Tag Archives: inflatable paddle board reviews

Product Review: AquaGlide 2016 Cascade 12’0″ Inflatable Standup Paddle Board

Earlier this year, we received our new 2016 shipment of Aquaglide Cascade inflatable paddle boards consisting of three models ranging in size from 10 to 12 feet. This was subsequently joined by the new AquaGlide Blackfoot Angler 11’0 inflatable SUP.

For 2016, Aquaglide has jazzed up the Cascade image with beefed up graphics, upgraded backpack and redesigned dual action, high pressure pump – still maintaining low price points.  All three Cascades are now 6 inches thick.

The initial production series for the Cascade 12-0 inflatable paddle board lacked front bungee deck lacing – subsequent shipments will come with the deck lacing system as shown two photos above. We were able to purchase a number of these initial run models at a great savings of $300, which we are passing on to our customers. As a bonus, each board comes with a bungee deck lacing kit replete with glue, d-rings, lacing and application instructions. We took our prototype board and followed the instructions, and were surprised at how simple it was. See our write-up on Attaching D-Rings to an Inflatable Paddle Board.
So … our second review will focus on Aquaglide’s new Cascade 12’0″ (without deck lacing, otherwise identical to production model shown in the first photo) – a 14-18 PSI inflatable SUP with a capacity load of 230 lbs. Please note, some of this will be repeated from other write-ups.
Aquaglide Cascade 12’0″ iSUP – Getting Started
The double-boxed board as-arrived is 43 x 27 x 8 inches weighing in at 45 lbs.

Inside is the Cascade 12’0″ body, backpack, repair kit, high pressure pump with gauge and removable fin. The instructions were missing, but we did manage to locate them online – we have attached a link here. Once rolled up, the SUP board and pump fit into the backpack, as well as breakdown paddles, though the backpack is set up to also attach paddles to the outside (the pump is too large). The board itself weighs 26 lbs, or 32.5 lbs inside the backpack with pump – these all easily fit in the back of a small car. Folded up in the bag, the dimensions are 38 x 21 x 8 inches.

For your first set up unroll the SUP body. Lay it out face up so that you can access the military valve.

The Cascade 12-0 utilizes one spring-loaded military valve for inflation. These are very simple to use and feature an inflate mode (spring plunger is UP) and a deflate mode (spring plunger is DOWN). By using your finger to gently push on the plunger, it can be moved to the inflate mode (air goes in and doesn’t come back out) and deflate mode (air goes in and comes back out). Before you

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: AquaGlide Blackfoot Angler 11’0″ Inflatable Standup Paddle Board

We have recently focused on the new AquaGlide models for 2016 as they’ve arrived over the past few months. A division of North Sports Inc., the Aquaglide brand has grown steadily over the past 15 years, now encompassing inflatable kayaks and standup paddle boards.
To-date, product reviews have included the new BlackFoot SL inflatable fishing kayak and the Cascade 11’0″ inflatable paddle board.

We have been eager to try out the new Blackfoot Angler 11’0″ inflatable SUP, which this year joined the three Cascade recreational models – the Cascades 10’0″, 11’0″ and 12’0″ – as the only fishing-specific model in the AquaGlide  standup paddle board line.
Time and weather came together last week. So, our second board review will focus on Aquaglide’s new Blackfoot 11’0″– a 14-18 PSI inflatable SUP workhorse with a capacity load of 450 lbs. Please note, some of this will be repeated from other write-ups.
Aquaglide Blackfoot 11’0″ iSUP – Getting Started
The double-boxed board as-arrived is 47 x 24 x 8.5 inches weighing in at 47 lbs.

Inside is the Blackfoot 11’0″ body, backpack, repair kit, high pressure pump with gauge and removable fin. The instructions were missing, but we did manage to locate them online – we have attached a link here. Once rolled up, the SUP board and pump fit into the backpack, as well as breakdown paddles, though the backpack is set up to also attach paddles or pump to the outside.
The board itself weighs 29 lbs, or 36 lbs inside the backpack with pump – these all easily fit in the back of a small car. Folded up in the bag, the dimensions are 38 x 21 x 8 inches.

