All new equipment.
Printed From: ProfessorPaddle.com
Category: General
Forum Name: Whitewater Forum
Forum Discription: Open Discussion Forum. Whitewater related subjects only
URL: http://www.professorpaddle.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2965
Printed Date: 17 Sep 2025 at 9:58pm
Topic: All new equipment.
Posted By: dave
Subject: All new equipment.
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2006 at 12:24pm
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So here is what I'm looking at, after 14 years of the same leaking equipment and 3 years in a Tekno that is too small for me (being 220lbs and 6'3"). I'm putting together a $3,000 package- Wavesport EZG60, Kotatat Gortex dry suit with all the trimmings, Sweet Rocker Helmet, Aquavest 300 PFD, Werner Bent shaft graphite paddle, and a partridge in a pear tree (o, christmas is over isn't it?), plus sprayskirt and stuff. Basically starting over from scratch and get ready for the spring runoff. So how does that sound so far? Any suggestions? I like to play a little but want the stability of a bigger boat, but don't want a long creek boat, like to surf more than throw down, but like to mess around a little bit now and then, and like to run rivers around class IV- III. Thanks ![]("smileys/smiley5.gif")
------------- Nomad |
Replies:
Posted By: James
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2006 at 1:19pm
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First off let me say this... You got the wrong boat. You don't want the EZG. You want the Project. The EZG is a tweener boat. You want a ZG or Project. Or check out some other playboat. You will be sorry if you get the EZG though. I just know it. ------------- |
Posted By: dave
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2006 at 1:32pm
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Ya, but I want a boat that is like a creeker with high volume, but short like a playboat so I can play once in a while. I not a hardcore playboater, I'm an all around kinda boater, but like a short boat for high manuvering and surfing. I guess I'm still waiting for someone to mke the perfect boat for me, Plus I'm tall and 200+.
------------- Nomad |
Posted By: dave
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2006 at 1:35pm
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The EZG60 looks like what I need and It's fairly comfy, but I don't know anything about boats, so I do need advice. Just remember that I am not hard core and need some volume. (does the 60 meen the volume? If so that isn't very much, I may be looking for 65 Gal?)
------------- Nomad |
Posted By: Yotes
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2006 at 2:28pm
| I've paddled the EZG 50, surfed it some too. It's a good boat, although the 50 is a little low volume for river running for me. The hull is nice for surfing, and well balanced for cartwheels. You probably won't get a lot of the higher end playboating moves out of it, but if you're looking to mainly front surf, spin, and cartwheel it'll do all of that pretty easily. |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2006 at 2:59pm
| Don't get the EZG. It is a crappy boat. If you still want a boat with a little more stability than an all out player like the project, go for the New Fun from Jacksonk in whatever the appropriate size is. |
Posted By: joshcrossman
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2006 at 3:03pm
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heard good things about the LL cross-river 250-- that might fit you. nice river runner, but playful as well.
------------- i like it when it rains |
Posted By: joshcrossman
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2006 at 3:05pm
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btw, i like the head-trips helmets more than the sweets. their web site is a little ghetto, but it's a nice helmet http://www.kayakinghelmets.com/
------------- i like it when it rains |
Posted By: James
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2006 at 3:10pm
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Dude Yotes ... you sucker ... I heard about your Air 55.... hahahah dude that had to be one of the funniest stories I have ever heard. You need to blog that dude... post it up please it is way too funny. And remember I have an Air that you can buy! ![]("smileys/smiley29.gif") Oh yea the CrossRiver from Liquid Logic is a killer boat. Well from what I have heard. Same thing cartwheels and surfs but not a throwdown machine. The difference is that I have seen people loop and throw moves on the skook with a crossover. The EZG is getting a little less agressive in my opinon. ~J ------------- |
Posted By: water wacko
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2006 at 3:39pm
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I've paddle all of the boats mentioned. I'm smaller than you are Ryan, but the boat that you want is the Super Fun which is the largest in the Fun series. It's a great all around boat and will serve you for many years even after you've become a mighty rodeo king throwing
Mc-Nasties and Mc-Twist-Its. The CR 250, I think, would be your second place if the Super isn't long enough. Good luck. ------------- "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." ~Howard Thurman |
Posted By: Yotes
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2006 at 3:46pm
| Yeah, that killed a weekend for me. I'm looking at a few solutions right now, hopefully I'll have a working playboat within the next month. I'll put up a blog as soon as I get some pictures of the damage. |
Posted By: dave
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2006 at 4:13pm
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Good stuff, hopefully I will be getting a new setup in about a month or so. That will give me some time to research some different boats. What about dragorossi boats?
