RRD AIR RACE 14’0 TEST REVIEW
Verdict
The RRD Air Race manages to pull off the knockout combination of easy, fast glide and all-water stability. Its good manners defy the aggressive needle-nose appearance and it would make a great ally for four-season racing and training. Beauty is not often associated with iSUPS but the Air Race is a stunner. The shape, stylish graphics and superb finish are a clear statement that this is a premium board without compromise.
Overview
The Air Race comes from the ‘Hi-Perfo Technology’ line of the impeccably designed suite of RRD inflatable paddleboards. The entire collection is cohesive, covers all bases and uses just shades of grey and bright orange in its graphics.
Clearly, the Air Race is built for speed. This narrow 24” wide board sharpens to a needle point at the nose and all excess volume is shaved off.
A slight rise to the edges of the multi-textured deck pad gives useful sensory feedback as to foot position. Towards the tail, the rails have ‘soft’ PVC sharp edges to improve release and glide. RRD were the first manufacturer we saw using a specialised stringer wrapping lengthways around the board to add stiffness. Today, that technology is manifested as the Thermo Plastic Belt (TPB). It stiffens the board, prevents torque along its length, and gives more direct feedback at the standing area.
Brand Claim
It is stable, practical and furiously fast. The special narrow nose and straight outline design combined with a 6” profile thickness and super flat scoop rocker line creates the perfect recipe for a great competitive board. Excellent for use in flat water races or for pure pleasure rapid rides.
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Performance
The Air Race looks purposeful, and gorgeous, and it is incredibly well made. The leash, tow points and handle are strong and durable. The PVC sharp rails are impeccably aligned and the EVA deck pad with its varying textures and terrains is a delight. This in particular gives really useful feedback as to foot position when you are lost in the focus of paddling hard. You get warning if your feet migrate outwards, and the tail is easy to find for buoy turns.
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- 10’6 image featured
So how does it glide? Very easily, and very far! The Air Race is effortless to get up to a good race pace. It’s very low in volume for a 14’0 inflatable so you’re neither pushing much water or air. It is also insanely stiff. More energy from your paddle strokes is translated into forward speed and less is lost in flexing the board.
A 24” wide board with 6” rails and a flat deck, sounds like a tricky proposition regarding stability. There’s something about the Air Race that makes it feel much more stable than you’d expect. We think it would be such a good choice for a UK race circuit combining inland flat water and rough coastal locations. This board can do it all.
Vital Stats
RRP: £1231
Length: 14’0
Width: 24”
Thickness: 6”
Volume: 285 litres
Fin: 9” US Centre