AZTRON URONO 11’6 TEST REVIEW
Verdict
Aztron’s Urono is a rugged, feature-rich practical tourer with the pleasing, cohesive looks we’ve come to expect from this brand.
This strong board has double-layer construction, two inflation chambers, and can float a whopping 150 kg max. payload. The Urono is packaged with everything you need to get adventuring. We think it would be a great option for exploring rugged rocky coasts, fully-loaded river exploration and fitness paddles.
Overview
Aztron boards are visually distinct and the Urono continues the ‘planet’ theme. Presenting a classic tourer template, the Urono is made with double-layer technology with extra PVC top and bottom layers on the drop stitch chamber. This creates a more rigid board and should not be confused with double-wall technology, which has a single top and bottom layer.
On deck you’ve got a cargo bungee, four D rings for kayak seat or more stowing, EVA deck pad with separate tail kick (a hand sensory aid) and two inflation points. Underneath are a tool-free centre fin and forward tow point.
Everything is packaged in a generous backpack and best of all it all fits back in there at the end of your session.
Brand Claim
Explore longer and further. There’s a reason the URONO continues to offer a truly classic touring SUP shape. Its design is perfect for flat water and long-distance paddling. The narrow profile makes it easier to control and remains responsive and nimble. No matter where you next paddling journey takes you, you’ll be surprised by the URONO’s excellent gliding performance on the water. Comes with Rebel 3-piece carbon adjustable paddle, pump, 10’ coil leash, 9” tool-free nylon fin and 105 litre backpack.
Performance
If you’ve yet to experience it, the double-chamber inflation is appreciably easier to pump up than a single-chamber. Theoretically you have flotation insurance against a puncture, but we can’t easily see how you’d rupture the tough sides of the Urono.
We used the Urono around the biting February storms and on a couple of touring instructor training courses. It loves punching into a headwind and smashing into some estuary chop. The rigid, tough shell was ideal for board rescues. We think this would make a great tour guide board or sub-quiver away from the all-rounder fleet for centres that offer open water paddling. You also have the option to fit a kayak seat – pretty useful if you’re using your Urono for fishing or if knee-paddling into a shrieking headwind doesn’t suit you.
The Urono will handle multi-pitch tours, fitness sessions and centre use. You’ll probably hang on to this one for your entire paddling career. In time you might add one of the premium Aztron paddles but the supplied Rebel paddle is more than adequate to get you on adventures right away.
AZTRON URONO 11’6 TEST REVIEW
Vital Stats
Price: £559
Length: 11’6
Width: 32”
Thickness: 6”
Volume: 300L
Max. payload: 150 kg
Fin: US Centre