I own a Phoenix, and for the knees against the gunwales issue, I simply use standard black pipe insulation in 2.5 - 3 feet sections, and slide them over the gunwale where my knees touch. Works perfect, and being black it's really not a visual issue. Folks could use pool noodles of their color choice for it too, but they would have to but the cut in the noodle themselves (to go over the gunwale), where the pipe insolation has the cut pre-made for you. Cheers!
Awesome video! I have a Northwind Solo in BlackLite and I love it. It’s my first solo canoe, and I’ve never paddled any others so i don’t have anything to compare to. Watching you paddle it shows me I am way too afraid of flipping it over. I have a couple videos of me paddling it on my channel. Thanks for sharing!
I think I've quoted/shared this comment/observation a dozen times in versions of discussions with customers since reading it a year ago. Thanks for the observation as it seems to help people in some way understand the real world difference. If you would like, call/email me with your address and I'll get some stickers/fun swag your way!
Nice comparison. Took a NW Solo out for a demo but high winds and dealer unwilling or unable to put it a higher kneeling seat instead of the low position made it too tough to pull the trigger. Such a nice boat in Blacklite. Great content!
Shoot, why not just barefoot under the seat and sit on a foam block to feel that difference? That’s what we do out here for folks on a test paddle when the seat is in a different position! It’s a bit of work to move a seat up. Requires a belt sander to do it right bc the side of the seat can hit the shoulder if not beveled down. That is why we always order em in the kneeling position. Easy to go longer bc the seat is trimmed tightly when put in the kneeling position by the factory and no an issue to go lower (seat can’t hit the wider shoulder). The one in the vid is in the combi position. Not my favorite pick either but I made it work. Going forward, I’m going to set all my solos in kneeling position from factory and then package price them w the sitting drops, a trapezoid pad and a Danuu cover! Glad you got out at least!
I want to hear more about the magic. It’s hard to find out specifics about it. How would it do on large tidal rivers like the lower Columbia. I’m assuming that the magic feels a little like a sea kayak. How does it compare?
Thanks for the video. I’m currently interested in the magic an im wondering how the magic can handle roller waves. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks Rick
Thank you for the video! I am looking to buy either the Solo or Magic. I was wondering if my size would be an issue in either. 6' 2" and 270 lbs. I noticed on Northstar's website they have an "optimal load" of 160-280 lbs for the magic and 170-340 for the Solo. Curious your opinion from this perspective. Thanks!
Ya have a background in canoes/solo canoes? If not, you will find the NW Solo a bit more solid under you. And w gear I’d think the nw solo. The big question is your stability and skill. If it is high then you could probably make either work. If you are split ok the decision, get a NW Solo! So versatile.
@@HappyPaddlin Thanks for the advice! I have little experience with solo canoes. I paddle tandem canoes and sea kayaks... I think you gave me the nudge I need though. A local shop suggested the Wenonah Basswood as well. How would you compare the Basswod to the Solo? Thank you!
The basswood solo is a different beast. I have a video on it on my channel. It’s stable and utilitarian but feels a bit more like a typewriter than a paintbrush (nw solo). But, stable. No factory footbrace is a problem to solve on that too. But, as a fishing machine and a simple set up I see the point of the basswood solo for sure. At that point though, I may just solo a small tandem. If you are West Coast, you should come paddle here!
Good luck in your quest! Once you ante into the solo canoe world it is easy to buy/sell and move around between models w minimal loss in investment. Best resale value of any sporting goods I would assert.
Picked up a magic a few years ago and finally took it out two days ago. Fastest canoe I've paddled. Not that I have that much experience with this type though. Used to have big ole Grummans. One question. Portaging. It was kinda awkward carrying even though it's very light. What's the ticket for a long port age? I've got the alluminum gunwales.
Thank you for the video. A couple of questions if you don't mind me asking: 1. I have a Northwind solo in Blacklite that I bought used and my stern thwart is positioned further back than the one you have in this video. Is there a change in how they lay those out or is a layup difference. 2. You mention combidrops (sic?) in your videos but all I see for sale on Northstars site are sitting drops or kneeling drops. What are the differences between the three? I am curious because I just purchased the kneeling drops and they are en route. I am tall and... husky... and I find unfurling myself out of the boat when I'm sitting so deep in it to be kind of difficult from a stability perspective, especially if I'm floating (on a dock or along a sheer riverbank) as opposed to beached on a sandbar or something. I am not near as comfortable standing in it as you are...