------------- Nomad |
Posted By: dave
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2006 at 4:19pm
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Project 62?
------------- Nomad |
Posted By: dave
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2006 at 4:29pm
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Just checking out the New Fun, looks like a cool boat, those guys make it look easier than James does! Looks like the 4fun would be the boat for me. ------------- Nomad |
Posted By: shrek
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2006 at 6:37pm
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Dave, I have a Pyrahna 420 ML for sale if you wanna try it out. I'm 6'3" and 235 (maybe 240 after the holidays) and I found it to be just a little too small in volume. It might be just right for you if you're 220lbs. I boated the Pyrahna all summer and I wish they made one with just a little more volume.
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Posted By: SupaSta
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2006 at 8:13pm
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A lot of talk about boats here, all good stuff, but what about that helmet?
Sweets are over-rated and WAY over-priced! Not to mention customer service sucks.
I would recommend a composite shell and a EEP liner. If you must get a plastic helmet, check out the WRSI helmets at http://www.whitewaterhelmet.com/
Drysuit? Definitely get the relief zipper and consider the gore-tex booties.
Dan
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Posted By: dave
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2006 at 8:22pm
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I was looking at the Sweet helmet because it is a composite helmet that also covers the ears. I would like to cover my ears and the other composites don't, or they hit the top of my ears and rub them. ouch ------------- Nomad |
Posted By: joshcrossman
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2006 at 8:27pm
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hmm.. i have the daffy from head trips, and it covers my ears. i guess it depends on the head shape. if you are ever at SRK, check them out there, they have them.
------------- i like it when it rains |
Posted By: dave
Date Posted: 28 Dec 2006 at 7:56am
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One more thing, should I buy everthing online? some places offer free shipping on boats, discounts on gear when buying boats, and no tax! That could mean instead of spending $3,000 only spending $2500. Or should I support our local shops and Washington state. To bad our local guys couldn't sell online and offer no tax. Lets see, tax on 3k is around $270.00 (thats alot of gas and beer money) ------------- Nomad |
Posted By: SupaSta
Date Posted: 28 Dec 2006 at 11:09am
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I say support the local shops. We will be sad when they're gone.
You may be able to research prices on-line and then use that information to get competitive prices from the local shop, considering that you're buying multiple high-priced items. We have at least a couple of shops; go with the one that gives you the best deal.
Yeah, it will be a bit more foot-work on your part, but you will be helping out the community by supporting our local shops.
Dan
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Posted By: dave
Date Posted: 28 Dec 2006 at 11:14am
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Ya, that makes sense. ------------- Nomad |
Posted By: James
Date Posted: 28 Dec 2006 at 12:53pm
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I can help out a bit more than that. You give me the 3k and I will drop off the following. 1 - Slightly Used - Like New - Air 55 (Custom Modified for Perfomance) 1 - Slightly Used - Like New - Stolquish Dry Top (Leaks a small amount, well alot) 1 - Slightly Used - Like New - 198 cm Aqua Bound Carbon Paddle (Has 2 Cracked Blades) 1 - Slightly Used - Like New - Protec wakeboarding helmet (Cracked along back) 1 - Slightly Used - Like New - IR Fleece Jump Suit (River scented added free) 1 - Slightly Used - Like New - NRS Booties (A bit of Duct tape on them, maybe removable) Let me know if your interested. I could sure use the support and nothing beats the old motto, Reduce, Re-Use , Re-Cycle ------------- |
Posted By: Tobin
Date Posted: 28 Dec 2006 at 4:23pm
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Dave, I am a Bliss Stick whore!! check out the Rad 185, it's got good volume but isn't way to big!! If you want more the 195 is HUGE. Hell Leif fits in the damn thing.
Dont listen to Dan on the Sweet helmets, I am thoroughly convinced that I wouldn't be here with out mine. I took a blow that cracked it, and I walked awy ( kinda wobbly but I walked away). Their customer service is on par with every other kayaking company. Not to Nordstrom standards but acceptable if you are willing to wait.
Do not go NRS for the dry suit, but if you want one, I have one in about 20 pieces I will sell you cheap, and a PFD that needs some repair.
