Standup Zone Forum
Stand Up Paddle => Gear Talk => Topic started by: Windwarrior on August 11, 2017, 07:57:25 AM
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This is a two part question for all the inflatable owners out there. Start off by calling out what brand and model you own.
1) How long have you owned yours and what condition is it in so far?
AND
2) Do you roll yours up, keep it semi deflated and standing somewhere or completely deflated laying flat?
My curiosity or concern is if the whole rolling up and unrolling process is taking it's toll on yours. The seems etc I'm sure get tired after a while. Who knows, maybe not.
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I've seen RedPaddle rental fleet inflatables fully inflated, fully abused, and stored outside in the sun for 4 + years. The deck pad begins to get unstuck in corners and the colors fade.
Yes; stored out of sun and reduced pressure will add magnitudes of life to it.
Cheapo brands I've seen deck pads peel off, handles come off, valves blow etc etc. Oh, and balloon too. Those are the funniest.
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THAT'S fantastic news! Except for the ballooning parts of course. :P
I DID see a YouTube video of an Isle blow out. Apparently the board was just sitting there according to the owner.
I would imagine if the pads start peeling away anywhere, some gorilla glue would do the trick?
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ULI lopez owned since 2013, no issues other than smashing the fin boxes while running rivers , replaced once, living with one now.
Rolled up, kept inflated for months , abused , thrown around, flown with, been the recipient of a smoke glazing from a small fire in my shed, still holds 18 PSI no issues, still solid
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I've got a Red Elite 14 & an Imagine Connector that have been inflated for 2+ years with no issues. I reduce pressure when I know I'm not paddling for a bit, but they spend a good bit of the time at full inflation.
Also a KPO Yampa that's been at full pressure since September. still going strong.
My Hala boards have spent periods inflated, periods rolled, and plenty of use & abuse. All still going strong
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+1 on the ULI. Had mine early Steamroller model for 5 years and I bought it used. I kept it inflated pretty much the whole time. I rolled it when it was deflated. It was bulletproof. I think the guy who bought it from me had a problem with the valve. It was a good 6 to 7 years old by then. ULI has built tow-able rescue sleds for a long time.
https://www.uliboards.com/
PS. My brother just saw an these people in a cabin next to his pull a brand new PEAK inflatable SUP out of the box and inflate it. They left it in the sun, and took off for a while. All of the sudden my brother hears this BOOM! It blew some of the shingles off of the cabin wall, and made a big dust cloud :o So much for PEAK brand....
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ULI lopez owned since 2013, no issues other than smashing the fin boxes while running rivers , replaced once, living with one now.
Rolled up, kept inflated for months , abused , thrown around, flown with, been the recipient of a smoke glazing from a small fire in my shed, still holds 18 PSI no issues, still solid
Luckily both the boat, shed AND you are ok.
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I've got a Red Elite 14 & an Imagine Connector that have been inflated for 2+ years with no issues. I reduce pressure when I know I'm not paddling for a bit, but they spend a good bit of the time at full inflation.
Also a KPO Yampa that's been at full pressure since September. still going strong.
My Hala boards have spent periods inflated, periods rolled, and plenty of use & abuse. All still going strong
Good to hear on the Red!!
How long have you had the Hala and Yampa?
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+1 on the ULI. Had mine early Steamroller model for 5 years and I bought it used. I kept it inflated pretty much the whole time. I rolled it when it was deflated. It was bulletproof. I think the guy who bought it from me had a problem with the valve. It was a good 6 to 7 years old by then. ULI has built tow-able rescue sleds for a long time.
https://www.uliboards.com/
PS. My brother just saw an these people in a cabin next to his pull a brand new PEAK inflatable SUP out of the box and inflate it. They left it in the sun, and took off for a while. All of the sudden my brother hears this BOOM! It blew some of the shingles off of the cabin wall, and made a big dust cloud :o So much for PEAK brand....
Wow on the Uli!
Disturbing on the Peak!!! I'm beginning to think when out and about or just hanging out that I should stand clear of Peak and Isle. Lol!!
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I have an ULI that is around 8 years old. Maybe more. It is just as good now as it always has been. I had to re-stick the deck pad a couple of times but that's it. I can leave it fully inflated for months and it loses no pressure at all. It's one of the heavy double-skin ones.
The Starboard Deluxe iSUP I have is a single skin, so is much lighter, relatively. But it also loses a little pressure. Even after 48 hrs if I leave it pumped up I have to add a little extra pressure, maybe just a couple of PSI. It's no biggie really, but underlines how good the ULI is, even if maybe there is a sizeable weight penalty.
Heavy boards are a PITA in day to day use though. So it's worth looking very carefully into the exact construction of the boards and how much they weigh - there is a big difference between different brands.
I have stored these boards either partially inflated or rolled up, and they have both survived no problem. They are pretty tough, as long as you treat them sensibly.