1) I do remember them making a change and I think they just adjusted their methods and changed how they support the seat. I wouldn’t worry about it at all. I have old Northstar and Bells and they all are doing fine. 2) Combi drops: they are the “middle” between kneeling and sitting. I now have decided I dislike them. Good for neither sitting or kneeling. Maybe I would use them in my Magic for sitting. Never again in my NW solo. Go with your kneeling drops (if you kneel). Sitting drops if you sit. Having both will be nice for you. I could see lowering my seat for a windy big lake/river trip. Thanks for watching!
Dusty - I have a Northwind Solo in BlackLite and I’m a big guy (6’4” and 275 lbs). I’ve never even tried standing like he does! I have the kneeling drops but haven’t put them in yet. Anxious to give them a try. Wish I had a foot brace.
@@clifffawcett Not hard to glue one in yourself. I've done it several times. Go with Aluminum one (on their site) and find a warm place to install. I used to make supports to hold the bracket in place when installing but now I've found I just stand there and hold each bracket for about 20 mins while the glue sets. Finding the Zen state while sniffing in the fumes ;) Kidding about the glue sniffing (have some ventilation) but holding in place by hand does work pretty well.
So Northstars website comparison spreadsheet shows the Magic at 16' and NW Solo at 15'6" but your video clearly shows the Magic being shorter. Are they switched? I'm 230ish with minimal gear doing day trips on lazy rivers and would prefer the Magic for the speed and being able to cover more miles. Is it doable with my weight? Thanks love your vids 👍
The labels on the video are correct as are the specs on Northstar’s site. The Magic on the left just sticks out in the water a bit more when side by side at the put-in so the NW solo comes in closer to the camera. And the NW solo is fuller as I mentioned. The Magic will work for you and your size (there is another vid of a guy about your size choosing a Magic).
@@HappyPaddlin thanks...I saw the lengths after I watched it for the 5th time😃 I thought that other video he was the 180# guy that chose the Magic. Thanks for the feedback keep up the great work, you're a great help to the community that can't get to demo days
The Magic has the capacity so it is really just about your balance and skill set. Longer is not always faster for people if they are uncomfortable/squirrelly in the longer canoe. So, it’s really about your background but I’ve put gents your size in Magics before. Some tip and some rip!
@@HappyPaddlin yeah I know what you mean. I've been in everything from tugboat stable and heavy to very tippy to fast and long kayaks. For me it boils downs to keeping my center of gravity low enough to fit the boat. I'll probably stay with the lower seating position with a foot brace and my werner kayak paddle. Very interested in kneeling so that'll come later I think. Wish they made a seat like the swift one that can be lowered or raised on the fly.
Any thoughts on using either of these boats for a week+ in Algonquin or similar? Seems like performance (Magic) vs stability (Northwind) - but would they both do well with a load?
Took a Magic into Algonquin about 25 years ago and loved it. Low windage is a great advantage of the magic. Both canoes are perfect for that application. I’d be happy with either.
Russel, I took my Blacklite Magic in the Boundary Waters for a week and it performed really well. I was pretty topped out gear wise, but it wasn't a problem. If I were going in longer the Solo might be better for carrying a bit more gear.
I own a Phoenix, and for the knees against the gunwales issue, I simply use standard black pipe insulation in 2.5 - 3 feet sections, and slide them over the gunwale where my knees touch. Works perfect, and being black it's really not a visual issue. Folks could use pool noodles of their color choice for it too, but they would have to but the cut in the noodle themselves (to go over the gunwale), where the pipe insolation has the cut pre-made for you. Cheers!
Awesome video! I have a Northwind Solo in BlackLite and I love it. It’s my first solo canoe, and I’ve never paddled any others so i don’t have anything to compare to. Watching you paddle it shows me I am way too afraid of flipping it over. I have a couple videos of me paddling it on my channel. Thanks for sharing!
