Messages

271

Gear Talk / Re: Inflatables-Isle, Tower, Elevate OR ?

« on: August 08, 2017, 06:33:42 PM »

Distressed mullet- Well, NOW I feel like a tool for laughing at the name. It's amazing how names of certain sports come into play. Very informative website indeed!! I wonder how that name came up?  Something to do with how your hair looks after wearing the helmet?
I know mine looks pretty goofy after I take my helmet off on a day of riding.

272

Gear Talk / Re: Inflatables-Isle, Tower, Elevate OR ?

« on: August 08, 2017, 03:23:01 PM »

My isle explorer 11' is two years old, holding up well and works well for easy river and flat water, I've done some overnight comping off of it also, wish they made the 12' when I bought it.  The touring 12'-6" is also a good choice but I like the side bite fins for rivers and the explorer comes with bungie d-rings already installed in the rear.

Since you are in Colorado there are some good deals on used Halas, the hala nass (I have an older one) is also a good choice, the new ones dont have side bites.  Faster/better glide than the Isle Explorer, more expensive, quality is great for both.  If you have to do a lot of carry the Isle is going to be about 5 pounds lighter.

Red paddle has  really good product, a paddling buddy has two of the 12-6 and I've spent some time on those also.


I'm in FOCO if you are in the area and want to demo the isle and see what you are getting before ordering on line.

I'd like to take you up on checking out yours and if possible, your buddies too.

273

Gear Talk / Re: Inflatables-Isle, Tower, Elevate OR ?

« on: August 08, 2017, 03:19:02 PM »

Hello Windwarrior and Welcome to the Zone.

Check local craigslist, the zone classifies, and distressed mullet classified as you might even score a board cheaper used in great condition.

My only advice...do not skimp on a cheap paddle, spend the extra money on a high quality paddle.

Thanks for the welcome.
Distressed mullet? There's a website called that? LOL! Ok. I'll look into it.

As far as the paddle goes, I totally agree. Being into sea kayaking, I know what you mean. I own a pair of Carbon Werners. I compared the base paddle that comes with the Elevate and then grabbed a carbon and knew that the base version would probably only serve as an emergency or loaner at best.

274

Gear Talk / Re: Inflatables-Isle, Tower, Elevate OR ?

« on: August 08, 2017, 03:13:41 PM »

I would be more inclined to get the higher volume Explorer at your size or the 12'6" Touring. Have you considered other brands such as Hala who operates right out of Colorado or Red Paddle? The pricing of Isle is quite good, but just wondering if you have checked out other brands?

I didn't know that Hala was here. I kinda assumed Red Paddle was meh quality.
I'll look into these two.

I will say this, the Elevate looks pretty solid and durable. I like the way they're put together too.

275

Gear Talk / Inflatables-Isle, Tower, Elevate OR ?

« on: August 08, 2017, 10:42:12 AM »

Howdy to all!!

Just got approved and been searching and searching and reading and searching.

I'm out in Colorado and have recently decided to get into SUPing and add to an already long list of "ING" things I do here.

I've been looking into and have narrowed my search down to 3 choices.
1) ISLE series
2) Elevate series
3) Tower series

My stats are 6'3", 225, 51. Newbie looking to just paddle around lakes,reservoirs AND potentially get into easy river runs.

I have found the above sup's priced from 800-945.
Lengths from 9'-14' and up to 8" thick.
One reviewer mentioned the 8" one (tower explorer 14'er) being a real pain to get back into because of the thickness of it.
Then of course there's the MONSTER ISLE Megalodon 15' 8" at 1295.00 that can hold 1050lbs!! LOL.

My question is pretty much the same as I'm sure a lot have asked but since I was seeing dates back to 2015 I figured I would begin a new one since I'm sure things have changed since.

What would be a good choice?
Comparing
Quality
Stability
Speed (I know, the mega is a tank so let's not worry about that one )
Agility

Right now I'm taking a serious look at either the
Isle Explorer@ 895 -12'
Isle Sportsman@945- 11' 6"
Elevate all around@799-10'6"
Elevate touring ISUP@849-12'6"
Tower Explorer@799-14'

Suggestions?
Feedback?

Thanks for any advice or suggestions offered.