Red Paddle Co Compact Review / All round iSUP

[@AJSpinDrift]

It will be interesting to see how much of this new light weight tech makes its way into the next generation Ride and Sport boards.

[@Nightswatch943]

Could you do a video on the type of clothes that are best to wear when using a sup board through the different UK seasons? Would be so helpful.

[@_stoatchaser]

What diffrrent seasons. Wetsuit all the time

[@Nightswatch943]

@@_stoatchaser haha. No way. Plus there is a big difference between the type of wetsuits you would wear in summer or winter for example.

[@SUPboardermag]

Hey James. We are putting together a lot more of these types of features on SUPboarder soon. And also we'll be doing a load of clothing and accessory reviews which may help you too. Thanks for the comment and request Reuben

[@Nightswatch943]

@@SUPboardermag Brilliant thanks Reuben

[@nsmeltzer]

How do you think it would compare to other iSUP's for surfing eg the Red 8'10" Whip? Would there be much in it for a casual surfer playing in small surf? You said someone would ask! :)

[@SUPboardermag]

Hey Nik. LOL, My feeling is that the tail width will make the biggest difference to the feel of the board. The Whip has a very pulled in tail which really helps you turn it on a wave. I think we are going to have to get this one out in the waves for sure. Getting quite a few surf quest already on you tube and email. I like you would love to see a Whip put into a package like this! Thanks Reuben

[@nsmeltzer]

@@SUPboardermag I was actually hoping to see something like this with RSS battons and the option for larger fins. So more of a longboard surf-sup than the whip, but still an allrounder at the same time! :)

[@2much2see2]

I’d really love to see some video of the board in small surf. The fin position so far back on the board is probably great for keeping the board paddling straight in flat water, but I’m concerned that the fin position could hinder turning on a wave. This board looks perfect for what I need; lots of travel in small car, on bus, train, and plane, with most paddling on flat water, but it HAS to work well (for an inflatable) in small surf. Please do a video of this board in small surf. Thanks! :-)

[@SUPboardermag]

Thanks for your comment James. I think your spot on abut the fins. They will hinder the performance in the waves it bit. I will try and get it out in the waves and give you some feedback. Unfortunately we have to give this one back now ;-( . PS Ive already thought about getting another set of Red Compact fins and reshaping a little for a surf setup!! This could be good. Thanks Reuben

[@conicsnet]

@@SUPboardermag the Click Fins system currently has options for 4.5" and 2" too... And you can also use any FCS (original) and compatible fins..

[@SUPboardermag]

@@conicsnet good comment. That's great news, cant believe we didn't spot that one.

[@SpaceCowboy2071]

Not considering the money or portability, which is better the Ride 9'8", Ride 10'6", or Compact 9'6"?

[@SUPboardermag]

Hi Richard. Well it does depend on what you want to use it for. But for general paddling and doing a bit of every thing. I love the compact. The overall weight really is great and makes such a difference when you are using and carrying it. Have you seen our latest blog about the Compact kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3PInJWQq7GWZpI Thanks Reuben

[@a.m.a.2793]

Thanks for the great review. I was disappointed that this doesn’t have a RAM mount but I suppose it might impact on compactness? Any recommendations for how to mount a GoPro or similar?

[@SUPboardermag]

Good point. It would probably best to stick a GoPro mount on to one of the stiffer PVC stringers

[@Livedreaminvest]

How were the backpacks?? Plan on taking with me on a year trip - can you hike with the board and bag??!

[@SUPboardermag]

Hi Amanda - thanks for your question. The backpack is very good, some real thought has gone into its design and ergonomics to optimise it for use as a backpack - a BIG step up from other backpacks. In the review we walked around 4 miles and its way better than other backpacks. It does lack a chest strap, but this didn't see to be a problem on the distances we covered as the waist strap is excellent. Plenty of lumber adjustment is included as well. Your trip sounds great - keep us updated. Will / SUPboarder Team

[@christieoneil9665]

How about comparing the 11’ compact to a 10’6”?????

[@SUPboardermag]

Yeah, we have been trying to get hold of one of them for ages!

[@esbjornnordesjo556]

Correct me if I a wrong, but with two parts of the paddle being similar, can one omit one part in order to cater for shorter paddlers (kids)?

[@SUPboardermag]

Hi Esbjorn . Some of the Red paddles you used to be able to do this. We go over the range here kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4ixenmvgp5rqrM . But I just checked on a carbon 3pc we have and it's not possible unfortunately. To get it to work the bottom has to have the female section to take the top handle part. And most now have a male section on the bottom. Hope that helps .Thanks Reuben

[@scotf7313]

Like to see a compact and bike adventure ( have just bought Aztron Nova 10'x32" compact and into cycling)

[@SUPboardermag]

Thats a good idea. Nice one

[@joecheser8335]

Would you be able to fit this in a checked bag for air travel?

[@SUPboardermag]

We believe this is what Red designed it for, but always best to check with your airline before you fly.

[@subaquaman]

More of a seemingly scripted advert than a review... However, it does seem like the perfect package BUT at almost double the price of the 10'6, its a ridiculous increase in cost. Make it sub £1k and lower the price of the original 10'6 (it hasn't had a reduction since it was released years ago) its worth it. For a couple buying 2 boards its a huge difference in the final cost.

[@SUPboardermag]

Ha ha 😂 we will take that as a complement. I can assure you that it wasn't a scripted advert even if it sounded like one. This was the first compact board seen on the market and when we filmed this video we were pretty stoked on this new concept. But I can see now a few years later it can look like an advert 😉 ! As far as value goes if you don't need that super small compact board then I would still recommend the original 10'6 over the Compact . But if you are looking for the smaller travel package the Compact is worth the extra and is so well finished off. Thanks for the comments as always, Reuben

[@supsun9919]

What's your drysuit,man?)

[@SUPboardermag]

We've been testing the Nordic SUP semi dry suit. Look at for the full review soon.

[@matthewkilgore468]

i primarily am looking for a lightweight easy travel ocean wave surf board. would you recommend the red whip 8'10 or the red compact 9'6?

[@SUPboardermag]

Hey , both would work, but I really like the size of the compact packed down. The Whip is the better board to surf but its a shame there have removed the side fins in 2019. What size surf are you talking about? Thanks Reuben

[@EhrlicherEdukator]

Half the size and double the price!

[@gestagen100]

but worth it! i bought the 11` last week! so nice..absolutely mindblowing!

[@haroldsimpson7260]

Way over priced, no chance of me paying this money to line Reds pockets

[@SUPboardermag]

They do put a-lot into their boards and their customer support. But they are up at the top of the price ladder for sure. Thanks for comment Harold. Happy paddling Reuben