RRD AIRCRUISER V4 12’0 TEST REVIEW
RRD
AIRCRUISER V4 12’0
TEST REVIEW.
Verdict
A standout inflatable tourer in terms of visual appeal, construction and performance. RRD continue to improve their impressive Dyneema ‘belt’ technology that encircles these boards resulting on what is likely the stiffest inflatable we’ve tested yet. The shape and dimensions are ideal for easy paddling, coastal touring and luggage carrying, a test team favourite.
Overview
Life’s always a bit brighter in RRD world and from the orange backpack onwards a high level of design and detail is revealed. The crocodile-skin deck pad is a treat for the feet, the forward tow-ring is sensibly located, the clam-cleat cargo bungee is clever, the carry handle is comfortably padded and the raked back US centre fin is rigid and durable. This 12’0 Aircruiser has a sleek, parallel appearance with plenty of width back towards the tail.
Brand claim
The inflatable SUP board line developed specifically for cruising on flat waters. The AIRCRUISER V4 is a shape for anyone who wants to paddle fast and efficiently on flat or slightly choppy waters. Designed with a special wide and round outline and a 6 inches thickness profile the AIRCRUISER board is very stable and easy to paddle under your feet. The perfect board for recreational paddling all over the water world.
Performance
Much of the stiffness of these boards is down to two stringers that run lengthways around the board; the ‘Thermo Plastic’ belt underneath the PVC deck layer and the Dyneema belt under the PVC bottom layer. On the water this makes the board noticeably more efficient than boards without this technology as more of your paddle force is transferred into forward motion rather than being lost to board flex. It also makes paddling in choppy water more comfortable and predictable. The Aircruiser V4 12’0 is a very tough, well constructed board that’s light in weight and of course takes up no more space than a rolled up 10’6 all-rounder shape. The technology involved (and therefore price) put it firmly at the premium end of the market, if you’re serious about SUP and are intending many years on the water be it touring, the occasional club race, fitness paddling and coastal exploring this is a board that will meet the challenges with you and won’t grow stale under your feet. Partner it up with a decent paddle (the RRD Dynamic C80 is excellent – we used it on our 32 mile Scilly crossing) and you have a future proof package. Our test team loved the Aircruiser, it’s a classy, great looking board that will suit a huge spectrum of paddlers from first timers (who know they’ll love SUP) to multi-day tourers.