AZTRON MARTIAN 12’6 x 30 TEST REVIEW
Verdict
At 12’6 x 30”, Aztron have gone right for the bullseye of versatile touring board dimensions and have absolutely nailed the design of the Martian. It cuts through glassy water like a swan yet will handle the most hellish of seas: it is like an oil-rig in its stability. The Martian is smooth to paddle, has a responsive tail and never feels unwieldy. If you love all types of paddling (apart from sprint racing) this could be your one-board quiver.
Overview
Aztron have maximised the footprint of the Martian with parallel rails and a fast taper toward the nose. The square tail is wide to further minimise the wetted rail length. Side on, the Martian has an open-water rocker running from the bulwark nose, through the high, boxy rails and sweeping out to the thinned, down-turned tail block. The deck has a slight recess to offset the high rails and the paddler’s forward view is kept uncluttered with a tail cargo bungee and we’re happy to say, no vanity-camera mounts. A knee leash, raked back glass fin and leash plus complete the accessory offer.
Brand Claim
Designed for race training and long-distance paddling, the Martian accommodates larger paddlers of all skill levels. Built with a sleeker hybrid shape and a 30” width, it provides incredible glide and tracking performance. The lower raised and pointed nose and displacement hull allows the board to efficiently cut through the water and track straighter. Made using 3K carbon construction which adds huge strength to the board without compromising desirable flex-reflex characteristics.
Performance
For a big board, the Martian is an easy, light carry and balances just fine from the handle, Aztron have clearly taken the time to find the balance point with the fin in!
On glassy water, the Martian has a smooth forward momentum between strokes and holds its pace nicely. At 30” wide it won’t break the 200m inland water sprint record but it’s not a chore to paddle either.
Stepping back to the tail shows what a smart design the wide-in-template but narrow-by-side view tail is: the back end sinks predictably and the board stays balanced in the frontal plane for a nice deep kick turn.
The Martian is definitely a pleasing board in enclosed water but to see what it’s really capable of requires some proper wind and sea. We used this board extensively around the Atlantic Cornish coastline and it could well be the most stable rough water board we’ve tested. It ploughs through everything barely deviating from its planes of balance. The recessed deck is flat and generous in area, the nose resists swamping and burying and the downturned tail sheds any water. For taller, bigger riders in heavy water the Martian is unstoppable.
Given that it’s a pleasure to paddle on flat conditions and can thrive in the most seething and boiling of seas, the Martian would be an excellent choice for paddlers looking for as many days on the water as possible all year round. If you’re ready to move on from your inflatable all-rounder, get on to one of these – it will open up times and spaces for paddling that till now were unthinkable.
VITAL STATS
Price: £1199
Length: 12’6
Width: 30”
Thickness: 6.5”
Weight: 11kg
Volume: 272 litres
Fin: Fibreglass US Centre 9.3”