from 8’10 to to 22’0. This includes the introduction of one new model – the Voyager Tandem 15’0” – 6 renames, a limited-edition anniversary model, a consolidation of the racing boards, revamped graphics and added features on several of the current models. Prices are generally remaining the same with some slight decreases over 2017. For 2018, Red Paddle continues to tweak the material across the entire product line, making the injected, reinforced second layer thicker with increased bond strength.
Except for the boards featuring fixed fins (Rides, Snapper) the Reds with removable fins continue to use a fairly standard US Fin box which fits 90% of the fins on the market. Theses are divided into two types – the Sports, Explorers and Whip now feature FCS Connect Tool-less Fin Systems which quickly snap into position without need for hardware or tools, yet now come with a finger screw to ensure the fins are secure. The racing boards (Elites, Max Races) come with a glass race fin. Each board will also include an extra screw in the repair kit.

Other smaller tweaks include a

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Sneak Preview: Limited Edition AdvancedFrame 2 Inflatable Tandem Kayak from Advanced Elements

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This past month, Advanced Elements of Benicia, California, released information on their new two-person inflatable kayak model, the 13-ft AdvancedFrame 2.

Available in limited quantities, the AdvancedFrame 2 combines features from several current models. The kayak is a lightweight and compact version of the popular Convertible kayak, yet features more open seating and a higher 450 lb weight capacity than the Lagoon 2. A large cockpit opening similar to that found on the Advanced Elements Sport, allows for easy entry and exit.
The AdvancedFrame 2 contains the same aluminum rib inserts, deck-lacing, d-rings, paddle holders, materials and construction as the other models in the AdvancedFrame series, yet combines some features from the Lagoon 2 – such as a closed cell foam floor and inflatable seat bases – and integrated PVC fishing rod holders as found on the StraitEdge kayaks.
Specifications:

Dimensions: 13 ft long by 32 inches wide
Carrying Capacity:450 lbs
Weight: Approximately 40 lbs.
Two military valves and four twistlok valves

The AE1009-A2 AdvancedFrame 2 is a great choice for lakes and mild rivers, to bays and estuaries. The kayak comes with two seats, instructions, repair kit, double action pump, fishing rod holders and carrying case.
The kayak can also be purchased as the AdvancedFrame 2 DS with a high pressure 4-6 PSI floor, for better paddling and greater rigidity.
The new 13 ft AE1009-A2 AdvancedFrame2 tandem inflatable kayak is in transit and scheduled to be available October 15th.
Street price is $599 for the standard version or $785 for the high-pressure DS version; both come with the AE2009 compact double action hand pump. For more details or to purchase, visit the AdvancedFrame 2 or AdvancedFrame 2 DS product pages at AirKayaks.com. You can also contact us at 707-998-0135, or ask to get on the Notification List.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Closeout Sale on 2017 Red Paddle Co Inflatable Paddle Boards

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AirKayaks is pleased to announce a special purchase of remaining 2017 Red Paddle Co inflatable standup paddle boards, now 10 to 15% off.

Considered the number one inflatable paddle board, Red Paddle’s SUPS are known for their ruggedness, featuring quadruple rail construction, double layering, thick traction pads and fins. Each board comes with the Red Paddle Titan pump, allowing one to inflate a paddle board to 18 PSI in less than 10 minutes.
In 2017, Red Paddle SUPs racked up a number of accolades including Gear of the Year from both Backpacker Magazine and Men’s Journal. The newly-introduced Sport 11’3 was named Outside Magazine’s 2017 Board of the Year and the Digital Trends “2017 Best Recreation Gear of the Year” award went to Red Paddle’s Ride 10-6 inflatable SUP.

The 2017 line featured 22 models with the addition of five new boards in the U.S. – the 10’7″ Windsurf, the Sport 11’3, the Race 14′ and the multi-paddler Ride L and Dragon.

In anticipation of the new product line for 2018 – expected to hit the market in late November – AirKayaks is clearing out the inventory. Now is your chance to get one of the best inflatable SUPs on the market, with prices ranging from $939 to $1529. The incredibly popular Ride 10-6 is now $1169, the Sport 11 is now $1299, while the Elite 12-6 is at an all-time low of $1389.
If that isn’t enough, AirKayaks is throwing in a free adjustable, breakdown SUP paddle – a $63.95 to $199 value. Check out the remaining available inventory on the Red Paddle Co product pages on AirKayaks.com – but don’t hesitate. When they’re gone …. they’re gone.

Each board comes with the rugged Titan hand pump, cell phone case, repair kit, instructions and wheeled roller backpack. Not sure which one is right for you? See our 2017 Guide to Choosing Your Red Paddle Co Inflatable Paddle Board.  Or, give us a call at 707-998-0135, email info@airkayaks.com or visit the website at www.AirKayaks.com.
Up to 15% off, free paddle, free shipping in the continental US and no US tax – what are you waiting for!
 

