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Red Paddle Co Voyager+ MSL Review

A lightweight, high-performance design that is one of the fastest inflatable boards available
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red paddle co voyager+ msl inflatable sup review
The Voyager is capable of impressive speeds with its 13'-2" length and rail stiffening inserts.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Price:  $1,749 List
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Manufacturer:   Red Paddle Co
By Nick Bruckbauer ⋅   ⋅  Sep 1, 2023
74
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#3 of 15
  • Stability - 35% 6.0
  • Glide Performance - 25% 10.0
  • Maneuverability - 15% 5.0
  • Ease of Use - 15% 8.0
  • Construction Quality - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Red Paddle Co Voyager+ MSL is a high-performance inflatable SUP built for efficiency and speed. One of the longest and narrowest boards in our lineup, the Voyager is not as stable as others, but its high-quality components and rigid design are invaluable for longer missions and high-performance outings. It also includes front and back straps, dual cargo systems, and one of the best pumps in our test. This is the model we recommend for intermediate or advanced paddlers looking for increased speed and glide in a lightweight inflatable board. See it rated versus top competitors in our review of the best inflatable SUPs.
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent glide
Several comfortable handles
Stable for its shape
Dual chamber pump
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Not maneuverable
Unstable for beginners

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Bottom Line A high performer with quality components, this model is lightweight and built for speedA beginner-to-intermediate board that keeps paddling fun in mixed conditionsA high-performing inflatable that performs like a solid boardAn impressively designed hybrid board that's comfortable for both your feet and seat that you can easily transport whether packed up or inflatedA lightweight, easy to use, and affordable board with solid all-around performance
Rating Categories Red Paddle Co Voyag... Bote Breeze Aero Bluefin Cruise Carbon Isle Switch FunWater 11
Stability (35%)
6.0
8.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
Glide Performance (25%)
10.0
7.0
9.0
7.0
7.0
Maneuverability (15%)
5.0
7.0
6.0
6.0
6.0
Ease of Use (15%)
8.0
9.0
3.0
8.0
8.0
Construction Quality (10%)
8.0
8.0
9.0
6.0
6.0
Specs Red Paddle Co Voyag... Bote Breeze Aero Bluefin Cruise Carbon Isle Switch FunWater 11
Measured Weight 25 lbs 20 lbs 31 lbs 19 lbs 18.9 lbs
Weight Capacity 330 lbs 250 lbs 400 lbs 425 lbs 330 lbs
Inflated Width 30" 33" 32" 36" 33"
Inflated Length 13'2" 10'8" 12" 11'7" 11'
Inflated Thickness 6" 6" 6" 6" 6"
Paddle Included No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Fin Configuration FCS connect fin 2+1 plastic fins, with large detachable center fin 2+1 plastic fins, all 3 detachable Detachable flexible 9" touring fin 2+1 plastic fins, with large detachable center fin
Folded Dimensions 32" x 19" x 9" 38" 18" x 12" 34" x 15" x 10" 37" x 12" x 9" 34" x 16" x 7"
Bungee Cargo System Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Pump Included Yes, high-pressure, dual chamber Yes Yes, high-pressure, dual chamber Yes Yes
Backpack Included Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Our Analysis and Test Results

Product Update Note

Red Paddle Co has updated the Voyager+ MSL since we last tested it. The newer version has a longer traction pad, and the cargo tie-downs are flat bungee straps instead of criss-crossed bungee cords. The size and shape of the board itself are otherwise unchanged. Compare the Voyager+ we tested (left) to the newer model (right).

Other sizes: In addition to the 13'-2" length we tested, the Voyager is also available in 12-'6" and 12' lengths, as well as a 15' tandem.




The Voyager+ MSL is a standout with its fast and efficient touring design built for high-end performance. As one of the longest and narrowest boards in our lineup, this won't be a favorite among first-time paddlers, but experienced folks will definitely notice the quality and thoughtful design. Of course, these premium components come with a premium price tag — the Voyager is one of the most expensive boards we tested and one of the pricer inflatable boards on the market.

