O’ SHEA GTX HPx 13’0 TEST REVIEW
Verdict:
This board is a touring champion. The ride is dry, steady, and safe, and storage provisions are plentiful and logically placed. All the necessary attachments are included for multi-day expeditions (towing, portage, anchoring) whether along wide, curving rivers or coastal runs. It exceeds the pace of a standard all-rounder, the GTX is engineered for comfort and speed. It’s a true adventurer’s board.
Overview:
The GTX 13’0 and is a shade shorter than the stock touring shape. The 340 litre volume is cleverly distributed thanks to the 31” beam which creates generous deck space for forward and aft cargo bungees, three carry handles, leash point, and tow point D-ring handily placed on top rather than underneath of the nose. We like the earthy but eye-catching yellow and green tones of the deck pad. Great visibility but also looks good cruising stealthily through the reeds. A rigid US centre fin, coil leash are supplied in the voluminous backpack.
Brand Claim:
Designed for those seeking adventure on the open ocean or with destination targets in mind, the GTX HPx is ultra-light and incredibly durable.
The low profile and long length of the GTX HPx provides enhanced glide and speed, making it ideal for those who love to travel fast and far. With excellent stability in both ocean and river environments.
The board features a yellow top and bottom, ensuring high visibility on the water for added safety. The state-of-the-art heat-welded seams provide a stronger seam and an enhanced cosmetic finish for a sleek appearance.
Performance:
The 13’0 GTX carries the length you need for performance across a broad range of waterways. The rocker line is quite flat so every last square inch of the planform is in contact with the water, it is remarkably stable and would help progressing tourers to develop technical paddle skills, and then of course it is very comfortable in its natural environment silently gliding on expedition through remote back waters.
The platform is plenty stable enough for fishing off of or handling expensive cameras and navigation aids and the entire package is built to withstand days and days on the water. The GTX like its stable-mates, is CAD designed and tested by Farrel O’Shea himself, a man with great affinity for heavy water.
The GTX is built using ultra-light and incredibly durable HPx construction. HPx is 20% lighter than Fusion or MSL constructions without compromising on durability
The result is a board built to handle UK coastal conditions which can be as demanding as you’d find anywhere. The O’Shea GTX is a solid, dependable coastal and inland tourer that will take you off grid and keep you there in comfort for many days.
O’ SHEA GTX HPx 13’0 TEST REVIEW
Vital Stats:
Price: £929.95
Length: 13’0
Width: 31”
Thickness: 6”
Volume: 340 litres
Fin: US Centre