For your first set up unroll the SUP body. Lay it out face up so that you can access the military valve.

The Blackfoot 11-0 utilizes one spring-loaded military valve for inflation. These are very simple to use and feature an inflate mode (spring plunger is UP) and a deflate mode (spring plunger is DOWN). By using your finger to gently push on the plunger, it can be moved to the inflate mode (air goes in and doesn’t come back out) and deflate mode (air goes in and comes back out). Before you go to all the effort of inflating the board, PLEASE make sure the plunger is in the inflate position.
The Blackfoot paddle board we received included the standard AquaGlide wide-barrel, single-action kayak pump with gauge – we understand that subsequent shipments will include the new-style Bravo high-pressure, dual-action hand pump.

First, attach the gauge to the hose, then the hose to the pump handle. Take the military valve adaptor (the one with locking arms) and friction fit it over the Boston valve adaptor, which is attached to the

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: 2016 Red Paddle Co Explorer Plus 13’2″ Inflatable SUP Board

As mentioned in a prior post, we have been awaiting the arrival of the 2016 Red Paddle Co product line. The shipment recently arrived and we had our first opportunity to take a look at the new Red Air inflatable SUPS, consisting of 17 models. New for this year are three boards – the 8’10” Whip, the Explorer Plus 13’2″, and the Sport 12’6″.

Founded in 2007, Red Paddle Company is a UK-based business focused solely on the design and manufacture of inflatable paddle boards and accessories. Well-known for their ruggedness, each of the boards utilize high pressure drop-stitch technology – allowing them to be inflated from 16-22 PSI – and feature quadruple rail construction and double layering. The larger boards come with the Red Paddle Titan pump, a dual-barrel pump allowing one to inflate a paddle board in minutes.
For 2016, Red Paddle Co introduced a technological advance termed MSL (Monocoque Structural Laminate) fusion technology. The new process has resulted in boards that weight up to 10 lbs lighter than previous models, without sacrificing soundness or rigidity. Indeed, the 2016 slogan for Red Paddle is “stronger, stiffer, lighter.”
Our first write-up on the new boards focused on the Sport 12’6″ iSUP – a 30″ wide, sleek, inflatable cruising model reminiscent of the original Race 12’6″, constructed from thicker 150mm drop-stitch material and the revolutionary new rocker stiffening system (RSS).
Included in this shipment was all the new Explorer + 13’2″, a feature-rich, high-speed cruiser built as the ultimate exploration board. So, we opened the box and started getting ourselves acquainted with this intriguing new model. (Please note, some of the information here will be repeated from other writeups.)
Red Paddle Co Explorer Plus 13-2: Getting Started
The box as received weighs 41 lbs, measuring 37 x 15 x 15 inches.

Inside the box is the SUP body, two RSS side battens, Titan dual barrel pump, pressure gauge, backpack, cinch belt, removable fin, instructions and repair kit – as well as a bonus cell phone case. Once rolled up, the SUP board and paddle fit into the backpack, as well as optional breakdown paddles under 37 inches.

Weight is 37 lbs for backpack, board and pump, which all easily fit in the back of a small car. The board alone is approximately 24 lbs.
Red Paddle Co Thirteen Two Explorer Plus: Setup
The Red Paddle Co 13’2 Explorer Plus inflatable SUP arrives rolled up around the Titan pump, inside the backpack. Instructions are located inside the cell phone case, attached to the zipper pull on the bag.

For your first set up, remove and unroll the SUP body. Lay it out face up so that you can access the military valve.

The Explorer Plus 13-2 utilizes one spring-loaded military valve for inflation.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: New 2016 Red Paddle Co Sport 12’6″ Inflatable SUP Board

We have avidly been awaiting the arrival of the 2016 Red Paddle Co product line. Recently, the truck rolled in and we had our first opportunity to take a look at the new Red Air inflatable SUPS, consisting of 17 models. New for this year are three boards – the 8’10” Whip, the Explorer Plus 13’2″, and the Sport 12’6″.

