Red Paddle Co: Compact 9’6” & 11’0”
Pros
- Exclusive construction technology.
- Keeps its shape.
- Rigid and stable.
- Unique design.
- Reinforced stringer.
- Extremely compact.
- Full accessory package.
- Tracks well.
- Great all-around board.
- Suitable for all levels.
- Lightweight and durable.
Cons
- The feature layout takes some getting used to.
Table of Contents
Get to Know Red Paddle Co: Compact 9’6” & 11’0”
The Red Paddle Co, a leader in the stand-up paddle board industry, is a company driven by innovation, passion and performance. Red Paddle Co products are all made in an in-house production facility under close supervision guaranteeing nothing but the best hits the market. Red Paddle Co boards are the ultimate combination of function and form.
The Red Paddle Co invests their time in their products with a close attention to detail and their customers with a full 2-Year warranty on each of their boards. As a bonus, if you purchase any of the inflatable SUPs from the 2022 range you are qualified for an extended 5-Year warranty. All you need to remember to do is register your board within three months of purchase.
The Board Basics
The Compact series was modeled after the Ride series and is designed to roll up no bigger than your average backpack. As mentioned, we see two new models in the series the 9’6” and the 11’0” with each board measuring at 32” wide; the ultimate level of stability for a cruising board. The board and all of its accessories roll up into the backpack and the entire package weighs no more than 30 pounds, no oversize baggage fees here! The weight capacity of the Compact series is between 210- and 240-pounds offering availability to a wider audience of riders. The Compact lives up to its name and reputation of ultimate convenience; the board itself is as easy to setup as 1-2-3. Simply unpack the board, unroll your accessories out of the middle and unfold the board to inflate.
Red Paddle Co: Compact 9’6”
Red Paddle Co: Compact 11’0”
| Length | Width | Weight | Weight Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9’6” | 32” | 16.3 lbs | 210 lbs |
| Length | Width | Weight | Weight Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11’0” | 32” | 18 lbs | 242 lbs |
Fin configuration: Twin-click fins
Building the Board
The Compact was designed with Red Paddle Co.’s innovative new PACT™ technology; this innovative technology is unseen and therefore unrivaled. The core is made from a high-tensile thread matrix that offers flexibility without compromising rigidity. A quad stringer system composed of two stringers running the length of the board each with double layers that tense as the board is inflated offering a flex-free but malleable board. So, the board is rigid yet pliable, but how does it fold down so small? Red Paddle Co uses a ‘living hinge’ that allows the board to completely fold in half lengthwise to be rolled up around the included accessories.
In order to accommodate this new construction, the design team and Red Paddle Co needed to make some aesthetic changes; the 9’6” and 11’0” models have the same durable core with a few cosmetic differences. The 9’6” model carries a wider shape over the entire board for a stable surface perfect for long tours and cruising on any waters while the 11’0” has a more drawn out shape suited to larger riders.
The top deck of the Compact series is made from the same Red embossed foam with a diamond grooved tail pad for added control when turning or surfing. We also see the deck pad split down the middle in a never-before-seen SUP design, this leaves an unhindered center line so the board can fold flat. Since the deck pad is split, the center carrying handle has been slightly offset but still allows you to transport the board with ease and comfort. Moving down to the tail of the board we see the inflation valve and leash point evenly spaced apart. The nose of the board holds the deck net storage attached with six extra D-rings.
The stringers are visible on the top of the board creating a racing stripe that runs from tip to tail. On the underside of the Compact is the brand-new twin click fin system. Again, facilitating the board’s need for a lengthwise fold, a tool fewer fin clicks in on either side, the new design keeps you moving in a straight line longer. The new fins are a durable and flexible material that allows them to survive a few dings and scrapes from unforeseen obstructions.
What’s Included
Red Paddle Co has upgraded their included accessory kit for the Compact family of iSUPs and we could not be happier. Each board in the series comes with a Compact backpack, a five-piece travel paddle, Titan pump, repair kit, waterproof phone pouch and a safety leash, whew!
The Compact backpack is almost half the size of the all-terrain backpack but still features the same innovative design. The addition of a paddle and safety leash make this truly the ultimate convenient package and Red Paddle Co has given their customers everything they have been asking for.
On the Water
If you frequently find yourself in situations where you are kicking yourself for not bringing your SUP with you, the Compact is the solution for you. It packs down so small you can just leave it in your backseat for whenever the opportunity for adventure arises. The board was set up and inflated in a matter of minutes, remember to pack away the key that locks the fins in place. Under your feet you can really feel the difference in the board’s construction, you can feel the fins make contact with the water and working to guide you forward.
The Compact glides smoothly and feels incredibly stable even when the wind picks up. The new paddle construction is solid and there is no twisting in action, the finish feels so smooth yet strong in your hands. The blade of the paddle was designed to cut through the water for maximum stroke efficiency yet remain durable enough to take a beating from any unforeseen hazards in the water. Overall, the Compact is incredibly fun and easy to ride and the new technology is beyond impressive from what we can see so far.
Pros and Cons: An Explanation
Red Paddle Co seriously took its time in researching the best possible paddleboard design. With a decade’s collection of notes and models to follow, the company might be on to something. Since the Compact is so new and exciting it can be hard to find fault in a board this innovation. The only thing we can say is that it takes some time to get used to the new feel, fin placement, and feature placement. The carrying handle is closer to the general standing zone now and this could become an annoyance for some riders.
Where to Purchase Products
If you are on the hunt for a Red Paddle Co board for yourself, you’re in luck. You can purchase these amazing boards directly from the company website; from a number of retailers online and unlike many other companies, you can even find Red Paddle Co boards in select retail stores.
Last Words
The latest and from what we can see, greatest lineup from Red Paddle Co is the Compact series. This brand-new family of boards has paddlers jaws dropping all over the world. With one of a kind construction and practical features, the completely portable Compact is the ultimate all-around high performing SUP. From novice to expert, cruiser to surfer the world over, let the Compact show you what it can do for you.
