It’s been awhile since I’ve reviewed an Isle paddle board and I was excited to have the opportunity to test out the Isle Pioneer 3 SUP/Kayak Bundle this year.
I can tell you that the Isle boards have come a really long way over the years. The Pioneer SUP Kayak bundle is a great example of how much thought has gone into the design, quality and functionality of their inflatable paddle boards.
This board impressed me with not only how versatile it is but also how comfortable it was to use the second I hit the water.
It comes with a fantastic bundle and has the best kayak package I have seen with any inflatable SUP. If versatility and stability are important to you in a paddle board then the Isle Pioneer is definitely worth checking out.
ISLE PIONEER SPECS
- LENGTH: 10’6″
- WIDTH: 34″
- THICKNESS: 6″
- VOLUME: 326 L
- CAPACITY: 285 LBS
- BOARD WEIGHT: 19 LBS
- TOTAL PACKAGE WEIGHT 36 LBS
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST DEAL?
For the best deal on the Isle Pioneer 3 SUP Kayak Bundle go to the official Isle Website. They have some great ongoing deals plus they offer free shipping on all orders.
Conscious shoppers will appreciate that Isle partners with 1% For The Planet. So they contribute a portion of every sale to environmental causes to help offset their environmental footprint and preserve the ecosystems.
WHAT ARE THE COLOR OPTIONS?
The color pattern options for the Isle Pioneer SUP are earthy and subtle and I personally think look really classy.
In fact for the color option I had, which was the Ice/Lumin/Slate board looked even nicer in person and I got several compliments on it at the beach.
There are six color patterns to choose from:
WHO IS THE ISLE PIONEER BEST SUITED FOR?
The Pioneer has been a best seller for Isle in part because of the all-around stable and easy to use design. This is a board that any rider, no matter your skill level could feel comfortable on very quickly.
The 34″ width and rounded nose make the Pioneer very stable so it is ideal for beginners. Yet even novice to advanced riders will appreciate how versatile this board is.
It is only 10’6″ long so even though it has a wider width it’s still quite compact and it only weighs 19 lbs. Consequently it is very easy to carry and transport.
It offers enough space and is stable enough to bring out the dogs or kids so perfect for families looking to load up and enjoy the water together.
With the deluxe kayak package it is also ideal for those who want the option to sit and paddle kayak-style.
HOW VERSATILE IS THE PIONEER 3?
The Pioneer is probably one of the most versatile board designs. It’s perfect for cruising with friends, hanging out on the lake and even plowing through ocean chop.
You can take the Pioneer on any adventure and know that you’ll be stable and secure. However don’t think it’s boring. It maneuvers well and although it’s not that fast, it tracks decently and is really fun to paddle.
Of course the most versatile part of this board is the fact that you can attach the kayak seat, foot rest and kayak blade and turn the Pioneer 3 into a ‘kayak’.
HOW GOOD IS THE KAYAK PACKAGE?
Included in the SUP/Kayak bundle is the Cloud Kayak Seat, the Cloud Kayak Foot Brace and the Remix Carbon Kayak Blade.
There are other inflatable paddle boards that include a kayak package and I’ve tried many of them. In fact you can add a kayak seat to any board as long as there are side D-rings.
However out of all the kayak packages I have tried this one is the most comfortable, the most versatile and I found it to be one of the easiest to attach.
I really like the design of the kayak seat in particular. The seat cushion is inflatable with EVA padding and it inflates in only seconds with the hand pump. The seat cushion is also a really great size at 20.5″ long x 17″ wide x 4″ high.
I found the size to be extremely comfortable and stable. It also sits you up off the deck of the board so you don’t get wet.
The back rest is reinforced with fiberglass and attaches to the seat with a strip of velcro. You can adjust the tension of the back rest with the straps that attach to the loops on the side of the board, which are part of the Isle Link System. The seat back measures 20″ high x 26″ wide.
I really like that the seat and backrest are separate pieces because it allows you to use the seat cushion on it’s own if you need to.
You might choose to use it without the backrest if you have a child on board or even for use off the board when just sitting on the beach.
Isle also mentions on the Cloud Kayak Seat product page that kids could use the seat cushion in the water as a kickpad, which is something I wouldn’t have thought of. It’s a very versatile seat.
When the seat is used with the inflatable foot rest and the kayak blade you can change your SUP into a comfortable and very functional sit-on-top kayak.
