Gumotex Twist 2/1 Review
Rating
Performance: 6
Size/Weight: 8
Durability: 7
Setup: 8
Value: 6
OVERALL: 7.0
A step up from the cheaper options.
In terms of basic design, the Gumotex Twist 2/1 is very similar to the kayaks below it on our list - short, wide, and not a lot of super-firm surfaces. However, use of their own Nitrilon material gives Gumotex the confidence to suggest we inflate this kayak to 3 psi, giving that little bit more pressure - and therefore firmness - than others in this class.
Comparison
Rank: #6
Open Size: Wide but short
Packed Size: Small
Weight: Very Light
Capacity: Mid-range
Perfect For: All types of water except whitewater.
Pros: Very portable, convertible, firmer than others of this design, handles well.
Cons: Lacks serious firmness, uncomfortable seats.
Verdict: Definitely the highest-quality of this class of portable, low-pressure inflatable kayaks.
Skip ahead to First Impressions, Setup/Packdown, Paddling Experience, or the Final Verdict, check out how the Gumotex Twist 2/1 compares to others in our list of the Top Ten 2 Person Inflatable Kayaks or see how we choose the best inflatable kayak.
Specs:
Open Size: 360 x 83cm
Packed Size: 50 x 25 x 30cm
Weight: 13kg
Capacity: 180kg
Approx Price: £579
First Impressions
First off, the Gumotex Twist 2/1 doesn’t come with a backpack or really a great bag for any kind of carrying (however you can pay extra for one of Gumotex’s backpack bags, which are actually quite good). It’s not a huge issue because it packs down light and small, so it isn’t outrageous to hustle it down to the water in your arms. Seats wrap up within the package so the only thing separate is the fin (as well as your pump, paddles, life jackets etc).
The Nitrilon material that Gumotex uses across much of its range is marketed as super-tough compared to the thinner-gauge PVC or vinyl that’s generally found in this class of kayak. To be honest, the high shine of the Nitrilon is a little disconcerting compared to the rugged-looking matte PVC most higher-end kayaks use, however in our testing it did hold its suggested pressure of 3 psi and stood up to basic rocky scrapes. It would take a longer period of time for us to fully evaluate the durability of this material - watch this space - but being rubber-based and thicker than vinyl it’s definitely more durable than cheaper kayaks on paper.
However, other elements such as the valves, bungee cord and handles were all reassuringly well-constructed, and you can definitely see the reason this kayak is over double the price of others in this category.
Setup/Packdown
The hull is pretty standard, divided into three chambers (floor and two sides) with one inflation point each. Taking each chamber up to 3 psi doesn’t take long with either a hand or electric pump (we used a double-action pump and it took us approx 1.5 minutes per side to inflate). The seats can be pretty easily inflated by mouth - you can get more pressure if you use a pump, but to be honest the hassle of changing pump attachments makes it quicker by mouth.
The floor features an automatic over-pressure valve, the only kayak on our list to do so, which automatically releases air if the floor pressure goes over 3psi (for instance, if the air inside expands on a warm day). This is helpful because the floor is an i-beam construction, which is basically a series of long tubes that share air, and can rupture more easily if overpressure than a drop-stitch floor or single tube. I-beam does, however, offer more firmness than a single spongy floor panel.
Being smooth, shiny Nitrilon, it’s quick to dry and easy to roll up, so no complaints there. With grab handles front, back, and sides, and being lightweight, it’s easy enough to carry to and from the water fully inflated.
Paddling Experience
The Twist 2/1 is pretty well-dimensioned for a 2-1 person convertible, and it reflects in the paddling experience. It’s wide enough to be stable but not so wide that it’s inefficient, and short enough to be manoeuvrable. The removable fin is absolutely non-optional in this kayak to ensure it tracks in a straight line - with the fin in, it holds its line very well.
It’s never going to be as firm as a drop-stitch kayak, and therefore will never be as comfortable, fast, or efficient. Without a hard-moulded bow and stern, it also lacks that cut-through in chop, so we found we were rocking up and over much more than we would have in a firmer kayak.
Comfort-wise, it should be said that it is still quite short for two adults to stretch out at 360cm long, however, this does make it a more achievable paddle if using it as one person. There are also reinforcing inflatable beams across the front paddler’s footspace that can be used as a footrest, but they’re built into the floor so not adjustable, and there’s no footrest for the rear paddler. We love a footrest to help take some of the load off the hips, so for us this doesn’t work well for extended durations.
Final Verdict
Gumotex has clearly intended to make their cheapest and most portable boat possible, whilst not compromising on their high quality standards, and in this they’ve succeeded. There are issues with the boat inherent in the design, including less firmness and therefore reduced paddling efficiency, but if you’re looking to get a good quality kayak for a lower price point, this is a really good choice.
Want to see how the Gumotex Twist 2/1 compares to other kayaks we tested? Head over to our 2 Person Inflatable Kayak Review.
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