Thanks for the videos. I just discovered the Isle hybrids. At first I thought I wanted the Switch 3 but then I thought it would be sluggish due to the width, so now I'm considering the Explorer 3. I'm actually a beginner to both kayaking and paddleboarding. ( I kayaked once over 10 years ago and I've never paddleboarded.) I'm looking to get into both activities for fitness reasons. Do you really feel the Explorer is OK for a beginner? I realize it's less stable due to the width. I'd be getting it with the additional kayak kit for the versatility. (Also, for the instance that I'm terribly inept at paddleboarding. 😅) As far as comparing the 2 models, does the Explorer track and handle noticeably better than the Switch? I just don't want to get a "beginner" board and then soon after wish I had gotten a better performing one. I hope you see this soon. I'm looking to make a purchase in the next week or so. Thanks!
The Explorer 3 is great for a beginner. In terms of tracking, the Explorer is actually a little easier to track straight because it's narrower, but they both do a good job. The Switch is definitely a better choice for larger paddlers, paddling with a partner, or bringing a significant amount of equipment for fishing, etc.
How would you compare the Isle Explorer 3 with Bote HD Aero? I will use it as all around and every some time to Fish Bote is a bit more expense and probably looks nicer but I like the fact that isle is lighter, 5 years warranty and comes with a Carbon Fiber paddle do you think is worth it? I will like to hear your though.
The Explorer 3 is 2" narrower than the Bote HD Aero. As an all-around board I would take the Explorer 3 over the HD Aero pretty much every time. If I were looking for a more dedicated fishing board, then I might opt for the HD Aero if I wanted to have the tackle rack and other fishing accessories offered by Bote.
The Explorer 3 is lighter, has welded rails, and includes a better accessory kit. It is a little less rigid, but the shape has been refined, so it still paddles very well as a longer all-around/crossover board.
Thank you for such an excellent video! I appreciate all the time and effort that you put into making this. I think this might be our first SUP!
You're welcome!
Would you recommend this board for a first time paddleboarder looking to buy an inflatable to use on mellow rivers and sheltered ocean bays?
Absolutely. The Explorer 3 is great for beginner paddlers.
I rather have a little more weight to remove any flex.
Definitely check out the Explorer Pro 12'. It's extremely rigid and just a touch heavier. www.inflatableboarder.com/isle-explorer-pro-12-isup-review/
Thanks for the videos. I just discovered the Isle hybrids. At first I thought I wanted the Switch 3 but then I thought it would be sluggish due to the width, so now I'm considering the Explorer 3. I'm actually a beginner to both kayaking and paddleboarding. ( I kayaked once over 10 years ago and I've never paddleboarded.)
I'm looking to get into both activities for fitness reasons.
Do you really feel the Explorer is OK for a beginner? I realize it's less stable due to the width. I'd be getting it with the additional kayak kit for the versatility. (Also, for the instance that I'm terribly inept at paddleboarding. 😅) As far as comparing the 2 models, does the Explorer track and handle noticeably better than the Switch? I just don't want to get a "beginner" board and then soon after wish I had gotten a better performing one. I hope you see this soon. I'm looking to make a purchase in the next week or so. Thanks!
The Explorer 3 is great for a beginner. In terms of tracking, the Explorer is actually a little easier to track straight because it's narrower, but they both do a good job. The Switch is definitely a better choice for larger paddlers, paddling with a partner, or bringing a significant amount of equipment for fishing, etc.
Thanks for the reply. Just ordered the Explorer 3! Looking forward to the learning experience of trying to paddleboard for the first time.
How would you compare the Isle Explorer 3 with Bote HD Aero? I will use it as all around and every some time to Fish Bote is a bit more expense and probably looks nicer but I like the fact that isle is lighter, 5 years warranty and comes with a Carbon Fiber paddle do you think is worth it? I will like to hear your though.
The Explorer 3 is 2" narrower than the Bote HD Aero. As an all-around board I would take the Explorer 3 over the HD Aero pretty much every time. If I were looking for a more dedicated fishing board, then I might opt for the HD Aero if I wanted to have the tackle rack and other fishing accessories offered by Bote.
How does it compare to the explorer 2?
The Explorer 3 is lighter, has welded rails, and includes a better accessory kit. It is a little less rigid, but the shape has been refined, so it still paddles very well as a longer all-around/crossover board.