Palm suits are looking really good to me, I love mine. Check out the Bliss stick boats,, they are a great price and the outfitting is awsome. ------------- Sure? |
Posted By: dave
Date Posted: 28 Dec 2006 at 7:50pm
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Oh James, that equipment does sound sweet, but I'm going to have to pass for now. I feel obligated to support our economy and purchase all new equipment. Thanks for the awsome offer though. ------------- Nomad |
Posted By: dave
Date Posted: 28 Dec 2006 at 7:52pm
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I may be interested in the booties though, they may make nice beer mugs! ------------- Nomad |
Posted By: dave
Date Posted: 29 Dec 2006 at 8:48am
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Does anyone know about the BlisStick Scud? Looks cool and may suit my needs?
------------- Nomad |
Posted By: dave
Date Posted: 29 Dec 2006 at 8:50am
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I guess there is no one boat that can do it all?
------------- Nomad |
Posted By: dylan
Date Posted: 29 Dec 2006 at 11:39am
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I paddle an EZG, and I like it. I've even taken it down creeks. -Dylan ------------- |
Posted By: dave
Date Posted: 29 Dec 2006 at 2:04pm
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Ya, I liked the looks of the EZG, but everyone here says they are no good? I don't know anything though and am getting more confused, all I know is that I am not hard core and just like to screw around and have fun, so..........
------------- Nomad |
Posted By: James
Date Posted: 29 Dec 2006 at 2:15pm
Everyone paddles different and you know that... The bottom line is that
your still a playa at heart. Your always going to want to play around,
and I doubt you will ever want to start doing the crazy creeking. If
that is the case then you want a playboat that will be comfy and river
run well. The EZG is not a playboat it is a river runner and it in my
opinion will not suit you well. The Blisstick boats are heavy and
shaped poorly for big folks. The Jackson boats are the same. Big guys
like us don't fit the shapes well. The Liquid Logic Big foot vision
looks cool but it is too small for me. The project is an amazing boat
though. It is every bit as playful as my air, but the added volume and
length make it an amazing riverrunner too. The scud by the way is a
super techical boat. Its really only great for super tight technical
creeks, although i have seen a guy at the mosh pit with one throwing
down ![]("smileys/smiley16.gif") . Simple advise ... get the gear and then go boating with different people that have the boats you want to try. You know the drill dude. Stop acting like such a boob. I have a project and an air 55 that you can use... lets go boat! ------------- |
Posted By: dave
Date Posted: 29 Dec 2006 at 5:29pm
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The 4fun is a boat I would like to try, but your right James, going to get some gear in a few weeks and then start trying boats. I'm just trying to find a lineup to try. Oh, BTW, how much are the beer mug booties?
------------- Nomad |
Posted By: Eddie Hog
Date Posted: 31 Dec 2006 at 11:01pm
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Dave, I'm a bit bigger than you at 6'6" and 250 with 36" inseam and size 12 clown shoes. I have a Pyrana Stretch that is a large volume, comfy boat that surfs well and plays well. You might want to check it out. I live in Monroe and if you want to demo it while trying to decide let me know. John ------------- The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time. Mark Twain |
Posted By: Joe_Holt
Date Posted: 02 Jan 2007 at 5:00pm
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Earlier this fall, I bought a Dagger RX 6.7 and have been very happy with it. It is a solid river runner and fair at being a play boat. It surfs and cartwheels easily, but I’ve yet to get a loop, flat water or otherwise out of it. Much of the volume is in the stern, which makes loops harder. Probably a better boater could loop it, but I can’t. Anyway, they make a 6.9 that will accommodate a 225 lb paddler. I bought mine from Charles at Aquasports and have been very happy with it. If you’d like to give it a try you’d be more than welcome. Joe |
Posted By: dave
Date Posted: 02 Jan 2007 at 6:20pm
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Thanks guys for the Beta, I will be trying out some boats hopefully in Feb. after I get a much needed gortex dry suit!
------------- Nomad |
Posted By: Willy
Date Posted: 03 Jan 2007 at 10:15am
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Dave - Jackson boats have a little more room this year. Seems like you've figured that out already if you have your eye on the 4Fun at your size/wieght range. EJ caims that I, at 6'3" 200lbs, will be able to fit in the new Fun, where in the old version I was just a tad big for the 4Fun and had to stick with the Super, which had too much volume for me to toss around.
I agree with the comments made about the Pyranha Stretch too. One particular big dude (really big boy, 265 or so) bought a SuperFun from us, sank the stern too much, didn't like it, got a Stretch instead and really digs it.
