Red Paddle Co Ride 10'6" MSL
Pros
- Fantastic on-the-water feel! This high-performance all-around has a great blend between stability, tracking, maneuverability, and speed.
- Lightweight (20 lbs) yet super stable and long-lasting - Red’s production process is precise - it takes them 72 hours to make each board.
- A fantastic glide sensation due to having a lower center of gravity - this SUP is 4.7” thick as compared to a typical 6”
- Improved tracking thanks to the upgrade from a tri-fin system to a twin-fin system. We also like that it’s easier to roll up with only two fins.
- Aesthetic finish - the seams are perfectly straight and the deck is blemish-free (and Red embossed!)
- High-quality bag and pump (the Titan pump is one of best manual pumps on the market) included with the kit
- A 5-year warranty (longer than most) from a brand that’s been in the industry for a very long time
Cons
- Removable fins would be nice for more options, but as it stands you don’t have to worry about anything and these are the best gummy/fixed fins we have seen
A high-performing all-around inflatable paddle board for the average-sized paddler.
The Red Paddle Co 10’6’ Ride is an all-around iSUP with fantastic performance that you immediately notice when you step on the board and start paddling. It’s almost hard to describe how great it feels on the water because, after all, it’s a feeling. But nonetheless, in this Red Paddle Co 10’6’’ Ride review, we are going to do our best to tell you what we believe gives this board such an awesome on-the-water sensation.
As an all-around model, the 10’6’’ Ride has a great balance between stability, speed, tracking, and maneuverability. It’s meant to be taken out and used however you please. However, its shape and size work best (in our opinion) for paddlers who are under both 6 ft and 190 lbs. If you are over this size, you may not feel as stable on this model and we suggest checking out the slightly larger version of this board, the Red Paddle Co 10’8’’ Ride.
In our Red Paddle Co 10’6’’ Ride review we will dive into how Red applies its patented MSL (monocoque structural laminate) to construct an impressively stable yet lightweight board, how our test results wowed us, and what upgrades were made to make this board next-level awesome.
While this board is more expensive than many all-around SUPs, we found the high performance and construction quality to warrant the high price.
We think the Red Paddle Co 10’6 Ride would be a great SUP for paddlers who:
- Are under 6’ and 190 lbs and want an exceptional all-around style iSUP
- Want a stable SUP but do not want to compromise performance
- Want an awesome on-the-water feel that comes from a lightweight, sporty, thinner board
Red Paddle Co 10’6’’ Ride: Spec Sheet
- Main Category: All-around
- Board Dimensions: 10’8’’x4.7’’x32’’
- Listed Board Weight: 20 lb
- Listed Max Capacity: 220 lb
- Recommended PSI: 20
- Fins: molded twin iFIN system
- Paddle: Not included
- Materials: patented MSL (monocoque structural laminate), PVC
- Warranty: 5 years
Performance Review of the RedPaddleCo 10’6’’ Ride Stand Up Paddle Board
Overall Score: [9.3/10]
- Stability: 9.0/10
- Speed: 8.6/10
- Tracking: 8.8/10
- Maneuverability: 9.1/10
- Construction Quality: 9.3/10
- Features/Accessories: 9.1/10
Stability Rating: [9.0/10]
We found this to be a highly stable board for anyone around 6’ and under 190-200 lbs. I had the opportunity to paddle in windy conditions and even when the rails sank under the waves, I felt flat and balanced on the board. There was no twitching or urgent side-to-side movement. It was as if the board itself knew how to stay calm in choppy water.
It has a classic all-around oval shape, without any dramatic taper on either the nose or the tail. This shape allows for a large amount of surface area to be in direct contact with the water, allowing for greater stability.
At 10’6’’x32’’ and with an oval shape, this is a stable board for the smaller – average-size paddlers. However, we use the term “average size” lightly, meaning, there isn’t a defined cut-off for who can feel stable on this board. The high-quality construction makes it a stable board in general, and we even had Griffin (6’1 and 235 lbs) test the board out and he had no problems paddling even though he’s bigger than we would recommend for the 10’6 model.
If you’re on the cusp of being an average size adult (around 6’ tall and 190 lbs) but don’t have a lot of paddling experience, then go ahead and go with the slightly larger 10’8’’ Ride for improved stability.
Speed Rating: 8.6/10
| Board | |
| Top Sprint Speed: | 5.1 MPH |
| Average Cruising Speed: | 3.8 MPH |
Without being a super long board, the 10’6’’ Ride is faster than we expected it to be. Justin’s cruising speed came out to be just a tad faster on this board compared to the larger version of this model (the 10’8’’ Ride), which is most likely due to the fact that the 10’6’’ is slightly lighter and narrower than the 10’8’’ while only being 2’’ shorter.
