I bought the Isle Switch a little over a month ago. I LOVE this thing. It checks all the boxes for me. Light weight, paddles easily, I can carry it by myself, everything including my PFD fits neatly inside the very sturdy bag, I can strap the bag behind the passenger seat of my van & it’s a sit-on-top. It’s perfect for me! And I must say, Isle customer service has been top notch!
You have me sold on this! I love my sea kayak, but I hate loading and unloading it. Also just storing it. Hubby and I aren't getting any younger and a 19 pound watercraft sounds great! We are going to pick up one for him and if I like it, I'll get one as well! Thank you for all your great videos! 😁
I purchased the switch this week and then I saw your review…now I am even more excited about my purchase. Thanks for showing it in action with the family!
Great channel for those of us trying to figure things out! Thanks! You have reviewed two similar craft. I'm considering a tandem SUP/Kayak. Can you tell me the main difference, other than price, between the Isle Switch and the TAHE Sup-Yak? Any guidance would be helpful. Thanks
Looks like a nice boat. The seat is very nice looking. The fin looks a little deep for a river. 2 small flex ones extra would be nice for rivers with shoal areas. For a lot less, look at the Goplus Inflatable Sit-On-Top Kayak. Drop stitch.
Absolutely love your channel. Really helped me and my girlfriend get into the hobby. Your reviews are very thorough and in depth. Thanks for that. I do have a question/request, however. The brand 'Itiwit' is rather popular in Europe as it comes to SUP's and lately inflatable drop stitch Kayaks. Is there any chance you could review one of these products. Specifically the Itiwit Strenfit X500. It is a really popular one her across the pond and I'm really looking for a proper unbiased in-depth review. Either way, thanks for the content!
You probably hate getting more suggestions after you put in the work to do this excellent review, but I would recommend you take a look at the Goplus kayak for future review. It’s a SUP inspired drop stitch inflatable kayak with a sunken cockpit and foot brace. I comes with paddle, pump, seat, skeg, and bag for $340-$365 depending on which site you buy from. Since it’s drop stitch, it paddles and holds a line well. I got one last year, and I think it would satisfy 95% of what rec kayakers are looking for and half to a third of the price of other 100% drop stitch kayaks. It just might be the best valued sit-on-top inflatable rec kayak out there.
I see you enjoyed the aquaglide last video, I have the Deschutes 145 tandem, also weighs 28 lbs, 600 lbs capacity! Storage for dayyyys The floor is not dropstitched, its solid EVA with duratex(impregnated 1000D) So you kinda sink in a bit, could use thicker seats BUT probably the most stable kayak ever built and oh yeah, 28lbs with a 600 lbs! capacity and goes back in the backpack no prob! I would loooove to know what you think about it, 849 msrp Everytime I take it out I want to go for a multi-day trip but haven't yet, my 10 yr old daughter and I with much gear including a cooler fit and float great and are not pushing the limits at all! My first kayak, gotta show these videos with you and your daughter to my daughter! Please pleeeaase review!!!! Great video btw!
Just got back from a 3 day tour with my SUP. Couldn't keep up with my friends in Kayaks but the comfort and ability to load equipment was completely unmatched. I made up for the speed by having a full carbon paddle and paddling my ass off. At most they were 10 minutes down river, nothing major.
I love this genre, which by the way liberates you from needing scuppers. I'm sure you can add air to the seat and foot thing with your mouth if needed. Big fins are great, but I wonder how it is attached. Some will jam with sand in slot and some need a screwdriver if you don't buy a thumbnut. I remain skeptical of back support for non rigid seats. People with C shaped spines around their gut sometimes flatten those seatbacks supported only by angled straps.
We agree it's nice to sit a bit higher on the water and not worry about water entering the boat! Because the seat and foot brace are made of the same durable drop-stitch as the boat, they do require our pump, so not inflatable by mouth. Our 9" fin is flexible on the Switch so you get the benefit of the 9" for tracking but it will bend out of the way of objects it may encounter - and it uses a thumbnut so no tool required. As for back support we've tested so many seats out there to arrive to this design - it really is super comfortable and supportive and once installed essentially becomes a "rigid" seat, and has 2 fiberglass rods on the seat back for rigidity.
How do you compare this to the TAHE Beach Sup-YAK Tandem Inflatable 11'6" that you reviewed in June last year? I was looking at that one until I came across this video, not sure now which one to get. The TAHE is a little cheaper and you get the extra seat and foot rest. I'm a beginner and mostly lake use.
I can tell you right away that the seat on the Switch will be WAY more comfortable. Being elevated makes a HUGE difference. I can paddle all day on a elevated seat verses the one on the TAHE. 30 minutes and my back would be killing me.
