Premium performance –
O’Shea GTX Fusion Lite
12’ x 34” x 340L
O’Shea boards are always distinctive and
the GTX is no exception. With its yellow,
black and grey livery it’s very familiar
and reflective of other O’Shea boards
we’ve tested. The GTX is designed as
an out and out touring board which is
obvious as soon as you roll it out of
the well made bag. There are its two
sets of carry straps at the front and
back of the board making it efficient
for portaging, should that be
necessary. It’s easy to inflate and the
dual action pump achieved 15 psi
quickly and efficiently. With this
amount of air the GTX feels perfectly
stiff and rigid.
Price:
£879
Info:
www.osheasurf.com/
isupboards.html
As with every O’Shea we’ve tested it’s
a really well made board, with plenty
of reinforcement in key areas. That
does transfer to a slight weigh gain, but
riders should have peace of mind that
it’ll stand up to a degree of knocks and
scrapes. So plan your route, stuff gear into
dry bags, lash them to the deck of the O’Shea
CONCLUSION
We’re always happy to see an
O’Shea board land at SUPM Towers –
the brand’s GTX tourer being no
different. Straight out of the bag
and it’s what we expect as far as
manufacturing goes with O’Shea
products. Once inflated it’s ready
for action, looking fit for purpose.
On water performance is on point
with the GTX displaying a load up
and go attitude that paddling blood
hounds will appreciate.
91
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and you’re sorted for several days
of full on touring. Freedom and
adventure await!
The board paddles really well, holding
a straight line with ease and feeling
quite responsive in the water. This
isn’t a board built for speed though.
It’s efficient and glides/tracks well
but the GTX is more about crunching
miles with your essentials and
plenty of stability in mind. As such
heavier weight novices will find the
GTX a composed, well mannered
ride. It’s an iSUP that works well in
choppy open tidal waters whilst
remaining extremely capable and
efficient when transferring to
sheltered inland stretches. If you’re
searching for a board that can clock up
miles without you having to think then
look no further than O’Shea’s GTX.
Focusing on what’s round the next bend,
is after all, the real game.
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Manufactured in Fusion Lite lay up, so being light yet robust,
O’Shea’s GTX inflatable tourer is a SUP that’s been put to good use
by Tony Bain of late: all round SUP luminary and contributor of
knowledge to this very mag. As is the norm O’Shea’s GTX is a top
shelf piece of kit that will fit many scenarios and increase
paddling smiles from all corners. SUPM’s tester Rich Heathcote
took it for a spin and spills the beans’ further.