Hailing from Western Australia, Kinetic Sailboards
are new to the UK , despite being
established in the southern hemisphere for some
years now. Designed by Martin Littlewood and
Robbie Radis, the Gladiator range of four boards are
classed as Kinetic’s all-round freeride contenders,
the 95 being the second smallest available. With
quite a classic outline, it is easily one of the
narrowest in this test group, its flat deck, thin profile
and parallel rails giving it a very gunny appearance.
Interestingly though, it also incorporates several
features to suggest a versatile crossover nature,
including a channel in the nose, multiple footstrap
options (including an offset back-strap) and a
bevelled spock tail akin to a freestyle board.
Produced in sandwich construction, it comes
supplied with a 32cm Tuttle Box fin (the bolts sitting
proud on the deck) and simple yet functional
deckpads and footstraps.
Ride and Handling
Feeling smaller than its quoted volume, the Gladiator
prefers to be used with sails of 7.0m or less and is
most comfortable in powered rather than marginal
conditions, where its narrow tail has the chance to
sink and stall. Once its planing threshold is reached,
it releases from the water and gathers pace well,
reaching an impressive speed particularly off the
wind. With a definite leaning towards powered
slalom rather than casual freeride sailing, it
impressed us with the performance available,
especially in overpowered conditions, where its
controllable nature enables the rider to load the
board confidently. The footstraps are easy to adjust
and support the feet well, whilst the deckpads
provide good adhesion to the board … although
they could be shaped a little more ergonomically to
offer a pronounced edge to push against. Cutting a
smooth path through rough seas, the Gladiator feels
compact, even retro underfoot and retains its
manners well in adverse conditions. Although not as
dedicated or technical to sail as others here, the 95’s
small narrow size makes it best suited for light to
medium weight riders looking for a controllable
exciting board to blast around on in any sea state.
Manoeuvres
Responding smoothly to changes in foot pressure
whilst sailing, the 95 surprised us with the ease in
which it could be tacked, providing more stability
and time to get round the front than we envisaged.
In the gybe it does require the rider to get forward
and onto the front foot to initiate the turn, the rails
only slightly tucked from its shoulders up. Once
engaged however, the rails grip to the inside well,
the board’s thin profile enabling it to hold its course,
never bouncing out of the turn, even in the harshest
conditions. With its nose channel and tail bevel, we
were tempted to try some freestyle stunts on the 95,
although such is its speed in a straight-line that the
margin for error is very small.
For: Speed and liveliness of ride. Control in severe
conditions.
Against: Quite specialist – definitely more
race/slalom than freeride. Fin bolts protruding and
standard bolts rather than screw-heads.
Verdict
The Gladiator impressed us with its control at
speed, particularly in overpowered conditions,
where it has the manners to keep up with the
more dedicated slalom boards around today.
Length (cm) 245
Width (cm) 59
Vol (L) 95
Weight (Kg) 8.20
Fin Kinetic G10 32cm (Tuttle)
Sail Range 5.5-7.0m
Price £799.00
