In 2010, Chris unveiled the original gnarwhal to the world as an undersized sasquatch. Like the latter, It was well received, and like most caribou throws, sold like wildfire. For 2014, Chris modernized the classic sasquatch shape for todays’ play and thickened the rims. This fall, with another run of the Gnarwhal coming, is it worth your $135?
Design
In the cup, the Gnarwhal 2 looks very much like its predecessor, but this year includes much thicker rims, increasing spin time and power. The classic flat CLYW hub is retained, and The grooves on the floor and the rims are present, complements of the Avalanche/Sasquatch.
In the gap, the same shape is retained, though Chris has made the Gnarwhal 2 much more low walled.
Classic Comfort, Modern shape.
Play
The new Gnarwhal plays extremely well. Caribou Lodge has taken the fun and mid-sized original Gnarwhal, and improved speed, horizontal play, and spin time. The new Gnarwhal 2 is very agile, and moves from string to string very easily. It suits my sorta Jensen Kimmitt-esque hop style. It suits my play style very well. The stock CLYW bearing today is very sub-par. All four of mine are pretty loud and screechy compared to a CTX or 10-ball. The lodge should definitely bring back the CTX of yesteryear, the break-in time is worth it.
Anodizing and Grinds
The Gnarwhal 2 is treated to the usual and excellent CLYW bead blast. All grinds are top notch except for the increasingly popular ‘Finger Spins’. The traditional CLYW hub gets in the way. The Gnarwhal comes in many different ano jobs and they are all very good. My Fire Blizzard Variant looks wonderful.
Thrower Experience
Without a doubt, the Gnarwhal 2 lives up to the hype of the original and makes it better in every way. When you buy this throw, you get the assembled-in-Canada ethos, top-notch CLYW quality control, and great customer service. The gnarwhal 2 is one of the best speedy mid-sized throws on the market today.