Gili Sports Mako 10’ - Review 2023

Practical Option for the Smaller Paddlers

Gili Sports Mako 10′ is not be as budget-friendly as some alternatives. But, with the benefits you’ll get in return, you’ll soon realize it’s worth more than what you paid.

It’s got military-grade PVC with Dual Layer Fusion Tech, a solid combination that survived well. This Gili paddle board has a 2+1 fin setup, so you can customize the configuration as needed. You’ll also have the option to choose which type of paddle you want to pair it with.

With fin versatility and the rigid build, Mako 10′ performs with the stability you can trust, with a good blend of speed, tracking, and maneuverability. Made for paddlers under 5’10”, this Gili paddle board is a practical choice for anyone looking for an iSUP that won’t give up after a handful of uses.

Construction and Design

Mako 10’ has a hybrid shape, a combo of mostly an all-rounder with a nose that resembles a tourer and a planing hull. This Gili paddle board stands 10′ tall, 32″ wide, and 6″ thick and is available in blue and green. We also love the Save Our Reefs logo at the back, representing the company’s initiative to help save nature by donating a portion of your purchase to protect turtles and reefs.

Construction-wise, Mako 10’ comes with Dual Fusion Tech and drop-stitch core. It’s a 2-layer Gili paddle board with Military-Grade PVC laminated together, making it more airtight, durable, and stiffer than iSUPs with only a single layer like the Starboard Vision or with two layers but unlaminated (prone to bubbling).

This Gili paddle board has a bit of nose rocker and zero tail rocker. It also has soft rails, and the seams have robust seals to ensure your Mako 10′ won’t burst by the edges after several uses. Now, they’re not as failproof as the Bluefin Cruise Carbon 12’ with carbon railings, but they’re sure tough enough to serve you without breaking.

If Mako 10’ didn’t impress you, one of these iSUPs will. 

Features

Let’s take a closer look at Gili Sports Mako 10’.

Bungees and Mounts

Load up your cargo at Mako 10’ and its front bungees and removable cords at the back. Carry your dry bags or clear the tail area if you want more room to move around. There are also five mounts to accommodate your accessories, whether it’s your fishing rod, camera, or cup holder.

We appreciate these simple additional features since they significantly impact the entire paddle boarding experience. We stayed hands-free as much as possible, unlike how we had to choose between slinging a dry bag or letting go of any cargo while using Tower Yachtsman 10’4”.

D-Rings and Handles

Gili Mako 10’ has 18 D-rings. You can rig your kayak seat or add more bungees for extra cargo space. It’s plenty to allow customization and lash whatever you need depending on the situation. If you want a cooler for your catch or to keep your booze ice-cold, you won’t have any trouble attaching one to the deck of this Gili paddle board.

Seven grab handles! Yes, you read that right. It’s not one of those typical iSUPs with three. You can pull and carry Mako 10’ from almost any angle- the classic three (nose, tail, and center), plus two on each side at the bungee areas. 

It’s a helpful feature we like since you can snatch your Gili paddle board. You won’t bruise your iSUP dragging it—a total nightmare on rocky river banks. There’s no need for another hand like how one of our testers went solo paddling with the motorized iSUP SipaBoards Tourer, and the only option was dragging it out of the water due to lack of middle handle. Understandable enough, its engine is at the center, but there is plenty of space on the sides for mid-way grab haul.

Deck Pad

Nothing out of the ordinary with the EVA deck pad. It has excellent traction like most Gili paddle boards, and you won’t slip even when the deck is wet. You can enjoy your yoga sessions just like you would with a mat on the ground. Forearm stands and arm balances are no problem at all.

2+1 Fin Setup

This inflatable paddle board from Gili has a 2+1 nylon fin set up, and both the 9” center fin and 4.5” side bites slide into a clip-on fin box. Setting them up was a piece of cake compared to classic US fin box types. But without tethering like in iRocker All-Around 10’ Ultra, you might lose your fins. On the other hand, you don’t have to worry if you’ll bend or break them inside the bag, unlike with the fixed side bites of Isle Pioneer 10’6”.

The fins themselves are nylon-made. They flex under pressure without breaking and keep Mako 10’ at a reasonable weight. They’re not as tough as Isle’s TPU fins but sturdy enough to serve their purpose. You can interchange them with other Gili fins or remove them to adapt to your needs.

Valve

Typical high-pressure valve with screw lid. This Gili paddle board, just like most iSUPs, requires a proper pin setup to inflate and deflate. If you’re a newbie, remember the pin must be up to keep the air inside your Mako 10′. Once you’re back from your SUP session, press and twist the pin to release air.

