Red Paddle Co.

Compact MSL Pact Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboard - 2023

The comparison is kinda mind blowing

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

11'

Height:

5' 7"

Weight:

190

I just received my 11' compact and was blown away by how small of a package it is, including the pump and the paddle. We have two of the 10' 6" Ride's and we have two different model years of the 12' 6" Voyager from Red, I have been very pleased with all of them, so much so that I wanted to try out one of their compacts. We like to travel and I like to bring a board with us when I can. Hawaii, even Europe, along with future trips to New Zealand and Australia. I know you can hire/rent boards at different places, but I find that a hassle and something I don't want to deal with. This 11' compact is going to make bringing a board along so much easier, When I unrolled it I was shocked at how much more pliable it is, then, having it be able to fold onto itself to make the entire unflated package super compact, the backpack bag is half the size of a normal bag from Red and the board itself is super light in comparison to any of the other boards we own from Red. I was looking at the 12' compact, but it was too similar to the Voyagers we already have, the 11' kinda hits another sweet spot and lengthens out our quiver of boards. I live in the PNW and surfing isn't really a major factor here, neither is where we stay in Hawaii, in discussing the ability of being able to ride some small waves is what pushed me into purchasing the 11'. I am so impressed with the 11' compact, that in the future, I might very well get another in an even shorter length. Maybe even getting another 11'. It tracks well, it has a decent glide for my weight, I think it would do even better for someone like my wife, but to have a board that is such a small package should push a smaller person, or a woman into loving a compact over a normal inflatable. I find I am the donkey when my wife and I go anywhere, she can lift the other boards, but she has trouble navigating any steps, or corners carrying them, so that usually falls on me, with this 11' compact, it is not going to be the case at all, the weight is so much better that her attention of carrying it, or getting fatigued will be minimal. If you like to travel and bring your board, these compacts will blow your mind in their construction and portability. Plus, being able to pull out a full sized paddle that comes in 5 pieces is also remarkable. Not the lightest paddle when coming from higher end ones, but to be able to travel and have it all in the backpack is pretty amazing. The new Titan pumps are way better than the first generation Titan pumps as well, getting up to 20psi is super easy and something a smaller person can easily do. The only wish I have.. I wish the bag came with wheels and a pull up handle for pulling the thing through an airport, or over pavement. I like the backpack, but sometimes you would like to be able to pull something along instead of having it on your back. I get super excited for travel when I think of the board, I want to SUP Venice Italy, which is on my bucket list, I think of so many other places I have been, that if I would have had a SUP with me, I would have had even fonder memories of those places.