HOW STABLE IS THE ISLE PIONEER?
A 34″ wide board is typically going to be very stable and that is definitely the case with the Pioneer 3. Whether standing, siting or lounging this board feels solid on the water.
A taller person may want to consider a longer paddle board such as the 11’6″ Isle Pioneer Pro Bundle. However I would say that most will feel very comfortable on the Pioneer iSUP and appreciate how portable it is.
WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT FEATURES?
The Pioneer is decked out with some great features that you’ll find very useful.
FULL LENGTH TRACTION PAD
The EVA deck pad runs the length of the whole board from the tail right up to just past the grab handle on the nose. The pad is made of brushed EVA so it feels soft under your feet.
I feel the brushed deck provides a little less grip then other traction pad designs but I actually liked it more than I thought I would. It’s very comfortable and feels great whether standing or sitting. This type of deck pad is also idea for doing SUP yoga.
ISLE-LINK SYSTEM
The patent-pending Isle-Link system is the loops you’ll find along both side edges of the board that can be used for attaching accessories such as a kayak seat, foot rest, fishing crate, versa strap, board connector straps, dry bags and more.
Basically with all the link options on the Pioneer you can deck out your board to suit any adventure.
NOSE, CENTER & TAIL CARRY HANDLES
There are three handles on this SUP. A padded centre carry handle to be used when carrying the board solo as well as a grab handle at both the nose and tail that can be used for two-person transport.
The rear handle includes a stainless steel D-ring for attaching your SUP leash.
The handles lay fairly flat on the board keeping them out of the way if doing yoga, fancy foot maneuvers or just hanging out on the board.
ONE ACCESSORY MOUNT
There is one threaded accessory mount that can be found integrated with the front grab handle.
This accessory mount can be used for an action camera, fishing rod holder, speaker, cup holder and more.
I like when boards have accessory mounts as I find them really useful.
The placing of this one at the nose of the board is useful for an action cam or speaker but I prefer to have an action mount a little closer to the centre of the board to use with a cup holder or fishing rod holder.
FRONT & REAR BUNGEE SYSTEMS
The large 6-point bungee system at the nose of the board is not only expandable but you can also adjust the tension with the adjusters. This allows you to store any dry bags or other gear that you need to keep secure for your adventure.
The rear 4-point bungee system is slightly smaller but you can still fit extra dry bags or footwear back there.
SIDE PADDLE HOLDER
There are two Velcro straps along the rail of the board that can be used to secure your paddle when it is not in use. This allows you to go hands free if you need to.
The two velcro straps tightly secure around the shaft of the paddle keeping it very secure yet easy to grab when needed.
TWO PIECE FOLDING FIN BOX
I really like the unique fin box on this Isle paddle board. The fin box has a break in the middle that enables you to fold the box for easier packing. It’s a really nice design and super functional.
As many of us know who have used inflatable boards for a long time the fin box can often get in the way when folding the deflated board back up into a compact package.
With the way this fin box is designed it’s much easier to pack up the board and fit it nicely inside the carry bag.
The fin that comes included in the package clicks easily into the fin box and there are no extra parts to lose. This is a great design by Isle and once of the easier to use fin boxes I have seen.
BACK NOSE D-RING
You will also find a stainless steel D-ring underneath the nose of the board on the back side.
Not all boards have this but it’s important because it can be used for towing the board if ever in trouble. It can also be used to tie the board to a dock.
HIGH PRESSURE VALVE
The high-pressure inflation valve is rated for up to 17 PSI. Push the valve pin down and twist so that it pops up into closed position for easy inflation with no air leakage.
To deflate the board just press the pin down and twist so that it is in the open position.
I had no issues with the valve and it worked exactly as it should.
WHAT ABOUT QUALITY OF CONSTRUCTION?
Isle uses Airtech fusion Lite construction for their inflatable paddle boards. This process involves machine coating the drop stitch PVC material with a special seal and bonding layer. Then a separate high-density PVC layer is machine laminated onto the board.
This method has the advantage of removing any human errors in the bonding process and creates a very strong bond. The result is a very durable and lightweight paddle board.
Many quality inflatable SUP companies use this process now. This type of construction creates not only an aesthetically pleasing and long lasting board but it’s also ideal for recreational paddle boarding and easy transport.
It also keeps the weight down, which is why the Pioneer only weighs 19 lbs. making it even lighter than ever and easier for anyone to carry and transport.
