Tag Archives: inflatable sup reviews

New Video: Red Paddle Co Explorer Plus 13’2″ Inflatable Paddle Board

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Watch our latest video on the Red Paddle Co Explorer 13’2″ inflatable standup paddle board – a new model for 2016!
Featuring a 30-inch beam, 6-inch thickness and long waterline, the Explorer Plus is a cruising workhorse. Multiple d-rings, plenty of deck lacing and the RSS side batten system make this a perfect “destination” board, capable of carrying up to 330 lbs. And with Red Paddle’s new MSL Fusion Technology, the Explorer Plus is stiffer than ever and weighs a mere 24 lbs!
Comes with the dual-barrel Titan hand pump, and the Red Paddle Co roller-wheel back pack.

You can also read our Detailed Explorer Plus 13-2 Inflatable SUP Product Review  on set-up details, features and performance  For more info or to purchase, visit the Red Paddle Co Explorer Plus 13-2 Product Page at AirKayaks.com

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

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

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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: Mistral 11-5 Adventure Inflatable SUP Paddle Board

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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 lines built in both Europe and Asia.

Our first two Mistral reviews focus on the Asian-produced boards, beginning with the Mistral Kailua inflatable paddle board – an 11 foot SUP touted as a fitness board, but also a great standup paddle board and sit-on-top.
Now we check out the Mistral Adventure inflatable SUP, an all-round cruiser designed for a wide range of conditions from flatwater lakes to oceans and rivers. The Adventure comes in two sizes – the Adventure 10-5 and Adventure 11-6. For this review, we chose the Adventure 11-6 inflatable SUP.
(Please note: some of the info will be repeated from prior writeups.)
Mistral Adventure 11’5 Inflatable Standup Paddle Board – Getting Started
The board as-arrived is 34 x 19.5 x 11 inches in the box, weighing in at 38 lbs.

Inside is the Adventure body, backpack, repair kit, single action pump with pressure gauge, removable fin and instructions (inside front zippered pocket). Once rolled up, the SUP board fits into the backpack, as well as a breakdown paddle under 35 inches (longest shaft length) – if an excellent packer, the pump will fit inside too, or it can be attached to the outside of the bag. The board itself weighs 27 lbs, or 33 lbs inside the backpack with pump – 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 Adventure 11-5 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) – before you make the effort to inflate the board, PLEASE make sure the plunger is in the inflate position.
The Adventure paddle board system includes a high-pressure, single-action pump with a gauge – what we term the “slim barrel” as it pushes out a bit less air, making it easier to attain very high pressures. Recommended board pressure is 15 PSI.

First, hook the gauge onto the pump then attach the hose to the gauge. Push and twist the military valve adaptor onto the valve, and lock into

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

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

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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: Mistral Kailua Fit 11-5 Inflatable Fitness Paddle Board

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This past month we received our first shipment of standup inflatable paddle boards from Mistral.
Founded in 1972, European-based Mistral rapidly became one of the leaders in the windsurf industry. Mistral has since refocused the product line, branching into paddle boards and kite surfing – even watches and clothing.

Recently, Mistral expanded into the inflatable SUP market. The 2015 line includes the popular all-around Adventure boards, a fitness-oriented board named the Kailua Fit, and a new line of high-pressure, lightweight, sub-20 lb. boards made in Europe – the Equipes and Crossovers. With the introduction of the new Crossover inflatable WindSup boards, Mistral is brought full-circle, back to their roots.
Our first review features the Mistral Kailua Fit, an 11′ 5″ inflatable paddle board decked out for stand up paddling as well as yoga/fitness workouts.
(Please note: some of the info will be repeated from prior write-ups.)
Mistral Kailua Fit 11’5 Inflatable Yoga Standup Paddle Board – Getting Started
The board as-arrived is 33 x 18 x 10 inches in the box, weighing in at 34 lbs.

Inside is the Kailua body, backpack, repair kit, single action pump with pressure gauge, removable fin, fitness cord and instructions. Once rolled up, the SUP board fits into the backpack, as well as a breakdown paddle under 35 inches (longest shaft length) and the pump.

The board itself weighs 24.6 lbs, or 28.8 lbs inside the backpack with pump – 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 Kailua 11-5 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) – before you make the effort to inflate the board, PLEASE make sure the plunger is in the inflate position.
The Kailua paddle board system includes a high-pressure, single-action pump with a gauge – what we term the “slim barrel” as it pushes out a bit less air, making it easier to attain very high pressures.

First, hook the gauge onto the pump then attach the hose to the gauge. Push and twist the military valve adaptor onto the valve, and lock into position – you’re ready to pump!

Initial pumping is a breeze. I pumped for about 180 strokes (3+ minutes) until the board filled out and the gauge started to move. With another 50 strokes I was at

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

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

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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.

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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 Explorer 12-6 Inflatable SUP from Red Paddle Co.

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In late October, we received the first few 2015 Red Paddle Co. inflatable boards for review. As it had been two years since our previous writeup, we were excited when UPS backed up the truck and delivered a 2015 Red Air Explorer 12-6.

We first stumbled across the Red Air inflatable SUPs from Red Paddle Company in early 2012. 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 Red Air boards utilize high pressure drop-stitch technology – allowing them to be inflated from 15-25 PSI – and feature quadruple rail construction and double layering. The larger boards come with the Red Air EZee pump, allowing one to inflate a paddle board in less than 10 minutes.
So, we opened the box and started getting ourselves reacquainted with the Explorer 12-6. (Please note, some of the information here will be repeated from other writeups.)
Red Air Twelve Six Explorer: Getting Started
The box as received weighs 47 lbs, measuring 37 x 15 x 15 inches.

Inside the box is the SUP body, EZee pump, pressure gauge, backpack, cinch belt, removable fin, instructions and repair kit – as well as a very neat 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 43 lbs for backpack, board and pump, which all easily fit in the back of a small car. The board alone is approximately 35 lbs.
Red Air Twelve Six Explorer: Setup
The Red Air 12’6 Explorer inflatable SUP arrives rolled up around the EZee pump, inside the backpack. While there are French instructions in the box, you will find the English version folded up inside the cell phone case attached to the back pack.

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 12’6 Explorer 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

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

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

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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 Explorer 12-6 Inflatable SUP from Red Paddle Co.

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In late October, we received the first few 2015 Red Paddle Co. inflatable boards for review. As it had been two years since our previous writeup, we were excited when UPS backed up the truck and delivered a 2015 Red Air Explorer 12-6.

We first stumbled across the Red Air inflatable SUPs from Red Paddle Company in early 2012. 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 Red Air boards utilize high pressure drop-stitch technology – allowing them to be inflated from 15-25 PSI – and feature quadruple rail construction and double layering. The larger boards come with the Red Air EZee pump, allowing one to inflate a paddle board in less than 10 minutes.
So, we opened the box and started getting ourselves reacquainted with the Explorer 12-6. (Please note, some of the information here will be repeated from other writeups.)
Red Air Twelve Six Explorer: Getting Started
The box as received weighs 47 lbs, measuring 37 x 15 x 15 inches.

Inside the box is the SUP body, EZee pump, pressure gauge, backpack, cinch belt, removable fin, instructions and repair kit – as well as a very neat 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 43 lbs for backpack, board and pump, which all easily fit in the back of a small car. The board alone is approximately 35 lbs.
Red Air Twelve Six Explorer: Setup
The Red Air 12’6 Explorer inflatable SUP arrives rolled up around the EZee pump, inside the backpack. While there are French instructions in the box, you will find the English version folded up inside the cell phone case attached to the back pack.

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 12’6 Explorer 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

Original Source: AirKayaks >>