Performance Comparison


red paddle co voyager+ msl inflatable sup review - the voyager+ msl packs a ton of speed and performance into its 13'2"...
The Voyager+ MSL packs a ton of speed and performance into its 13'2" length.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer

Stability


Measuring 30 inches wide and 6 inches thick, the Voyager+ MSL is significantly narrower and a bit thinner than the sturdiest competitors in our lineup. In addition, its fin configuration, which consists of one large FCS Connect Touring Fin and two much smaller built-in side fins, is a bit less stable than other boards with a full three-fin setup.


That being said, our testing crew's intermediate and advanced paddlers were more than happy with this board's stability, and even our beginner testers warmed up to the board once they adjusted to the narrower width. The key to keeping this vessel stable is to maintain its forward momentum. As it slices through the water, the forward momentum keeps it tracking in a straight line and stops it from tilting over. Like riding a bicycle, once you lose momentum or slow the speed, the stability can be compromised.

red paddle co voyager+ msl inflatable sup review - although not as stable as shorter and wider boards, the voyager is...
Although not as stable as shorter and wider boards, the Voyager is surprisingly capable of maintaining balance in choppier conditions if you maintain its forward momentum.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer

Unique to Red Paddle, the Voyager has an RSS stiffening system that allows users to customize the rigidity. You can insert two stiffening strips into individual pockets on each side of the board, which help prevent flex and help maintain a rigid rail edge to slice through the water more efficiently.

The RSS stiffening system places a stiffening strip inside a sleeve...
The RSS stiffening system places a stiffening strip inside a sleeve on each side rail, increasing the rigidity of the board.
The RSS stiffening system places a stiffening strip inside a sleeve...
The RSS stiffening system places a stiffening strip inside a sleeve on each side rail, increasing the rigidity of the board.
The RSS stiffening system places a stiffening strip inside a sleeve...
The RSS stiffening system places a stiffening strip inside a sleeve on each side rail, increasing the rigidity of the board.

Glide Performance


Although it is tough for an inflatable SUP to match up to the performance offered by a classic rigid board, the Voyager comes very close. With a long, narrow shape, pointed nose, and tapered rear end, it is built for glide efficiency and speed. Other top-of-the-line components, including an FCS Connect Touring Fin, a built-in nose runner fin, and an RSS stiffening system, help this vessel easily slice through the water, making longer paddle missions easy even in windy or choppy conditions.


While the Voyager succeeds as a touring board with excellent speed and efficiency in open water, it lacks some versatility to take in other waters where its length can't be fully utilized. When paddling down a meandering creek or through choppier water, a more stable and maneuverable board would be more beneficial than the Voyager's touring profile.

The FCS Touring fin is one of the best that we tested in this review.
The FCS Touring fin is one of the best that we tested in this review.
The nose runner fin enhances the board's ability to track in a...
The nose runner fin enhances the board's ability to track in a straight line but hampers its side-to-side maneuverability.

Maneuverability


The Voyager is fantastic at covering long distances quickly and efficiently when the course is relatively straight. Even in rougher or choppier waters, its tracking skills make it great for touring but become a downside for maneuverability. The long and narrow shape makes executing quick or tight turns exceptionally difficult.


The Voyager is not designed as a general all-around board. It is specifically meant for touring and is built for getting up to speed and tracking in a straight line. If you are looking for an inflatable SUP with exceptional glide and don't care about navigating tricky terrain, then this is a great board for you. But if easy turning and maneuverability are essential factors, we suggest looking at other all-around models for better performance in this metric. Shorter boards with less extreme front-end tapers will provide more versatility and can pivot and turn across the water more easily.

red paddle co voyager+ msl inflatable sup review - the long, narrow shape and built-in features to enhance tracking and...
The long, narrow shape and built-in features to enhance tracking and gliding make this board less maneuverable than most.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer

Ease of Use


The front and rear handles, dual side handles, and burly middle handle make portages with one or two people easy, and the relatively low weight also allows the Voyager to be easily transported. Having only one removable center fin cuts down on the disassembly time, and the board rolls up surprisingly well for its size.