Paddle Holder

Keep your paddle safe at the holder on the side of your Mako 10′. It’s a convenient add-on, particularly for yogis, and if all you want to do is lay down and chill. Not all iSUPs have it, so this Gili paddle board has a bit of an edge over competitors in the same category like the iRocker All-Around 10’.

Not your type of inflatable paddle board? There are more iSUPs in our main guide. 

Accessories

What else is in the package?

The Pump

Mako 10’ has a traditional dual-action manual pump. It’s highly portable with its detachable feet and handles, so it won’t take up much space inside your carrying bag. You’ll have to invest extra seconds in setting it up, but once you do, the dual-action inflates your Gili paddle board in minutes. Whether you’re pushing down or pulling the handle up, it supplies your SUP with air.

Now, we understand some paddlers see it as a strenuous demand. Others just don’t have the time for it. You can fork out extra for Gili’’s electric pump or opt for self-inflating iSUPs like the SipaBoards Tourer. But if you like some warmup before hitting the waters, you’ll get your blood flowing while inflating your Mako 10′ with the manual pump.

The Paddle

You can choose from three paddle types: fiberglass/nylon, carbon/nylon, or pure carbon. It depends on your personal preference and budget. The cheapest is fiberglass-made, and pure carbon has a premium build at a higher cost. It’s a 3-piece set that extends between 67″ and 86″.

Using Mako 10’ with a fiberglass shaft with nylon blade is a relatively tough combo and efficient in converting your paddles into thrusts, but not as powerful as carbon/nylon, and even more so, total carbon. On the other hand, the stiffness of a full carbon paddle can take a toll on your joints and muscles, especially if you already have an existing injury. We applaud that this Gili paddle board offers a middle-ground, carbon shaft/nylon blade option for those who want to cruise with a bit of flex in every thrust. Besides, these choices are still way better than the aluminum-made ones like in Gili Air 10’6”.

Leash

Keep yourself and your inflatable paddle board safe with the 8’ coiled leash. Each end has a swivel to help keep tangling at bay. The ankle cuff’s neoprene material is comfortable for the skin, and the Velcro secures firmly. There’s also a secret pocket in the cuff for your key to keep it safe while you paddle. Some customers had trouble with the pocket sewn shut, but we didn’t have this problem.

Repair Kit

Your Mako 10′ comes with a repair kit for just-in-case situations (we hope never to happen). Inside, you’ll find a couple of big PVC patches, a valve wrench, and a small tube of adhesive. It’s the SOP for Gili paddle boards.

Still unsure? Our guide to the best iSUPs might give you some clarity. 

Performance

How good can Gili Sports Mako 10’ perform?

Stability and Speed

With a volume of 218 liters and a max capacity of 260 lbs., this Gili paddle board won’t sink for its target users, paddlers under 5’10”. The fin setup also provides optimal stability. Even if you’ve never tried SUP in your entire life, you don’t have to fear whether you’ll manage to stay afloat or not.

Remember, this Gili paddle board is a relatively small model. If you’re tall but within the weight limit, going out with Mako 10′ might not give you enough challenge. With (we assume) longer arms and paddle stroke, you’ll glide without too much effort (which is not as fun). Look at longer iSUPs between 12′ and 14′ like Bluefin Cruise 12’ and Tower Xplorer 14’. They’re also suitable for heavier paddlers since they have more volume- increasing their weight capacity.

Utilizing the 3-fin setup at its total capacity provides surefire stability, even when riding waves. Plus, the touring nose cuts through the waters effectively. But, on the other hand, it attracts more drag, causing the Mako 10’ to cruise slower. Its planing hull and the rails’ 50/50 foil are typical for iSUPs. So even though they cut the speed, it’s just something we all need to paddle with.

The good news is since this Gili paddle board has a 2+1 versatile setup, you can tweak the fin configuration depending on your needs. For example, you can remove the center fin if you’re out in shallow waters to avoid damage and improve speed simultaneously.

Tracking

On a 2+1 setup, we didn’t have to frequently change sides while paddling to keep a straight line while using Mako 10′. Although, cruising the waters with the side bites only wasn’t as good. We were not disappointed by a single fin setup, a classic go-to for tracking. Play around with the fin setup and see which one works best for you. Besides, everyone has their taste, and making adjustments is easy anyway.

Maneuverability

Rail and pivot turns are no problem with Mako 10’. Maneuverability is a piece of cake since this Gili paddle board is a compact unit. There’s no struggle like we experienced while testing out Isle Explorer 11’6”.

