Honest, real reviews about Red's most popular inflatable paddleboard - the Ride MSL SUP.
RED 10’6” Ride MSL iSUP Review - 2020
When we think of “SUP” certain images inevitably pop into one’s mind. Sundrenched beaches, humpback whales, shimmering bays, dogs in life vests, rivers, lakes, manatees, etc. What typically does not come to mind are double-decker buses and crumpets. So, it comes as something of a surprise that one of the most successful iSUP companies in the world is UK-based Red Paddle Co. Red Paddle Co offers a dizzying lineup of boards (25 at last count) but we’ll be focusing this edition’s review on the popular 10’6” Ride MSL model.
This board sells on the company’s US website for a staggering $1,299. At this price point, we assumed that the board was signed by Queen Elizabeth. Not only were we unable to locate a signature but there is no paddle or safety leash as part of this pricey package either. What is included with the All-Around 10’6” board is their patented Titan II pump and an all-terrain backpack. We were eager to break down Red Paddle Co’s top-selling model for a couple of reasons, the first being the notable popularity of this board internationally. But the company also has, perhaps unfairly, been perceived by some industry insiders as a marketing company whose widget to sell happens to be SUP boards.
Our grading system is as follows:
ABILITIES
Let's go over the three most important components for a SUP's performance:
1. Stability
2. Glide/Tracking
3. Maneuverability
Stability - The 4.7” thickness of the Ride MSL lowers the center of gravity of the board creating a stable, comfortable ride. One member of our team described the experience as paddling in the water rather than on top of the water. Additionally, the nose and tail are slightly thicker than the body for an added layer of stability. The reinforced rail tape increases rigidity rather noticeably and makes for a ride that our team unanimously deemed “stable”.
Glide/Tracking – At 21.89 lbs, the Ride MSL is one of the lighter boards that we tried out which is a great attribute on land but does no favors to the board’s tracking. Paddling in a straight line was not difficult per se, just not as effortless as other brands in this class. All of the Ride MSL models feature two non-removable iFins that the company touts as adding speed and smoother tracking than older MSL models featuring the fixed three fin set-up. As a testing team, we are unabashedly biased towards removable fin boxes though the new 2021 two-fin fixed-layout might well prove effective when tracing a line down a wave.
Maneuverability – As part of Red Paddle Co’s production process the company uses a technology they have dubbed “MSL” (Monocoque Structural Laminate) which means that the outer layer of high-density drop stitch is fused to the inner layer. This feature in tandem with the previously noted 21.89 lb weight equates to maneuverability unique in the “all-around” board class. We also found that moving one’s foot to the specially marked, diamond-grooved tail section allowed the rider to press the butt of the board into the water and easily raise the nose for a quick, deft turn in any direction.
BOARD DESIGN/SHAPE
By and large, the Ride MSL has a fairly standard inflatable SUP design. The only notable difference is the previously noted 4.7” thickness which not only keeps the weight to a minimum but positions the paddler closer to the water for increased stability. Their proprietary Tec Air/MSL construction offers durability unique among iSUP brands.
The excellent, luxuriant “Red Traction Pad” provides outstanding foot “grip” that allows for comfort on excursions of any length. Additionally, the board features 7 D-Rings plus a removable bungee cord system. The D-Rings are great for dry bags and phone cases while an included action mount works well for Go Pro camera mounts and other popular electronic gadgets. Notably, there is no included kayak seat or any plans to do in the next product release.
As for the overall look – the board is clearly a stunner. Available color options are yellow/orange, blue/yellow, pink/gray, green/gray and navy/turquoise. The iconic “Red Paddle Co” logo is beautifully stitched in several places on the board.
FINS As mentioned previously, the Ride MSL features a newly designed two fixed side fin layout. This design is proprietary to Red Paddle Co so you are not able to install the fin in various positions which is fine for a beginner, not so great for experienced paddlers. Again we are proponents of non-proprietary removable fin boxes in general.
ACCESSORIES As mentioned, the only accessories included in this “package” is a Titan II (dual-action, triple-action) pump and a fairly standard “all-terrain” backpack. No safety leash, no paddle, no kayak seat.
CONCLUSION
Red Paddle Co is clearly much more than a marketing company that happens to sell SUP boards. The Ride MSL board is popular for a reason. Tec Air/MSL is a legitimate technological innovation in the iSUP space, delivering impressive maneuverability and durability. Advanced paddlers will be turned off by the fixed fins but the everyday SUP enthusiast will love the board's versatility. The $1,299 price tag is more than double the cost of most brands competing in this “all-around” space. That could buy a heck of a lot of fish ‘n chips.
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