The sprint result of 5.1 MPH is a great score for an oval-shaped, all-around style board. We can confidently say that this board does not compromise speed and is a fantastic board if you want high quality with a balance between all of its capabilities.
Tracking: 8.8/10
The Red Paddle Co 10’6” Ride tracks reasonably well, exceeding our expectations for a super stable board with little to no taper on the nose or tail.
It has an integrated twin iFin system that consists of (2) gummy fins that are permanently glued to the board. Each one is 4.5″ long, and together they help the board track straight.
This twin-fin setup has replaced the tri-fin setup of the previous model of this board. Compared to the tri-fin system, the twin-fin system offers greater agility, performance, and greatly improved the tracking capabilities of the 10’6 Ride. While some people think a twin fin SUP looks weird (we did the first time we saw it), we have become big fans. The twin fins allowed Red to increase the surface area of the fins which improved tracking, but they also reduced the boards’ weight.
While removable fins are kind of our jam (we like the ability to swap fins out) this fixed fin system does make it a hassle-free experience and you don’t lose any performance. In reality, we think most consumers are going to like this even if we (the team at Supboardguide) don’t.
Maneuverability: 9.1/10
This is where my love for this SUP truly came to be. Due to being only 20 lbs and 4.7’’ thick, and 10’6” long, it’s very easy to maneuver and I felt completely in control when paddling this board. I was taking tight turns around buoys, popping the nose out of the water higher than I thought I could, and overall having a blast.
This is also where our taller/larger paddler Griffin had his “ah-hah!” moment when it comes to maneuverability. We like to use Griffin when we test boards because he isn’t, by his own admission, a SUP expert, so we get honest feedback from a perspective outside of ourselves. He specifically told us that paddling this board helped him realize maneuverability could be a lot of fun if he still had the right amount of stability and tracking.
And I feel it noteworthy to mention that Griffin came the closest to performing a successful step-back turn on this SUP than he ever has before!
So needless to say, this board excels in maneuverability while not sacrificing stability or tracking, which we love to see.
Construction Quality: 9.3/10
Said plainly, the way this board is built is phenomenal.
Red Paddle Co’s commitment to the world of iSUPs shines through when you analyze its design and construction processes. They spend a total of 72 hours on each individual board, ensuring that even the minute details – like cosmetic finishes – are perfect.
Each seam is straight and fused using heat and high pressure. They emboss their deck pad with their own logo and then press it onto the board at 170 PSI to ensure a tight bond.
The construction process uses Red’s patented MSL (monocoque structural laminate). They directly adhere a hard-wearing polymer to the drop stitch core in order to create a seal and bonding layer at the raw material stage. This ensures a rigid, air-tight, and durable board even before more layers are added. This allows the SUP to handle more pressure at lower volumes and directly stiffens it. Because of the bonding layer, the pressure stays confined to the top of the board rather than the rails, and any ballooning is completely avoided.
The next step in the process is machine-laminating a structural PVC layer onto that first adhesive layer. Then, to reinforce the rails, the extra wide outer tape is added. This increases durability and decreases any possible weakness.
With this precise process, Red is able to build boards that have a fantastic on-the-water sensation. The 4.7’’ thickness allows the board to sit in the water and makes the ride feel tight yet fluid.
We admire Red Paddle Co for achieving an iSUP that is both lightweight and rigid, as well as has a high-performing feeling that you don’t find in too many other SUPs.
Board Stiffness:
Stiffness Test: 1.3125” Bend
To determine the rigidity of a SUP across a common denominator, we use our own custom bend test. The SUP is inflated to its maximum PSI for this test, and it is then laid across two sawhorses spaced 7 feet apart. The height of the board is then measured at the center. Last but not least, we add 150 lbs. of sandbags to the center of the board and measure the displacement (change from the starting point).
It makes perfect sense that the Red Paddle Co 10’6” Ride bent more than an inch given that it is built more thinly than the typical large all-around iSUP (it is 4.7” thick as opposed to the typical 6” thick SUP). We were pleasantly surprised by its score because to be very honest, we expected it to bend more.
Features/Accessory Review: [9.1/10]
Features:
To start, there are self-closing flat bungee straps on the 10’6″ Ride that has been updated from the last iteration of this model and are efficient for keeping your belongings secured and protected. In keeping with the name, the straps are constructed of better material than bungee cords and can secure more objects than you might think. You can attach items you wish to have easy access to, like a water bottle or your shoes, to the longest strap, which is the one that is closest to you while you’re paddling.
