Reviews You Can Rely On

Isle Pioneer 3 Review

This inflatable is a rockstar, no fuss option when it comes to stability and ease of use and would be perfect for any beginner to intermediate paddler
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Isle Pioneer 3 Review (We hiked this board a few miles up to an alpine lake to test how it carried.)
We hiked this board a few miles up to an alpine lake to test how it carried.
Credit: Katie Young
Price:  $695 List
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Manufacturer:   Isle
By Katie Young ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 30, 2024
77
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#4 of 20
  • Stability - 35% 8.0
  • Glide Performance - 25% 7.0
  • Maneuverability - 15% 7.0
  • Ease of Use - 15% 9.0
  • Construction Quality - 10% 7.0

Our Verdict

The Isle Pioneer 3 sailed away with a special place in our hearts for its no-fuss ease of use and stellar stability. This inflatable paddle board would make any beginner to intermediate paddler happy. Whether you're looking for an afternoon yoga sesh or a longer paddle or need to bring along a canine friend, this board can be the perfect all-around board. With front and pack cargo straps, an easy-to-use carry case with wheels, and a paddle strap on the SUP, the small details made this board stand out to us.
REASONS TO BUY
Dual cargo straps
On board paddle holder
Excellent stability
Easy-to-use carry case
REASONS TO AVOID
Pump quality
Deck padding gets dirty

Compare to Similar Products

 
isle pioneer 3
This Product
Isle Pioneer 3
Awards Top Pick Award
Best No-Fuss Inflatable SUP
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Inflatable SUP
Best Buy Award
Best Value Inflatable SUP
  
Price $695 List
$695.00 at Amazon
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Bottom Line Yogis, new paddlers, families, and intermediate paddlers alike will all love this versatile, easy-to-use boardThis 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 youA lightweight, easy to use, and affordable board with solid all-around performanceThis inflatable's price point is hard to beat but the quality and functionality are on the lower end of what many paddlers are likely looking for
Rating Categories Isle Pioneer 3 Bote Wulf Aero Advenor Extra Wide FunWater 11 FB Sport Lightning
Stability (35%)
8.0
9.0
10.0
7.0
7.0
Glide Performance (25%)
7.0
7.5
6.0
7.0
6.0
Maneuverability (15%)
7.0
9.0
6.0
6.0
6.0
Ease of Use (15%)
9.0
8.5
7.0
8.0
6.0
Construction Quality (10%)
7.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
5.5
Specs Isle Pioneer 3 Bote Wulf Aero Advenor Extra Wide FunWater 11 FB Sport Lightning
Measured Weight 19 lb 16.5 lb 18 lb 19 lb 18 lb
Weight Capacity 285 lb 250 lb 330 lb 330 lb 350 lb
Measured Width 34" 34" 33" 33" 33"
Measured Length 10.5' 10.4' 11' 11' 11'
Measured Thickness 6" 6" 6" 6" 6"
Paddle Included Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Fin Configuration 1 center detachable 1 detachable fin 2 small detachable fins, 1 large detachble fin 2+1 plastic fins, with large detachable center fin 1 detachable fin with 2 permanent
Folded Dimensions 38" x 15" x 12" 34" x 19" x 8.5" 34" x 18" x 9" 34" x 16" x 7" 35" x 16" x 10"
Bungee Cargo System Yes; 2 Yes Yes Yes Yes
Pump Included Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Backpack Included Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Pioneer 3 won our approval for its effortless use and outstanding stability, making it perfect for beginner to intermediate paddlers. Whether you're planning an afternoon yoga session, long paddle adventures, or want space for another person or dog onboard, this inflatable paddle board serves as an excellent all-around option. Its front and back cargo straps, wheeled carry case, and paddle strap are the thoughtful details that set this board apart in our testing.

Performance Comparison


isle pioneer 3 - isle pioneer 3 is a great all-around option.
Isle Pioneer 3 is a great all-around option.
Credit: Katie Young

Stabilty


This stand-up paddle board excels in stability, easily maintaining balance even when rocking side to side pretty agressively. It performs well in the choppiest of conditions, with some reverb through the board when going over waves, but remains solid and reliable. Even when we were in choppy conditions, there was no fear of tipping. Our testers even chanced some headstands when it was less than ideal conditions and had no issues.


