Glide Retro 10’6 - Review 2023

Review

• DiveIn Score: 4.2/5
• Construction: 4/5
• Stability: 4/5
• Maneuverability: 4.2/5
• Portability: 4/5
• Price/Quality:4/5

The Glide Retro is one of those inflatable paddle boards that not only looks good but also performs exceptionally. Designed with a retro look in mind, it is reminiscent of the 70s. The shape, color and design of the board bring up a bygone era of dated yet chic style.

This is a beginner iSUP that’ll give you many things. It offers a high level of maneuverability and a good level of stability. At 33.5 inches at the widest point, it offers more stability than most paddle boards that usually have 32’’.

It’s efficient and portable thanks to the included carry strap and carry handle found at the center of the board.

With the Retro 10’6 inflatable paddle board, what you get is a fantastic all round recreational board that is comfortable and efficient in providing you with a fun paddle boarding experience. That coupled with the cool and vibrant colors of the board makes for a fantastic vintage feel when riding this board.

With a EVA traction pad that runs the full length of the top of the paddle board and a 4 point bungee system that sits at the nose of the board, Glide has thought about the key features that recreational paddle boarders need and applied it to the Retro.

Though it must be said that, while the deck pad is cushiony and nice, there are no grooves in it for water to run off. Compared to other boards with run-off cuts like the Gili Adventure or SUPs that have relief patterns like all Bluefin models, the Retro retains a bit of water on the deck surface and can get a little slippery.

The Glide Retro is also very sturdy and durable thanks to heat pressed seams, extra layers of PVC and reinforced side rails. With a capacity of 400 lbs you can have up to 2 people on the board at the same time or a small sized dog, although this will surely be a detriment to the stability of the board.

Features

• Fusion military-grade PVC construction on the outer shell for a 1300 denier thickness rating making this board durable and sturdy.
• Reinforced heat pressed seam for an airtight seal that is then covered by another layer of military-grade PVC making the seam water and airtight.
• Reinforced rails on the sides of the board for added durability and sturdiness.
• 6 stainless steel D-rings for attaching gear and equipment.
• Soft EVA deck pad that runs the full length of the board.
• Large 4 point bungee system on the nose of the board so that you can bring gear and equipment along.
• Easy carry handle placed at the center of the fin for convenient transportation of board.
• US fin box for use with any standard longboard fins.

Accessories

The Glide Retro Inflatable Paddle Board has the full package in terms of accessories and add ons that help beginner paddle boarders get ready for the water.

The package includes a 3 piece adjustable paddle, a backpack, a leash, a hand pump, a fin, a repair kit, and a kayak seat and carry strap.

Unfortunately, what we’re missing is an additional blade to make a true kayak paddle. Luckily we have plenty, but for a first time buyer this might be a tease.

• Paddle: The Glide Retro paddle board comes with a 3 piece adjustable aluminum paddle that is lightweight and easy to use. The paddle also floats and can be adjusted from 70 to 84 inches.
• Leash: The included leash is a coiled safety leash that stretches to 10’ when fully extended and is generally not noticeable when paddling.
• Pump: This double action pump has an integrated pressure gauge and can inflate your board in around 12 minutes.
• Backpack: The included backpack has rolling wheels that make it easier and more accessible for transport. On top of fitting everything included in the package, the backpack has space for lots of added valuables, equipment, and accessories.

​​Stability

The Glide Retro has a good level of stability when on the water. Although this paddle board is not as stable as Glide’s Lotus, as it has a smaller width, it still holds its own against waves and chop. This makes the Retro a good paddle board for beginner/intermediate paddlers who have a grip on the basics and want to challenge themselves further.

This paddle board is sturdy thanks to the Glide’s fusion dropstitching design and the board’s reinforced side rails. You definitely won’t have any problems with balance and it will offer you more maneuverability than some of the other boards in this range.

Maneuverability

The Glide Retro was constructed to be more maneuverable than other Glide models. Thanks to the extra width, the Retro is efficient at turning and more advanced moves like back step turns come easily. This is another reason why this board is great for beginners looking to challenge themselves.

The paddle board’s length further adds to its maneuverability as at just 10’6 the Retro can be spun round in less time. Tracking is not the best on this, but its playfulness makes up for it. Put another way, this is not a touring SUP, but something that is a lot of fun nonetheless.

Portability

Much like the Glide Lotus, the Glide Retro offers the expected level of portability for all rounder paddle boards like this. However, at just 23lbs the Retro is 6 lbs lighter than the Lotus, making it extremely lightweight.

The added carry strap and conveniently placed carry handle make this paddle board easy to transport. What’s more, the backpack used to transport the package is spacious and you can fit all the accessories and your valuables to be easily transported with either the comfortable straps or the durable wheels.

Price/Quality Ratio

Considering the price, design and material used in the construction of the Glide Retro package, the board has a good price to quality ratio. The Glide Retro is affordable and given the added accessories you really are getting a full package deal with this purchase.

The price of this package is relatively low compared to some of the other boards in this range of recreational iSUPs. Additionally, there aren’t many brands offering this many accessories or add ons for their boards.

Optional Accessories from Glide

• Glide adjustable paddle
• Glide anchor pole
• Glide electric pump
• Glide cooler
• Glide carry strap
• Glide coil leash 10’
• Glide kayak seat

Do we recommend it?

Yes, we definitely recommend the Glide Retro 10’6 for beginner to intermediate paddle boarders who want to challenge themselves with a higher level of maneuverability. The kayak seat offers something nice and the stability is really appealing for playing around and even trying your hand at SUP surfing.