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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 Review (The Voyager is capable of impressive speeds with its 13'-2" length and rail stiffening inserts.)
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 Katie Young and Nick Bruckbauer  ⋅  Oct 30, 2024
74
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#6 of 20
  • 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. Still, 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 paddlers looking to push themselves 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
Editor's Note: The updated version of this board was bought and retested on October 30, 2024, and updates have been made to this review.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Inflatable SUP
Best Buy Award
Best Value Inflatable SUP
Top Pick Award
Best No-Fuss Inflatable SUP
Top Pick Award
Inflatable that's Most Like a Solid Board
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Bottom Line A high performer with quality components, this model is lightweight and built for speedThis board captured our attention with its exceptional stability, smooth maneuverability, and incredible valueIf you're looking for the most stable and affordable stand up paddle board out there, this might be the one for youYogis, new paddlers, families, and intermediate paddlers alike will all love this versatile, easy-to-use boardA high-performing inflatable that performs like a solid board
Rating Categories Red Paddle Co Voyag... Bote Wulf Aero Advenor Extra Wide Isle Pioneer 3 Bluefin Cruise Carbon
Stability (35%)
6.0
9.0
10.0
8.0
9.0
Glide Performance (25%)
10.0
7.5
6.0
7.0
9.0
Maneuverability (15%)
5.0
9.0
6.0
7.0
6.0
Ease of Use (15%)
8.0
8.5
7.0
9.0
3.0
Construction Quality (10%)
8.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
9.0
Specs Red Paddle Co Voyag... Bote Wulf Aero Advenor Extra Wide Isle Pioneer 3 Bluefin Cruise Carbon
Measured Weight 29 lb 16.5 lb 18 lb 19 lb 31 lb
Weight Capacity 330 lb 250 lb 330 lb 285 lb 385 lb
Measured Width 30" 34" 33" 34" 32"
Measured Length 13.2' 10.4' 11' 10.5' 12'
Measured Thickness 6" 6" 6" 6" 6"
Paddle Included No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Fin Configuration 2 detachable fins 1 detachable fin 2 small detachable fins, 1 large detachble fin 1 center detachable 2+1 plastic fins, all 3 detachable
Folded Dimensions 32" x 19" x 9" 34" x 19" x 8.5" 34" x 18" x 9" 38" x 15" x 12" 34" x 15" x 10"
Bungee Cargo System Yes Yes Yes Yes; 2 Yes
Pump Included Yes, high-pressure, dual chamber Yes Yes Yes Yes, high-pressure, dual chamber
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 first tested it. The newer version that we tested 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 first tested (left) to the newer model that we tested in 2024 (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, thus winning a notable award from our tester for its touring capabilities. 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 by far the most expensive of the boards we tested and one of the pricer inflatable boards on the market. All of our testers took a little bit to get acclimated to this board, as it vastly differs from any of the other boards we tested. But once they got the hang of it, there was lots of fun to be had.

Performance Comparison


red paddle co voyager+ msl - long, narrow boards typically have the quickest speed and glide.
Long, narrow boards typically have the quickest speed and glide.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer

Stability


Measuring 30 inches wide and six 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 two large FCS Connect Touring Fin on either side, 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 - 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. These are used by pumping the board to one PSI, inserting the strips and then pumping to the appropriate PSI. We did notice a significant difference when we inserted these strips into the board. When using this board, we would recommend either pumping it toward the higher end of the recommended PSI or using the stiffening strips (Red calls them battens). The instructions recommend inserting the battens if you are over 165lb to help maintain 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.
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 insertable battens to help stability and rigitiy are recommended for paddlers over 165 pounds.

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.
Equipped on this board is a tail touring fin and a nose runner fin.

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 to get up to speed and track in a straight line. We found it took quite a bit of effort to turn this board a full 180 degrees. 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.

The Red Voyager + MSL takes a little extra effort to get turned a full 180 degrees.
Credit: Staci Curtis

Ease of Use


The front and rear handles, dual side handles, and burly middle handle make portage with one or two people easy, and the relatively low weight also allows the Voyager to be easily transported. The two removable fins are easy to put on and take out, 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 board alone weighs 29 pounds, which does not make it the most carry-friendly of the inflatable models. While it is on the heavier end, for being 13 feet long and nearly 30 pounds, it is fairly easy to carry once inflated. The length is the hardest part to navigate, making turns around corners or between cars a little tricky, but overall far easier than we expected.

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.
Though heavy, the padded handles, backpack straps, and wheels make it reasonable to get from the car to shore.

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 definitely stand out. We were shocked at how quickly and easily a 13-foot board could be inflated.

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.
The dual chamber pump included with the Voyager was one of our favorites and very effective.

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 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 - 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 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 - the voyager + msl is a huge board but still fairly easy to carry...
The Voyager + MSL is a huge board but still fairly easy to carry thanks to how narrow it is and a great middle handle.
Credit: Staci Curtis

What Other Inflatable SUPs Should You Consider?


The Red Paddle Voyager is a notable board amongst our testers' as it is built for speed and performance. But on the other hand, if you'd prefer easier movements and stability, we love the Bote Wulf Aero. The Gili Komodo is also a favorite for its easy maneuverability.

Katie Young and Nick Bruckbauer