GLADIATOR PADDLE BOARD REVIEW | ELITE 12’6
GLADIATOR PADDLE BOARD | ELITE 12’6 REVIEW.
GLADIATOR PADDLE BOARD REVIEW | ELITE 12’6
Verdict
The Gladiator Elite 12’6 carries the dimensions, construction and features you could want for day tours through to multi-day expeditions. Like its stablemate 12’6 Lite, the Elite brings a practical, proven touring shape with well thought out handles, tow rings and cargo bungees with a true premium double-layer construction, refined deck-pad and bright, eye-catching graphics into an inflatable board that will do just about anything you ask of it.
Overview
This premium tourer comes packaged with a three-piece adjustable carbon paddle, double-action pump and coil-leash in a quality wheeled backpack. Pumping up, the Elite 12’6 takes on a classic, proven touring shape with a sleek drawn in nose, wide point that sits just forward of centre, and a sweep that runs back towards the squared-off tail. 6” sidewalls mean a high, dry ride and plenty of load carrying ability. There are handles in the centre and at the tail, plus a leash point, forward tow point and foredeck cargo bungee.
Brand claim
A premium touring paddleboard for anybody wanting great glide and easy paddling, at the unbeatable price of only £599. The pointed nose and square tail help to combine speed and stability. This board is also perfect for kids or your dog to sit on the front whilst you paddle, for proper family fun. The Elite construction features double-layer construction for the ultimate in lightweight stiffness, for real performance. The Elite range is perfect for those looking for top performance from an inflatable paddleboard. Features include centre and rear handles for easy transportation and bungee tie downs for carrying kit.
Performance
At 31” wide the Elite 12’6 has a generous deck area which promotes stability and also gives you space to sort kit out, check GPS, land fish etc…but thanks to the sweep in the nose doesn’t impede paddling as you can still get a vertical paddle entry. Consequently it tracks well and is easy to keep on course. The double-layer construction and 6” side walls create a rigid, strong board that feels right at home in rough water. This, with the security of solid leash and tow points, the comfortable generous deck pad and high volume make the Elite 12’6 a comfortable place to be when you’re navigating challenging stretches of open water. If you want to just go for some fitness paddles, or cruise about with friends the Elite 12’6 doesn’t feel ‘over-gunned’ and as a daily use paddle board it makes great sense; you can punch out through surf battle-of-the-paddle style, partake in the odd club race, take the kids out for a cruise and know that when the opportunity comes, you have a quality bit of kit that you can really load up with gear trust for overnight expeditions and rough water exploration.