There are carrying handles on the nose and tail as well as in the middle. They are wrapped in thick material for comfort and embroidered with the Red logo.
While there is not a raised kick pad, there is what Red labels a “tail pad.” This is a diamond-grooved rear section that is extra grippy for easier step-back turns. We think this feature is cool and it looks great but we hope to see a raised kick pad in future models. As for the deck pad, it is made out of high-quality EVA material that is embossed with Red’s logo. It’s made with precision and feels great on your feet.
Included Accessories:
Both the exceptional Titan 2 pump and ATB bag are included with the Red Paddle Co 10’6″.
The fact that I can tell the ATB backpack was made with paddlers in mind is what I value most about it. Due to its size (160 liters), the rolled-up SUP can fit inside without having to struggle with the zipper. Additionally, it has an expandable storage space where you can keep extra accessories or personal items apart from the portion of the bag that holds the SUP. Additionally, this bag has room for the many cool accessories that Red Paddle Co offers for its boards (silent air remover, UV board jacket, shoulder carry strap, etc).
But what is extra cool about this backpack?
No, it’s not that there is a velcro system to secure the paddle. Or the individual pocket for the blade. While those enhancements are great, the best part about the backpack is that it can be “bagless”! Sounds crazy I know. But you can attach the deflated and rolled-up board onto solely the straps of the backpack, throw it on your back, and take it wherever you want. You can ditch the big backpack (and the bulk) in the car if you want!
Due to the dual-cylinder system and twin-chamber technology of the pump, it’s possible to pump the SUP up to 20 PSI in about half the time than a regular hand pump. When it becomes too difficult to continue pumping, you push the lever on the front of the pump further forward which exhausts the front chamber! Our only knock on the pump is that it is heavy, which does add some weight to the overall kit.
Summary Review of the RedPaddleCo 10’6’’ Ride – 2023
Personally, I love this board. And our entire team agrees. While it is slightly more expensive than other all-around SUPs, the Red Paddle Co 10’6’’ Ride will impress you and once you start paddling, you’ll be very pleased with your decision.
I’ve said it (how many times now?) and I’ll say it again: the MSL construction gives this board an on-the-water feel you just don’t find that often in the SUP world. It’s lightweight and thin, so it glides across the water, but high-quality and stable so you feel secure while you paddle.
It’s an awesome board and we truly hope you decide to try it out for yourself.
Thanks for reading and happy paddling! Let us know if you have any questions we didn’t answer in our Red Paddle Co 10’6” review down in the comments below.
Laura Coor
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Hi, thanks for the great review! I’m 200 pounds… do you still recommend this board or should I look at another instead?
Hi Kevin,
the recommended weight limit is 220 pounds. The 10’8″ version will be a better fit though. 🙂
Versatility
10
Construction
10
Stability
10
Appearance
10
Performance
10
Love the board. It’s my second board and I couldn’t be happier. 🙂
Versatility
10
Construction
10
Stability
10
Appearance
10
Performance
10
Overall the board is a solid all rounder, good job on having score tables on the reviews.
I’m newer to SUPing but have not had many balance issues. I had used a Baron 6 the other day and had my pup with me. I weigh in at 180lbs and my dog at 55lbs. Enjoyed the board and didn’t have many issues other than it is a bit heavy. It is a bigger board though. Would the Red 10′ work okay for me and my pup? Thank you!
You’d be slightly over the weight limit when you bring your pup. Check out the new iRocker model instead. It’s available in 10′ and 11′, is lighter than the Red Paddle Co but has a higher weight capacity at the same time. I think that would be the better option for you. Hope that helps
I am between the IRocker 11 and Red Paddle Co 10’6 Ride. I weigh 180 and often take my 20 lb cocker spaniel. I’ve ridden a few boards and feel confident about balance. Want a board that is fast, tracks fairly straight and turns quickly. Will use mostly in a fairly calm lake.
I’d say go for the iRocker. It’s definitely the sportier/faster board out of the two. It tracks much better than the iRocker as well since it has a single fin and the Red Paddle Co has a thruster fin setup.
Versatility
8
Construction
9.9
Stability
8.9
Appearance
6.3
Performance
9.7
Hello Sacky,
I’m a beginner at SUPing (I’ve only gone out twice but loved it). Based on your reviews I’d eventually like to purchase a Red paddle board once I am financially stable. I’m trying to decide between the 10’6 or 11′. I’m 5’6 120lbs, and may occasionally take my 25lb dog. I would mainly paddle on lakes and rivers, some with strong rapids, and would like room for storing some food, clothes, etc. as well. Thanks in advance for your time, your reviews are very helpful!
