O’SHEA 10’6 HD TEST REVIEW
O’SHEA 10’6 HD TEST REVIEW
Verdict:
This HD O’Shea 10’6 proved to be a very well built product with its uncluttered UV-resistant finish, but the tough construction does the talking. One of the stiffest boards on test and with good tracking too, this board would make and ideal solid performer for the family and would suit most weights of riders with its generous 34” width. Nice and bright so it’s easy to spot on the water for school use.
Overview:
On test we had the rugged, rigid 2017 HD double walled version. Also available is a lighter, fused HP construction which shaves 2kg off the weight of the board for ultra-light touring and travel applications. This HD double walled version comes with a tailored large back pack so it’s super easy to get back into the bag and also a two way switch pump. On deck,
there are cargo bungees and a diamond cut chunky deckpad. Underneath the board comes with 2 x fixed side fins and a US box centre fin, all standard tried and tested stuff. The O’Shea had gentle nose rocker and a wide stable tail shape.
Brand Claim:
The big brother of the recreational iSUPs, at 34” wide, it’s uber stable. Suitable for either heavyweights or absolute novices, also a key choice for many schools and indeed the growing market of sup yoga. For the bendy and not so bendy people. O’Shea boards can be used at 13-15psi rather than 15-20psi – achievable for all mortals, including lightweights!
Performance:
The O’Shea 10’6 in the HD version was really stable and tough, it had good glide but was lower down the list in the glide test: it was one of the heaviest and joint widest after all. In our stiffness test it came out very high and certainly felt almost solid on the water; it felt like you could happily pump one of these up above 20psi and fool your friends into thinking it was a hard board! Having the US box centre fin gave the 10’6 great tracking and stepping back on the board was secure and easy and confidence building for novice riders too. The chunky O’Shea board would be a great bet for a stable forgiving family board or school board, I’m sure would last for many years with it’s well reinforced rails and quality materials and finish. A smooth looking product which with the option of the lighter HP version covers a broad range of applications.
OTHER BOARDS IN THIS TEST:
• FANATIC FLY AIR PREMIUM 10’4