Gili Sports Komodo 10’6” - Review 2023

A Dependable Yoga and All-Rounder 

Komodo 10’6 is a medium-sized Gili paddle board with an all-rounder look, robust build, and good mix of performance. It’s got three layers of military-grade PVC with fusion tech construction and a drop-stitch core. And for its framework, it’s pretty lightweight.

It seems it’ll last long like the other Gili Boards we’ve tested, and its rigidity makes it very responsive. The 33″-expansive deck offers excellent stability. There’s also a paddle holder, removable bungees, and a nose-to-tail EVA pad. This combo clears out the deck and keeps your hands free, an ideal choice for passionate yogis who want to take their practice by the waters. This Gili paddle board can accommodate more than one adult with a maximum capacity of 340 lbs.

The versatility of its 2+1 fin system is handy whenever you transition from one environment and weather condition to another. The pointed nose and rocker ride and cut waves, helping improve its overall tracking and maneuverability. It might not be the fastest, but it glides smoothly with minimal drag. However, it’s not for taller users. If you’re over six feet, it’ll be challenging to use.

You can choose which paddle type should pair your Komodo 10’6″: fiberglass, carbon shaft with nylon blade, or full carbon (price varies). The package includes the dual-action pump, a repair kit, and a leash.

Now, this inflatable paddle board won’t satisfy everyone. The price alone is enough to shoo most paddlers away. But for those who find good value in this iSUP, especially avid Gili fans, every penny is worth the investment. A portion of your purchase goes to environmental efforts, too, so you’re having fun while helping save marine ecosystems.

Construction and Design

A Gili paddle board with an all-rounder profile and tapered nose, Komodo 10’6″ stands 10’6″ tall, 3″ wide, and 6″ thick.

It’s available in blue, teal, coral, and yoga (out of stock as of this writing, check out their website for updates). At the back, the Gili trademark, their “Save Our Turtles” logo, represents their environmental initiative for the underwater world. (the Yoga option has a mandala instead).

This iSUP has Triple-Layer Fusion Construction with a drop-stitch core. Three layers of military-grade PVC are heat-laminated together to create a high-quality build and rigidity. It’s expected to have a longer lifespan than inflatable paddle boards with single layers and, of course, heavier. But not to a deal-breaking point, and the trade-off is well worth it. It’s surprisingly lightweight compared to other triple-layer models of the same size, like Blackfin X 10’6”. You can tour and have fun with Komodo 10’6” for more than just a handful of adventures.

There’s a bit of rocker at the nose but zero at the tail. The rails are well-sealed with tape, keeping this Gili paddle board airtight. They will not burst and leave you disappointed, even scarier while you’re far out. It adds to the overall rigidity and durability of Komodo 10’6″, but it is not as stiff as the carbon railing of NIXY Newport G4 10’6”. But it’s robust and gets the job done well.

Overall, this blow up paddle board from Gili has a high-quality construction you can trust. It might not be the best paddle board in the industry, but it can deal with enough abuse without breaking.

Features

Let’s take a closer look at Komodo 10’6”.

Bungees and Handles

This Gili paddle board has removable thick bungees at the front and back. Since they’re bigger than usual, you can also expect better drybag security. It’s great that you can remove them to clear the deck for your yoga session.

However, it was a little trick looping them through the D-rings. It could’ve been better if they also sized up a bit on them to make it more seamless to use. But still, we appreciate that the Komodo 10’6″ blow up paddle board allows you to enjoy the deck as your yoga mat without bungees catching your hands and feet.

It has seven grab handles– nose, tail, center, and a couple of pairs at the bungee. Pretty easy to use whether you need to pull your Gili paddle board up the dock or carry it to the ocean. There’s no need to drag it (painful nightmare on rocky river banks!) like you would a Roc Scout 10’.

D-Rings and Mounts

Aside from the D-rings in the bungee areas, there are also four more midway along this Gili paddle board. These are a bit bigger, so they’re easier to use. And with their location, you can rig a hassle-free kayak seat if you want to.

There’s only one action mount- at the nose of Komodo 10’6″. Attach your GoPro or cup holder without any problem. Now, for some of you, that’s just not enough. You may need to mount your camera, cup holder, and fishing rod at the same time. If that’s your case, its bigger sibling Gili Meno 12’6” with four mounts, might interest you.

Deck Pad

Boasting its nose-to-tail EVA deck pad, Komodo 10’6″ is essentially a floating yoga mat. It’s got an excellent grip with the combination of lined grooves that transitions into diamonds for optimal traction at the tail. Rest assured that whether you’re on Warrior Pose or a One-Legged Wheel, you won’t hurt yourself accidentally slipping.

