AZTRON MERCURY 2.0 10’10 2021 TEST REVIEW
AZTRON MERCURY 2.0 10’10 2021 TEST REVIEW
Verdict
The Mercury is Aztron’s take on the ubiquitous all-rounder and once again demonstrates the brand’s ability to reimagine products from the ground up rather than just following the crowd. Why 10’10? Well, if you’ve gone 10’6 you may as well go 10’10, it tracks better and glides further. This is a big board, but it’s light and appreciably stiff thanks to Aztron’s unique drop-stitch material and brand-standard double chamber construction. A dependable, stylish board for a wide range of SUP adventures.
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Overview
Unpacking an Aztron board gives you a sense that they’re thinking about the end-user experience rather than how to stuff it all in at the factory. Unfolding the Mercury, we noticed the fabric both light and supple till inflated, at which point Aztron’s unique X-stitch nylon dropstitch makes itself known. Unlike standard dropstitch, the threads cross over and the superior tensile strength to weight ratio of the nylon shaves 20 % off the board weight. The outline is a classic lozenge with drawn in tail, and a generous nose rocker. Side walls are 6” thick which coupled with the double chamber design foster great rigidity. 32” width gives some nice parallel rails with the 10’10 overall length.
On deck are forward cargo bungee and mid-point d-rings (for a kayak-style seat) and of course two inflation points for this double chamber board.
Leash, pump, screw in 9” fin and adjustable aluminium paddle fill out the 105 L back pack.
Brand Claim
For 2021, the best -selling all-round range now shows up with cooler design and technology! Popular board shape with different choices of length topped with Ultra Light Double Chamber Tech ensures a safe and forgiving ride for all levels of paddlers. The Mercury 2.0 features our new X-stitching drop stitch core using woven nylon threads to create board that’s 20 % lighter than traditional straight up and down I-stitching.
Performance
Thanks to its light weight afforded by the X-stitch nylon drop stitch, the Mercury doesn’t feel like a big board. The impression you get is of a sporty more compact shape. However, it can float a whopping 140 kg without complaint and is happy looking after riders around 95 kg all day long. If you anticipate situations like water safety, supervised hire, coaching etc…where you may have another person on board with you the Mercury will just eat it up.
The double chamber tech is confidence inspiring and along with the X-stitch stiffens the board by putting an additional side wall close to your feet in the standing area. We first used it over four days of BSUPA instructor training and for rough water towing, rescues, high wind paddling and it felt totally secure.
On solo missions where it’s just you and the water, the Mercury is a nice craft to paddle. The 6” side walls give a nice dry ride and the combo of 32” width and 10’10 length overall gives an edge over dumpier 10’6 x 34” shapes.
Vital Stats
Length: 10’10”
Width: 32″
Thickness: 6″
Volume: 306 L
Weight: 8.6 kg
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