O’SHEA
10’8 HDX
TEST REVIEW

Verdict
This is a chunky solid large board, super stable, very solid under foot and with its HDX double skin construction, a real go-to board for schools or people wanting a last-a-lifetime feel from their iSUP. Paddling a 35” wide board isn’t going to create much excitement but for bigger / nervous riders this board is going to be the difference between grovelling on the knees (don’t do it!) and standing up tall and enjoying our sport as it should be. O’Shea have created a very well finished off board that is super tough very stable to paddle and has bags of features too; the HDX range will stand the test of time.

Overview
The well-equipped deck has a long diamond cut deck pad, a small cargo bungee up front and webbing carry handles on the nose tail and centre. The bottom also has a towing eye two side fins and a US box plastic thumb screw fin. The double skin heavy-duty construction has a flawless finish. The board comes complete as a package with three part quality aluminium paddle and two way switch pump with leash and repair kit.

Brand Claim:
The OSHEA SUP 10’8 HD 2019 model is a new shape for Oshea. The new ISUP is 35” wide and is stable for any riders over 125kg. Giving loads of forgiveness on the water, making you look like a natural. All O’shea inflatable SUPS pack down into a large rucksack bag, Includes Paddle, pump, fins and a repair kit and an O’shea leash.

Performance
This is a no nonsense board, tough, very solid feeling on the water – almost not like an inflatable. There are of course iSUP’s on the market which are very light (usually bendy) and some mid-range fused ones (usually more expensive) but the O’Shea HDX has a double-layer glued construction giving it a slightly heavier feel but oh-so solid experience on the water. So what you sacrifice in extra weight you gain in stiffness and solid feel on the water. This board is one of O’Shea’s bigger boards and aimed at bigger or more nervous riders, the board sits lower in the water (4.75” thick) so you’re not perched up high and this adds stability. It’s also super wide at 35” wide but curiously enough doesn’t really feel it. We liked the very solid feel on the water and the idea of it lasting a lifetime; you could certainly loan this board to all your clumsy mates and not worry about it. If you’re after a tough, long lasting board that’s super stable, the 10’8 HDX has got to be a great contender. It’s easily spotted on the beach too with it vivid bright colour.

www.osheasurf.com

OTHER BOARDS IN THIS TEST:

Aqua Inc Air Rider 14’
Fanatic Allwave VNT 8’9
JP Foil Pro 7’0
Loco El Diablo 8’2
O’Shea 10’8 HDX
Red Compact 9’6
Red Whip 8’10
RRD LongSUP 9’8
Starboard Longboard 10’0

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