Founded in 2007, Red Paddle Company is a UK-based business focused solely on the design and manufacture of inflatable paddle boards and accessories.
For 2016, Red Paddle Co has streamlined many of the current models, focusing on technology improvements; the mantra this year is “stronger, stiffer, lighter.” And indeed, the new product line is quite a bit lighter. The introduction of a technological advance termed MSL (Monocoque Structural Laminate) fusion technology has resulted in boards that weight up to 10 lbs lighter than previous models, without sacrificing soundness or rigidity.
Included in this shipment is the new Sport 12-6 ISUP – a 30-inch wide, sleek, inflatable cruising model reminiscent of the original Race 12’6″ – featuring 150mm drop-stitch material and the revolutionary new rocker stiffening system (RSS).
So we begin our first in the series on the new 2016 models, featuring the Sport 12-6. (Please note: Some of this will be repeated from previous write-ups.)
Red Paddle Co Sport 12-6: Getting Started
The box as received weighs 39.5 lbs, measuring 37 x 15 x 15 inches.

Inside the box is the SUP body, two RSS side battens, Titan dual-barrel pump, pressure gauge, backpack, cinch belt, removable fin, instructions and repair kit – as well as a bonus cell phone case. Once rolled up, the SUP board and paddle fit into the backpack, as well as optional breakdown paddles under 37 inches.

Weight is 35 lbs for backpack, board and pump, which all easily fit in the back of a small car. The board alone is approximately 23 lbs.
The Red Paddle Sport 12-6 inflatable SUP arrives rolled up around the high pressure Titan pump, inside the backpack.
Instructions are located inside the cell phone case, attached to the zipper pull on the bag.

For your first set up, remove and unroll the SUP body. Lay it out face up so that you can access the military valve.

The Red Air Sport 12-6 utilizes one spring-loaded military valve for inflation. These are very simple to use and feature a deflate mode (spring plunger is DOWN) and inflate mode (spring plunger is UP). By using your finger to push on the plunger, it can be moved to the inflate mode (air goes in and doesn’t come back out) and deflate mode (air goes in and comes back out). Before you go to all the effort of inflating the board, PLEASE make sure the plunger

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: Mistral Equipe 12-5 Inflatable Paddle Board – only 18 lbs!

This year we had our first hands-on experience with Mistral’s inflatable SUP line. Well-known for decades as a leader in windsurfing, the Mistral line originated in northwest US, but is now based out of Europe. Most recently, Mistral has forayed back into the US market, bringing their expanding inflatable SUP line.

This winter, Mistral introduced the Crossover and Equipe inflatable SUP line to the US, remarkable for its weight – or should we should say – lack of. Manufactured in Romania, the new SUPs from Mistral utilize a futuristic German material that is REACH-certified and environmentally-friendly, combining light weight with extreme stiffness. In fact, the Crossover line (shown above) starts at 16 lbs, reaching a high of 18 lbs with the 12-5 Equipe.
We first wrote up the Mistral Kailua inflatable paddle board , part of their standard line and an 11-5 foot SUP touted as a fitness board, but also a great all-round paddle board and sit-on-top. This was followed by the Mistral Adventure 11-5 inflatable SUP.

Now we check out the Mistral Equipe 12-5 inflatable paddle board, weighing in at a minimalist 18 lbs. (Please note: some of the info will be repeated from prior writeups.)
Mistral Equipe 12-5 Inflatable WindSUP – Getting Started
The board as-arrived is 33 x 17 x 13 inches in the box, which weighs 27.8 lbs.

Inside is the Equipe 12-5 body, backpack, repair kit with Gorilla glue, single action Bravo pump with pressure gauge, a removable fin, valve wrench and instructions. Once rolled up, the SUP board fits into the backpack, as well as breakdown paddles under 36 in length; the pump fits in the large front pocket or the bag. The board itself weighs 17.2 lbs, or 24.2 lbs inside the backpack with pump and other accessories – these all easily fit in the back of a small car.

For your first set up, remove the SUP body from the backpack, and unroll. Lay it out face up so that you can access the military valve.