If you leave them in direct sun fully pumped up for long periods you are asking for trouble. But then this is true of hard boards as well. I think that probably it is more important whether you store them in a cool dark place vs. sunlight/daylight than it is whether it is rolled up or not.
I'd say that the useful life expectancy of a top quality iSUP that is well looked after is likely at least 5-10 years in normal use, and is probably considerably longer. Maybe double that - but no-one knows since they've only really been around for 10 years at most. Hard boards have a lifespan too, and also need to be pampered.
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Good to hear on the Red!!
How long have you had the Hala and Yampa?
My Hoss is a couple of seasons old. Sold it to my cousin in the spring. She's been paddling it a couple times a week since, not sure how she stores it
My Yampa 9 been inflated since I got it last September. think I topped it off once this winter. The Yampa 10 I'm riding now I've had since April. It's been stored inflated & rolled.
And unsolicited, highly biased advice on inflatables:
Boards from quality manufacturers tend to last longer, as well as have better designs that make on-water time more enjoyable. With Red, Hala, KPO and quality brands I know the company, the paddlers, and how the boards are designed/made. I can't speak directly to Isle & Peak, but in looking at their selection they appear to be generic cookie-cutter boards that they're slapping logos on. They serve a purpose in the world, but they're not likely to be things we'd carry in our shop, or I'd own myself unless I learned something new & different about them.
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I've seen RedPaddle rental fleet inflatables fully inflated, fully abused, and stored outside in the sun for 4 + years. The deck pad begins to get unstuck in corners and the colors fade.
Ya mean like this???😂😆
https://youtu.be/jJiCVw6UCF4
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I bought a Naish Nalu in 2013, I kept it rolled, in the bag: to tight, fin box started to take off. I glued it. So I kept the board inflated, below my house, some cats got in and scratched the pad and punctured the board.
I have also a Fanatic Fly Air Premium, from 2014, got it second hand, repaired punctures several times, it has to be reinflated after few hours because it loose too much air.
Hand pumps doesn't last long neither.
I used intensively my first iSUP for 2 years, now I only ride it maybe 5 times a year, but it's while on storage that it got damaged. The Fanatic (nice board that goes 20psi) shows that some damages are hard to fix on an iSUP (multiple small punctures on rail)
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I'd say that the useful life expectancy of a top quality iSUP that is well looked after is likely at least 5-10 years in normal use, and is probably considerably longer. Maybe double that...
My 2015 Red didn't make a year before suffering multiple defects. Mine was twisted or became twisted. Then a huge basketball size bubble developed between the dual layers on the deck and a side seam split shortly after. To say my board was barely used and I treat my equipment well is an understatement. Red had self confessed quality control issues with their 2015s and Red was pretty quick to warranty the board.
So lesson learned and I'm still interested in getting another iSUP one day, but I won't be considering it anything other then an expensive inflatable toy. As far as longevity, I'm definitely in the bet against camp in regards to A10's optimistic estimates.
FYI, I left my first iSUP, a Starboard Astro Touring inflated for at least a year. I doubt if it even dropped an lb in pressure. Without a doubt, rolling up your iSUP puts extra pressure on any glued area you've creased. Whether it will make any difference in the life span of your board is what might be doubtful.
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I'd say that the useful life expectancy of a top quality iSUP that is well looked after is likely at least 5-10 years in normal use, and is probably considerably longer. Maybe double that...
My 2015 Red didn't make a year before suffering multiple defects. Mine was twisted or became twisted. Then a huge basketball size bubble developed between the dual layers on the deck and a side seam split shortly after. To say my board was barely used and I treat my equipment well is an understatement. Red had self confessed quality control issues with their 2015s and Red was pretty quick to warranty the board.
Well, it's quite possible that was a unique, isolated issue since haven't heard anything since. Looks like they hashed out all the kinks and thankfully they stepped up and took care of it.
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I bought a Naish Nalu in 2013, I kept it rolled, in the bag: to tight, fin box started to take off. I glued it. So I kept the board inflated, below my house, some cats got in and scratched the pad and punctured the board.
I have also a Fanatic Fly Air Premium, from 2014, got it second hand, repaired punctures several times, it has to be reinflated after few hours because it loose too much air.
Hand pumps doesn't last long neither.
I used intensively my first iSUP for 2 years, now I only ride it maybe 5 times a year, but it's while on storage that it got damaged. The Fanatic (nice board that goes 20psi) shows that some damages are hard to fix on an iSUP (multiple small punctures on rail)
Sounds more like the issue here was due to creatures beyond your control. LOL!!
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I've seen RedPaddle rental fleet inflatables fully inflated, fully abused, and stored outside in the sun for 4 + years. The deck pad begins to get unstuck in corners and the colors fade.
Ya mean like this???😂😆
No. Like this....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgnUzk7LCg8
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I've seen RedPaddle rental fleet inflatables fully inflated, fully abused, and stored outside in the sun for 4 + years. The deck pad begins to get unstuck in corners and the colors fade.