Ken, I watched your review of the Isle Switch Kayak/SUP and the Tahe tandem inflatable Kayak?SUP. Have you taken a look at the BOTE Low Rider inflatable 11.6 tandem? I'm definitely in for a hybrid kayak/SUP, one that I can. paddle with my two 60 lb labradors. Been SUP paddlng with my older one for 7 years and recently got another one who is 9 months old. Can be a challenge paddling with 2. Need stability, enough room in the front for them to sit/lay down, and enough performance for me to enjoy. Been SUP paddling since 2003. Need a comparison among the three mentioned.
No problem... I like both for sure, but the Switch is definitely a step ahead. Not only is it lighter, but the fellow who was behind the design of the Tahe Beach SUP-Yak, also designed the Isle Switch a year later. He clearly took his learnings from the Beach and applied them to the Switch. I could tell it was the 'next generation'... like upgrading your iPhone. :). Not a huge difference... but a difference!
@@PaddleTV thank you for answering me!! That's good to hear this and the one thing we wondered if they would design a alternate removable fin in the front to help it track better. We have The beach sup/yaks that we LOVE!! But sometimes would like it to track better, that's our only complaint. But we just got use to making it work.
@@PaddleTV Got the Tahe 11'6" SUP/YAK for $300 less and comes kitted to seat 2. Didn't see a second seat option on the Isle website. May be nicer but the Tahe is a better value.
Can you do a head to head vs. the TAHE 11'6 Beach Sup-Yak? Looks like there's a lot of similarities, but the price points are far apart and the TAHE seems to come with more accessories.
Copying what I just wrote for someone else asking the same question - I like both for sure, but the Switch is definitely a step ahead. Not only is it lighter, but the fellow who was behind the design of the Tahe Beach SUP-Yak, also designed the Isle Switch a year later. He clearly took his learnings from the Beach and applied them to the Switch. I could tell it was the 'next generation'... like upgrading your iPhone. :). Not a huge difference... but a difference!
So dimension wise this is very similar to the 11'6" explorer, but 3" wider. Yet it is 5 pounds lighter than the explorer. This new manufacturing method has me worried about durability. I wonder if the layer over links on the sides is extra? Or is that one of the two main layers? If the latter, well that's a lot of leak point potential. If it's durable then this thing is super cool
I don't have all the answers for you, but what I can tell you is that this thing feels as bomber as any inflatable SUP I've tried. I think it's going to be very durable. Isle has been making inflatable SUPs for a long time, and so the know what they're doing. Of course... only time will tell, but so far, so good.
I have similar craft, which will pierce steep waves and sweep the deck or for lesser waves will slap up and down. Not as smooth or fast as in a kayak, but workable. I did start surfing backwards once on a monster wave, but only because I paddled weakly.
SUPs can take waves better than Kayaks, but you have to accept the fact that you're gonna get yourself and everything you're carrying washed on. It won't flip like a kayak might, especially from a broadside hit, but you might fall off it anyways. Though, that's another benefit on the sea; just leash it and it's far far easier to re-enter than a kayak.
Hope you love the Switch! This river is only 20 minutes away from my home in Ontario, Canada. If you're interested, here's the full adventure we did on it. th-cam.com/video/ftzMO4-sWuE/w-d-xo.html
Purchased the Switch after watching this excellent review. Love it! Could you kindly do one on the Isle Explorer 2.0? Lots on the Pioneer, but none on the Explorer…which looks like a great board…and can also be used as a Hybrid 😊
Hi I live Quebec And I have look your video and I would like to buy this item, but … it only send to US only. So where in Canada can we buy this thing Thank you for helping me Sofie
I have the 473RL and the seaeagle LB11 which is similar to this. The LB11 caps at about ~3.5mph on flat water, and the tandem sea eagle hits about 4.5 when paddling hard. I also have the SeaEagle FSK12 and that caps out at 3mph. Just did a tour with my kayaking friends in the FSK12 and I couldn't keep up, was about 2-10 minutes behind every stretch, including vs the 473RL. If you're looking for pure performance, definitely stay kayak, but the comfort and customizability is completely unmatched, especially since it packs down even smaller than the 3 chamber kayak.
Have you tried the switch with a Bixpy jet motor to help out on a longer trip across a lake or down river? With all of the customizable features this large board has would the jet be of benefit to make a trip easier?
Honestly, I think it would handle a treble hook pretty well. The board has a rubber coating on it that would make it hard for the hook to stick into. The hook would only really get purchase in the EVA deck pad, and that wouldn't compromise the integrity of the kayak... just be a pain in the butt.