The Equipe 12-5 utilizes one spring-loaded military valve for inflation. These are very simple to use and feature an inflate mode (spring plunger is UP) and a deflate mode (spring plunger is DOWN). By using your finger to gently push on the plunger, it can be moved to the inflate mode (air goes in and doesn’t come back out) and deflate mode (air goes in and comes back out). Not to worry, the instructions are printed on the valve. But before you make the effort to inflate the board, PLEASE make sure the plunger is in the inflate position.
The Equipe paddle board system includes a Bravo high-pressure, single-action pump with a gauge – what we term the “wide barrel” as it pushes out

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: Jobe SUP Aero 11-6 Inflatable Paddle Board System

This past month, we had the opportunity to get details on the Jobe inflatable SUP line. Well known in Europe for windsurf, water boards and attire, Jobe has recently moved into the inflatable paddle board line. Our first sample (2014 model) arrived, allowing us to take a look at the 15 PSI Jobe Aero 11-6  – a 33 inch-wide, 6-inch thick, all-around cruising and touring inflatable paddle board, complete with pump, backpack, paddle and leash.

(Please note: some of the info will be repeated from prior writeups.)
Jobe Aero 11-6 Inflatable SUP – Getting Started
The board as-arrived is 36 x 17.5 x 12 inches in the box.

Inside is the Aero 11-6 body, backpack, repair kit, single action pump with pressure gauge, cinch belt, 3 removable fins, adjustable breakdown paddle, ankle leash and instructions. Once rolled up, the SUP board fits into the backpack, as well as breakdown paddle  and pump – each of these attach to the outside of the backpack. The board itself weighs 30 lbs, while the paddle, pump and pack are 2.5 lbs each – a total of 37.5 lbs in the pack. The boxed weight is 47 lbs. The package easily fits in the back of a small car.

For your first set up, uncinch the strap and unroll the SUP body. Lay it out face up so that you can access the military valve.

The Aero 11-6 utilizes one spring-loaded military valve for inflation. These are very simple to use and feature an inflate mode (spring plunger is UP) and a deflate mode (spring plunger is DOWN). By using your finger to gently push on the plunger, it can be moved to the inflate mode (air goes in and doesn’t come back out) and deflate mode (air goes in and comes back out). Not to worry, the instructions are printed on the valve. But before you make the effort to inflate the board, PLEASE make sure the plunger is in the inflate position.
The Aero paddle board system includes a Bravo high-pressure, 2000 cm3 single-action pump with a gauge – what we term the “tall  barrel” as it pushes out less air, though takes a bit less effort to attain the higher pressures.

First, screw the gauge onto the pump. Tip #1: Make sure you screw the gauge on carefully – if it gets cross-threaded, air will leak out and you will have a difficult time pumping the board up to necessary pressure.

Next, attach the hose to the gauge. Take the military valve adaptor, and screw it onto the valve slightly to lock into position – the first time, you may need to push a bit harder to attach, but it gets easier. You’re ready to pump!
Please note: The included instructions

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: 2015 Red Air Ride 9-8 Inflatable SUP Board from Red Paddle Co

In October, some of the new Red Air 2015 models from Red Paddle Co arrived in the States. Having previously reviewed the 2012 and 2013 models, we were eager to take a re-look to see how the boards had evolved; we weren’t disappointed.

The bulk of the 2015 inventory sailed in a few weeks later. Our first choice was the Ride 9-8, a new 2015 model which blended the best attributes of the previous Allwater 9-6 and Surfer 10-0.
Well-known for their ruggedness, each of the Red Air boards utilize high-pressure, dropstitch technology – allowing them to be inflated from 15-25 PSI – and feature quadruple rail construction with double layering.
Following is our write-up on the 2015 Red Air Ride Nine Eight from Red Paddle Company. (Please note, some of this is repeated from previous writeups.)
Getting Started with the Red Paddle Co Ride 9-8
The box as received weighs 36 lbs, measuring 37 x 15 x 15 inches.

Inside the box is the SUP body, back pack, HP EZee pump, pressure gauge, cinch belt, fin guards, RSS side battens, instructions and repair kit – and a very nifty bonus cell phone case! Once rolled up, the SUP board and pump fit into the backpack, as well as a breakdown paddle under 37 inches.

Weight is 33 lbs for backpack, board and pump, which all easily fit in the back of a small car. The board alone is just under 25 lbs.
The 9-8 Ride inflatable SUP arrives rolled up inside the backpack. While French instructions were sitting in the box, if you locate the cell phone case (attached to the back pack), the English version is folded inside.

