Glide's 2.0 inflatable boards introduce cutting-edge technologies found in less than 5% of inflatable paddle boards on the market. Let's dive into what makes these boards exceptional.

It All Starts at Our Core

Meet AeroMatrix Elite, the high-tech drop stitch fabric at the heart of Glide paddle boards. Originally designed in the 1940s for collapsible fuel cells in combat aircraft, this fabric is now revolutionizing paddle boards.

So, what sets AeroMatrix Elite apart? It’s all in the weave. 95% of the inflatable paddle boards use legacy knitted drop stitch fabric which are the thousands of thin strings which hold the top layer of PVC on the board to the bottom layer.  Knitted drop stitch boards tend to have a spongier feel and allow the boards to be inflated to a limited air pressure.  

Higher quality boards use woven drop stitch which is a tighter weave and gives the boards a more rigid feel and allows them to be inflated to a higher PSI.  There are two types of woven drop stitch: regular and reinforced.  Glide is one of a handful of manufacturers that use reinforced woven drop stitch.

Reinforced woven drop stitch boasts a breaking strength 18% higher than regular woven drop stitch and 56% higher than knitted drop stitch. Its tear strength is 30% higher than woven and 50% higher than knitted drop stitch. This complex weave makes it a pricier but superior material choice.

Woven Drop Stitch

A comparison between knitted drop stitch and AeroMatrix Elite shows that AeroMatrix Elite has more, yet thinner, tightly woven threads. This makes AeroMatrix Elite not only stronger but also 30% lighter.

Knitted Drop Stitch

How Many PVC Layers?

While most manufacturers use a single or double PVC layer, Glide uses four full layers fused together. This next-gen fusion technology makes Glide boards lighter than those with glued double PVC layers. AeroMatrix Elite technology ensures unmatched rigidity and extraordinary durability.

Radically Rugged Rails

In paddle boarding, the rails (edges of your board) are critical. They’re often the weak link in lesser designs, especially under pressure. Not with Glide boards. We've revolutionized durability with our triple-laminated Thermofuse rails.

ThermoFuse Rails set the gold standard in paddle board technology. Each layer is meticulously heat-welded and secured, creating the most robust, triple-layered seam in the industry. This unparalleled construction offers supreme stiffness and airtight durability, rivaling hard boards and redefining performance in inflatable technology. Experience innovation at its peak with ThermoFuse Rails—where no compromises are made on quality.

Foldable US Fin Box

Most paddlers don’t think about their board’s fin box until it’s time to roll their deflated board back up or replace a lost fin. Glide’s foldable fin box lets you roll your board up tightly after paddling. Plus, we use a U.S. Fin Box, so any longboard fin will work with your paddle board. This means you can customize your fin to your personal paddle preferences.

The Perfect Package

Every detail of Glide’s 2.0 inflatable paddle boards, from the AeroMatrix Elite core to the ThermoFuse Rails and the foldable US Fin Box, is designed to provide a superior paddling experience. Our boards are built for adventure, durability, and performance, ensuring that you conquer the waters with confidence.