My sup/kayak Hydro Force Oceana is a little heavier about 25 pounds I’m not sure 6 pounds are worth an extra $500 This one has awesome features but not fancy enough for that price
I cant find a UK dealer for this board, so on import its about £1000. This is really over priced. Tahe make a 11'6 BEACH SUP-YAK + KAYAK KIT 2022 that sells for £200 less in the UK. Its a nice board but I'd still save my money and get a bluefin.
tbh, nothing special about this paddleboard. just a sub with a seat. many of us have been doing this. BUT, i just like to watch your video :) very well produced.
That's what I though before putting it to use. I agree 100% that you can attach a seat to any SUP with attachment points, but regular SUPs don't have attachment points the whole length of the board, so that you can completely change the configuration of where the seat (or seats) go. On top of that, the seat is awesome - way better than the non-inflatable seats you can buy on Amazon, and the footrest is a big bonus too. Paddling a SUP as a kayak without a foot rest system gets uncomfortable quick. Thanks for good words Eric!
You can purchase a board for $299 @ Costco, th4n purchase a better seat...it's a better paddle board. Your voice seems like your getting paid by the board company???
I bought the Isle Switch a little over a month ago. I LOVE this thing. It checks all the boxes for me. Light weight, paddles easily, I can carry it by myself, everything including my PFD fits neatly inside the very sturdy bag, I can strap the bag behind the passenger seat of my van & it’s a sit-on-top. It’s perfect for me! And I must say, Isle customer service has been top notch!
You have me sold on this! I love my sea kayak, but I hate loading and unloading it. Also just storing it. Hubby and I aren't getting any younger and a 19 pound watercraft sounds great! We are going to pick up one for him and if I like it, I'll get one as well! Thank you for all your great videos! 😁
I purchased the switch this week and then I saw your review…now I am even more excited about my purchase. Thanks for showing it in action with the family!
Great channel for those of us trying to figure things out! Thanks! You have reviewed two similar craft. I'm considering a tandem SUP/Kayak. Can you tell me the main difference, other than price, between the Isle Switch and the TAHE Sup-Yak? Any guidance would be helpful. Thanks
Looks like a nice boat. The seat is very nice looking. The fin looks a little deep for a river. 2 small flex ones extra would be nice for rivers with shoal areas. For a lot less, look at the Goplus Inflatable Sit-On-Top Kayak. Drop stitch.
❤Just ordered mine after tons of research! Great video you spoke to all of the board's strengths/ingenuity very nicely!
Hope you enjoy it!
Absolutely love your channel. Really helped me and my girlfriend get into the hobby. Your reviews are very thorough and in depth. Thanks for that. I do have a question/request, however. The brand 'Itiwit' is rather popular in Europe as it comes to SUP's and lately inflatable drop stitch Kayaks. Is there any chance you could review one of these products. Specifically the Itiwit Strenfit X500. It is a really popular one her across the pond and I'm really looking for a proper unbiased in-depth review. Either way, thanks for the content!
Quite a few people are waiting for this review 😁
I've had mine for several months now and I'm already biased... 🙃
You probably hate getting more suggestions after you put in the work to do this excellent review, but I would recommend you take a look at the Goplus kayak for future review. It’s a SUP inspired drop stitch inflatable kayak with a sunken cockpit and foot brace. I comes with paddle, pump, seat, skeg, and bag for $340-$365 depending on which site you buy from. Since it’s drop stitch, it paddles and holds a line well. I got one last year, and I think it would satisfy 95% of what rec kayakers are looking for and half to a third of the price of other 100% drop stitch kayaks. It just might be the best valued sit-on-top inflatable rec kayak out there.
I see you enjoyed the aquaglide last video, I have the Deschutes 145 tandem, also weighs 28 lbs, 600 lbs capacity! Storage for dayyyys
The floor is not dropstitched, its solid EVA with duratex(impregnated 1000D)
So you kinda sink in a bit, could use thicker seats BUT probably the most stable kayak ever built and oh yeah,
28lbs with a 600 lbs! capacity and goes back in the backpack no prob!
I would loooove to know what you think about it, 849 msrp
Everytime I take it out I want to go for a multi-day trip but haven't yet, my 10 yr old daughter and I with much gear including a cooler fit and float great and are not pushing the limits at all!
My first kayak, gotta show these videos with you and your daughter to my daughter!
Please pleeeaase review!!!!
Great video btw!
Just got back from a 3 day tour with my SUP. Couldn't keep up with my friends in Kayaks but the comfort and ability to load equipment was completely unmatched. I made up for the speed by having a full carbon paddle and paddling my ass off. At most they were 10 minutes down river, nothing major.
