RED 2017 14'x25" Eilte racing machine!

[burchas]

Since this is relevant, here is a downwind vid for this board.



Posted originally on this thread with extra side notes
http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,26567.msg339499/topicseen.html#new

[burchas]

Some other pointers about the board:

• If you're planning going out with it on side chop or side wind, don't pump over 18psi, you'll be a lot more stable.
• If the wind is blowing sideways and it's 15mph or more, save your self the pain and take a more suitable board, you will not be able to maneuver with this board.

[connector14]

I am really enjoying this thread. I have been seriously considering an inflatable board,  but so far have not tried anything that comes close to the 14ft. boards that I currently use. (14 X 29 Connector and 14 X 28? Bark Dominator). I am looking for something with at least similar performance,  but is more travel friendly and more durable. This new 2017 looks awesome,  but I fear it is probably too narrow for my skill level in true downwind conditions......I could probably handle it on flat water....but when traveling and exploring new waters you never know what you are going to encounter as far as conditions.  I wish Red Paddle would make a wider version of this same design (like maybe 27-28) for the older "balance challenged".  I like the concept of the new stiffening system....why not incorporate that into some of the other touring boards, etc?
I need to find a dealer in my area so that I can at least try this awesome looking board. (by the way,  I really enjoyed the quality of the tests and reviews of this board.....good job!!)

[burchas]

I am really enjoying this thread. I have been seriously considering an inflatable board,  but so far have not tried anything that comes close to the 14ft. boards that I currently use. (14 X 29 Connector and 14 X 28? Bark Dominator). I am looking for something with at least similar performance,  but is more travel friendly and more durable. This new 2017 looks awesome,  but I fear it is probably too narrow for my skill level in true downwind conditions......I could probably handle it on flat water....but when traveling and exploring new waters you never know what you are going to encounter as far as conditions.  I wish Red Paddle would make a wider version of this same design (like maybe 27-28) for the older "balance challenged".  I like the concept of the new stiffening system....why not incorporate that into some of the other touring boards, etc?
I need to find a dealer in my area so that I can at least try this awesome looking board. (by the way,  I really enjoyed the quality of the tests and reviews of this board.....good job!!)

Hi connector14, Welcome to the Zone!

You should look at the Red Race MSL 14x26. I have the 2015 model and it
is super stable compares to the 2017 14x25 elite. Very good performance as well.

Check out this video of the 2015 model. I did everything possible with it. lots
of open ocean too.



Be sure to test it though, just to be on the safe side.

[Green Water Sports]

I'm sure the FFC tech will trickle down to more models over time. Here is a video of the 2017 14' Race up close:



More info: https://greenwatersports.com/shop/red-paddle-co-14-race

Starboard have the 14' x 28" Racer, but I'm already sold out... but more on the way... https://greenwatersports.com/shop/starboard-inflatable-14-racer

[connector14]

Which board do you feel is the "stiffest" (between the Starboard and the Red Race 14)?

Stiffness in the standing area is of particular importance to me because of the way I move on the board. If the board is "springy" I have more trouble moving around....it's my biggest weakness,  but unfortunately something that I don't seem to be able to change. (some days better than others).

[Green Water Sports]

Hi connector14,

I would say the Red Race 14' is stiffer. Starboard have stepped up their construction for 2017 with a fusion style as well, but Red's MSL is improved for 2017 and is still nicer and with a better finish. The Red board pumps up to 25 PSI whereas the Starboard to 'only' 18 PSI. I paddled a 12' Atlas Deluxe maxed out at 18 PSI (I'm 190lbs and this is a board to load up with my 2 little kids) this morning and still felt it spring in the quite choppy conditions. In similar conditions I've paddled a pre-MSL 12'6" Race with RSS and it wouldn't spring at all. To top it all off, the Red Race 14' also has the RSS battens and they also improve the stiffness of the board where you stand. The battens basically help to spread the load pressure point of your feet over a larger area and preventing the board from flexing at that single point.

In summary, inflation pressure, construction material and quality, and RSS battens, all point towards the Red Race 14 being stiffer.

Julian

[connector14]

Appreciate your comments and insight. Do you have any experience with Hala Nass?  I only mention this because one of the shops I deal with in Hood River, Oregon said they are going to start carrying the Hala Nass brand and they have a new 14ft. board that I am told will be able to downwind nearly as well as a true downwind board. I won't mention any names,  but I trust the opinion of the guy that said that.  This particular shop also sells SIC and Starboard and based on my needs they didn't recommend either of their inflatables for me...specifically said "not enough rocker and not stiff enough". (this alluding to how they would work downwinding...which is important to me).
I have only seen pics of the Hala Nass and the Uli brands......and compared to the appearance of the Red Paddle Race and the Starboard Race.......they certainly are NOT as appealing. But I realize that is not a good way to rate anything!
Guess I just need to be patient and what for a chance to try,  try ....try!

[Green Water Sports]

Sorry, I don't have experience with Hala Nass but I'm sure many on the forum have. I've kited the Gorge many years ago and friends have downwinded there. The short sharp chop on the river would not be nice to inflatables. Trust the locals and see what they ride and if you need an inflatable, test them.

[yugi]

I looked at the Hala Nass. I suspect they recommend it because of its ski jump nose. However it’s too short and wide for my pick for a DW board. Yes, the ski jump nose will help. The hardest part of getting an iSUP to plane is unsticking the nose, which tends to stick to water in front. I’d pick the new Red Paddle Elite with the Forward Flex control rod. However at 25” wide the 14’ Elite is a narrow race boards so not so easy. Second best I’d pick the 14’ Race at 26” wide. The recent year noses are slightly picked up. Just enough IMO.

Then again DWing on an iSUP is never going to be very optimal. Fun, yes, in a stoopid kind of way.

[burchas]

Then again DWing on an iSUP is never going to be very optimal. Fun, yes, in a stoopid kind of way.

I'll take stopped fun every time if the alternative is sitting at home since you couldn't make
the logistic of a downwind run work.

[burchas]

Here is a video of the RED 2017 Elite in headwind action.



Note:  Using Larry Allison's Spartan fin made the board more
manageable in these conditions. you can read the full review here: http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,31280.0.html