Single Layer VS Double Layer SUP - What Makes An MSL Paddle Board Better?

When it comes to choosing a paddle board, you have two main options: single layer or double layer SUP boards. At Red Paddle Co, we believe strongly that a double layer board is the correct choice every time, which is why every one of our paddle boards falls into this category. What makes us think that this is the case? Let’s find out.

What Makes A Single Layer Inflatable SUP A Poor Choice?

Single layer paddle board designs leave a lot to be desired, which is why at Red, we only produce double layered designs. Single layer boards are not particularly rigid, which will lead to a ‘bouncy’ feeling to the board when in use. Any SUP pro will tell you that poor rigidity will lead to a massive drop in performance. Companies that produce low-quality single layer boards will often add an over-the-top rail layer that allegedly increases the board’s overall strength, but in reality, if the core of a board is weak, there’s very little that can be done to improve it.

Moreover, these boards also suffer massively in durability when compared to our MSL paddle board designs. They’re much more vulnerable to punctures, abrasions and other kinds of common damage and wear and tear.

A single layer board only has the one advantage of being cheaper than its double layer counterparts, though this benefit is only really an illusion. Long-term, the much weaker durability of a single layer board will catch up to it, and you’ll have to retire and replace your board much sooner than you would for an MSL paddle board.

Why An MSL Paddle Board Is Different

Exclusive to boards designed by Red Paddle Co, our MSL (Monocoque Structural Laminate) material is one of our most important advantages that allows us to design and manufacture paddle boards of extremely high quality. All of our boards incorporate this incredible drop-stitch material, which is machine-welded to a structural core to create a reinforced outer shell around the board with unmatched durability and stiffness.

The result is a top-quality paddle board that maintains flawless rigidity in even the harshest conditions, but is also incredibly lightweight. This cutting-edge innovation, combined with our commitment to ensuring each and every one of our products meets our high standards and exact specifications, is what sets our MSL paddle board collection leaps and bounds ahead of any single-layer inflatable SUP design.

Powerful Rigidity Enhances Performance On The Water

Thanks to the machine-welding process used in the construction of an MSL paddle board, you can rely on it to remain stiff - no banana-shaped boards. Board stiffness has a huge effect on its stability and efficiency in the water, so if you’re after a board that’ll offer a quality SUP experience for years to come, then choosing an MSL paddle board is the best way to go.

Fantastic Durability To Withstand Harsh Conditions

Inevitably, your board is going to encounter potential damage, and you’re going to want to ensure that it's durable enough to resist punctures and wear and tear over a long period of time. Rocks and other debris, as well as rough water conditions, can quickly wear a board down and impair its performance. By investing in a durable design, you’re ensuring that your SUP board will be able to keep going strong for years to come with minimal worry.

Perfectly Suited For A Variety Of SUP Activities

An MSL paddle board lends itself very well to all kinds of different SUP activities. The phenomenal stiffness these boards have will help you to keep up top performance during a SUP racing event, and the stability that comes with it is incredibly helpful if you’re a fan of SUP yoga. Long-distance paddlers will appreciate the extra durability that MSL brings, as the longer sessions can wear down cheap paddle boards quickly. When you choose an MSL board, you’re getting top quality across the board, not in just one or two activities.

Lightweight And Easy To Transport

With all of the fantastic improvements that MSL brings over a single layer paddle board, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it would be quite heavy as a trade-off. However, while they’re certainly a little heavier than their cheaper counterparts, MSL boards are actually still incredibly light. They’re extremely portable pieces of equipment, so you won’t have to worry about having any difficulty transporting your board around.