This post is for 2016 Red Paddle Co.
Many of these features/technologies are still used in today's boards. But go here to check out 2017 Red Paddle Co in depth review.
What's New?
MSL Fusion
All 2016 Red Paddle boards will get a groundbreaking new tech: MSL. MSL stands for Monocoque Structural Laminate and is an improved manufacturing process that fuses the second layer of hard-wearing polymer to the drop-stitch core. You can see the breakdown on the image to right. What are the benefits? Because this process reduces manual hand-gluing, there are less errors/defects and less glue, which saves about 2kg (up to five pounds) in weight compared to previous models! This makes Red Paddle boards lighter, stronger, cleaner cosmetically, and easier to roll up. We are very excited to see MSL across the line and exclusive to Red Paddle Co. Below is a 5 min video explaining the different manufacturing processes you find in most inflatable SUPs
New Boards
Red Paddle Co has been trying to broaden their range of boards to fit any type of paddler. This year is no exception. Red Paddle adds 2 new boards to the mix and one redesigned from scratch.
The Whip
Replacing the 9"2' Surf Star, Red Paddle went back to the drawing board and changed the shape of their exclusive Inflatable Surf SUP. Narrowing tail to make it easier to maneuver into the surf, replacing the iFins with a removable/adjustable fin (US box) and upgraded deck pad with a more pronounced waffle pattern for extra comfort and traction are just a few of the changes.
12'6" Sport
Building on the popular 11' Sport, the 12'6' Sport increases the length for better tracking and adds extra thickness and RSS battens. The extra volume helps for heavier riders and the longer length will make this Sport faster with better tracking and plenty of weight for bigger paddlers or lot of gear. We think this will be a very popular board as it hits the sweet spot for intermediate and advanced paddlers - and will probably be our new favourite.
13'2" Explorer+
What happens when you add 6" to the length of the 12"6' Explorer and take in the width by 2" to 30"? You get the 13'2" Explorer+. Designed for a more competent paddler, the extra length and reduced width makes this board sleek and fast. RSS battens will also keep the board stiff. Add in some new deck rigging for those wanting to carry lot of gear and a new waffle pattern deck pad for extra comfort and traction. This will be Red Paddle's most expedition worthy board by far and the one you want for overnight trips.
Other Board Upgrades and Improvements
- All boards that have a removable fin: fin boxes upgraded to shorter 6.75 " US fin box .
- New stainless steel cargo tie down d-rings on front deck
- New padded carry handles.
- New integrated tail handle and leash d-ring.
- Nose handles on some of the longer boards.
- New grippy “crocodile” finish/diamond cut deck pads utilizing a stronger adhesive on the Race and Elite boards.
- New inboard leash attachment points on Elite and Race boards.
- The 10'8 Activ is now 5.9 inches thick for increased stiffness.
2016 Red Paddle Co Full Lineup
Red Paddle has chosen to keep most of their design cues/colors from last year the same - something we are in favour of because of how great they look! Below is the 2016 Red Paddle Lineup: (or go to our 2016 Red Paddle Co Board Chooser)
Ride Line - the best selling line of all around inflatables in the world!
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|---|---|---|---|
| Board | 9'8" Ride | 10'6" Ride | 10'8" Ride |
| Who's it for? | Lighter riders all-rounder |
all-rounder | Bigger/family riders all-rounder |
| Length | 9'8" | 10'6" | 10'8" |
| Width | 31" (78.7 cm) | 32" (81.2 cm) | 34" (86.4 cm) |
| Thickness | 3.93" (10 cm) | 4.7" (12 cm) | 4.7" (12 cm) |
| Volume | 193 litres | 240 litres | 296 litres |
| Rider Weight | up to 210lb (95 kg) | up to 220 lb (100 kg) | up to 285 lbs (120 kg) |
Sport Line - best choice for intermediate and advanced paddlers
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|---|---|---|
| Board | 11' Sport | 12'6" Sport |
| Who's it for? | High performance | Bigger riders high performance |
| Length | 11' | 12'6" |
| Width | 30" (76.2 cm) | 30" (76.2 cm) |
| Thickness | 4.72" (12 cm) | 5.9" (15 cm) |
| Volume | 300 litres | |
| Rider Weight | up to 220lb (100 kg) |
Explorer Line - best choice for those wanting to see what's around the bend
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|---|---|---|
| Board | 12'6" Explorer | 13'2" Explorer+ |
| Who's it for? | all-rounder | all-rounder + performance |
| Length | 12'6" | 13'2" |
| Width | 32" (81.3 cm) | 30" (76.2 cm) |
| Thickness | 5.9" (15 cm) | 5.9" (15 cm) |
| Volume | 370 litres | 350 litres |
| Rider Weight | up to 330lb (150 kg) | up to 330lb (150 kg) |
Race Line - best for competitive racers and experienced paddlers
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Board | 10'6" Max Race | 12'6" Race | 12'6" Elite | 14' Elite |
| Who's it for? | Young racers | Competitive racers | Serious racers | Ultimate racers |
| Length | 10'6" | 12'6" | 12'6" | 14' |
| Width | 24" (61 cm) | 28" (71.1 cm) | 26" (66 cm) | 26" (66 cm) |
| Thickness | 4.72" (12 cm) | 5.9" (15 cm) | 5.9" (15 cm) | 5.9" (15 cm) |
| Volume | 170 litres | 340 litres | 300 litres | 340 litres |
| Rider Weight | up to 155lb (70 kg) | up to 285lb (130 kg) | up to 240lb (110 kg) | up to 265lb (120 kg) |
Others - specific and specialized boards for specific pursuits
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Board | 10'8" Activ | The Whip | 9'4" Snapper | 9'6" Flow |
| Who's it for? | Yoga, pilates and fitness fans | Surfers | Young riders | White water racers |
| Length | 10'8" | 8'10" | 9'4" | 9'6" |
| Width | 34" (86.4 cm) | 29" (74 cm) | 27" (68.6 cm) | 34" (86.4 cm) |
| Thickness | 5.9" (15 cm) | 3.93" (10 cm) | 3.93" (10 cm) | 5.9" (15 cm) |
| Volume | 279 litres | 170 litres | 300 litres | |
| Rider Weight | up to 265lb (120 kg) | up to 200lb (90 kg) | up to 132lb (60 kg) | up to 265lb (120 kg) |
Paddles
Red Paddle Co also refreshed their line of paddles for 2016, adding some eye catching new graphics. They removed the bamboo shaft paddle, but introduced a hybrid glass-nylon and carbon-nylon that gives a durable nylon blade with the performance of a glass or carbon shaft.
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paddle | Glass | Glass Nylon | Carbon | River | Alloy | Kiddy |
| Who's it for? | All-round Flat-Water Surf |
All-Round | All-Round | All-Round | All-Round | All-Round |
| Length | 170-210 cm | 170-220 cm | 170-220 cm | 170-210 cm | 170-120 cm | 130-170 cm |
| Weight | .98 kg(3-Piece) | 1.1 kg (3-Piece) | .92 kg (3-Piece) | 1.2 kg (Vario) 1.3 kg (3-Piece) |
.78 kg (Vario or 3-Piece) | |
| Blade | Glass Fibre | Nylon | Carbon | Nylon | Nylon | Nylon |
Red Paddle Co already has the best inflatable boards in the world but the new high- tech construction, upgrades, and exciting new models make this lineup the best yet. If you have any questions about these boards please let us know and stay tuned for more information on pre-orders!