Again, hit the waters with different fin configurations to see which one works for you. But traditionally, a single fin setup works best for maneuverability; this one is no exception.

The size of this Gili paddle board also makes it very responsive when surfing. So if you love the adrenaline rush from crashing waves, Mako 10’ can stand the challenge.

Portability

This Gili paddle board comes in a premium backpack with many organizational features. Keep your paddle safe with the dedicated fin pocket at the front. The extra mesh pockets at the sides and daisy chains allow you to carry more than your Mako 10′ essentials. You can access your SUP set via the big clamshell opening at the front.

It’s one of those iSUPs with a comfortable harness system with generous padding to ensure you don’t feel skin digging while carrying your inflatable paddle board. The hip belt and sternum strap also transfer some weight, so your back doesn’t have to suffer.

However, like most of its type, the backpack comes a little big, especially with smaller paddlers as target users. A pair of wheels would be nice. It’s a bit of a hassle, unlike how compact iRocker All-Around Ultra 10’ is.

Mako 10’ vs. IRocker Ultra 10’

At 20 lbs. this Gili paddle board is almost on the same scale as Roc Scout 10’ and most iSUPs of a similar size. Mako 10′ might not have the lightest construction, such as Isle’s AirTech Fusion Lite, which cuts weight up to 30% (see how The Switch hybrid is a hefty model but only weighs the same). But it’s a just-right model that won’t leave you feeling like you’re carrying unbearable dead weight.

Deflating, rolling, and packing Mako 10′ is a cakewalk. Again, if you’re an avid traveler, you’ll need to drop this Gili paddle board at the baggage counter since it’s too oversized. And if you prefer keeping your iSUP within reach to avoid any hassle, you might as well opt for iRocker All-Around Ultra 10’. It’s carry-on-friendly and can fit inside the overhead bin.

If this Gili paddle board didn’t make it to your cut, there are alternatives here. 

Price/Quality Ratio

You can grab a Mako 10′ from roughly $550 with a fiberglass/nylon paddle. If you’re a beginner and fit its ideal paddler, this Gili paddle board is one of the most practical iSUPs on the market.

It includes an entire package including a durable 2-layer SUP, a couple of clip-on side bites, and a center fin, plus a manual pump and leash. All loaded in its organized and easy-to-carry backpack.

With its robust build and versatility, Mako 10′ won’t feel like a wasted investment. Of course, it’s not a premium board. But for its price and the value it serves, you get the best bang for your buck. The hybrid shape gives you the best of both worlds, all-rounder’s stability and touring’s magic to ride and cut through waves.

The 2+1 fin setup allows you to calibrate them according to your needs. You can remove the side bites or the center fin. The choice is yours. These don’t fit into classic US fin boxes but only slide as a clip-on. Now, that’s time-saving and a tool-less way to rig your Gili paddle board. But on the other hand, there’s also an increased chance of losing them while paddling your Mako 10’ since there’s no option to tether them.

The manual pump gets the job done. At this price, don’t be looking for an e-pump. Besides, it’s a great warmup before you hop aboard your paddling adventure. The amount of D-rings and mounts is not over the top. We also appreciate the additional paddle holder on the side for a hands-free paddling experience.

Once you’re back to the shores, deflating, rolling, and packing it inside its bag is super easy. The premium quality and organizational features, especially the dedicated fin pocket, make it clutter-free and a breeze to carry while traveling and from/to your car. Mako 10′ weighs average for its size and won’t demand laborious effort to pick up.

Performance-wise, this Gili paddle board has outstanding stability, with a balanced mix of good tracking and maneuverability. It will not win any race with its speed, but Mako 10′ won’t leave you falling behind when paddling with a group.

If you have the budget for it, forking out for a premium full carbon paddle would be the best option in the long run. It’s the most lightweight and sturdiest option, suitable for serious paddlers who know they’ll use Mako 10′ regularly. But the fiberglass/nylon paddle won’t let you down with its performance if you’re short on budget.

Mako 10′ is another statement from one of our most trusted brands. An addition to the list of our favorite Gili paddle boards. Although it’s far from perfect, this iSUP offers good quality and performance at a reasonable price.

You can jump to our main guide for more iSUPs if you think Mako 10’ is not for you. 

Do we recommend it

Definitely.

First, you help protect the underwater world when purchasing a Mako 10′. Second, you get a reliable Gili paddle board you can take everywhere. It’s a 2-in-1 deal when it comes to benefits. It doesn’t have to be a bank-breaking investment to enjoy quality and performance you can trust that you won’t typically reap from most sub-five hundred iSUPs.