Mistral Paddle Board Review – Are They Any Good In 2024?
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Recently I got the chance to play with a Mistral paddle board while I was in Greece – and it was really good! It’s an all around paddle board that is comfortable, stable and really easy to use. Plus – it’s listed at a price that makes it an absolute no-brainer opportunity if you want a great paddle board for a discount.
Let’s get into the review.
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Table Of Contents
Mistral Paddle Board Review: Summary Of The Results
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
| PROS | CONS |
| – Extremely high quality and well built – you can see that a lot of care was put into making the board. – The sup is easy to use and beginners will find it extremely easy to balance on it. – Is extremely rigid and has minimal flex, which makes it really easy to balance on – Comes with a nice set of accessories that are all high quality. – Has good speed on the water. | – I would have liked to see more action mounts and D-rings included on the board so that you can attach cameras and other accessories. – Has a lower weight capacity (around 300 lbs) so heavier riders will struggle with it. |
Detailed Specs:
Here are all the detailed specs that you need to know about the board:
| Length | 10’6″ (320 cm) |
| Width | 32″ (81.30 cm) |
| Thickness | 6″ (15.24 cm) |
| Optimal Weight Capacity | 176 lbs (80 kg) |
| Volume | 285 L |
| Recommended Inflation | 12-15 psi |
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How We Tested The Mistral Adventure Paddle Board
We recently took the inflatable SUP onto the ocean so that we could get an understanding of how it performs in still water, along with more choppy conditions.
Generally we focussed on answering these questions with the review:
1 – Is It Easy To Use?
3 – How Does It Function In Different Conditions?
So keep reading as we answer these questions one-by-one.
Mistral Paddle Board: Detailed Review
Let’s talk about why we gave it the rating that we did:
Is It Easy To Use?
This paddle board from Mistral is designed to be an all-rounder, letting you do a bit of everything, and I think they nailed it for that purpose.
Any new paddle board can feel a bit wobbly at first (1), but I felt really comfortable on this one within a few minutes (and this tells you something when you’re on the ocean)
When inflated to 15 PSI, the board is super rigid with almost no flex. I was bouncing on it to test the sup, I weigh about 180 lbs and it barely moved.
It was also really use to use, the 32″ thickness makes it very stable and this is a board that you could grow into as you improve at the sport.
How Does It Function In Different Conditions?
I took the Mistral paddle board into the sea, so I got a good feeling for:
- Relatively choppy conditions
- Decent wind
The board performed really well in my paddle session and it was an absolute pleasure to ride on it. It is easy to move around with and you can do a turn with just a few strokes on each side of the board.
There was nice tracking with it’s solo fin, and this made it easy to paddle in the sea where there are many different factors at play. I was very impressed with how well the Mistral paddle board holds its line in the water and I couldn’t have asked for much more from it.
As an all-around paddle board you can see that Mistral is trying to give you a little bit of everything – so I wouldn’t say this is a ‘sea’ paddle board, but it definitely functioned well in the environment and I think that it would thrive in flat water and rivers.
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Other Specs:
Let’s get more into the construction and board materials.
Materials:
Mistral inflatable paddle boards are made using high-quality PVC and Double Skin Fusion Layer (DSFL) material with 13600 stitches 2600 more than conventional sup fabrics.
Because of this unique process, the paddle boards are both very durable and lightweight to use.
It was easy to carry, move around and lift up over my head when I needed to. And like I said before – there is a very noticeable attention to detail with this board, you can see that they care about the product that they have made.
I also really believe that this paddle board will last for an extremely long time if you look after it. The seams are all welded neatly, the deck pad is soft and grippy and you they have included action mounts and d-rings to make your life easier when you use it.
Board Design & Shape:
Like I mentioned earlier, the Mistral Adventure is an all-around board that works best on flat water. But that doesn’t mean it can’t handle the sea or rivers. I haven’t taken it into a completely calm lake, but I strongly believe that it will thrive in there.
The board has a slight curve at the front (rocker), which helps it cut through small waves and choppy water. However, it’s not enough if you want to surf big waves. For that, you’ll need to put a lot of weight on the back of the board and really work on your technique.
But for navigating a river or lake, this board works perfectly. It has a semi-rounded nose, which is a nice middle ground between the pointy nose of a surfboard and the rounded nose of a yoga paddle board. This makes it great for all-around use.
The construction quality is impressive, and you can tell they really paid attention to the shape and design. It’s not just some big company churning out junk; this board was clearly made with paddlers in mind, and I really appreciated that.
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Other Features
This is the design of the updated Mistral Adventure paddle board
Fins:
The Mistral paddle board has a single 8″ fin that fits perfectly into a US universal fin box. It’s super easy to use and doesn’t need any tools. Just slot it into the groove, screw it in with your fingers, and you’re good to go.
