Really Depends…
If you really want foregiveness, than you go bigger. If you want some play, than you go with the smaller.
Two years ago, took a brand spanking new WW paddler down in NHAMC ww school. He had to be six feet and 200 lbs. I thought he had plenty foregiveness with the lil joe.
sing
Quick response and then I’ll duck
The Diesel is a good boat. You don’t need it for Class 2. I’ve got a buddy with a Mamba that he loves. You don’t need it for Class 2 either.
If you want to surf and play in the Class 2’s, go ahead. If all you want to do is run through, consider something cheaper and easier to learn in.
I mostly fish when I paddle, but I do it in and around class 2 and 3 water. I’m not playing in it, but running through.
If you’re interested in running through, another boat to consider is the Dagger Approach. It’ll be at home in up to class 3 running (not playing) and can handle flatwater easily too.
Plus it’s got the advantage of being several hundred dollars less expensive per boat.
If you really want to go whole hog, the Diesel is wonderfully comfortable, effective, and capable. I haven’t paddled the other boats on your list.
- Big D
Thanks, no need to duck . . .
Thanks, no need to duck!
If I just wanted to run through,
that would be fine.
However, as we go out more and more,
We would like to learn to play, some.
I guess what we do not want a boat for is Surf/ocean waves “tricks”, air, etc.
And being new to ww terminology, I wasn’t clear enough.
Thnaks for your input.
It is appreciated.
Pyranha Stretch?
– Last Updated: Apr-20-07 2:52 PM EST –
http://www.pyranha.com/osb/showItem.cfm?Category=19
Haven't paddled one, but looks to be in the same class as the boats you're considering.
Comes in two sizes and two different levels of outfitting.
InaZones
My wife and I each have an InaZone (220 for her, 232 for me.)
The InaZones came with the widest recommendation from knowledgable paddlers. We are just edging into ww. The Inazones are the models that most people agreed were among the best capable learning platforms that can be used in an array of conditions.
At varying times Pyranha made up to three or so different sizes of InaZones. It is supposedly the best selling planing hull boat.
It is possible to find an appropriate sized Inazone used for $300 and up.
more of a playboat i would say,
the one user i know who has one, is having some difficulty with rolling.
Good info. Now i can
remove it from my dream list of toys i don’t know and have never seen but want.
Dagger GT series
Designed for exactly what you’re wanting to do. Love mine.
GT Series?
I hope you are referring to my original Posting?
If so, the GT series seems to be discontinued, correct?
True, but…
They’re still around if you’re willing to search a bit. Pricing should be good, also. Mamba is a good boat, as well as the Diesel. I just like the GT better for an all-around boat.
I am really happy with my diesel
would not trade for any other boat out there right now, i have the 75, i am a big at 6 ft and 235. try www.boatertalk.com they have some used ww kayaks on the board
you could also consider a eskimo salto - there is one for $600
develop a short list then choose an used
one from your list. that way your not out of too much money if whitewater is too much for you…in my previous post there are alot of used boats on boatertalk that would fit your need. most of the time with a used boat you can use it for awhile and sale it at the same price you paid or if you got a really deal you can make a little money…
DragoRossi Mafia
After looking at their site, and e-mailing them - they suggested the Gangster. I looked at it and reviews, and the performance model $999 outfittednew (if we go new ???) is better than their Elite series at $1500!
Lil Joe, et. al
– Last Updated: Apr-24-07 3:44 PM EST –
YES, a lot of reviews I've read since narrowing down my choice thanks to these message boards, really like the Lil Joe (Trigger, Hoss) series. And say it's outfitted well.
Mamba vs. Diesel
After narrowing down my choices, thanks to these message boards and this thread, I look at some reviews. And the one review (yes only one person’s opinion) I saw for the Mamba was compared to a friend’s Diesel. Both preferred the Diesel. Reason: In their opinion, Mamba too fast as compared to slower Diesel. May be more my speed, slow learner in reading river and reacting, I think.
Now to find time and place to try out the narrowed down list.
InaZone?
I was a little confused by their website, so I e-mailed them. They reccomended either the older H:3 or the newer Burn Connect 30 for our needs.
So I may look for a used H:3 as one of my choices. Thanks.
Good Advice
And advise we will use. I found a Yellow Mamba 8.1 for $300 nearby on Craig’sList. never used in WW. Only tried in pond acroos street from owner’s house. He probably purchased it used for $300!
My advice
The Gangster is a “dumbed down” version of the Mafia. That may or may not be the best choice for you. The Mafia is kind of an exception among creek boats in that it is in face easy to turn, is easy to catch eddies and peel out, boofs easily, goes through holes easily, will surf on waves, and in general is not like many of the clunky creek boats. My guess is that at first the Gangster would seem like what you want. But as your skills increase you will be bored with it and want the possibilities of the Mafia. I grant you that it is a lot of money to spend. But it is possible to try out paddling both. There are demo people all across the country who can make arrangements if you want. I can tell you who to contact if you are interested. In any event, at this stage you are probably fine with any of the suggestions you have been given.
Mamba vs Diesel
You mentioned outfitting. Which is outfitted better? Or are they just different?
I have a couple of boats
From your ongoing comments, I would recommend looking at the Jackson Fun series.
More playful looking, but sized right, excellent river running boats. For aggressive learners, it will accelerate your learning curve.
BTW, I have a Diesel too, and on creeky days and on days I’m feeling sluggish, I’ll jump in the Diesel first.
JMHO