Length (cm) 250
Width (cm) 77
Vol (L) 135
Weight (Kg) 10.05
Fin 42cm (Tuttle)
Sail Range 6.0-9.0m
Price £799.00
At a Glance
The 135 is the largest model in the four-board
Gladiator line-up, possessing the same
straightforward visual graphic as its smaller siblings.
Supplied with easily adjustable straps that can be
placed in a multitude of positions, simple yet
effective deckpads and a 42cm Tuttle box fin, it has
quite a unique design making it standout from the
crowd. Whereas the bottom shape is nothing to write
home about, with only the channel in the nose
(bizarre in a board this size) interrupting the
progression of vee towards the tail, the outline of the
board itself is very wide and rounded, whilst the
profile is particularly thin throughout. Like the 95
tested last month, the 135 has an angular diamondshaped
tail and sees its fin placed quite far back in
the board, counteracting the back straps that are
placed quite far forward. Described as the most
versatile board range Kinetic have ever produced, it
also has a long mast track to cater for its large
suggested sail range.
Ride and Handling
At rest, the Gladiator’s flat deck shape makes it very
secure and stable underfoot, capable of carrying
sails up to 9.0m with ease. Whilst not the fastest or
most spontaneous to get on the plane here, as
power is supplied it glides up onto the surface of the
water, requiring very little input from the rider. The
number of strap options are excellent catering for a
wide range of abilities, the calm measured nature of
the 135 reassuring the intermediate as they progress
into stronger winds. With the straps placed in their
outboard settings the stance remains quite upright
and relaxed, although it has quite a deceptive turn of
speed, especially off the wind. Pointing upwind well
and floating over choppy conditions in a much more
controlled manner than its width measurement
would have you believe, the one area in which we
felt the board could be improved was its deckpads.
Whilst they provide good adhesion to the board,
they do not offer a solid edge to push against, so
experienced riders will find themselves frequently
adjusting their stance in overpowered conditions to
try and get the most from the board. As such, the
Gladiator is an excellent board for the improving
intermediate, right up to the advanced rider looking
for a board to make the most of marginal conditions.
Manoeuvres
In the gybe the 135 has a very versatile nature, and
will respond to any number of carving styles. Such is
its width that it does require the rider to take a
consciously wide step over to the leeward rail,
applying a positive amount of pressure to initiate the
turn. Happily adopting a wide, prolonged and
predictable arc, ideal for the intermediate, it is also
capable of being driven through a tight powerful
carve, holding its edge beautifully as you plough it
into the corner. The front area of the back deckpad
offers excellent security as you step over onto the
leeward rail, whilst the flat wide deck provides the
stability to escape any clumsy footwork upon exit.
Similarly in the tack the width and volume around
the mast track provides ample time to step round
the front of the mast.
For: Versatile all-round freeride performance.
Against: The fin bolts supplied are awkward and
time consuming to use.
