Ocún Review: Dominator

Ocún Dominator (FTS) je jedna z nejlepších bouldermatek na trhu. Dominátor je vyráběn českou firmou Ocún a v prodeji už několik let. Nová verze bouldermatky – Dominátor FTS – je na trhu krátce, ale vylepšuje starší verzi. Na VARP na Dominátorovi lezeme už skoro 2 roky a jeho chyby a klady vám tu dneska lehce nastíníme v tomto článku: recenze Dominátor.

Ocún Dominátor, recenze dominátor, boulder, Borová skála, VARP
Ocún Dominator: Borová Skála

Parameters

Dominator is a big boulder mother. It is intended for higher boulders or highballing , or alternatively as a "basic" boulder mat, which the other pieces complement. The new FTS model is filled with FTS Absorption Block® technology, which reduced its weight by 20 %. And of course it improved the damping properties.

Dimension unfolded100 x 132 cm; 200 x 66 cm
Dimension folded100 x 66 x 29 cm
Thickness14.5 cm
Damping effect3 m
Weight5.7 kg
Wear2 Back straps + 2 ears
Ocún Dominator FTS parameters

For

Dominator is great in that you only need one. Its thickness and damping effect will playfully cover the 90% of what you will encounter on the boulder (certainly in Sheets). It is so large that it covers most of the landing area under the rock and long enough to cover even the challenging parts of the traverse.

It wears quite well. Of course, the weight here is related to the size, but the movable straps on the back allow for a pleasant adjustment. Along with that, it fits inside the turned mattress maglajzák, climbs, water and some food, so you don't have to carry an extra backpack.

At the same time, you have – as is standard at Ocún – a carpet. The old dominator has it removable in the pocket, the new FTS has a mat as part of the boulder mat itself. It's a wonderful little detail that makes climbing so much more enjoyable.

Positives in a nutshell

  • Carrying by straps
  • Damping
  • Rug
  • the "independence" of a boulderer
  • Cover

Against

So that it is not all positive and sunny, the Dominator has its faults and disadvantages. The main "flaw" is the price. Unfortunately, it normally ranges from 6,500 crowns. Hannibal for example (a store with better prices) leads it 6739 crowns. VARP trade then for 6060 crowns. In contrast, the basic Subdance boulder mother will come out on Hanibala at 3949 a 3550 for us.

The second market disadvantage is linked to the price, which is usefulness. You need to know that you will really use the Dominator. If you want your first bouldering machine, it is definitely worth more Sundance or Moonwalk, which are smaller but cheaper. The Dominator is intended for a very specific use, which is of course its plus, but also its minus (nothing is perfect for everything).

The last disadvantage of this boulder mat is its transport using two small lugs on the sides. The Dominator's weight is too much to carry that far. For the ideal, try the ear for a small challenge, and for longer distances between stones, throw the bouldering mat over your shoulder.

Negative in a nutshell

  • Price
  • Carrying with two ears
  • Usefulness as a first boulder mat

VARP opinion

We're not going to lie here, we have the Dominator and we like climbing on it. We made the 90% TOPO in Divoká Šárka with the help of the Dominator. It is expensive investment to your bouldering life. But in our opinion, it's worth it. Dominator allows carefree climbing, as falls into it from most heights are quite pleasant. Its modularity makes it possible to avoid inconveniences and in connection with one gripper you have a really beautiful setup for bouldering.

Of course, it is not necessary to buy it right from the start. But as a second boulder mother, Dominator is really good. It works perfectly in conjunction with the Paddy Sundance or the basic Sitcase pad.

Alternatives

If you want a boulder mat from Ocún (we can only recommend it) but don't have 6060 crowns for a Dominator, there are good alternatives. If you're new to bouldering, it's worth investing in the Paddy Sundance (or the new Joker FTS). Sundance will come out to you acceptable 3550 - on VARP store – which can be tried.

The second amazing variety if you want something bigger is the Ocún Moonwalk. It is a smaller and slightly cheaper Dominator. We have you it will cost 5250 CZK, but also other retail should fit under 6,000 crowns. We also climb the Moonwalk and can only warmly recommend it!