RED PADDLE 13’2 EXPLORER+ TEST REVIEW
RED PADDLE
13’2 EXPLORER+
TEST REVIEW
Verdict
The most highly spec’d inflatable we’ve seen with acres of space for loading up gear on an adventure. We loved all the extras on this board, it paddles really flat in the water and felt super stiff for an iSUP. Quite simply the best ‘Go To’ board for adventurous travels at home or away, durable light and ready to explore.
Overview
Supplied in a market leading, wheeled, tailored, updated backpack and with a bellowing powerful double-barreled ‘Titan pump”. The 13’2” is littered with ‘Ram’ mounts which will take cameras , fishing rods ,cup holders etc… It has five handles (for portage when loaded), on deck there is a massive cargo area on the front and a smaller one at the rear with cargo bungees fitted. Underneath the Explorer has a nose runner and two at the tail to prevent sideways drift. It also has a neat clip in FCS 2 no-tools touring fin. Made using Red’s MSL construction with RSS stiffening battens along the centre rails.
Brand Claim
The 13’2” Explorer+ is the ultimate board for exploration, loaded with features and conceptualised with epic adventures in mind. With its high sides, large volume and narrower width, it’s a high-speed cruiser, designed for competent paddlers. It’s got cargo tie-downs front and back for all your gear (check out our dry bags), and under those are extra-grippy deck sections that help keep your cargo in place.
Performance
The 13’2” Explorer felt very stiff and light on the water, its long flat rockerline and nose runner give a very straight trajectory. The Explorer really excels in the flatter water of lakes and rivers (where most touring goes on), but still works on a calm day on the coast. The longest board on test surprisingly was at the lower half of our glide test, however there was little in it overall, it was certainly pacey enough for most riders. The QR fin was both easy to fit and remove and makes lots of sense for this type of board as the board can be placed flat on the ground when loaded up and then the fin can be attached once on the water. Red Paddle have pushed this iSUP out on a tangent aimed at the adventurous market. If you’re looking for the best kitted out iSUP on the market ready for adventure, easy to travel at home or abroad this new 13’2” is awaiting your excursion.
OTHER BOARDS IN THIS TEST:
• RRD GRANTURISMO 12’6 GT WOOD
• STARBOARD TOURING 12’6 PINETEK