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Sneak Preview: New 17.5 lb AdvancedFrame Ultralite Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements

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At this summer’s Outdoor Retailer show, Advanced Elements unveiled their 2018 inflatable kayak product line with announcement of the new AE3022 AdvancedFrame Ultralite – a redesigned version of the AdvancedFrame Sport, weighing in at a minimalist 17.5 lbs.
The AdvancedFrame Ultralite joins the AE1042 AirFusion EVO as one of two new models for next season.

Roughly 15 years ago, Advanced Elements launched the AdvancedFrame line, beginning with the original 10′ 5″ AdvancedFrame (then called the AirFrame) followed by the Convertible, Expedition and Sport. Each iteration saw both major and subtle improvements, culminating in a seasoned line known for quality and performance.
Key to the line is the aluminum rib frame found in the bow and stern, allowing the kayaks to easily slice through the water.

At 10 feet 5 inches in length, the new AdvancdFrame Ultralite has the same footprint and larger cockpit-opening as the longstanding AE1017 Sport. As with the Sport, the AF Ultralite comes with the more rigid high-backed seat, integrated fin and front bungee deck lacing.
What sets it apart is a series of redesigns and tweaks.
To begin with, the AdvancedFrame Ultralite hull is constructed from a lighter-weight ripstop material upper with a polyurethane tarpauline underside. Left and right bladders are also made of a lightweight – yet rugged – polyurethane rather than PVC. Both bladder covers on the AdvancedFrame Ultralite feature open ends without a zipper, allowing the bladders to be pulled out for cleaning or replacement.
Instead of the traditional low-pressure PVC floor, the AF Ultralite sports a foam floor similar to that found in the Lagoon series. To compensate, the high-backed seat features a 1.5 inch EVA closed cell foam seat base.
The switch to open bladder cover, foam floor, polyurethane bladders and polyurethane tarpaulin hull provide most of the weight savings, making the AdvancedFrame Ultralite roughly 10 lbs lighter than the Sport, and nearly half the weight of the AdvancedFrame.
Other features include a thin aluminum bar riser (as found on the Expedition Elite) and cross bar (as found on the AirFusion) which together provide a pitched deck, allowing water to run off. A second set of bungee deck lacing is found on the rear deck upper.
According to Ryan Pugh, designer at Advanced Elements, the AF Ultralite provides a more portable option that still features the performance of the AdvancedFrame series. “The kayak feels just as stable as the AdvancedFrame and paddles just as well as the Sport.”

With that focus on portability, the AdvancedFrame Ultralite also comes with Advanced Elements new backpack/duffel bag with removable back straps as currently included with the Expedition Elite.
While the AdvancedFrame Ultralite can utilize many of the optional Advanced Elements accessories, it can not be used with the spray skirts, dropstitch floor or backbone.
The AdvancedFrame Ultralite

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Super Summer PFD Sale: Save 20% on Stohlquist & Astral Life Vests

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Great end of summer savings at AirKayaks on all in-stock Stohlquist and Astral PFDs – now 20% off through Labor Day.

Find life vests in a variety of water sports – from kayaking to paddle board to fishing – for all ages and sizes!
Shop now for best selection! See the product pages for Stohlquist PFDs and Astral PFDs at AirKayaks. Discount is automatically applied at checkout.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Sneak Preview: New AirFusion EVO Hi-Pressure Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements

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At the recent 2017 Outdoor Retailers Show in Utah, Advanced Elements debuted one of their cutting edge new models for 2018 – the high-pressure AirFusion EVO inflatable kayak with dropstitch bladders.

Nearly six years ago, Advanced Elements debuted the original AirFusion kayak – an inflatable hybrid designed to rival the handling and speed of skin-on-frame kayaks. The AirFusion was unique in that it featured a blended design of aluminum alloy frame poles and pressurized air tubes, resulting in a high performance rigid frame system.
The original design was followed three years later by the AE1041 AirFusion Elite. The Elite featured a streamlined set up procedure with fewer poles, a wider beam of 28″ and an integrated rear storage hatch.
The new, patented AE1042 AirFusion EVO design kicks that up a notch, with high-pressure, left and right drop-stitch side chambers which can be inflated from 6 to 10 PSI. Drop-stitch (DS) material is the same used in the inflatable paddle board market, where thousands of threads string the top and bottom panels together, allowing it to be pumped up to higher pressures, thus making it more rigid.
According to Ryan Pugh, designer at Advanced Elements, the leading factor in developing the EVO was to keep improving on the AirFusion design, maximizing performance and simplifying setup. The EVO features 6 inflation chambers (two side chambers, booster seat, two thwarts and the coaming tube) versus four side chambers in the previous model.  The DS tubes are removable, allowing one to replace just a part – rather than the entire kayak shell – if ever needed.

As the DS chambers are more rigid, the kayak is less finicky to set up – originally, one had to air up the kayak slowly, reposition chambers and then top it off. According to Ryan, the EVO is much simpler – just install the poles, air up and go.
In the case of the AirFusion EVO, the DS material on the side chambers also creates a narrower profile without decreasing the interior width. The EVO as currently designed is 24 inches wide.
Additionally, an extra “DS booster” chamber on the seat base, keeps one off the floor.
The outer shell is now constructed from a polyurethane tarpaulin, which – in conjunction with the DS side chambers – gives a smoother finish, increased rigidity and a more hydrodynamic outline.
The EVO still features three aluminum ribs on the floor and under the hull, providing a sculpted look as well as a v-shaped keel, which aids in slicing through the water.
Other features incorporated from the prior models include a foam floor, integrated storage hatch, bungee deck lacing, coaming tube for attaching a skirt, two landing plates, lower seat back and the ability to use an optional tracking fin.