Ya mean like this???😂😆
No. Like this....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgnUzk7LCg8
LOL!!!
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Ideal situation I guess would be lightly inflated, flat on the ground. Away from heat, moisture and animals. But if you had that space, you may prefer a hard board. I store mine fully inflated most of the time, in a humid and warm closet. The rest of the time they are rolled in their bags in an air conditioned apartment.
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I miss seeing Clinton this year. What a guy!!
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Ideal situation I guess would be lightly inflated, flat on the ground. Away from heat, moisture and animals. But if you had that space, you may prefer a hard board. I store mine fully inflated most of the time, in a humid and warm closet. The rest of the time they are rolled in their bags in an air conditioned apartment.
I have plenty of space, just not in my car.
After thinking, rethinking and over analyzing everything, it hit me that regardless if rolled or not, eventually it gets rolled up!!
I'm going to stop analyzing at least this part of things because I'm getting dizzy and a headache. LOL!!
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My Red Allwater (purchased in 2014) just suffered a failed seam near the RSS sleeve. The board has always been stored during the summer in a shed or garage aired to about 15 - 17 pounds and rolled loosely in my (heated) basement during winter months (I'm in central PA). Red customer service has been wonderful so far and has offered a new replacement board. Very reassuring after just purchasing another Red paddle co board (12'6 Explorer) a few months ago.
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Good to hear!
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Yes, that is very good to hear. I have been thinking about ordering a Red 14 Elite, but very concerned about durability and after the fact warranty and service. No nearby dealers so would be taking a gamble by ordering.
Also waiting to see if the stiffening system shows up on a wider board than the current 14 x 25 model. That board just may be too tippy for me...but it sure is tempting.
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Hi connecter14, after the fact service and warranty with Red is exceptional, especially with me in your corner. Very understanding and lenient on warranty timing, if they ever get a case. Since Msl the warranty claims have all but stopped.
RSS is on other boards, forward flex control rod is only on Elites for now.
Will have to wait and see for 2018.
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I'll be waiting eagerly to see what is new for 2018. If they made the Elite in something wider than 25 I'd probably be ordering without even trying (since I can't find anyone in my area that has race boards for demo). I want maximum stiffness but also want the durability and portability of the inflatable. By the way, can you confirm what the weight in lbs is on the current 2017 14 Elite? I don't see anything on their website that mentions the actual weight of their boards.
Thanks!
Steve
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Ditto on ULI. Hard to believe that Steamroller video is almost ten years old. They've been doing it long before anyone else and learned a lot along the way. ULI manufactures their own boards here in the US while just about everyone else uses offshore factories. They export to Japan and their distributor told me their customers inflate/deflate their boards with every use. ULI is now manufacturing their standard double skin board and a lightweight version which will pack much tighter but still retain stiffness and strength.
Oh and please don't use gorilla glue on deckpads. Clean the area, use two applications of PVC cement and then apply pressure with a roller and light heat.
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I'll be waiting eagerly to see what is new for 2018. If they made the Elite in something wider than 25 I'd probably be ordering without even trying (since I can't find anyone in my area that has race boards for demo). I want maximum stiffness but also want the durability and portability of the inflatable. By the way, can you confirm what the weight in lbs is on the current 2017 14 Elite? I don't see anything on their website that mentions the actual weight of their boards.
Thanks!
Steve
I have it at 22lbs, another article puts it at 24lbs.
https://greenwatersports.com/shop/red-paddle-co-14-elite
Keep an eye on my site for the 2018s, due later this year.
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Any changes coming for the 18's?
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A few tweaks I think, will have to wait and see.
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I just had a "live chat" with Laura @ Red Paddle Company and she said that there will be a 14x26 Elite with FFC for 2018. Weight should be around 23-24 lbs. Might be just what the doctor ordered for me! I look forward to getting the official 2018 line information.
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I just had a "live chat" with Laura @ Red Paddle Company and she said that there will be a 14x26 Elite with FFC for 2018. Weight should be around 23-24 lbs. Might be just what the doctor ordered for me! I look forward to getting the official 2018 line information.
Will have all the info online and boards ready to go in early November.
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:) :) I will be waiting!
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Red Paddle Co. Best inflatables on the market. I have two 10'6" Ride and love them .
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I Second that for Red paddle co. My brother and sister in law have two Red "Rides". One for about 5 years and the other a year. They love them. Mostly flat water paddle on a small lake in the interior of BC. I have paddled one of theirs a bit with my dog on board. Great fun. They have not had any issue with construction and deflate them only in the winter for storage at their tiny off grid cabin.
Bob
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I just had a "live chat" with Laura @ Red Paddle Company and she said that there will be a 14x26 Elite with FFC for 2018. Weight should be around 23-24 lbs. Might be just what the doctor ordered for me! I look forward to getting the official 2018 line information.
Will have all the info online and boards ready to go in early November.
Monday Oct 16th actually.