Fins and Fin Boxes

Komodo 10’6” blow up paddle board has a 2+1 snap-in fin system. We appreciate its versatility. You get removable sidebites and a 9″ center racing fin and play with the configuration. If you’re on shallow flatwater, the side fins are enough to keep you cruising smoothly (you also save your center fin from hitting rocks and other debris). Maybe you need more speed and tracking, then staying with the center fin alone is a good option.

It’s a toolless, time-saving alternative to inflatable paddle boards with US fin boxes. And since you can detach them post SUP session, you don’t risk damage while in storage, unlike the built-in sidebites that Surfstar 10’6″ Advanced All-Around has.

On the other hand, there’s more chance of losing the fins while paddling Komodo 10’6”. And without any tethering, they might accidentally unsnap, and you’ll need to purchase new ones again.

Paddle Holder

Truly made for a passionate yogi, This Gili paddle board comes with a paddle holder. It’s a couple of Velcro loops with branded neoprene backing, and it’s handy once you need to start your practice. You don’t have to anxiously look after if your paddle has slipped off the deck, and you get to be hands-free. We appreciate this little feature since not all inflatable paddle boards have it.

Valve

Komodo 10’6” has a standard Halkey-Roberts high-pressure valve. Same SOPs for most iSUPs- unscrew the lid and make sure the center pin is up before you start pumping air. Otherwise, it’ll be useless since the air will ooze out as soon as you disconnect the hose.

Accessories

What else is in the package?

Paddle

Now, you can choose between a 3-piece fiberglass/nylon, carbon/nylon paddle, or full carbon. Gili has the option for a full carbon paddle, but they quickly run out of stock. So if you want the best of the three, check out their website for updates.

The fiberglass option is the cheapest of the three. And for a lot of reasons. It’s 30% heavier and has less tensile strength. The remaining two, primarily full carbon, are more rigid and lightweight, converting your paddling energy into longer-distance strokes. It’s also more durable.

On the other hand, it also translates to less flexibility. It means that fiberglass will tend to give leeway when dealing with heavy loads and bend before it breaks. In a sense, the carbon paddle is a bit on the brittle end.

They extend between 67″ to 86″ and have a nylon blade (except for total carbon). Get one that speaks to your preference and budget. At the end of the day, all of them are way better than aluminum alternatives like what Surfstar Flight 11’6” have. Besides, your paddling technique will play a significant role more than the paddle itself.

Pump

Gili Sports Komodo 10’6” comes with a manual pump. And no, it won’t be as laborious as you think it’ll be with the dual-action mechanism. Whether you’re pumping down or pulling up, there’s air coming into your SUP. You can also remove the feet and handles to save some space inside its bag.

Your Komodo 10’6” will need between 12-15 PSI. Remember, the built-in pressure gauge will only start moving once you hit 10 PSI. It’ll be harder to pump once your Gili paddle board is near full. Remove the red key at the back of the pump to make it easier. Or, if you want to save time and effort, you might as well invest in a Gili electric pump.

Leash

A standard eight-foot Gili coiled leash keeps you connected to your Komodo 10’6″ blow-up paddle board. Remember, if you don’t want to lose it, leash it. You’ll never know what happens, especially in open waters.

The swivels work smoothly, and the neoprene material is not irritating to the skin. Easy to attach at the tail of this Gili paddle board. A hidden key pocket is also available at the ankle cuff!

There’s also a standard repair kit included. You have a couple of PVC patch pads, a tube of adhesive, and a valve tool. If you need a repair, you have these essentials within reach without paying extra.

Performance

How well will Komodo 10’6” will perform?

Stability

Solid stability with its 33” deck width. A bit narrower than Blackfin X 10’6” but offers the same confidence that you won’t sink. With a volume of 225 liters and a maximum weight capacity of 340 lbs., Komodo 10’6″ can accommodate an adult plus a small passenger. Its rigidity doesn’t give in to the weight and will keep you afloat whether you’re in a lake or ocean. Its 6″ thick rails are mostly above the surface. This Gili paddle board will be a great option if you love tagging with your little ones or your dog.

Like most medium iSUPs, Komodo 10’6” best suits paddlers under six feet. It’ll be harder to have a good time if your blow up paddle board doesn’t match your height. Not just stability-wise, but its overall performance will suffer. We tested out Bluefin Cruise 10’8” with a six-footer paddler, and it didn’t turn out as stable and fun as it could’ve been. We suggest longboards like Gili Meno 12’6” and Bluefin Cruise Carbon 12’. Both have reinforced rails for better stability.