Where at? Did you have a guide?
I love this genre, which by the way liberates you from needing scuppers. I'm sure you can add air to the seat and foot thing with your mouth if needed. Big fins are great, but I wonder how it is attached. Some will jam with sand in slot and some need a screwdriver if you don't buy a thumbnut. I remain skeptical of back support for non rigid seats. People with C shaped spines around their gut sometimes flatten those seatbacks supported only by angled straps.
We agree it's nice to sit a bit higher on the water and not worry about water entering the boat! Because the seat and foot brace are made of the same durable drop-stitch as the boat, they do require our pump, so not inflatable by mouth. Our 9" fin is flexible on the Switch so you get the benefit of the 9" for tracking but it will bend out of the way of objects it may encounter - and it uses a thumbnut so no tool required. As for back support we've tested so many seats out there to arrive to this design - it really is super comfortable and supportive and once installed essentially becomes a "rigid" seat, and has 2 fiberglass rods on the seat back for rigidity.
How do you compare this to the TAHE Beach Sup-YAK Tandem Inflatable 11'6" that you reviewed in June last year? I was looking at that one until I came across this video, not sure now which one to get. The TAHE is a little cheaper and you get the extra seat and foot rest. I'm a beginner and mostly lake use.
I can tell you right away that the seat on the Switch will be WAY more comfortable. Being elevated makes a HUGE difference. I can paddle all day on a elevated seat verses the one on the TAHE. 30 minutes and my back would be killing me.
@@MrMrnorm777 The seat on the Tahe is elevated too. It looks like this one is inflatable whereas the Tahe is foam.
Ken, I watched your review of the Isle Switch Kayak/SUP and the Tahe tandem inflatable Kayak?SUP. Have you taken a look at the BOTE Low Rider inflatable 11.6 tandem? I'm definitely in for a hybrid kayak/SUP, one that I can. paddle with my two 60 lb labradors. Been SUP paddlng with my older one for 7 years and recently got another one who is 9 months old. Can be a challenge paddling with 2. Need stability, enough room in the front for them to sit/lay down, and enough performance for me to enjoy. Been SUP paddling since 2003. Need a comparison among the three mentioned.
That looks like a really fun…boart!
I'd love to hear you compare and review the Tahe Beach sup/yak with this one!! Or at least hear your opinion comparing the 2. Thanx!
No problem... I like both for sure, but the Switch is definitely a step ahead. Not only is it lighter, but the fellow who was behind the design of the Tahe Beach SUP-Yak, also designed the Isle Switch a year later. He clearly took his learnings from the Beach and applied them to the Switch. I could tell it was the 'next generation'... like upgrading your iPhone. :). Not a huge difference... but a difference!
@@PaddleTV thank you for answering me!! That's good to hear this and the one thing we wondered if they would design a alternate removable fin in the front to help it track better. We have The beach sup/yaks that we LOVE!! But sometimes would like it to track better, that's our only complaint. But we just got use to making it work.
@@PaddleTV Got the Tahe 11'6" SUP/YAK for $300 less and comes kitted to seat 2. Didn't see a second seat option on the Isle website. May be nicer but the Tahe is a better value.
Really love your channel. I was wondering if you have ever tested anything from "Bote"? Particularly interested in your thoughts on their "Lono".
Can you do a head to head vs. the TAHE 11'6 Beach Sup-Yak? Looks like there's a lot of similarities, but the price points are far apart and the TAHE seems to come with more accessories.
Can you do a goplus inflatable kayak review?
And now I want one of these! Thanks for another amazing review!
Ha! Sorry about that!
How does this compare with the Tahe Sup-Yak?
Copying what I just wrote for someone else asking the same question - I like both for sure, but the Switch is definitely a step ahead. Not only is it lighter, but the fellow who was behind the design of the Tahe Beach SUP-Yak, also designed the Isle Switch a year later. He clearly took his learnings from the Beach and applied them to the Switch. I could tell it was the 'next generation'... like upgrading your iPhone. :). Not a huge difference... but a difference!
Please try the Megalodon multiperson SUP from ISLE
Is it fishing sturdy as in thick enough to withstand fishing Hooks?
So dimension wise this is very similar to the 11'6" explorer, but 3" wider. Yet it is 5 pounds lighter than the explorer. This new manufacturing method has me worried about durability. I wonder if the layer over links on the sides is extra? Or is that one of the two main layers? If the latter, well that's a lot of leak point potential. If it's durable then this thing is super cool
I don't have all the answers for you, but what I can tell you is that this thing feels as bomber as any inflatable SUP I've tried. I think it's going to be very durable. Isle has been making inflatable SUPs for a long time, and so the know what they're doing. Of course... only time will tell, but so far, so good.
