Tower Adventurer 2 Review
Cons: Heavy, expensive, not easy to transport or inflate
Manufacturer: Tower
Our Verdict
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 This Product
Tower Adventurer 2 | |||||
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| Awards |  |  | |||
| Price | $629.99 at Amazon | $1,000 List | $1,399 List | $795 List | $750 List |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Glides well, stable | Stable and fast, carbon reinforced construction, kayak conversion kit, high-volume pump | Very rigid, lightweight, maneuverable | Stable, tie-downs and handles on both ends, nice paddle | Solid all-around performance, includes a good paddle, appropriate price point |
| Cons | Heavy, expensive, not easy to transport or inflate | Heavier, somewhat expensive | Expensive, doesn't include a paddle | Not super fast or maneuverable | Lacks rear bungee system, lacks a front handle |
| Bottom Line | Heavy and on the expensive side, the Adventurer isn't for everyone, but it fits the needs of some | A high-performing SUP board that includes accessories to convert it to a kayak | A smaller but versatile board with excellent all-around performance | Scores well across the board with consistently solid performance and well-executed design details | This simple, stylish board performs well and has a reasonable price |
| Rating Categories | Tower Adventurer 2 | Bluefin Cruise Carbon | Hala Carbon Straight Up | Isle Explorer | Atoll 11' |
| Stability (30%) | |||||
| Glide Performance (25%) | |||||
| Maneuverability (25%) | |||||
| Ease Of Transport (10%) | |||||
| Ease Of Inflation (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Tower Adventurer 2 | Bluefin Cruise... | Hala Carbon... | Isle Explorer | Atoll 11' |
| Dimensions inflated | 10'4" x 32" x 6" | 12' x 32" x 6" | 10'6" x 32' x 6" | 11' x 32" x 6" | 11' x 32" x 6" |
| Weight (lbs) | 26 lbs | 28 lbs | 23.5 lbs | 22 lbs | 22.5 lbs |
| Weight Capacity (lbs) | 400 lbs | 309 lbs | 350 lbs | 275 lbs | 400 lbs |
| Dimensions folded up (inches) | 33" x 12" x 12" | 34" x 15" x 10" | 33" x 18" x 10" | 33" x 12" x 12" | 34" x 14" x 8" |
| Paddle Included? | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Time to inflate (minutes) | 5-10 | 5-9 | 5-9 | 4-7 | 4-7 |
| Pump included? | Yes | Yes, high-pressure, dual chamber | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fin configuration | 2+1 plastic fins, with large detachable center fin | 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 |
| Bungee cargo system | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Comes with backpack | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 years | 5 years | 3 years | 1 year | 2 years |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Tower Adventurer 2 is a heavy board and is more difficult to haul around than most other boards that we tested. Plus, it is one of the only models in the review that does not come with its own convenient carrying pack. Although it had mediocre glide and stability, some testers loved it for its sharp nose that cuts through choppy water.
Performance Comparison
Stability
The Adventurer 2 is relatively stable, but the thin nose and board profile made most beginner paddlers feel uncomfortable on this board. Also, when we had a furry friend along 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 one of the higher ratings in our test. Most of the testers that we recruited are well under 200 pounds, and it is possible that a heavier user may feel more comfortable on this board.
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 slower to respond to paddle strokes. A larger, stronger, heavier paddler would have better luck controlling this board, but most beginner or intermediate paddlers may be frustrated with the glide performance, especially when compared to most other models in our lineup.
Maneuverability
Although it has decreased overall dimensions, the Adventurer 2 still struggles a bit in our maneuverability rating metric. The heavier overall weight and the pointy nose make it less responsive to aggressive paddle strokes and a little slower to turn. Similar to the board's glide performance, a stronger and heavier paddler will have better control over the board than a smaller, lighter paddler.
Ease of Transport
The Adventurer 2 is one of the lowest-scoring models in this category for two reasons. One, it is one of the heaviest boards we've reviewed, which means that when reviewers picked it up, there was a noticeable difference between it and lighter boards. Plus, this is one of the only inflatable boards that does not come with an included carrying pack. This is definitely disappointing considering that most inflatable models these days include custom carrying bags that fit everything including the board, pump, paddle, fins, and other accessories.
Ease of Inflation
This model loses points in this category because its pump is so flimsy and light when compared to the other high-end or even middle-of-the-road pumps that we tested. For the price of this board, most testers think that the included pump should be a little bit nicer.
Value
This is a more expensive board that doesn't keep up with the performance of higher-end models, and also lacks some of the components and extra features or accessories found on other more affordable boards. Because of this, we think most users will find better performance and value with other options.
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. Most beginner or intermediate paddlers will likely be better suited with a lighter board that is more easily transportable off the water and maneuverable on the water, and will find better value with other more affordable options.
— Shey Kiester