Hey Emily 🙂
Thank you! Glad you enjoy our content.
I assume you mean between the 10’6″ Ride and 11′ Sport. They are shaped differently for different reasons. The Ride will always be the more versatile of the two, as it’s shape and fin setup is made so it can perform in all conditions from surf to rivers. Whereas the 11′ Sport is more suitable for touring. It will pick up more speed and glide more efficiently over long distances.
For what you are talking about I would recommend the Sport. You can even look at 12’6″ Sport if you feel like you want the extra room for your dog. As it’s got a squared-off tail, the stability will also be better if it isn’t just you on there. There is also more room under the bungee cord for storing your things than compared to the ride. Don’t forget to check out some accessories such as a dry bag! PumpedUP SUP currently have a deal on the ERS dry bags 😉
Thank you so much for the advice Sacky!
Versatility
6
Construction
10
Stability
5.2
Appearance
6.4
Performance
10
Hi Sacky,
Have you ridden and reviewed the Starboard Drive Zen 2018 which is 10’5 x 30 x 4.75? I’ve heard good things about Starboard but I’m not sure how they compare to Red paddle Co boards? I’m interested in the Zen board due to the more affordable price point, and smaller length and width since I’m a smaller rider. I also prefer shorter attached, durable fins since I enjoy cruising in shallow waters and don’t want to worry about longer fins being damaged.
Any tips would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Hey Emily
Yet to ride the Drive Zen. I had a look into it though for you and I would suppose the price difference comes down to accessories as well as manufacturing.
So, I’m guessing you are looking at comparing it to something similar in the RPC range, which would be the Ride. The differences you’ll find with RPC is they have the epic Titan pump (it really is SO good haha), perhaps the bag but don’t want to comment without having seen the bag for Starboard. Then also the dimensions of the board. So the 2018 range of the Drive is now 5.5″ thick I have seen and layers are glued together, the Ride is 4.7″ and also RPC uses fusion technology which helps drop weight but keeps the rigidness.
I’m going to just guess the Zen would be a little more stable but the Ride more diverse.
Hope some of that helps 🙂
Hi Sacky,
I purchased the Red Ride 10’6 and out of the box it had extremely bent fins. The board does not track well and both Red Paddle co and Air Kayaks where I purchased the board have provided horrible customer service. They have insisted that it’s an easy fix with hot water to remold the fins which has not worked.
Also the pump takes a lot of strength to pump up the board, you will be exhausted prior to getting on the water. Then when you unhook the pump the valve pops up and releases a majority of the PSI that you labored over, which needs to be repumped. I believe my board has a glitch in the valve. I’ve watched all of Red’s videos and am following all of the correct steps.
I’ve had my board for 2-3 weeks and ride 3 times per week. It’s a beautiful board but way to expensive for the issues that I encountered with the board immediately out of the box. I want other customers to also be aware. I’m hoping to get a refund or exchange for the manufacturing defect but so far thier 2 year warranty hasn’t been honored.
Unfortunately, I’m an unsatisfied Red customer,
Emily
Hey Emily
Sorry to hear you’ve had such an experience.
To start, I also experienced the curled fins but they did go back to shape after leaving it out in the sun for a while. Maybe try that also? It’s a little annoying to fix them but I think it’s worth it for having pretty much indestructible fins.
Unfortunately, all pumps will require a bit of effort but I like to see it as a pre-warm up! If you find it too much I’d suggest investing in an electric pump. Did you try using both actions? That should make it a lot easier as the PSI gets higher. I can’t more honestly express how much better the Titan is than other pumps, so don’t be getting a different one! 😂
The hose and valve is a tight fit, I’ve done what you said a couple of times. Pushed it in too far and so it pushes and twists the pin into “deflate” mode, it’s finickity but you’ll get the hang of it! I personally prefer that than the slow leaking of other lower quality valves.
I’ve relayed your comment onto my contact in RPC, from my experience and many others they have received great customer service, so I hope you get someone better to help you handle your issues! Good luck with it all 🙂
Hi Emily,
I am a paddle board instructor and these are the boards we use at work 🙂
The bent fins is an easy fix, blow them with hot air from a hair dryer and bend them to desired direction.
When you pump the board up, ensure the pin is pulled OUT. This will stop it deflating when removing pump.
Yes pumping up a sup manually isnt the easiest , but you will get used to it 🙂
Good luck!