Looks awesome but how does it handle in waves or wakes?
I have similar craft, which will pierce steep waves and sweep the deck or for lesser waves will slap up and down. Not as smooth or fast as in a kayak, but workable. I did start surfing backwards once on a monster wave, but only because I paddled weakly.
SUPs can take waves better than Kayaks, but you have to accept the fact that you're gonna get yourself and everything you're carrying washed on. It won't flip like a kayak might, especially from a broadside hit, but you might fall off it anyways. Though, that's another benefit on the sea; just leash it and it's far far easier to re-enter than a kayak.
Where is the river located? Beautiful. I also just bought my switch.
Hope you love the Switch! This river is only 20 minutes away from my home in Ontario, Canada. If you're interested, here's the full adventure we did on it. th-cam.com/video/ftzMO4-sWuE/w-d-xo.html
It's wider than some Jon boats. My 12ft x 36" Jon is not easy to stand in unless it's glass calm.
Purchased the Switch after watching this excellent review. Love it! Could you kindly do one on the Isle Explorer 2.0? Lots on the Pioneer, but none on the Explorer…which looks like a great board…and can also be used as a Hybrid 😊
Hi I live Quebec
And I have look your video and I would like to buy this item, but … it only send to US only.
So where in Canada can we buy this thing
Thank you for helping me
Sofie
How does this compare to sea eagle razorlite 393RL in terms of performance?
I have the 473RL and the seaeagle LB11 which is similar to this. The LB11 caps at about ~3.5mph on flat water, and the tandem sea eagle hits about 4.5 when paddling hard. I also have the SeaEagle FSK12 and that caps out at 3mph. Just did a tour with my kayaking friends in the FSK12 and I couldn't keep up, was about 2-10 minutes behind every stretch, including vs the 473RL. If you're looking for pure performance, definitely stay kayak, but the comfort and customizability is completely unmatched, especially since it packs down even smaller than the 3 chamber kayak.
To this and to the examples Dyce lists the razorlite is way faster and slightly less stable and of coarse carries more payload.
Have you tried the switch with a Bixpy jet motor to help out on a longer trip across a lake or down river? With all of the customizable features this large board has would the jet be of benefit to make a trip easier?
Question is can it be inflated with a Dewalt tire inflator using 1 5amp battery
That is built more for pressure than volume, not ideal.
This looks ideal for me! Looking for something as fun and versatile as possible that I can transport in my tiny car.
When can I buy the Chinese version on Amazon for $200?
Love it.
How’s it going to handle a treble hook from a thrashing bass? I like it though.
Honestly, I think it would handle a treble hook pretty well. The board has a rubber coating on it that would make it hard for the hook to stick into. The hook would only really get purchase in the EVA deck pad, and that wouldn't compromise the integrity of the kayak... just be a pain in the butt.
@@PaddleTV Thanks!
Aaaaaaaaaaa….this is just a Sea Eagle AB11… they didn’t invent something new, it already existed.
Великолепно!
My sup/kayak Hydro Force Oceana is a little heavier about 25 pounds I’m not sure 6 pounds are worth an extra $500 This one has awesome features but not fancy enough for that price
Too bad they do not ship to Canada.
I cant find a UK dealer for this board, so on import its about £1000. This is really over priced. Tahe make a 11'6 BEACH SUP-YAK + KAYAK KIT 2022 that sells for £200 less in the UK. Its a nice board but I'd still save my money and get a bluefin.
He reviewed the Tahe SupYak quite favorably sometime in the past, too!
tbh, nothing special about this paddleboard. just a sub with a seat. many of us have been doing this. BUT, i just like to watch your video :) very well produced.
That's what I though before putting it to use. I agree 100% that you can attach a seat to any SUP with attachment points, but regular SUPs don't have attachment points the whole length of the board, so that you can completely change the configuration of where the seat (or seats) go. On top of that, the seat is awesome - way better than the non-inflatable seats you can buy on Amazon, and the footrest is a big bonus too. Paddling a SUP as a kayak without a foot rest system gets uncomfortable quick. Thanks for good words Eric!
You can purchase a board for $299 @ Costco, th4n purchase a better seat...it's a better paddle board. Your voice seems like your getting paid by the board company???
stable? wtf? its not recoverable. its not a kayoak. stable is a dumb measurment.
im doubtful you know much about kayaks. you are speaking misinfo and blabbering.