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SUPboarder gives you an independent review of the 2016 Red Paddle Co Explorer + 13’2”. An inflatable stand up paddle board (iSUP) designed for all weights of riders who want a real touring and exploring SUP. With this board you really will go places!
Size : 13’2”x30”/6”(150mm)
Volume : 370L
Fins : 1 x US box center fin and small side runners
SB deflection test : 11mm
Price £949
To find out more about this board on Red Paddle Co’s website click here. And to view or leave a review of the 2015 board on the SUPboarder Equipment Guide click here.
All inflatable SUPs will be put through our deflection test. For more information about the SUPboarder deflection test see the video below
Check out more inflatable SUPs in the NEW SUPboarder Equipment Guide
You mentioned that the red 13 2 explorer was a better paddling isup than the 12 6. Did you find the difference substantial? In other words, if the 2016 12 6 explorer met other requirements better, would you still pick the 13 2 because the performance gap was so great. Thank you.
Hi Steve
Thanks for the question. The 12’6” X 32” Explorer is still a great board and the construction and finish of the board is the same as its big brother. But the glide and the speed difference between the two was very noticeable. Easier to paddle and smoother across the water. I would go for the 13’2” unless you think you need the extra stability in the width. Hope that helps Reuben
Greetings, I read Reuben’s comment with great interest as I am stuck between buying a 12’6″ and 13’2″ I am a newer paddler but I want something that moves, is stable and can be used to tour. I am 5’8″ but have gained over the years- 220 lbs; however, my concern is over stability in touring. I would be going around saltwater bays in Florida and some lakes, etc. I am not sure how to compare the difference between 32″ and 30″ and stability. Is there a huge difference stability-wise? Other boards that are 30″ are reviewed as stable so… Read more »
Hey Rod There are so many people asking the same question. It’s a tricky one. But basically the way you should be looking at it is. Are you worried about stability more than speed? It sounds like stability is the main worry. If that is the case the 12’6” would be the one. The 12’6” is a super stable board that is only a little bit slower to paddle than the 13’2”. If you are paddling flatwater waterways the board will have enough glide for what you want too. (It is a very hard call because you could probably get… Read more »
Thanks Reuben. I’ve been reading about the boards quite a bit and have another question related to my first post. What about the 12’6″ Sport compared to the 13’2″ Explorer? I am concerned about stability but about speed too. You mention that the glide and speed of the 132 X to the 126 X was quite noticeable. Would you say that the 126 Sport was more stable and as speedy or almost as fast as the 132 X gliding? The 12’6″ sport seems to be in the middle of the two Explorer boards in design.
Hi Reuben,
I have the exact same question as Rod’s. What would be the differences between the sport 12’6″ and the explorer 13’2″? Reading the specs, one would say both boards are rather the same but I heard that the 12’6″ is a more all-around board and actually is a little faster and more stable.
Guy
Hi Guy We think a lot of people are having the same dilemma. The boards are very similar. Speed wise.. The explorer is longer so should have more glide but if you take into the fact that the Explorer is a little bit heavier and its got side runners too, It will paddle at a very similar speed to the 12’6”. It really comes down to 3 things in our eyes. How much do want to carry? The explorer will carry more weight due to it being longer. Do you want to enter any 12’6” class SUP races? …. If… Read more »
Hi Reuben
Do you think explorer 13´2 is fishible? to stand and fishing ? I´m use to be on a paddleboard (Dragonfly sup and a Badfisher wich is made for fishing) but I want the explorer for longer trips but want to bring fishing gear.
Cheers Sukjoo
Hi Sukjoo
I was using it for fishing and it was fine for me. It really depends on how much kit you want to take. The super wide fishing boards at 32’+ are great for fishing but they can be hard work to paddle when loaded of with gear. The 13’2” had a nice amount of glide to it which worked well for me when fishing. Hope that helps Reuben
How does this board perform in windy conditions and choppy water?
It performs ok in the windy stuff, but like all iSUPs can be hard work sometimes paddling into wind in a choppy sea.