Versatility
7
Construction
10
Stability
8
Appearance
8
Performance
9
Hi here. Looking at purchasing a 10.6 ride red paddle co board. I’ve done extensive research on inflatable boards and always come up with the same advice, get 5″ thickness. However, I’m confused bcz a lot of review sites recommend the sea Gods diatom ten 6 or the irocker. These boards are 6″ thickness. I currently have a plastic board, 9’3″, 31″ wide. Could you please shed some light? I dont live close to a retailer so I’m going on these sites for help. Lol I typically board on lakes and sometimes choppy waters. I’m not a beginner nor advanced. Close to intermediate. I need it to be light as I have sustained a lower back injury, hence purchasing an isup now. I’m around 160lbs and typically take my 60lbs dog with me. Thanks so much 🙂
Amy,
It can get a little confusing when you look at the 5″ vs 6″ thickness debate. Essentially, a 5″ thick board does feel and perform a little better on the water, all else being equal. However, longer touring iSUPs and high weight capacity iSUPs almost always tend to be 6″ thickness.
Given what you are looking to do with you and your dog, I would recommend something with a larger weight capacity than the 10.6 Ride. It only has a 240 lb weight capacity, and we tend to see the board become unstable once you get around 215-220 lbs.
If you want to go with a SUP from Red Paddle co, then I would recommend looking at their Sport or Voyager series. The extra length gives you more volume, and they also paddle a lot better than the Ride series (in our opinion).
One question – are you wanting an all-around SUP, or would you prefer more of a touring SUP? Seems like you are riding a more all-around SUP right now, but if you mainly paddle on lakes then you might really love a touring SUP. If that’s the case, then I’d recommend looking at the Model V by Blackfin, or the Seagods Carta Marina if you don’t want to spend as much as you will on a Red Paddle Co.
Versatility
8
Construction
10
Stability
8.5
Appearance
8.5
Performance
9
Thanks so much for the info. I have only ever had one sup, so I’m open to a board that suits my needs. My other concern when researching the boards is I’m not sure how much of a problem the 34″ width would hinder my actual ability to paddle properly as I would require more reach, correct? I suffered a lower back injury and this seems to be the only activity I can do that doesn’t provoke any pain. I quite enjoy the look and warranty of the sea Gods boards, however, they are relatively new to the field. I’m not opposed to spending the money on a board as long as it performs what I need it to. Lol I’m trying to get ahead of the rush on boards. Thanks
Amy,
Great questions! I would recommend going with a 32″ or less board given your shoulder issues and the fact that you are currently OK on a 31″ SUP. You will have a harder time keeping the paddle vertical on a wider board, and that might especially be true for someone with a shoulder issue.
With Seagods, yes they are new. I can’t guarantee they are going to be around as much as I can with Red Paddle Co or iRocker. However, I really think you would be great with a board from them if that’s what your leaning to. I can tell you that the founders care A TON about their boards and their customers, and that means a lot to us here at Supboardguide. I personally would feel 100% solid ordering from them. Their boards and accessories feel fantastic, and I think you will really enjoy them.
Versatility
8
Construction
3.5
Stability
10
Appearance
10
Performance
10
I purchased a RED paddle board and have used it a dozen times if that and the screw fixing at the front of the board has rusted which according to RED is acceptable as it it does not detract from the functionality of the board. I would not have paid this amount of money if I knew the screw fixings would rust. Very disappointed.
Did you purchase a Ride MSL? And are you referring to the action mount near that front handle on top of the board, and have you tried using some rust dissolver (use with a q-tip and don’t get any on the SUP)?
Hello,
Thinking of purchasing either Red Paddle Co 10.6 or ERS Skylake 10-7 S3/Blue (prefers 5″ thick). Have you tried ERS? I’m not a beginner nor advanced and would mainly be using the board on coastal water. I’m 5’5 and weighs 130 lbs. Any recommendations would be much appreciated. Thank you.
Aileen,
I like both brands, but we haven’t been able to review the 10’7 ERS for a few years so I can’t say how that would compare to the current 10’6 Red. I will say that we have all been super impressed with this version of the Red and think you would love the feel on the water.
Hi, I am a beginner on the SUP, 50 yr old female and looking at the IRocker 10′ or 10’6”, Bay Sports 10’6”or Red Paddle 10’6”, for use in flat water. The specs seem the same for the Red Paddle and Bay Sports except the Bay Sport is a bit lighter (which I think would be good to carry) and 2/3rds of the price? Is there a difference in quality to explain why Red Paddle is more expensive? I’m thinking the IRocker might be a bit too heavy.
Mel,
We haven’t reviewed the latest Bay Sports Sups, but I would say that Red Paddle Co’s 10’6 Ride is better than the ones I have paddled in the past. Another board you could consider would be the iRocker 10′ Ultra as it’s a lot lighter than the 10 All-Around (and I love how compact it is).