Isle Switch Pro: The Specs

Here's a quick rundown of the Isle Switch Pro's specs:

• Length: 11'6″
• Width: 35.5″
• Thickness: 6″
• Weight: 23 lbs
• Capacity: 475 lbs
• Price: $1,200

Isle Switch Pro: The Features

Just like the original Switch, the Switch Pro features a high-backed inflatable seat, an inflatable foot brace, the ISLE Link Connect System for easy accessory mounting, a single large click-in fin, and four carry handles. The package also comes with a dual-purpose bag (backpack and roller), a breakdown carbon paddle that can be used as either a kayak paddle or a standup paddle, a leash, a hand pump, and a repair kit.

So, what makes the Switch Pro different from the original?

Isle has integrated their Airtech Pro technology into the board, making it about 300% more rigid than before. This improvement brings the inflatable board closer to the stiffness of a hard-shell paddleboard, enhancing its performance without sacrificing the benefits of an inflatable.

The Switch Pro also now includes a mounting kit to accommodate a Bixpy motor or a Torqeedo motor, which allows people to turn the hybrid SUP/Kayak into an eSUP/eKayak. While reviewing the craft, I tested it with the Bixby K1 Outboard Motor.

Bixpy K1 Outboard Motor: The Details

The Bixpy K1 Outboard Kit retails for $1,300 and weighs about 10 lbs (motor and battery combined). It outputs 33 lbs of thrust, powered by a 25V battery with 380 watt-hours. The motor has 12 forward speeds and three reverse speeds. At top speed, the battery lasts around 80 minutes, but at lower speeds, it can go up to 12 hours. On a recent two-day paddling and fishing trip, I still had half the battery left after using it regularly, so these claims hold up well.

The motor is operated with a wireless remote that can be strapped to your wrist, paddle, or anywhere on the boat. This feature provides incredible convenience, especially for long trips or when you need a little extra power.

Fishing and Camping with the Isle Switch Pro and Bixpy

To test the Isle Switch Pro and Bixpy K1 Outboard Motor, I took the combo on an overnight fishing trip, loaded with camping gear, food, clothes, and fishing equipment. Despite the substantial load, the Switch Pro’s 475 lb capacity handled it effortlessly, with no noticeable impact on performance.

For fishing, the wide platform allows for easy standing and comfortable seating, providing a stable and snag-free experience. The only caveat is that, unlike kayaks with raised edges, gear can potentially slid off the flat surface of the board and into the water. However, the wide and stable platform minimizes this risk.

For camping, the bungees on the front and back of the board, combined with the Link Connect system, lets you easily tie down large dry bags with your gear.

The Motor Experience: Accessibility and Safety

One of the standout features of the Bixpy K1 motor is its role in accessibility. Due to a shoulder injury, I would not have been able to enjoy this trip without the motor's assistance. Motors can be a game-changer for those who need extra help on the water—whether due to injury, age, or just wanting to keep up with stronger paddlers in a group.

Moreover, the motor adds a layer of safety, especially during solo adventures. If something goes wrong—like an injury or sudden weather change—the motor can help you get back to safety quickly.

Are the Isle Switch Pro and Bixpy K1 Worth It?

The Isle Switch Pro retails for $1,200, and while you can find cheaper inflatable SUPs, the Switch Pro offers a lot for the price. The added rigidity, the ability to convert into a quality inflatable kayak, and features like the ISLE Link Connect System and motor mounting kit make it a standout product.

When you combine the Isle Switch Pro with the Bixpy K1 motor, the total package costs $2,500. This might seem steep to some, but it's actually a great value for an eSUP or eKayak. If you're someone who values versatility, performance, and the option to motorize, it's a worthwhile investment. This setup is perfect for those who can't decide between a standup paddleboard, an inflatable kayak, or want the option to add a motor.

The Bottom Line

The Isle Switch Pro and Bixpy K1 Motor combo is an excellent choice for paddlers looking for versatility, performance, and accessibility. It’s not for everyone, but for those who need or want the added benefits of a motorized paddlecraft, it’s a great investment.

I’d love to hear from those of you who have tried the Isle Switch or the Bixpy motor—what do you like, what don’t you like, and who do you think it’s for? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to check out my full paddling, camping, and fishing adventure with this setup!

Stay tuned for more gear reviews, paddling tips, and adventures. Happy paddling!

