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Tower Adventurer 2 Review

A heavy model with a big price tag, the Adventurer was outperformed by our award winners.
Tower Adventurer 2 10'4"
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Price:  $699 List
Pros:  Glides well, stable
Cons:  Heavy, expensive, not easy to transport or inflate
Manufacturer:   Tower
By Shey Kiester ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Jul 11, 2017
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61
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#10 of 10
  • Stability - 30% 7
  • Glide Performance - 25% 7
  • Maneuverability - 25% 5
  • Ease of Transport - 10% 4
  • Ease of inflation - 10% 6

Our Verdict

The Adventurer 2 is a slightly smaller version of its predecessor, the Adventure, which we reviewed previously. However, despite decreased dimensions, this board was still almost the heaviest in the test, making it unwieldy and difficult to get from Point A to Point B. If you're not worried about transport (and maybe looking to get an upper body while moving your SUP to the lake), then this boards has middle-of-the-road stability and glide for beginners. Plus, it has the highest weight rating in our test, at 400 pounds.

We recommend looking at our Editors' Choice-winning Isle Explorer, which provides more performance at a lower price.


Compare to Similar Products

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Tower Adventurer 2 10'4"
This Product
Tower Adventurer 2
Awards  Editors' Choice Award Best Buy Award   
Price $699 List$1,399.00 at Amazon$745.00 at Amazon$679.00 at Amazon$849 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Pros Glides well, stableTechnical design, quality construction, multi-level friendlyStable, sturdy, thick, dual cargo system, handles on both endsStable, sturdy, fin arrangement optimizes glideGlides well, stable
Cons Heavy, expensive, not easy to transport or inflateExpensiveNot super fastLacks dual cargo system, not super fastHumongus, not super easy to transport or pump up
Bottom Line A heavy model with a big price tag, the Adventurer was outperformed by our award winners.This is a fantastic board for anyone looking for high performance on a multitude of adventures.Top scores in nearly every metric combined with a reasonable price for such a high quality board, the Explorer is our Best High Performance Buy.The Inflatable by iRocker is a high-performing model that testers loved.Excellent stability and maneuverability make the Xplorer a standout performer.
Rating Categories Tower Adventurer 2 Hala Carbon Straight Up Isle Explorer iRocker All-Around 11 Tower Xplorer
Stability (30%)
10
0
7
10
0
9
10
0
9
10
0
8
10
0
8
Glide Performance (25%)
10
0
7
10
0
9
10
0
8
10
0
8
10
0
8
Maneuverability (25%)
10
0
5
10
0
9
10
0
8
10
0
7
10
0
8
Ease Of Transport (10%)
10
0
4
10
0
9
10
0
9
10
0
8
10
0
6
Ease Of Inflation (10%)
10
0
6
10
0
8
10
0
8
10
0
8
10
0
7
Specs Tower Adventurer 2 Hala Carbon... Isle Explorer iRocker All-Around... Tower Xplorer
Weight Capacity (lbs) 400 lbs 350 lbs 275 lbs 435 lbs 800 lbs
Weight (lbs) 26 lbs 23.5 lbs 22 lbs 24 lbs 36 lbs
Dimensions inflated 10'4" x 32" x 6" 10'6" x 32' x 6" 11' x 32" x 6" 11' x 32" x 6" 14' x 32" x 8"
Dimensions folded up (feet, inches) 1' x 33" 32" x 18" x 12" 1' x 33" 1' x 33" 36" x 18"
Paddle Included? Yes No No Yes Yes
Time to inflate (minutes) 5-10 10-15 4-7 4-7 5-10
Pump included? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Fin configuration 2+1 plastic fins, with large detachable center fin 2 removable side fins, 8" center flex fin 2+1 plastic fins, with large detachable center fin 2+1 plastic fins, with large detachable center fin Large detachable center fin
Bungee cargo system Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Comes with backpack No Yes Yes Yes No
Warranty 2 years 3 years 1 year 2 years 2 years

Our Analysis and Test Results

This board is heavy and difficult to carry. Plus, it was the only model in the review that did not come with a pack. Although it had mediocre glide and stability, some testers loved it for its sharp nose.

Performance Comparison


With an aggressive nose the Tower was comparable to the design silhouette of the Airis HardTop pictured here on the left.
With an aggressive nose, the Tower was comparable to the design silhouette of the Airis HardTop, pictured here on the left.

Stability


The Adventurer 2 is relatively stable, but the thin nose and board profile made most beginners feel uncomfortable on this board. Also, when we had a furry friend as a passenger, this model was especially wobbly. Plus, with such a heavyweight, it's difficult to maneuver, which can lead to instability. However, this board is rated to 400 pounds, which is the highest rating in our test. Most of our testers were well under 200 pounds, and it is possible that a heavier user may feel more comfortable on this board. For a more stable model, look at the PEAK Inflatable or Isle Explorer.

Glide Performance


Although the pointy shape of this model's nose led us to believe that it would do well in the glide category, the profile of the board ended up making it a bit more difficult to turn and slow to respond to paddle strokes. A larger, stronger, heavier paddler would have better luck controlling this board. For a more responsive model, we recommend the iRocker or the Red Paddle Co Voyager.

Ease of Transport


The Adventurer 2 was the lowest scoring model in this category for two reasons. One, it was the heaviest board in our review, which meant that when reviewers picked it up, there was a noticeable difference between it and lighter boards, like the PEAK Inflatable or the Isle Explorer. Plus, this was the only board that did not come with an included pack. Sure, you can go out and buy one, but there are cheaper boards, like the iRocker All-Around 11 that include a pack and are cheaper.

The Tower is a high-volume board so its pump time was more than most boards.
The Tower is a high-volume board, so its pump time was more than most boards.

Ease of Inflation


This model lost points in this category because its pump was so flimsy and light when compared to the more middle-of-the-road pumps that accompanied the iRocker or Isle models. For the price of this board, most testers felt that this pump should have been a little bit nicer.

Durability


Several boards in this test had noticeably higher quality materials than the Adventurer 2. These boards include the PEAK Inflatable, iRocker All-Around 11, and the Isle Explorer. Although this board is sure to last several seasons, it did not stick out as the most durable model in the test.

Best Applications


The Tower model is best used as a board for heavy users who don't mind a board that lacks glide. This board is rated to handle 400 pounds, so it is possible that a heavier user would be able to maneuver it easier than our testers.

Value


A more expensive board that lacks some of the components and extras of cheaper boards, we recommend checking out the Isle Explorer or iRocker before deciding to spend your money on this board.

Conclusion


This board is among the heaviest boards in our review. However, with a weight rating of 400 pounds, it might be a good choice for heavier users who can whip the board into shape and make it perform.


— Shey Kiester