We did notice that it was more optimal to inflate it to the higher end of the recommended PSI, usually around 17 and up. Even the one to two extra PSI made a noticeable difference in this inflatable. The Pioneer 3 is particularly well-suited for yoga and headstands, offering a stable platform even in challenging conditions. This board is also an excellent option if you plan to have extra passengers on board. Dogs walking around or friends jumping off into the water, it was easy to stay up on this board even with the additional movement.

isle pioneer 3 - the isle pioneer 3 performs better when pumped closer to its max psi.
The Isle Pioneer 3 performs better when pumped closer to its max PSI.
Credit: Katie Young


Glide Performance


For a round-nose board that is 34 inches wide, this board moves pretty quickly. Even in windy or choppy conditions, the Pioneer 3 stays in a fairly straight line when paddling. On calm, glassy days we were able to paddle six to eight times on one side before having to swap. On windier days, we were still able to get four to five paddle strokes in before needing to paddle on the other side to maintain direction. For being a single fin system, the glide on this size board is quite exceptional. Due to its size and shape, the Pioneer tends to go over waves more so than cutting through them. With how great the stability of the board is though, we didn't have any issues standing up and staying on the board even in these rougher conditions.


On a couple of our test paddles, we had two people on this board and were pleasantly surprised at how well and how quickly it still moved. There were no issues accelerating or mainiting speed with the extra weight onboard.

isle pioneer 3 - a great board for longer adventures or casual paddles.
A great board for longer adventures or casual paddles.
Credit: Katie Young

Maneuverability


In this category this inflatable scored pretty average with our testers. For a wider board, this inflatable turns surprisingly well. It takes just a few back and forth strokes to get turned around. With how stable the board is, leaning to help with turns is pretty easy.


For paddlers looking to have agile movement, especially for river paddle boarding or anything that might need quick turns, this board might not be the best choice. Instead we would recommend a narrower board. However, for lake paddling, the Pioneer handled well and we were still able to get turned around with minimal effort.

For a wider, round-nosed board, the Isle Pioneer 3 turns pretty easily.
Credit: Katie Young

Ease of Use


Probably our favorite part of this board is the paddle straps on the side of the SUP. It sounds like a simple thing: two velcro straps to hold your paddle. And it is simple, but the difference it made when using it was noticeable! It makes carrying the board to and from the water much more straightforward, allowing you to have an additional free hand since the paddle is strapped onto the board. Our SUP yogis also really loved it as they were able to have the paddle fully out of the way when playing around on the board.


The carry case that comes with the Pioneer 3 is so easy to use and every tester noted how much they liked it. First off, the board fits back into the carry case with ease, and all the additional accessories fit in with it with no problem. The bag has two wheels on the bottom, making it simple to move from place to place. The downside of these wheels, though, is that when using the carry case in backpack mode, we got pinched multiple times by the wheels. Our testers packed this board a few miles into an alpine lake and ended up with some small bruises from the wheel pinching their skin.

isle pioneer 3 - having the paddle strapped to the board makes it extra easy to...
Having the paddle strapped to the board makes it extra easy to transport.
Credit: Katie Young

Construction Quality


The Pioneer 3 is a solid board in many regards. We had no fear or dings or holes when carrying this board around. The welded rails enhance this inflatable's stability and durability, extending its lifespan.


Isle upgraded this board from the previous model, reducing its weight to just 19 pounds. Whether you're carrying it inflated to the water or in the backpack carry case, it's light and easy to transport. Isle's thoughtful design includes a split fin box, making it easier to roll the board back up without worrying about bending the fin box.

isle pioneer 3 - the split fin box always for easier roll up, without worry about...
The split fin box always for easier roll up, without worry about bending the fin box.
Credit: Katie Young

The deck padding is very comfortable underfoot and we really liked that it runs the whole length of the board making it especially great for yoga, dogs or multiple passengers. A downside of this deck padding is that it gets dirty easily and does not come off easily. It's possible that if some time was spent scrubbing and cleaning the deck padding this dirt would come off, but it picks up and holds dirt more so than any other deck padding we have seen.

isle pioneer 3 - after just a few uses the deck padding is already pretty dirty and...
After just a few uses the deck padding is already pretty dirty and would take some serious scrubbing to try get out.
Credit: Katie Young

Should You Buy the Isle Pioneer 3?


If you're just getting into paddle boarding or if you're looking for an easy, all-around board that will hold up over the years, this is an excellent option. If you frequently practice yoga or bring along extra riders, the stability, width, and full-length deck padding are all features you'll especially appreciate. The stellar carry case makes taking the Pioneer 3 out and packing it back away even easier. Plus, we can't stop raving about the on board Velcro straps for the paddle. Paddlers looking for a quick and agile board may want to consider something more narrow.

isle pioneer 3 - inflatable sups are easy and light to carry.
Inflatable SUPs are easy and light to carry.
Credit: Katie Young

What Other Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Should You Consider?


For paddlers looking for a more affordable way to get into stand up paddle boarding, check out the ROC Scout or the FunWater 11. Both of these boards are more affordable, especially when on sale. Wanting a more advanced stand up paddle board that focuses on speed? Learn about the Red Paddle Co Voyager+ MSL, which is 13.2 feet long and glides effortlessly.

isle pioneer 3 - all of the inflatable paddle boards we tested for our first round of...
All of the inflatable paddle boards we tested for our first round of 2024 reviews.
Credit: Katie Young

Katie Young