Red Paddle Co: Elite 14’0”
Summary
The longest boards in the Elite Racing family of iSUPs from Red Paddle Co are the 14’0” models. The 14’ class was designed for the more experienced racers and those who compete over longer distances; it is also an ideal racing board for taller riders. The bodies of the 14’ foot models, available in two widths, were designed to increase speed and reduce drag.
Pros
- Unrivaled rigidity and speed.
- Stable and balanced.
- Fast glide.
- RSS and FFC technology.
- MSL Fusion construction.
- Raised kick pad.
- Secure grip.
- Ideal length for larger riders.
- Accessory mount.
- Streamlined design.
- Extra carrying handles.
- Great for longer distances.
Cons
- Paddles not included.
These incredibly rigid boards come complete with racing specific features unseen in other racing models. The streamlined design and detail put into every feature of this racing board allow it to glide swiftly, pick up swell and excel downwind going in whichever direction you point it in.
Get to Know Red Paddle Co
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 super lengthy 14’0” Elite models were designed for competing over longer distances and for bigger riders in general. Two widths are available; 25” and 27”. The 25” was designed for experienced racers looking to cut drag and amp up their speed, the 27” model is an ideal all-around racing board that has speed, stability and maneuverability in one slender package. Don’t let the small hips on these boards fool you though, they can hold up to 240 pounds and weigh only 23 pounds making them easily transportable especially with the included backpack.
| Length | Width | Weight | Weight Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14’0” | 25” | 23 lbs | 240 lbs | Check Price |
| 14’0” | 27” | 23 lbs | 240 lbs | Check Price |
Fin configuration: Single removable
Building the Board
Red Paddle Co is known for their premium patented construction, they use MSL Fusion technology to create a bombproof core sans human error, and on their racing boards they use two unique systems, creating the most rigid and stable boards on the market. A Rocker Stiffening System (RSS) is used on the rails of the Elite series and FFC system (Forward Flex Control) is used on the nose of the boards. This is a carbon strut that stiffens the nose of the board allowing the energy to be transferred to the back of the board to produce more speed. The combination of the RSS and FFC system provides you with a flex free board to soar across the finish line on. The top deck is covered in crocodile cut embossed EVA foam for extra grip and comfort.
There is a raised kick pad for added grip when steering your board with the added benefit of being able to slide your foot back without glancing back. The carbon strut and carrying handles were all placed towards the nose, out of the way of your standing zone. There are four carrying handles surrounding the FFC system as well as an integrated accessory mount in the middle of the nose. The tail of the board holds the inflation valve and the leash attachment point. On the underside of the board is a single removable fin with a US fin box. The fin has been angled to avoid catching on debris in the heat of the race a nose runner has also been added to help prevent nose diving. Every detail of the Elite series was designed to get you across the finish line faster.
What’s Included
As with any Red Paddle Co iSUP purchase you will receive the ‘just what you need’ accessory kit. An all-terrain backpack is included and comes with a special lining to control the temperature of your board and accessories. In addition you will receive a Titan dual chamber pump, repair kit and waterproof phone pouch.
On the Water
The 14’ feels strong but soft under the feet; the deck pad is comfortable and offers plenty of grip even when the deck is covered in water. Despite the width, each board feels incredibly stable with plenty of standing room. The board moves quickly in the water and covers quite a long distance in an incredibly short amount of time. Easy to paddle and easier to turn, the 14’ boards are corner cutting speed machines. The Elite handles like a dream in all water conditions but is not easy to maneuver at slow speeds so it would not be an ideal touring board.
Pros and Cons: An Explanation
This sleek series has some of the most race efficient functional features and seriously good looks to match. Every detail has been well thought out and designed with racing in mind. Our only complaint is the lack of a paddle in the accessory kit; it would be nice to have a lightweight paddle included with these racing boards.
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 Elite Racing range from Red Paddle Co has some of the fastest and most rigid racing iSUPs on the market today. The 14’ models are perfectly suited for taller riders and long distance competitors. These boards cut through the water in any condition, flat to choppy with plenty of power in the tail and a stiff nose to get you across the finish line first. If you’re after an all-in-one racing board to give you a leg up over your competitors the Elite series has what you need.
