Author Topic: Red Paddle 2017 Explorer 12'6" long term review  (Read 1650 times)

wateraintcold

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Red Paddle 2017 Explorer 12'6" long term review
« on: May 20, 2020, 03:40:54 PM »
Hi all, I prepared this video to check up on my touring board after 2 years of use. As mentioned in other threads, I haven't treated my board particularly gently.

tl,dr: the board is in great shape still. There are 4 small cuts that penetrate the outermost green layer on the underside and which I'll patch as preventative measure. All hardware and glues are perfect. The front fin shows signs of sanding which corresponds to the way I take the board out of the surf on the beach. The FCS II Connect screwless fin sucks and I replaced it with screwed-in fin.

Lessons learned: take it easier when beaching the board / minimize dragging and pivoting on the sand. Be more careful when docking and watch out for barnacles. Rinse the board after every use (especially in salt water).

https://youtu.be/SqwSGClaIJc
« Last Edit: May 20, 2020, 03:46:39 PM by wateraintcold »
paddling since 2018. 5'11", currently 170lb (in freedom units)

2017 Red Paddle Explorer 12'6" x 32"

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Re: Red Paddle 2017 Explorer 12'6" long term review
« Reply #1 on: May 21, 2020, 09:06:49 AM »
Great review of your board there. We've been ok with our FCS Connect fin, but we're only ever out in the ocean with it. I can see how others have had issues though.
Julian
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Green Water Sports LLC - Inflatable SUP boards & stand up paddle boards & more. Call us on 1-888-252-4983
Red Paddle Co, Starboard, SIC Maui, Tahe, Naish, Fanatic, Accent Paddles, Onyx, FCS, Vamo

wateraintcold

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Re: Red Paddle 2017 Explorer 12'6" long term review
« Reply #2 on: May 21, 2020, 09:34:15 AM »
Hi Julian thanks for your feedback. While on the water I had no issues with the screwless fin. It only popped out or got loose when beaching or docking.

In your experience, do the cuts on the underside that penetrate the green outermost layer of pvc and into the second white layer, are they worrisome or are there more layers underneath?
paddling since 2018. 5'11", currently 170lb (in freedom units)

2017 Red Paddle Explorer 12'6" x 32"

Green Water Sports

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Re: Red Paddle 2017 Explorer 12'6" long term review
« Reply #3 on: May 21, 2020, 12:26:27 PM »
The cuts don't look too bad. The board has certainly seen some use, but I don't think it is an issue. MSL make up here: https://greenwatersports.com/6316/what-is-msl-monocoque-structural-laminate-of-course?ref=17 Looks like you are seeing the mesh or weave of the inner layer. If it's air tight, a simple patch might just be good to protect it from further scuffs.
Julian
https://greenwatersports.com
Green Water Sports LLC - Inflatable SUP boards & stand up paddle boards & more. Call us on 1-888-252-4983
Red Paddle Co, Starboard, SIC Maui, Tahe, Naish, Fanatic, Accent Paddles, Onyx, FCS, Vamo

 


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