kg ie t a r s h e d : i n f l a t a b l e s
Big rig – O ’ Shea QSx 10 ’ 8 X 34 ” X 6 ”
Review & pics : Tez Plavenieks When you ’ re learning to SUP - even with stand up being relatively accessible - riders still need as much help as possible . There are many newbie paddlers entering the fold with little to no prior experience . So anything that can help the learning process is a good thing . Waters around the UK aren ’ t always the flattest . And we all have to contend with inconsistent weather . O ’ Shea ’ s ( new for ‘ 22 ) QSx 10 ’ 8 is set to address all these issues .
Price :
£ 589
Info :
CONCLUSION
I really like the O ’ Shea QSx 10 ’ 8 . On paper , its dimensions suggest a big board but it doesn ’ t really feel it . Instead , you get a stable and fun platform that ’ s poised for all types of SUP scenarios . Bigger boned riders will appreciate the 10 ’ 8 but nervous ( lighter ) newbies will also love the O ’ Shea ’ s performance . And as with every O ’ Shea iSUP the aesthetics and manufacturing are tip top .
QSx technology is as follows . Two stringers running along the board ’ s top and two along the hull . This gives superior rigidity . But is tech that won ’ t break the bank .
There ’ s certainly no lacking of rigidity with the 10 ’ 8 . And that 34 ” width gives plenty of rail to rail stability . During testing , I had the 10 ’ 8 out in some decidedly choppy conditions with no problem . Deflection is minimal ( that QSx technology doing its thing again ). And even with flotsam and froth buffeting the board , the 10 ’ 8 behaves impeccably .
Some may think that an iSUP with such dimensions would be heavy . Yet I can confirm the 10 ’ 8 is
lightweight and easy to lug about . All O ’ Shea ’ s iSUPs are light by the way ! This just continues that trend .
Tracking straight and true with a decent amount of glide , the 10 ’ 8 chugs along dependably . Even with adverse conditions . Coupled with its stability and ease of use this will inspire confidence . Should the conditions turn nasty then the 10 ’ 8 is a ‘ safe SUP ’ that ’ ll allow less taxing passage back to shore .
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