Remove the fin guards and unroll the SUP body. There are three integrated tracking fins at the rear of the board. Lay it out face up (fins down) so that you can access the military valve.

The Red Air Ride 9-8 utilizes one spring-loaded military valve for inflation. These are very simple to use and feature an inflate mode (spring plunger is UP) and a deflate mode (spring plunger is DOWN). By using your finger to gently push on the plunger, it can be moved to the inflate mode (air goes in and doesn’t come back out) and deflate mode (air goes in and comes back out). Before you go to all the effort of inflating the board, PLEASE make sure the plunger is in the inflate position.

The included single-action pump comes with a pressure gauge, so you can monitor the board’s PSI. The gauge screws onto the pump – pull the pump handle up (so the pump body doesn’t get in the way) then start with the gauge face down and it will screw on to end face up.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: 2015 Red Air Sport 11 Inflatable SUP Board from Red Paddle Co.

We recently had an opportunity to get a sneak preview on some of the newest 2015 Red Air inflatable paddle board models from Red Paddle Co.

Included is the new Sport 11 ISUP – a sleek, streamlined inflatable SUP featuring 120mm drop-stitch material and the revolutionary new rocker stiffening system (RSS), making it a whopping 20+% tougher and more rigid than most ISUPs on the market.
Founded in 2007, Red Paddle Company is a UK-based business focused solely on the design and manufacture of inflatable paddle boards and accessories. While well known throughout Europe, Australia and New Zealand, if was only in the past couple of years that the Red Airs started arriving in the US.
Each of the Red Air boards utilize high pressure drop-stitch technology – allowing them to be inflated from 15-25PSI – and feature quadruple rail construction and double layering. Each board comes with the Red Air EZee pump, allowing one to inflate a paddle board to 20 PSI and higher in less than 10 minutes.

This is the third in the series on the new 2015 models – the first was on the Ten Six Ride, followed by the Twelve Six Explorer. So, here is our write-up on the 2015 Red Air Sport 11 from Red Paddle Company. (Please note: Some of this will be repeated from previous write-ups.)

Red Air Sport 11: Getting Started
The box as received weighs 38 lbs, measuring 38 x 15 x 15 inches.

Inside the box is the SUP body, two RSS side battens, HP EZee pump, pressure gauge, backpack, cinch belt, removable fin, instructions and repair kit – as well as a bonus cell phone case. Once rolled up, the SUP board and paddle fit into the backpack, as well as optional breakdown paddles under 37 inches.

Weight is 33 lbs for backpack, board and pump, which all easily fit in the back of a small car. The board alone is approximately 25 lbs.
Red Air Sport 11: Setup
The Red Air Sport 11 inflatable SUP arrives rolled up around the high pressure EZee pump, inside the backpack.

While the box included instructions in French, if you locate the cell phone case (attached to the back pack), the English version is folded inside the case.

For your first set up, remove and unroll the SUP body. Lay it out face up so that you can access the military valve.

The Red Air Sport 11 utilizes one spring-loaded military valve for inflation. These are very simple to use and feature a deflate mode (spring plunger is DOWN) and inflate mode (spring plunger is UP). By using your finger to push on the plunger, it can be moved to the inflate mode (air goes in and doesn’t come back out) and deflate mode

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: 2015 Red Air Ride 10-6 Inflatable SUP from Red Paddle Co.

We first stumbled across the Red Air inflatable SUPs from Red Paddle Company in early 2012.
Founded in 2007, Red Paddle Co. is a UK-based business focused solely on the design and manufacture of inflatable paddle boards and accessories – and rapidly becoming one of the most popular.

Well-known for their ruggedness, each of the Red Air boards utilize high-pressure, dropstitch technology – allowing them to be inflated from 15-25 PSI – and feature quadruple rail construction with double layering.
In October, some of the new 2015 models arrived in the States; having previously reviewed the 2012 and 2013 models, we were eager to take a re-look to see how the boards had evolved.
Our first choice was the new 2015 Ride 10-6 – one of the new “blue bellies” from Red Paddle Co – surely one of the top selling inflatable boards, and rapidly becoming an industry classic.
Following is our (re) write-up on the 2015 Red Air Ten Six Ride from Red Paddle Company. (Please note, some of this is repeated from previous writeups.)
Getting Started with the Red Paddle Co Ride 10-6
The box as received weighs 38 lbs, measuring 37 x 15 x 15 inches.