Speed

Now, Gili Sports Komodo 10’6″ might not win any races, but it performs a decent job speed-wise. Its planing hull attracts drag, and if you have all three fins installed, you’ll slow it down further. It’s expected that it won’t cruise as fast as racing iSUPs like Tower iRace 12’6”, of course, but it’s a good thing that you can play around with the fin configuration. It allows you to remove sidebites and decrease drag effortlessly. It’s also convenient whenever you need to cruise shallow waters, saving your center fin from bumping into debris underwater. Besides, even though it’s got soft rails with expected 50/50 foil, most of Komodo 10’6″ is above the surface instead of half-submerged, so drag isn’t that brutally stopping you from speeding up.

Tracking

This Gili paddle board has excellent tracking. The nose rocker rides waves smoothly, and its tapered nose slices through instead of going head-on, slowing it down and pushing it out of a straight line. No zig-zagging, and we didn’t have to change the paddling side much to stay on track. It’s above average compared to other iSUPs within the same category, such as Supzoom Shark 10’6”.

Again, experiment with your fin setup and see which works best. Generally, the center fin is enough for good tracking without compromising speed and maneuverability. Komodo 10’6″ iSUP will keep you traveling distances cruising in a straight line, and you don’t need to battle every paddle.

Maneuverability

Its medium profile and rigid build make Komodo 10’6″ a very responsive Gili paddle board. Whether you need to make quick turns at the lake or want to switch directions while in open water, you can count that it won’t fight against your strokes. Taking step-back turns is almost as effortless as what we experienced with NIXY Newport G4 10’6”.

You can tick your fin set up. Having the side bites alone works well when you’re trying to maneuver through waves, while a center fin makes this blow up paddle board more intuitive to pivots on flatwater. Having all three fins isn’t that bad, but it won’t be as seamless. Again, see which configuration works well for you.

This Gili paddle board is easy to use whether you’ve never tried the sport or are a seasoned paddler. You can also do some touring with it. As long as you’re within the weight limit and under six feet, cruising in this iSUP is a breeze.

Portability

Only weighing 21 lbs., the Komodo 10’6″ blow up paddle board is a lightweight and super portable iSUP. Although it’s not as light as its sibling Gili Air 10’6” (19 lbs.), it’s still reasonably easy to carry with one hand. In real life, you’ll barely notice any difference.

Load it all up in the high-quality backpack. It’s one of our favorite carrying bags since the harnessing is well-thought-out, and there are many pockets to keep your Gili paddle board and accessories organized. There’s even a dedicated fin pocket, lots of chains, and mesh side pockets.

It has a clamshell opening, making it super accessible. Although it’s not as compact as iRocker’s Ultra 10’, your comfort won’t be compromised. The back and shoulder straps have thick padding, plus the hip and sternum straps offer some support to balance the weight.

One trick we do when traveling with Gili paddle boards: we sneak in some clothes to make the most out of the space. It’s a pretty big backpack, so why not take advantage and add cushioning to your blow up paddle board and protect it against the brutality in the checked luggage universe.

Price/Quality Ratio

From roughly $600 to $680, you can enjoy all the perks Komodo 10’6″ offers. This Gili paddle board is in no way a small investment. The package includes the iSUP, manual pump, leash, center fin and sidebites, paddle, and the carrying backpack.

After testing and assessing the overall build and performance, Komodo 10’6″ will satisfy both novice and experienced paddler’s needs (as long as they are shorter than six feet and within weight limit). It’s relatively lightweight, too, for a triple-layer iSUP. The premium backpack is one of the best. It’ll be a good choice for anyone willing to fork out that much money.

However, for most, it’ll be hard to justify the price. Even its sibling, Gili Air 10’6”, is a hundred bucks cheaper but with almost the same quality and performance.

But if you:

• Love anything Gili Sports
• Have the budget for it
• Looking for a stable and responsive blow up paddle board with excellent construction

Komodo 10’6” will be a worthwhile purchase.

Do we recommend it?

For those willing to spend above average for a reliable iSUP, yep.

We’ve been a fan of Gili paddle boards due to the quality, performance, and the brand’s conservation efforts. Komodo 10’6″ is another addition to the list of our favorite iSUPs.

This one won’t frustrate you with its robust build, excellent stability, and a good combo of nice tracking and maneuverability. Lightweight, easy to set up and pack up. You can even accommodate an additional small passenger without sinking.

And as passionate yogis, the ability of Komodo 10’6″ to clear out the deck and keep you hands-free, paired with a nose-to-tail EVA traction pad, is a major plus. You can also have it with a yoga-inspired mandala design at the nose and back (depending on availability).