I love that they chose the universal fin option because if you lose it, you can easily get a replacement from any surf shop or online without the hassle that comes with other fin models.
I also like the single fin setup because it makes it much easier to fold up and transport the board without worrying about extra flexible fins.
Traction Pad:
The traction pad is made of thick, durable EVA foam that’s really soft and comfy. We also love that it covers a big part of the board, giving you plenty of space to move around without losing grip.
I really like the authentic wooden look of the deck pad and the small details like the NIXY logo, which show the attention to detail.
The deck pad is so soft you can sit or kneel on it comfortably for a long time.
Handles:
The paddle board comes with one handle in the middle of the board that helps you pick it up easily, this works well because the board is lightweight but if the board was heavier I’d like to see a few more handles added.
D-Rings:
This sup has 5 D-rings (1 at the back and 4 in the front where the cargo netting is held). I would have liked to see more D-rings included because that would allow me to attach things like a paddle board seat to the board that gives variation to what I’m doing.
Action Mounts:
They did not include any action mounts on this paddle board.
Bungees
The Mistral paddle board has a 4-point front bungee that gives you plenty of room to store things like your sandals, paddles, hats and whatever else you have with you. I think that the storage space is sufficient and I liked that it was included closer to where you stand so you don’t have to reach for it.
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Mistral Paddle Board Accessories:
Bag:
The paddle board set comes with a high-quality and durable wheelie bag that I really like. Not only do I love the wheels because it makes it really convenient if you’re travelling. But they are also many different grip handles (plus a hole that allows air to escape and stop smelling).
It think that Mistral did really well with this bag.
Leash:
Mistral went with a coiled leash that I was happy with. I like that they used a coiled structure because it doesn’t drag in the water or snag on rocks when your paddling.
The leash was grippy on my ankle, it has a swivel that stops it from tangling when you move around (or fall off the board) and it didn’t chafe me. I was happy with it.
Paddle:
Mistral gives you a lightweight hybrid paddle. This is a combination of aluminum and polycarbonate that many mid-range paddles use. It is lightweight, grippy when wet and works well in the water.
It’s also adjustable so you can easily tailor it so that it fits you nicely. Overall I think that this paddle was a great addition to the set.
Pump:
Mistral also gives you a dual action pump that includes a gauge to tell you the current PSI of the board as you are pumping.
The pump works and it’s good quality, but I am a strong believe in electric paddle board pumps because let’s be honest… It’s really hard to pump up a sup to 14 PSI.
So I would recommend that you look into an electric paddle board pump to save your own sanity. My favorite is the Nixy Ventus.
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Conclusion:
Overall, the Mistral paddle board is a fantastic choice for beginner and intermediate riders looking for a reliable, all-around paddle board. It’s comfortable, stable, and easy to use, making it perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. The board’s construction quality is top-notch, and you can tell that a lot of care went into its design.
The single fin setup and the traction pad make it convenient to transport and comfortable to use for long periods. Plus, the included accessories, like the wheelie bag, coiled leash, and adjustable paddle, are all high quality and add great value.
While it could use a few more D-rings and action mounts, these are minor issues compared to the overall performance and quality of the board. If you’re in the market for a versatile paddle board that won’t break the bank, the Mistral paddle board is definitely worth considering.
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Mistral Paddle Board FAQs
Are Mistral SUPs any good?
Yes, Mistral SUPs are great! They are well-built, stable, and easy to use, making them a good choice for both beginners and experienced paddlers. The attention to detail and quality construction really stand out.
Are inflatable or hard paddle boards better?
It depends on what you need. Inflatable paddle boards are easier to transport and store, while hard paddle boards tend to perform better in terms of speed and maneuverability. If you’re short on storage space or travel a lot, an inflatable might be the way to go. If you want top performance and have the space, a hard board could be better.
How long will an inflatable SUP last?
With proper care, an inflatable SUP can last for many years. Make sure to keep it clean, avoid sharp objects, and store it properly when not in use to extend its life.
Do inflatable paddle boards puncture easily?
Not really. Inflatable paddle boards are made from tough, durable materials that can withstand normal use. While they can puncture, it’s not common, and most punctures can be easily repaired with a patch kit.
How do I know if my paddle board is good?
A good paddle board will be stable, durable, and suitable for your skill level and the type of paddling you plan to do. Check for quality materials, solid construction, and good reviews from other paddlers. If you feel comfortable and confident on the board, it’s probably a good fit for you.
References:
1 – Maggie Morehart, Why You Should Try Something Entirely New This Year, taken from: https://breakingmuscle.com/why-you-should-try-something-entirely-new-this-year/