Inside the box is the SUP body, back pack, HP EZee pump, pressure gauge, cinch belt, fin guards, instructions and repair kit – and a very nifty bonus cell phone case! Once rolled up, the SUP board and pump fit into the backpack, as well as a breakdown paddle under 37 inches.

Weight is 34 lbs for backpack, board and pump, which all easily fit in the back of a small car. The board alone is 25 lbs.
Ride 10-6 Set-Up and Inflation
The 10’6 Ride inflatable SUP arrives rolled up around the high pressure EZee pump, inside the backpack. While the box included instructions in French, if you locate the cell phone case (attached to the back pack), the English version is folded inside the case.

Remove the fin guards and unroll the SUP body. There are three integrated tracking fins at the rear of the board. Lay it out face up (fins down) so that you can access the military valve.

The Red Air Ride 10’6 utilizes one spring-loaded military valve for inflation. These are very simple to use and feature an inflate mode (spring plunger is UP) and a deflate mode (spring plunger is DOWN). By using your finger to gently push on the plunger, it can be moved to the inflate mode (air goes in and doesn’t come back out) and deflate mode (air goes in and comes back out). Before you go to all the effort of inflating the board, PLEASE make sure the plunger is in the inflate position.

The included single-action pump comes with a pressure gauge, so

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: 2015 Red Air Sport 11 Inflatable SUP Board from Red Paddle Co.

We recently had an opportunity to get a sneak preview on some of the newest 2015 Red Air inflatable paddle board models from Red Paddle Co.

Included is the new Sport 11 ISUP – a sleek, streamlined inflatable SUP featuring 120mm drop-stitch material and the revolutionary new rocker stiffening system (RSS), making it a whopping 20+% tougher and more rigid than most ISUPs on the market.
Founded in 2007, Red Paddle Company is a UK-based business focused solely on the design and manufacture of inflatable paddle boards and accessories. While well known throughout Europe, Australia and New Zealand, if was only in the past couple of years that the Red Airs started arriving in the US.
Each of the Red Air boards utilize high pressure drop-stitch technology – allowing them to be inflated from 15-25PSI – and feature quadruple rail construction and double layering. Each board comes with the Red Air EZee pump, allowing one to inflate a paddle board to 20 PSI and higher in less than 10 minutes.

This is the third in the series on the new 2015 models – the first was on the Ten Six Ride, followed by the Twelve Six Explorer. So, here is our write-up on the 2015 Red Air Sport 11 from Red Paddle Company. (Please note: Some of this will be repeated from previous write-ups.)

Red Air Sport 11: Getting Started
The box as received weighs 38 lbs, measuring 38 x 15 x 15 inches.

Inside the box is the SUP body, two RSS side battens, HP EZee pump, pressure gauge, backpack, cinch belt, removable fin, instructions and repair kit – as well as a bonus cell phone case. Once rolled up, the SUP board and paddle fit into the backpack, as well as optional breakdown paddles under 37 inches.

Weight is 33 lbs for backpack, board and pump, which all easily fit in the back of a small car. The board alone is approximately 25 lbs.
Red Air Sport 11: Setup
The Red Air Sport 11 inflatable SUP arrives rolled up around the high pressure EZee pump, inside the backpack.

While the box included instructions in French, if you locate the cell phone case (attached to the back pack), the English version is folded inside the case.

For your first set up, remove and unroll the SUP body. Lay it out face up so that you can access the military valve.

The Red Air Sport 11 utilizes one spring-loaded military valve for inflation. These are very simple to use and feature a deflate mode (spring plunger is DOWN) and inflate mode (spring plunger is UP). By using your finger to push on the plunger, it can be moved to the inflate mode (air goes in and doesn’t come back out) and deflate mode

Original Source: AirKayaks >>