Gladiator 2022 SUP Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: SUP 2022 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Gladiator Paddleboards
Interviewee: Marketing Manager

Is Spring 2022 marking a comeback to a “normal” market? In other words, has production come back to the pre-covid pace, can you provide a decent amount of stock to everyone?
Gladiator Paddleboards managed to keep production going through the last 2 years, the factory was delivering on time, the main delays for our distributors was shipping, this year many distributors have ordered earlier to avoid this in 2022

A careful attitude with plenty of carryovers has been the go-to choice for a couple years. Will 2022 be the year of innovation for your brand?
For 2022, the complete range has had a makeover, starting at our entry level range previous the Light, now in 2022 the Origin, Using the high density 20psi fusion laminate drop stitch with premium double layer Strong rail, Bravo Double action pump, 3pc fiberglass paddle with Nylon Blade , leash and backpack bag with easy stow shoulder straps. This board beats any board in the same price point. We then move top both the Pro and Elite range, The upgrades from Origin to Pro are, Triple Xstrong Rail, 3pc Carbon paddle with Nylon Blade, Bravo SUPer pump and Wheeled backpack bag with easy stow shoulder straps The Elite Steps up once more, now moving to lighter and stiffer Machine weave drop stitch with Strong triple rail, 3pc Full Carbon Paddle and Honeycomb G10 Fin.

How did you build your inflatable range in 2022? And which inflatable technologies are you implementing in 2022?
In 2022 we have invested in the look and package details of our ranges, Gladiator has always used the highest quality and stiffest drop stitch available, so 2022 was all about the added value items and the look.

Hardboards: where is the category going according to you? A niche reserved for experienced riders only?
We Specialize in Inflatable boards, we do not have a interest in Hardboards, we only wish that some of the premium hard board rands would give their inflatables a bit more love (even if they became a competitor of ours), we see to often a hardboard brand push out a Inflatable product that is low density and low psi drop stitch with their logo on it with a fairly high price point, people trust the name and buy it, when the brand just saw it as a beach toy, not a serious product.

Is the Swiss Army SUP, that is to say multi-use designs (SUP/FOIL/WING/WIND/SURF) an ongoing trend in 2022?
Yes there is but people also need to understand that like anything that is a hybrid, it will do everything OK, but nothing amazing, look at what it is you really want out of your Sup and then go from there, if longer distance paddleboarding is your thing then get a touring board and look at a wind board as a extra item.

Any piece of advice to give to brick & mortar retailers concerning their order sorting?
Have a range of demo boards, there are so many brands and stores out there give the customer a reason to come to you, look closely at the brands you are selling and ask your agent to explain why there are different sizes etc, if they can’t explain move onto a company that has the knowledge to pass onto you. At Gladiator, we do have a wide range of boards but it’s a very simple range to understand when you know why we have them within the range, each range has 3 boards that do the same thing but for different size people, Allround, Performance All round and Touring. At Gladiator we are always available throughout our distributors to ask the questions, each of our distributors has their own WhatsApp channel connecting directly to our marketing and sales team.

Best Sellers

Gladiator Origin 10’6 Package SUP

OVERVIEW
The Gladiator 10’6 SUP is the true all-round shape. At 10’6 x 32″ x 4.7″ this SUP board is the perfect allround board for most people. The 32″ width and the straight rails make this SUP board nice and stable and is a great board for all riders up to 95kg. Whether paddling flat water or waves with friends, family, kids or the dog, you’ll have an amazing time on the 10’6.

CONSTRUCTION
A premium board at an affordable price The Gladiator Origin range of inflatable paddle boards are made from high-density double laminated fusion drop stitch material. With the ability to reach 26psi it ensures a stiff board for an exceptional paddling experience. Features include front, rear and centre carrying handles for easy transportation and bungee tie-downs for carrying kit. These paddle boards should not be mixed up with the budget brands on the market; the Gladiator Origin boards punch well above their price range. There is no better built entry price-point inflatable paddleboard on the market.

Gladiator Origin 11’4 Performance All Round SUP

OVERVIEW
A great inflatable paddleboard for the majority of paddlers, wanting a board that can do a bit of everything, excelling in touring and river paddling. The pointed nose and square tail help to create the perfect combination of speed and stability. This board also holds its own in small waves. This performance all-round board has been specifically engineered and designed to offer performance and speed to paddlers who want a step up from the all-round board but still want the flexibility of use. Its length and nose shape make it fast, its width and squared tail make it stable. If you want a board to go anywhere and do a bit of everything, this is the one.

CONSTRUCTION
A premium board range for people who want more The Gladiator Pro range of inflatable paddle boards are made from high-density double laminated fusion drop stitch material, with the ability to reach 26psi it ensures a stiff board for an exceptional paddling experience. Features include front, rear and centre carrying handles for easy transportation and bungee tie-downs for carrying kit. The Gladiator Pro is reinforced with a Triple Xstrong rail which adds to the ‘solid’ board feel. Thanks to its design and manufacturing method the narrow super-strong edge becomes an integral part of the SUP board, as a result, the board offers even more rigidity, glide and performance.

Gladiator Elite 12’6 Package SUP

OVERVIEW
The Gladiator Elite 12’6 is for those who want to up their game and paddle longer distances with a touring board. The 12’6 Elite touring board provides extra glide and speed whilst still being easy to paddle. Whether paddling with your dog or child sitting on the front, or fully loaded ready for an overnight adventure, the 12’6 can handle any extra volume. The 12’6 Elite comes in 3 widths; The Light is 29″ x 4.7″ for shorter, lighter riders. The sport is 30″ x 5.9″ wide for a shorter rider or a more proficient rider wanting even more speed. The Touring is 32″ x 5.9″ wide for the rider wanting a great leisure paddling experience with more stability but with a slightly slower glide.

CONSTRUCTION
The Absolute Ultimate In Lightweight Stiffness Made from market leading machine weave 26psi high density double laminated drop stitch, the Elite is top of its class: 20% lighter and stiffer than fusion layer boards. The weave has less give than the traditional knitted method, which gives superior flex and rigidity, with no compromise on durability. The Gladiator Elite is reinforced with a Xstrong triple rail edge which adds to the ‘solid’ board feel. Thanks to its design and manufacturing method the narrow super-strong edge becomes an integral part of the SUP board, as a result, the board offers even more rigidity, glide and performance. Features include front, rear and centre carrying handles for easy transportation and bungee tie-downs for carrying kit. The Elite has everything and more. Minimum weight and a focus on detail for those who desire the best.