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Key West Raptor – Test and Review

Key West Raptor – Test and Review Posted on 28 August 2019Leave a comment

Among the Key West brand’s range of iSUPs is the Key West Raptor. An entry-level board for heavy riders or lighter weights who want to go on a tour while gliding and maintaining stability. Thus, despite its very affordable price, we have here a board with an excellent course holding, a large volume and an ideal length for touring while maintaining a certain maneuverability.

It is an ideal board to learn and progress, especially if you are a little heavy.

Key West Raptor Construction

The Key West Raptor is a board made of a single layer of thick PVC. A second layer of PVC reinforces the rails of the board, giving it greater rigidity. Compared to the very top of the range, the board still lacks rigidity. But for such a simple construction, this board remains a reference.

The Raptor is manufactured with Dropstitch technology, meaning that the hull and deck are connected by thousands of threads that are tensioned when the board is inflated. This gives the board its shape, and stiffens it significantly. The threads distribute the forces applied by the rider’s weight. And it allows the board to glide on the water without bending under the weight of the person who is stand up paddling.

The board is covered with a comfortable EVA non-slip pad. It is signed indefinitely with the brand logo and ensures that the rider does not slip even in rough conditions. The board is also equipped with a bungee system to store your gear, a tow ring, 4 buckle bridges to secure a kayak seat. It also has two lateral fins and a removable central fin.

Key West Raptor Test

The Key West Raptor 12.1

This board is a very versatile board, accessible to beginners but which will also delight practitioners already at a more advanced level. The inflation pressure of 15 PSI (1 bar) is reminded to the user by a ring around the valve. Designed for use on flat water but also for surfing in small waves. Indeed, the Key West Raptor offers a large volume (351 litres) that will suit large riders. Shaped for tours, it is oriented towards gliding while guaranteeing very good stability.

The price

Key West Raptor is sold in a pack with its 3-part aluminium paddle adjustable from 170 to 220 cm to fit all sizes. It also has a safety leash, a carry bag and a very good quality double action pump particularly effective.

The quality of the board and the variety of use make it a very well placed product on the iSUP market, especially considering its low price.

Technical characteristic

  • Length: 12’1’’ (368.3 cm)
  • Width: 32’’ (81.3 cm)
  • Thickness: 6’’ (15.2 cm)
  • Volume: 351 litres
  • Weight: 10.34 kg
  • Max payload: 165 kg
  • Construction: Dropstitch simple layer
  • Fins: 1 slide-in central fin 9’’ + 2 fixed lateral fins with shape memory
Key West Raptor test

The advantages of the Key West Raptor

  • Great value for money
  • A good glide
  • The equipment of the board and the quality of the accessories
  • The level of finish
  • A shape that provides stability and glide while remaining versatile
  • The design
  • Easy to carry
  • Lightweight

The downsides of the Key West Raptor

  • The lack of rigidity compared to a top-of-the-range board
  • Be careful not to leave the board exposed to the sun for hours
  • The brand doesn’t make often special offer
  • The single-layer construction limits rigidity in the event of under-inflation

What about the Key West Raptor?

The Key West Raptor is a great board for anyone who wants a quality product, not too expensive and very versatile! Designed for riders of large size, it guarantees stability and maximum fun. The simple layer construction remains light in weight but the quality of the PVC ensures a satisfactory overall rigidity and strength. It is an ideal board to progress while having fun. Its particularly effective shape ensures good gliding in calm waters, even over long distances and you can even surf with it. Waves for a lot of fun without any surprises! And what a style!

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