ISLE has updated its most popular and affordable line of inflatable stand-up paddle boards just in time for 2024. The new Pioneer 3 and Explorer 3 are lighter than the 2.0 series, are easier to roll, and are more versatile than ever before.
Let’s take a closer look, starting with the Pioneer 3.
The New ISLE Pioneer 3 Paddle Board Package
ISLE’s best-selling Pioneer iSUP series now includes six color choices.We previously reviewed the ISLE Pioneer 2.0 iSUP package and were very impressed with the overall quality, stability, and price-to-value ratio. It was a very good all-around iSUP that was great for beginner paddle boarders. In fact, it was so good we included it in our guide to the best gifts for outdoor lovers.
The new Pioneer 3 promises to be even better.
The Pioneer 3 has four new key features:
1. Lighter Weight
The Pioneer 3 now weighs in at just 19 lbs, which is 5 lbs less than the Pioneer 2.
2. New Folding Fin Box
The new split fin box saves space when rolled up for storage.Most competing iSUPs have rigid fin boxes where the fin attaches to the board, which takes up more space when you roll up an iSUP if you don’t get the fold-and-roll technique perfect. The new split fin box on the Pioneer 3 lets you roll the iSUP into a tidier package much more easily.
3. Full Length Deck Pad
The new full-length foam deck pad lets you use the Pioneer 3 for on-water yoga.The new EVA foam deck pad extends from tail to nose, giving you more cushion no matter where you stand, sit or lounge. Plus, if you want to remove the bungie straps for iSUP yoga, the straps are adjustable and easily removable.
4. Full-Length ISLE-LINK System
Full-length loops work with ISLE accessories to connect paddle boards or attach accessories like kayak seats.ISLE’s patent-pending ISLE-LINK system is basically a set of loops that extend up and down the perimeter of the board. The loops let you attach accessories. For instance, you can attach ISLE’s Cloud Kayak Seat to convert your Pioneer 3 into a sit-on-top kayak. This makes your iSUP more versatile — and potentially more friendly to family or friends who might not be ready to stand on a paddle board — but still want to explore on the water.
New Extended 5-Year Warranty
With the Pioneer 3, ISLE is now constructing the sides with its PowerFuse welded rail technology. ISLE says it fuses the top, bottom and side rails together in such a way that it essentially eliminates the potential for air leakage. Plus, it increases iSUP durability, rigidity and lifespan.
Claiming that is all well and good, but ISLE says it will now back up its PowerFuse claims by extending its 2-year warranty to a 5-year warranty for all products that use PowerFuse. That’s a huge peace-of-mind boost — a 5-year warranty is very competitive.
Package Components
The Pioneer 3 paddle board package comes with the iSUP board itself, a rigid touring fin, a carbon iSUP paddle, a high-pressure hand pump, a lightweight leash, and a wheeled duffel bag with tuck-away backpack straps.
ISLE Pioneer 3 Specifications:
Length: 10’6″
Width: 34″
Thickness: 6″
Volume: 326 liters
Capacity: 285 lbs
Board Weight: 19 lbs
Package Weight: 36 lbs
MSRP: $695
Shop all the new Pioneer 3 colors and accessories at ISLE and get fast FREE Shipping!
The ISLE Explorer 3 Paddle Board Package
The new Explorer 3 iSUP is lighter and more durable than the previous Explorer 2 version.As you might expect, the new ISLE Explorer 3 Paddle Board Package includes almost all the same new features and package components as the Pioneer 3. The only difference in the new feature set is the shorter foam deck pad. Unlike the new Pioneer 3, the Explorer 3 deck pad covers about 3/4 of the deck.
The most important design difference between the Explorer 3 and the Pioneer 3 is the overall shape.
The Explorer 3 is one foot longer and 2″ narrower than the Pioneer 3. This longer, narrower design gives you a little more volume and weight capacity compared to the Pioneer 3.
Because the Explorer is longer and narrower, it’s also a bit easier to paddle longer distances at faster speeds. You would choose the Explorer 3 if you’re more interested in paddling to explore shorelines for miles. While you can certainly paddle the Pioneer 3 for miles, the wider, shorter Pioneer 3 favors stability for beginners more than faster cruising for intermediate-to-advanced paddlers.
At Man Makes Fire, we recommend that paddle boarding beginners choose wider, more stable boards like the Pioneer 3 . . . unless they’re athletic and agile and truly want a longer, narrower board for cruising (like the Explorer 3).
ISLE Explorer 3 Specifications:
Length: 11’6″
Width: 32″
Thick: 6″
Volume: 336 liters
Capacity: 300 lbs
Board Weight: 19 lbs
Package Weight: 36 lbs
MSRP: $795
Shop all the new Explorer 3 colors and accessories at ISLE and get fast FREE Shipping!
Want a Monster Multi-Person Paddleboard?
If you want a huge paddleboard that a whole family can paddle together at the same time, read our review of the ISLE Megalodon. It’s the funnest beast we’ve ever paddled!