HOW LONG IS THE WARRANTY?
Isle’s warranty on their inflatable SUP’s is quite impressive. They offer a 5-year warranty, which is one of the longest in the industry.
This speaks volumes to the quality of their products and commitment to customer satisfaction.
If you’re looking for a sign that says go buy this board, this 5-year warranty should seal the deal. It’s kind of awesome.
WHAT’S IN THE BUNDLE?
The Pioneer 3 SUP Kayak Bundle comes with a complete package that includes:
- Cloud Kayak Seat
- Cloud Foot Brace
- Totora Dual Action Hand Pump
- 3-Piece Remix Carbon Shaft SUP Paddle
- Isle Dry Bag
- Remix Carbon Shaft Extra Blade For Kayaking
- 6′ Straight SUP Leash
- Touring Fin
- 3 Series Wheelie Backpack
- Repair Kit (in recyclable packaging)
Dual Action Hand Pump
The Isle Totora dual action hand pump is easy to use and quick to pack away. The handles and base of the pump are removable and the pump comes with its own storage bag for convenience.
It works well and is capable of inflating up to 17 PSI. Recommended air pressure for the Isle Pioneer is 13-15 PSI.
3-Piece SUP Paddle
The Isle Remix SUP paddle included in this package has a carbon and fiberglass shaft with an 85 square inch fiberglass reinforced nylon blade. The paddle is durable and light, it weighs 2.1 lbs.
The paddle comes apart into three pieces for easy storage and is adjustable for riders from 4’10” up to 6’2″. It can be easily converted into a kayak paddle by removing the handle piece and attaching the second blade (included in package)
Extra Blade For Kayaking
Also included in the package is a second Remix carbon shaft blade that can attach to the SUP paddle in order to paddle kayak style.
3 Series Wheelie Backpack
Included with the Pioneer 3 is the new 3 Series Wheelie Backpack. This bag is large enough to hold the board and all accessories.
It includes two durable wheels so you can pull it making it really easy to get your board to and from your destination.
It also has adjustable shoulder straps and a waist strap so you can carry it on your back if you choose to. The straps can be tucked away when not in use so that they don’t get in the way.
The rigid base makes it easy to stand and the velcro inner pocket is ideal for storing the fin, leash and other small accessories.
The bag zips open on three sides making it very easy to get the contents in and out of the bag. This is a nice bag, well made and very functional.
The bag is 38.5″ long x 15.5″ wide and 14.5″ thick. The volume is 140L and the bag itself weighs 6 lbs.
ISLE PIONEER 3 PROS & CONS
Most paddleboards have pros and cons. Which one suits you best just depends on how and where you will use it and what features work for you best.
To recap here is a quick list of the pros and cons for the Isle Pioneer 3 inflatable SUP/Kayak Bundle.
PROS
- Highly versatile
- Easy connect foot brace and kayak seat with inflatable padded bottom and good back support
- Stable and easy to paddle whether sitting or standing
- Extremely comfortable – love the full length brushed EVA deck pad
- Functional features
- Ample cargo space under nose and tail bungees
- Isle-link system along both sides of board for attaching gear
- Accessory mount for action cam or fishing rod holder
- Durable construction
- Unique and easy to use fin system
- Lightweight at only 19 lbs., very easy to transport
- Can be loaded up to a max weight of 285 lbs.
- Whole package weighs only 36 lbs – great for travel
- Phenominal 5 year warranty
CONS
The only con in my books is that there isn’t an accessory mount within easy reach. The one on the nose of the board is great but I love having an accessory mount close to where I stand on the board so that I can easily use it while paddling.
Besides that there isn’t much to complain about.
IN CONCLUSION
Bottom line the Isle Pioneer 3 is impressive on paper but even more awesome in person. I can’t say enough about how comfortable this board is to use. The classic design and earthy color options will appeal to many.
The versatility will compliment many riders lifestyle in the most wonderful way. If you need a wider stable board that is still very compact the Isle Pioneer 3 is an excellent choice.
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST DEAL
Go straight to the Isle website for the best deal on the Isle Pioneer 3 SUP/Kayak Bundle. If you manage to get a great sale price, don’t even hesitate as this package is well worth the money.
Want the Pioneer 3 SUP package without the kayak bundle? That’s no problem as Isle offers that option. Click here for the Isle Pioneer without kayak package.
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