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ABOUT THE ISLE SWITCH SUP KAYAK

PRICE: $995 (USD)

LENGTH: 11′ 6″

WIDTH: 35″

WEIGHT: 19 LBS (8.5 KG)

CAPACITY: 425 LBS (193 KG)

The Switch comes with a two-way, high-capacity hand pump with a gauge. It has a premium travel backpack, an 8-foot ankle/calf coil leash, a repair kit, a dry bag, and a four-piece adjustable kayak/SUP paddle, a removable 9-inch fin, an inflatable seat, and an inflatable foot brace. On the top of the board, there is a full-coverage traction pad and bungee systems on the front and back.

These include tension locks for repositioning or removing the bungees altogether. The Switch features 2 new exclusive Isle innovations. Air-Tech Fusion Lite technology, which allows for a drop-stitch construction that is 25% lighter, and the ISLE-Link connection system, which is a series of webbing loops along the length of the board for almost limitless customization. 

Is the Isle Switch paddleboard stable?

Absolutely. This thing is rock solid. At one point all three of us were all on the same board and it still felt sturdy. Stability is one of the main things the Switch was designed for. It's wide (35 inches) and it's flat. That makes for a trustee base. With that said, this is still a stand-up paddleboard at its core, and so you will get a little stabilizing workout while standing. 

Is the Isle Switch kayak comfortable?

Ultra-comfortable! This hybrid board has a lot going for it. For starters, since it's so wide, you can sit in any position, lay down, or stand up. You're never stuck in place and so those aches don't develop like they sometimes can over the course of the day. The inflatable seat allowed us to tailor the cushioning how we liked. We started with it fully pumped and then strategically let a bit of air out until it found that perfect butt-hugging contour. The seat also gets your hips above your heels, which is inherently a more comfortable position for paddling. Having so many attachment points also gives a massive range for positioning the seat and the foot brace. This is sometimes a limiting factor for taller folks, but there's no concern about sizing when it comes to the Switch. 

How good are Isle paddle boards?

In terms of paddling performance, I was pleasantly surprised by the Isle Switch. Because it has that wide, stable platform, and a flat hull, I wasn't expecting much in terms of speed. Now, the Switch still isn't for winning races, but it had a bit of zip to it, and with the help of that large, removable fin, it tracked quite well. Actually, while moving forward with that fin engaged, the Switch was a little slower to turn. But when I was stationary, I could turn a lot more easily. So this board has a dynamic feel to it. 

Does the Isle Switch SUP have good features?

The ISLE-Link connection system is a beauty. You can easily move (or remove) the seat and foot brace, as well as the bungees on the front and back. Throughout our 7-hour family adventure, we had so many different configurations going. Sometimes the seat was in the front, sometimes it was in the back; sometimes it was facing forwards, sometimes my daughter had it facing backwards so that she could taunt me while I paddled. And as I said, there was even a time when all three of us were on the same board. No matter what the moment called for, the Switch was instantly customizable. The only thing to note is that the Switch comes with one seat and one foot brace, but you can buy an extra set on Isle's website if you'd like to turn this thing into a tandem kayak.  

I was also happy to see that the Switch package came with a pretty decent paddle. While in kayak-mode, the paddle is a basic 3-piece unit, and then when you want to jump into SUP-mode, there's another shaft that pops in in place of one of the blades. There's even a slick little paddle holder on the side of the board to hold those extra pieces in place while not in use. 

Is the Isle Switch SUP worth the price?

At $995 (USD), the Switch is priced a little higher than a typical inflatable SUP. But, you are paying a premium for something that is well-made and has thoughtful features. I had a blast on this thing and got a kick out of seeing how many experiences you can have within a single adventure. I'm used to testing different boats on different days, but this was an opportunity to dip in and out of distinct modes whenever I pleased. This turned out to be a premium SUP/kayak hybrid and in my opinion, it is worth the premium price point. 

Who is the Isle Switch for? 

The Isle Switch SUP, kayak, hybrid-craft, paddlekak…whatever you want to call it, is great for people (and evidently for families) who don't want to pick just one type of paddling experience. If you've been humming and hawing about whether to buy a recreational kayak or a paddleboard, this will be your sweet spot selection. This is also a great choice for anyone short on space, or who wants something super easy to transport to the water. The Switch is packable and feather-light. 

There's nothing like a 7-hour family river run to shine a positive light on a great craft. I'm a huge fan of the Isle Switch and so I hope this review leaves you with some valuable feedback. For more reviews, paddling tips, and Paddle Tales adventures, check out PaddleTV.

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