LL CR 250 also would be good to try out. And yes James looooves that Project. You should definitely try that one too.
Regarding dry suits, keep in mind that only Kokatat uses American labor with real Goretex. If that means anything to you. Their Meridian suit comes standard with pee zip and gtx socks. Palm and Stohlquist are about 2/3 the price for comparable models made offshore with their proprietary, non-Gore waterproof/breathable material, and Immersion Research has one coming which is in the same price range, but we haven't seen it yet.
Where to buy... of course at your local shop, wherever that may be.
Bill ------------- Ruby Creek Boathouse LLC Eddyline, Stohlquist, Bending Branches, Esquif, Skwoosh Cushions, Costa Del Mar shades, Danuu, CRG Rec Repair, Pakboats, YakGrips http://rubycreekboathouse.blogspot.com/ |
Posted By: dave
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2007 at 11:50am
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So, I have been shopping around for a Drysuit and here is what I found. I wanted to buy locally, but there is a shop in Oregon right off of I-5 that not only beats everyones prices around here, but has no sales tax! They are around $50.00 less expensive and no tax, so I save around $135.00. I still want to shop locally to support our local economy and am going to buy locally, but some better pricing around here would be nice. What is the markup on a Kokatat gmer dry suit anyway?
------------- Nomad |
Posted By: Willy
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2007 at 6:06pm
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Dave - most shops around the Seattle area will give you a discount (the amount varies) if you're a member of an organization that promotes conservation and water access. Like AW, WRRR, WWTA, WKC. If you call around locally you'll find your local shops are motivated to keep you shopping here. ------------- Ruby Creek Boathouse LLC Eddyline, Stohlquist, Bending Branches, Esquif, Skwoosh Cushions, Costa Del Mar shades, Danuu, CRG Rec Repair, Pakboats, YakGrips http://rubycreekboathouse.blogspot.com/ |
Posted By: dave
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2007 at 6:37pm
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Ya, I'm going to shop around here, but am getting frustrated both waiting for funds and trying to find a good deal.
------------- Nomad |
Posted By: greenfieldja
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2007 at 1:11am
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Have you thought about the dagger g-ride? I got one after a bunch of years paddling boats that I was too heavy for and absolutely love it. It is playboat in shape but has good volume distrobution and can be use for just about anything. I am not much of a playboater, being in the navy on sea duty I barely have any time to paddle so I mainly stick to river running when I can and try to surf stuff on the fly. I have heard of people using the g-ride for light creeking as well. I love mine and wouldnt trade it for nuthin. Only thing is you would be hard pressed to find a brand spankin new one as dagger doesnt make em any more. Are there other boats that are just as good or better? Sure. But I bet if you try a g-ride you will be impressed. -Jeff |
Posted By: dave
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2007 at 10:30am
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So I finally purchased a GMER Kokatat at Aqua Sports and received both excellent customer service and pricing. I have purchased gear from the Aqua man in the past and he has always met my high expectations as a savy consumer (He even kept my watch safe when I left it on a box in his shop). So, I will most definitely be returning there to both demo the WaveSport lineup and purchase more gear.
The customer service and information you receive from a local shop owner rather than an online dealer is sometimes worth the extra couple of dollar's (in some cases even saves a few bucks). So now that I have Gortex I can finally get wet again! ------------- Nomad |
Posted By: dave
Date Posted: 20 Jan 2007 at 6:12pm
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OK, got some more gear today and Demoed a Project at the power house! Sweet boat, I can see why you like it James! Man it rolls easy! The only problem I have is that I can only sit in it for about 20 min. before my feet cramp and my ankles hurt. So, I am still wanting to demo an EZG, it has alot more feet room.
------------- Nomad |
Posted By: dave
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2007 at 8:04am
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Now I'm looking at a Wernaer bent shaft 15 deg. feather. I like the way the 15 Deg. feels in my hands, but havn't paddled one yet. It feels more natural in your hands than a 0 Deg. feather. What do you guys think?
------------- Nomad |
Posted By: Ryan
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2007 at 9:50pm
| I have a carbon fiber bent shaft werner player with 15 degree feather and LOVE IT!! I think it is just about the perfect feather for a paddle if you plan on playboating and running rivers/creeking. I highly recommend the 15 degree. I'll be at the meadowbrook pool session tomorrow night if you are interested in checking it out. |