The Voyager+ MSL also comes with a unique backpack that is well-designed and comfortably accommodates the board and extra accessories. This carrying bag includes wheels, a nice addition for leisurely strolls down to the lake on paved trails, parking lots, or the airport. However, if you're planning on more remote lake experiences, they are a bit much, and the backpack straps aren't as comfortable as those on other models.

The comfortable center handle is one of five built-in grab handles...
The comfortable center handle is one of five built-in grab handles that make hauling the inflated board easier.
The included carrying bag has backpack straps that can be stowed away.
The included carrying bag has backpack straps that can be stowed away.
The included carrying bag also includes roller wheels for convenience.
The included carrying bag also includes roller wheels for convenience.

Even though it is one of the larger boards in our lineup, the Voyager scores at the top of the charts for ease of inflation, thanks to its dual-chamber pump system that outpaces most others. This pump, which comes with a universal fitting and several other nozzles, became the pump we used to inflate almost every other board during our testing — it is just that much better. The dual-chamber system is adjustable such that both chambers can be utilized to quickly add higher volumes of air to the board, and then just one chamber can be utilized to bring the board up to the proper air pressure. While most of the pumps included in our lineup have a similar two-stage adjustment system, the dual-chamber system's extra volume and the overall build quality of the one that comes with the Voyager definitley stands out.

The included dual-chamber pump is powerful and versatile and is one...
The included dual-chamber pump is powerful and versatile and is one of the best pumps that we've used during our testing.
The included dual-chamber pump is powerful and versatile and is one...
The included dual-chamber pump is powerful and versatile and is one of the best pumps that we've used during our testing.
The included dual-chamber pump is powerful and versatile and is one...
The included dual-chamber pump is powerful and versatile and is one of the best pumps that we've used during our testing.

Construction Quality


This is a very well-made board that boasts reinforced taped rails and fiberglass RSS rods for added stiffness. The included pump is excellent and makes the task of inflation easier and faster.


Additionally, the Voyager has several high-end features like dual cargo systems, five built-in grab handles, and several built-in M8 screw mounts for additional accessories like GPS mounts, cameras, or fishing rod holders. With proper care, this board should have no problem sticking with you for a long time.

red paddle co voyager+ msl inflatable sup review - there are several built-in m8 screw mounts that can be adapted to...
There are several built-in M8 screw mounts that can be adapted to hold cameras, GPS units, or fishing rods.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer

Should You Buy the Red Paddle Co Voyager+ MSL?


The Voyager+ MSL is not cheap. Additionally, this board doesn't include a paddle (which many others do), so you'll have to factor in more bucks for a top-rated SUP paddle to match the high performance. That said, if you're already in the market for a board of this caliber, the added cost of compatible components won't surprise you. And, at the end of the day, we don't think you'll be disappointed, bank account balance aside.

red paddle co voyager+ msl inflatable sup review - although it's expensive, the voyager+ msl provides the best touring...
Although it's expensive, the Voyager+ MSL provides the best touring performance of any board we tested.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer

What Other Inflatable SUPs Should You Consider?


The Red Paddle Voyager is one of our testers' favorite boards built for speed and performance. It's rigid, durable, and fast, providing impressive performance for an inflatable SUP. If you're willing to sacrifice a bit of versatility for a speedier ride, and you're willing to pay top dollar for top-end performance, then this is the board for you. On the other hand, if you'd prefer easier movements and stability, we love the Bote Breeze Aero. The Gili Komodo is also a favorite for its easy maneuverability.

Nick Bruckbauer