PBD sales manager Glenn reviews the Pilot 10'6"
While the Pilot 10'6 is without a doubt one of the best wave riding SUP's on the market, is it only for those who have perfectly peeling waves? Not in the least! The Pilot series has versatility outside the surf zone that you wouldn't be expected from a board that is so great in the surf.
If you are an experienced surfer starting out, or crossing over from flat water paddling, the Pilot 10'6 is a no brainer as it offers excellent handling and looseness on small to big waves. Thin rails in the nose and tail make getting out through the break a snap, and a dream on a wave face.
What about riders who want to do a little bit of flat water paddling as well as wave ride? The Pilot series isn't a board I would suggest for a 200 lb newcomer to SUP as a dedicated flat water board - but, for the experienced surfer who is looking for ultimate versatility, then is a model not to be over looked.
The narrower tail gives in a slightly different ride than the similarly sized Cruiser 10'. The Pilot sits lower in the water due to increased tail rocker and narrower tail. The flat water speed of the Pilot won't win you any races, but it does maintain a reasonable amount of glide. The rail length keeps it tracking nicely when out for a cruise, or on the way out to a break that is a little further from shore
If your priority is flat water, then the Cruiser is likely a better option. If your goal is to be able to ride surf, boat wakes, and still have a board that has enough rail length to paddle in flat water, then the Pilot 10'6 is the winning ticket.
In a nut shell, the Pilot 10'6 is suited towards riders who are looking for a great wave riding board that will also give nice flat water performance. Dedicated flat water paddles who may venture into the surf should focus on the fantastic Oxbow Cruiser line. The Pilot warrants a very serious look by riders who know their calling is riding waves, but don't want to be left out when the rest of the crew heads out for a sunset cruise.
Paddlesurfer Magazine (Australia)
Reviewer: Andrew Cassidy
Yesterday I was lucky enough to test out the very new Oxbow 10'6".
I'm using my one word descriptor as "missus" on this board, not because it misses the mark (on the contrary, quite the opposite ...) but because it would be great for the missus. A light weight SUP rider who wants a board that will perform well in the surf yet is not into big powerful hacks should try and get their hands on this board.
Now, Oxbow have done a very clever thing here and really hit (not missed) the mark. They have created a mid-quiver board with a nice bright yellow spray job and orange and grey graphics. Some of the patterns on the board are almost floral. A very attractive board. Fantastic if you are a female SUPer or you are one of those sneaky male SUPers who are looking to add an extra board in the middle of their quiver and are selling it to their wife or girlfriend as a present for them - just because we love them. Whether or not she ever actually gets to ride it is irrelevant - at least now we have another SUP in the garage.
On first glance, this is a very nice looking board - the Oxbow 10'6" shares the same clean lines, pulled in nose and diamond tail as the outline of the new Oxbow Pilot 9'6". If you have read an earlier review of mine on the 9'6", you will know how much I like the look of this very functional shape. The rails are relatively low for a SUP and the slightly rolled deck make this board look just like a really big shortboard.
So let's take it for a surf...I went out at Collaroy (on Sydney's Northern Beaches) with 2 to 3 foot of swell running and an increasing onshore breeze. Quite fat waves, fairly long rides and a bit chop out the back.
Paddling out was fine - not super stable but not too wobbly. I'm sure if I was lighter than 190 pounds it would be much more stable - I bet my wife or daughter wouldn't have any problems (see theory above). Getting over the whitewater (relatively small) was a breeze. The pulled in nose allows the board to shoot up and over the broken wave with little impact.
The following paddle assisted heel-side cutback was in much more in control even though I hadn't really moved my feet yet. This was probably due to the paddle doing a lot of the work as I swung the 10'6" around. On the next bottom turn, I smartly decided to step back, quite a bit, and the board responded as anticipated. A much sharper and smoother turn. As the wave reformed I changed directions and went left doing a couple of those little baby floaters on the crumbly bit of semi broken wave. They felt quite nice - fluid, fast and smooth. Then a bigger backhand reo on the shorey which I didn't make - but I'm not that good at the old backhand re-entry (I'm never too sure what to do with the paddle during these).
The next wave was a bigger right-hander from out the back. the Oxbow 10'6" planes well anyway, without really needing to pump it. The wave sectioned ahead of me so I went for the big hit. Again, I probably wasn't back quite far enough (slow learner) and struggled a bit with the bottom turn / top turn combo. I didn't come unstuck but it was far from a stylish manoeuvre.
I didn't have a set of scales with me but the board felt quite light - to guess, I'd say about 24 pounds
This board isn't for the radical SUP surfer looking for a very loose high performance board. However, a heavy-ish power surfer could throw it around,. As I have eluded to, I think this board would be great for a mid to light weight SUP surfer who's not too radical ... “Honey! - come and have a look at this, I think you'd really like it".
Highs:
- Good planning speed.
- Great looks for the missus.
- Tracks well when paddling.
- Relatively inexpensive.
- Good all rounder.
Glenn / Mike / Michelle (and the rest of the crew at PBD),
Just wanted to let you know what an awesome experience I had with the Oxbow Cruiser 11' board package I bought from you. After the very quick delivery of the board to the Deer Park YRC terminal this morning, I was extremely impressed with bubble-wrap packaging of board. It was well protected!
Upon opening bubble-wrap, I was blown away by the look of the board. The pictures on yours and bics website do not do it justice. And the back/ under-side is gorgeous. It's one of the most beautiful surfboards I've seen. And my wife loves the look too (very important!).
After installing the pad (easy), I went for a paddle in the flat waters of the Great South Bay, only my 2nd time ever on a SUP board. It was pure joy, what an amazing board. My 8 yr old son also joined me, with both of us on board and then him paddling solo. The Jungle adjustable paddle was just perfect for his paddling.
I've been an avid kayak surfer for 10 years now, yet always pined to surf but always struggled paddling out in the waves. Clearly, the rocker of the Oxbow Cruiser board will be great in the surf, my goal by the end of the week in our typical 2ft surf on Fire Island's south- facing beach. While I am not the first in my town with a SUP, I will be the first in the surf, and all my surf buddies are already lining up for a turn.
Today was just a super day for me, thank you so much for providing me with so much enjoyment, and I just cant wait to use the board and get more experience with it. More than happy to provide any direct quotes for your websites and references for your customers.
Cheers,
Jon W.
Fire Island, NY
Dear Glenn,
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, for your expertise, for your patience and your recommendations. I love my Oxbow 11'6. The board performs exactly as you said it would and is more beautiful than the photo's on your web site illustrate.
I paddled the Oxbow last weekend in Sterling Harbor in flat water and I was thrilled with it's performance. I then paddled out into the Peconic Bay with conditions I can only describe as powerboat wake slop. The Oxbow handled these conditions beautifully. I could not be more impressed.
It's has been an absolute pleasure dealing with you and Paddle Board Direct.
Best Regards,
Jim C.
Port Washington
