REASONS TO BUY
Well designed
Good glide and quick turns
Plenty of storage
REASONS TO AVOID
Pump requires assembly
Difficult to manage in wind
Cargo space decreases deck size
GILI Komodo Review
An easy to inflate board with plenty of storage that is quick and easy to maneuver
Practicing Yoga on the Gili Komodo was less comfortable due to the amount of space the cargo areas take up.
Credit: Jenay Aiksnoras
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Our Verdict
The Gili Komodo is a well-designed and easy-to-maneuver board with decent all-around performance. It inflates rapidly with the included dual-chamber pump, and is a great inflatable board for a flatwater paddle in minimal waves. There is plenty of storage onboard, including velcro loops on the side for your paddle, and the deck pad is very comfortable. On the flip side, due to the taller sides of the board, it is raised up above the water and can easily be set off course on windy days.
Editor's Note: This review was read-through and updated on September 1, 2023, following our summer testing session.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
GILI Komodo | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Inflatable SUP |  Best Value Inflatable SUP |  Best No-Fuss Inflatable SUP | Best for Bringing All the Extras | |
| Price | $730 List | Check Price at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $219 List $179.99 at Amazon | $695 List $695.00 at Amazon | $849 List $649.00 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A comfortable board with good glide that turns quickly and inflates easily, great for flat water | This board captured our attention with its exceptional stability, smooth maneuverability, and incredible value | If you're looking for the most stable and affordable stand up paddle board out there, this might be the one for you | Yogis, new paddlers, families, and intermediate paddlers alike will all love this versatile, easy-to-use board | This board is our pick as the best travel board due to the generously sized bag and electric pump |
| Rating Categories | GILI Komodo | Bote Wulf Aero | Advenor Extra Wide | Isle Pioneer 3 | Thurso Surf Waterwa... |
| Stability (35%) | |||||
| Glide Performance (25%) | |||||
| Maneuverability (15%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (15%) | |||||
| Construction Quality (10%) | |||||
| Specs | GILI Komodo | Bote Wulf Aero | Advenor Extra Wide | Isle Pioneer 3 | Thurso Surf Waterwa... |
| Measured Weight | 21 lb | 16.5 lb | 18 lb | 19 lb | 24 lb |
| Weight Capacity | 385 lb | 250 lb | 330 lb | 285 lb | 210 lb |
| Measured Width | 33" | 34" | 33" | 34" | 32" |
| Measured Length | 10.5' | 10.4' | 11' | 10.5' | 11' |
| Measured Thickness | 6" | 6" | 6" | 6" | 6" |
| Paddle Included | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fin Configuration | 2 snap-in side fins + 1 snap-in center fin | 1 detachable fin | 2 small detachable fins, 1 large detachble fin | 1 center detachable | 2+1 removable quick-lock fin set |
| Folded Dimensions | 34" x 15" x 10" | 34" x 19" x 8.5" | 34" x 18" x 9" | 38" x 15" x 12" | 32" x 14" x 8" |
| Bungee Cargo System | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes; 2 | Yes |
| Pump Included | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes, rechargeable electric air pump |
| Backpack Included | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
New Graphics
The Komodo has revised colors and graphics since our test period, but we expect the performance of this board has changed very little, if at all, with these updates.
The Komodo has revised colors and graphics since our test period, but we expect the performance of this board has changed very little, if at all, with these updates.
The Gili Komodo weighs just 21 pounds and packs perfectly into its fully adjustable bag. Inflating the board is easy and speedy using the dual-chamber pump. We like the full-length deck pad designed with a comfortable texture that's soft on the feet. The 9-inch center fin, removable side fins, and included paddle all assemble quickly and easily. Adding a kayak seat using the pre-mounted D-rings is also possible. Launching is made easy using the nose and tail handles, and storage space is created using bungees that attach to both the front and back of the board. Your paddle can be attached to the side using velcro loops.
Performance Comparison
Attaching the paddle to the Velcro strap on the side kept it out of the way during a Yoga Asana practice.
Credit: Jenay Aiksnoras
Stability
Testing this board on Lake Tahoe allowed us to compare its performance as conditions gradually changed from calm to light wind to boat and wind waves. The taller sidewalls make it feel like you're sitting higher above the water than on other boards. The Komodo feels stable in calm water, and even a few boat waves were not an issue. This board became less manageable in circumstances of increased motorized watercraft and winds. Since the Komodo is recommended for Yoga, we attempted some postures. Ultimately, it isn't as stable as other boards we've tested.
The Gili Komodo balances reasonable stability with solid glide performance, thanks to its wider overall shape and rockered nose. But here are better options if stability is a priority.
Credit: Jenay Aiksnoras
Glide Performance
Paddling this board is easy, and it has a smooth glide between strokes. It's not as streamlined as other touring boards but has a rockered design that allows it to smoothly cut through the water with little drag. As far as inflatable boards go, we felt this one moved more smoothly than many others we've tested. It was pleasurable to travel longer distances on the Komodo and the overall shape helps it to track well, even for beginner paddlers. The 9-inch center and additional side fins contribute to a smoother overall glide.
The fins on the Gili Komodo easily snap in and are secured with a small clip.
Credit: Jenay Aiksnoras
Maneuverability
Maneuvering around buoys and beneath docks is easy on this board. Experienced paddlers turning by crossing the paddle across the bow could turn the board quickly and remain balanced. Those turning by paddling from back to the front could turn with just three paddle strokes. It is easy to unweight the front and elevate it to avoid hazards like rocks or sticks.
Ease of Use
The board and its included pack are thoughtfully designed for easy transport. The bag includes a storage pocket for the paddle, straps inside to hold the board in place, multiple mesh pockets, tightening straps, and additional gear loops on the outside. You can dial in this pack by adjusting the side, shoulder, and hip strap to carry the 21-pound board with relative ease. Once inflated, the front and rear handles make launching the board easy too. Velcro straps on the side of the board can be used to secure your paddle when not in use.
The included pump is made of four separate pieces: body, feet, and two handles, and must be assembled before first use. Once built, the pump can be stored in the pack with the board and paddle. The dual-stage adjustment makes it easier to inflate when the board is close to capacity. We were able to fully inflate the Komodo in less than 10 minutes.
Construction Quality
The Komodo is a well-made board. It is 6 inches thick with triple-layer Fusion technology. The drop stitched layers are machine-bonded and then covered in a PVC coating. If properly cared for, this SUP should have no problem lasting you many seasons.
Included in the bag for the Gili Komodo is the board, paddle, 4-part pump, fins, leash, and repair kit.
Credit: Jenay Aiksnoras
Should You Buy the Gili Komodo?
Small details make the Komodo stand out. Ease of inflation, transportation, and onboard functionality have been thought out in the design of this board. The mid-range price places it in the market for experienced paddlers who like calmer conditions and need a more maneuverable board to avoid underwater hazards.
What Other Inflatable SUPs Should You Consider?
Quick inflation, ease of assembly, and great maneuverability make the Gili Komodo a worthwhile purchase for those who want to paddle in calmer conditions and have the convenience of onboard storage for everything from personal gear to the paddle. That said, if you'd rather trade just a tiny bit of maneuverability for more stability (all while saving some bucks), check out the Bote Breeze Aero.
—
Jenay Aiksnoras
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