Thanks to Verus Kayaks UK I had the chance to briefly check out the Gladiator 2.0 at the Tees Barrage.

Verus Kayaks Gladiator 2.0 - First Look
Verus Kayaks Gladiator 2.0 – First Look

The Gladiator 2.0 is a half slice river runner that sits at 8’11” with a 27″ width.

Verus Kayaks Gladiator 2.0 – First Look

Here is what Verus have to say about the Gladiator 2.0.

The Gladiator 2.0 is the perfected version of our flagship river runner. Our team has taken this kayak down everything from cruising class II to charging class V creeks. The Gladiator has proven to be the most versatile boat in our quiver. Drawing from slalom designs, the widest part of the Gladiator is right behind the cockpit at 27”. This improves stability for beginners and allows experts to make dynamic moves while running challenging whitewater. The displacement hull is easy to roll, forgiving in chaotic waters and above all, FAST.  The new, low-profile stern will spice up your paddling and let you play all the way down your favorite run. Try a Gladiator today and find out what you can unlock from this timeless design.

Verus Kayaks
Verus Kayaks Gladiator 2.0 – First Look

Let’s start with the hull. You won’t find any sharp edges or chines. The hull is nicely rounded throughout.

Verus Kayaks Gladiator 2.0 – First Look

The boat is designed around an ideal paddler weight of 120 to 260lbs. Which is quite a range. The bulk of the volume to accommodate that is within the cockpit and forward area, as you would expect.

Verus Kayaks Gladiator 2.0 – First Look
Verus Kayaks Gladiator 2.0 – First Look

The stern of the Gladiator is pretty wide and is much lower volume. In fact at the deck it is slightly concave. Notice the three rear grab handles below shows the river running focus of the Gladiator.

Verus Kayaks Gladiator 2.0 – First Look
Verus Kayaks Gladiator 2.0 – First Look
Verus Kayaks Gladiator 2.0 – First Look

The outfitting is pretty straight forward with nothing fancy. A full ratchet band band system, adjustable hip pads and a removable padded seat pad are all present.

Verus Kayaks Gladiator 2.0 – First Look

Thigh braces are built into the kayak are padded with foam. The bow of the kayak is still tall enough to accommodate a full plate footrest.

Verus Kayaks Gladiator 2.0 – First Look

The bungeed storage area is huge and can easily accommodate a large throwline.

Verus Kayaks Gladiator 2.0 – First Look
Verus Kayaks Gladiator 2.0 – First Look

This model has cross head bolts keeping everything in place. Future UK models will be equipped with metric allen head bolts.

Verus Kayaks Gladiator 2.0 – First Look
Verus Kayaks Gladiator 2.0 – First Look
Verus Kayaks Gladiator 2.0 – First Look

The seat can be easily moved forward/backwards and in these shots the seat has been slammed back. The result of this with a lighter weight paddler on board can be seen below.

Verus Kayaks Gladiator 2.0 – First Look

That said the seat being all the way back didn’t seem to impact too much on stability.

Verus Kayaks Gladiator 2.0 – First Look
Verus Kayaks Gladiator 2.0 – First Look
Verus Kayaks Gladiator 2.0 – First Look
Verus Kayaks Gladiator 2.0 – First Look

Specification:

Length: 8’11”         
Width: 27″          
Volume: 72 Gallons
Weight: 44 lbs        
Cockpit: XL       
Paddler Range: 120lbs- 260lbs

Website – https://veruskayaks.com