Fitting for a visionary, genre-defying artist like Townsend, the Stormbender seems like an unconventional instrument, but it makes perfect sense once you get to know it. By Chris Gill published January 30, 2020. All in all O’Shea have produced a good quality product refined it to the latest market trends and bought it in at a great value package price. Review: Framuss Devin Townsend Stormbender is packed with sounds that are as innovative, appealing and distinctive as Townsend’s music. This higher nosed tourer/ racer would make so much sense for someone wanting a performance iSUP that they could keep for years, rather than going down the 10’6 route. We really liked its glide and ease over chop, it’s so much quicker and sportier than any 10’6 iSUP on the market. Once up and moving the O’Shea tracked well in a straight line and felt nimble and quick across the water, it was the fastest inflatable on test. The GTR was the lightest board on test, and initially it felt a touch less stable than the hard boards with its narrow racy nose shape. Ask any old buoy and he’ll tell you! O’Shea boards can be typically used at lower pressures:13 to the recommended 15 psi pressures easily achievable. We think Yellow is the safest yet fun colourway, be seen and stay safe on river, lake or ocean.
1000D PVC outer, full double layer rail lap makes a trouble-free belt and braces construction. It’s quality that lasts and the best that money can buy. O’Shea boards are made exclusively from Korean “Mirasol” drop stitch, which is considered the Rolls Royce of iSUP core fabric. Chunky diamond deck pad and cargo bungees, logo’d webbing handle and HD stainless D-ring under nose complete the fittings. It’s good to see the board came with an English made K4 swept back US Box 24cm race fin as standard.
O’Shea’s new ‘Fusion Lite’ fused construction gives the GTR a light stiff feel and is easy to roll up. The GTR comes with a smart back pack, two way switch pump, leash and 3pc adjustable paddle. A sleek stiff light, but spritely board at a good value package price. It paddles slightly nose high, easily coping with small waves and cutting comfortably over them. This 30” wide, fast tourer in their new ‘Fusion lite” construction felt stiff and very directional. O’Shea’s new lightweight 12’6 offers a fast racy feel in their GTR package, (they also do a 34” wide GTX tourer).