How does

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Sneak Preview: New 2018 15’0 Voyager Tandem Inflatable SUP from Red Paddle Co

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During July’s 2017 Outdoor Retailer Summer Show, Red Paddle Co unveiled their super 2018 inflatable SUP product line, once again showing what makes the company stand out from the pack.

One new model for 2018 is the Voyager Tandem 15’0.” Billed as a multi-person touring and long-distance exploring workhorse, the Voyager Tandem is an ultra-sleek beast capable of carrying 2 to 3 paddlers. With a whopping 8-inch (200mm) thickness and a 34 inch beam, the Voyager 2 logically fills the gap between solo paddling and “party barges” such as the 17-foot Red Paddle Co Ride XL for up to 8 paddlers.
Two “deck pads” with side handles allow paddlers to position themselves on the board for optimum paddling, while two sets of bungee-deck lacing with d-rings provide ample storage space for camping gear. Three more carry handles – fore, aft and center for a total of seven – provide numerous carrying configurations and more spots to attach gear.
The new Voyager Tandem features the high-level of construction and materials that paddlers have come to expect from Red Paddle Co – advanced Monocoque Structural Laminate (MSL) fusion technology, heat-treated seams, layered rail tape and premium inflation valves. The MSL technology creates a highly durable board – both lighter weight and rigid – capable of being pumped up to high pressures. For ease in setup, two military valves allow two people to pump up the board at the same time.
The Voyager Tandem offers a myriad of paddling stances for those that like to travel together – from “both standup paddling” to both sitting/kneeling or one paddling and the other “along for the voyage.” The board is capable of carrying a ton of camping equipment, or remove one cargo section and bring along a small child or canine companion.
The Voyager Tandem comes in a slightly enlarged Red Paddle Original All-Terrain Backpack replete with two pumps – a Titan dual barrel pump as well as an HP pump – repair kit, removable US Box fin and bonus cell-phone case.
MSRP is $1999, making it a more economical choice for those who enjoy paddling together, rather than buying two individual boards.
The Voyager Tandem 15’0″ will be available in late 2017. Stay tuned for more info, or email AirKayaks to get on the notification list.
 

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: New Advanced Elements Expedition Elite Hi-Pressure Inflatable Kayak

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At last summer’s Outdoor Retailer show, Advanced Elements unveiled the next generation in the Expedition series – the Expedition Elite. As long-time fans of the original yellow model – and the subsequent blue Limited Edition – we were impressed with the Elite’s feature enhancements.

Earlier this spring the Elite hit the West Coast, and we managed to grab one before our first shipment sold out – not to worry, we have more. Here are details on the Expedition Elite AE1009XE, a 13 foot inflatable weighing in at roughly 42 lbs.
Getting Started with the Expedition Elite Inflatable Kayak
The box as received measures 34 x 21 x 11 inches with a weight of 57 lbs.

Inside is a new, backpack-style carrying case measuring 36 x 16 x 11 inches which contains the kayak body, high-backed lumbar seat, aluminum deck riser, rear thwart, repair kit, foot brace and instructions (these are located in a pocket inside the carrying case) . The repair kit, screw-on adaptor and floor adaptor are located in the mesh pocket behind the seat. The kayak with seat weighs 44.5 lbs, or 48 lbs in the pack.
The kayak folded size is approximately 31 x 16 x 10 inches, leaving just enough room to store a pump and breakdown paddle (not included) if folded properly.

First step, unfold the kayak. As with all the AdvancedFrame models, the Expedition Elite features an “inner rib” in the bow and stern, which is basically a u-shaped aluminum rib, about one foot long and one-half inch wide.

This comes “pre-assembled” meaning it arrives already inserted into two sleeves inside the kayak cover. Unless you remove the inner bladder, they remain in position. When the kayak is pumped up, the inner bladder with rib presses against the kayak cover – that, in conjunction with two bow and stern plastic sheets, give the kayak a sharp silhouette which aids in slicing through the water.
The Expedition Elite kayak features 11 inflation chambers – three military valves (main chambers and floor) and 8 smaller twist-loks (4 deck lifts, 2 coaming tubes, thwart and seat).

Each Expedition Elite comes with a screw-on adaptor (center image, found in the repair kit in the mesh pocket behind the seat) which locks onto many pumps with pin/slot hose fittings. Additionally, a standard Boston valve adaptor (left image) will friction fit directly into the valve opening. A separate adaptor is also included for the high pressure floor (right image).

First step, turn the military valve to the inflate position. The military-style plunger valves are simple to use – twist one way to inflate (UP position) and the other to deflate (DOWN position).

Attach the screw-on adaptor to your pump and then couple it to the first main chamber, located on the

Original Source: AirKayaks >>