REASONS TO BUY
Large
Wheels easily
REASONS TO AVOID
Not as durable as top of the line coolers
Igloo Glide Marine Ultra 110 Review
Igloo Glide Marine Ultra 110 Qt
Credit: Igloo
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Our Verdict
The Igloo Glide Marine Ultra is the largest cooler in our test. It wheels the easiest of all we tested and loads readily. Any model this size is going to be heavy when full of ice and food and beverages. Smooth rolling wheels and a rigid handle ease transport. Additionally, sturdy handles on each end allow for tandem carry. The Glide's tandem carry handles are relatively flimsy feeling, but we had no problem with them in our testing. The Glide Marine insulates well, drains easily, and serves as a sturdy bench for two.
Our Analysis and Test Results
This is an immense, solidly built cooler for commercial use or large family gatherings.
Performance Comparison
The huge, yet wheelable, Igloo Glide Marine Ultra 110.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Insulation Value
This is the largest cooler in our test. And size is inherently connected with ice retention. In our head-to-head testing, which admittedly did not correct for size, the Glide Marine Ultra fared relatively poorly. However, in field use, this model fared far better. In short, the head-to-head test revealed bottom-of-the heap performance while actual application suggested average-to-above-average performance. And this is what we would expect, given the large size. Our How to Choose a Cooler article explains more about how size relates to insulation value.
Ease of Use
This long and low model loads easily and leaves virtually the entire contents accessible. If this cooler is to be used for camping style contents (food and drinks together), an effective sub-categorized organizational scheme will be important. Put food items into large tupperware style containers to keep them accessible, dry, and separate from the canned and bottled drinks.
Durability
The Glide Marine matches the durability of the bulk of the coolers in our test. Only the far more expensive offerings from Tundra and Yeti stand out as remarkably more durable.
Portability
For its size, this model is very portable. As long as you have level ground, the wheels and handle are remarkably functional. The rigid, extendable handle sets this design apart from the other wheeled versions in the test. One can pull it like normal, but also easily negotiate forwards and backwards to sneak it into tighter spaces. Over uneven ground or up and down stairs, this Igloo is far more unwieldy.
Value
Among the traditionally constructed coolers in our test, the Glide Marine Ultra 110 is the most expensive. Part of that is attributable to the large size. In any event, if you are looking for a large cooler with wheels for occasional to moderate use, this could be the insulator for you. The heavy loads that a cooler like this can accumulate may tax the construction in extended use. In this case, spending more for something like a larger version of the Yeti Tundra would be worth the investment.
Conclusion
Igloo knows how to make coolers. It's basically all they do. And their rolling premium model, in this large size, is an excellent piece of equipment. As compared to the new tier of high end coolers, however, the Igloo comes out in the middle of the road.
—
Jediah Porter
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