We love your videos. Keep up the great work! 👍
Just using the Majic as the tow boat says it all. Have had mine a year now and love it
I think I've quoted/shared this comment/observation a dozen times in versions of discussions with customers since reading it a year ago. Thanks for the observation as it seems to help people in some way understand the real world difference. If you would like, call/email me with your address and I'll get some stickers/fun swag your way!
Going to pick up a used Bell Majic tomorrow
Very cool, hard to find one of those that’s for sure!
If you are in the Western US, I can help the hunt for one.
@@HappyPaddlin I’m in NJ! I’ve seen a few around but no one is a dealer out here.
I have a Firebird on order - can't wait!
I think I've watched this over 12 times. Great video
Did you get the Firebird yet? I'm considering the same. What material?
@@ArfOtis I pick it up this weekend at Raquette River Outfitters. I got it with Blacklite layup & wood trim
Nice comparison. Took a NW Solo out for a demo but high winds and dealer unwilling or unable to put it a higher kneeling seat instead of the low position made it too tough to pull the trigger. Such a nice boat in Blacklite. Great content!
Shoot, why not just barefoot under the seat and sit on a foam block to feel that difference? That’s what we do out here for folks on a test paddle when the seat is in a different position! It’s a bit of work to move a seat up. Requires a belt sander to do it right bc the side of the seat can hit the shoulder if not beveled down.
That is why we always order em in the kneeling position. Easy to go longer bc the seat is trimmed tightly when put in the kneeling position by the factory and no an issue to go lower (seat can’t hit the wider shoulder). The one in the vid is in the combi position. Not my favorite pick either but I made it work. Going forward, I’m going to set all my solos in kneeling position from factory and then package price them w the sitting drops, a trapezoid pad and a Danuu cover! Glad you got out at least!
Nice pair. And nice layups. Even with durable Northwind Solo, 41 to 43 lbs.
Just a request... can you sing Lady In Red while you show us some canoe tricks?
I will absolutely do that. As long as you keep promising to watch my stupid UA-cam videos in the middle of the workday. ;)
Awesome
I want to hear more about the magic. It’s hard to find out specifics about it. How would it do on large tidal rivers like the lower Columbia. I’m assuming that the magic feels a little like a sea kayak. How does it compare?
Transitioning from kayaking to canoeing. I am 5'9, 150. Solo. Flatwater..day tripping. Weight needs to be under 40lbs. Suggestions?
Under 40 lbs is easy. Check out a Northstar Trillium! Easy to be in the mid 20s.
Thanks for the video. I’m currently interested in the magic an im wondering how the magic can handle roller waves. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks Rick
Very stable secondary and primary. A good deck cover might help if you are doing lots of wind and waves. Check out Cooke Custom Sewing.
Thank you for the video! I am looking to buy either the Solo or Magic. I was wondering if my size would be an issue in either. 6' 2" and 270 lbs. I noticed on Northstar's website they have an "optimal load" of 160-280 lbs for the magic and 170-340 for the Solo. Curious your opinion from this perspective. Thanks!
Ya have a background in canoes/solo canoes? If not, you will find the NW Solo a bit more solid under you. And w gear I’d think the nw solo. The big question is your stability and skill. If it is high then you could probably make either work. If you are split ok the decision, get a NW Solo! So versatile.
@@HappyPaddlin Thanks for the advice! I have little experience with solo canoes. I paddle tandem canoes and sea kayaks... I think you gave me the nudge I need though. A local shop suggested the Wenonah Basswood as well. How would you compare the Basswod to the Solo? Thank you!
The basswood solo is a different beast. I have a video on it on my channel. It’s stable and utilitarian but feels a bit more like a typewriter than a paintbrush (nw solo). But, stable. No factory footbrace is a problem to solve on that too. But, as a fishing machine and a simple set up I see the point of the basswood solo for sure. At that point though, I may just solo a small tandem. If you are West Coast, you should come paddle here!
@@HappyPaddlin Much appreciated! I am in the greater Chicago area so lakes and rivers abound.
Good luck in your quest! Once you ante into the solo canoe world it is easy to buy/sell and move around between models w minimal loss in investment. Best resale value of any sporting goods I would assert.
Hello.
Picked up a magic a few years ago and finally took it out two days ago. Fastest canoe I've paddled. Not that I have that much experience with this type though. Used to have big ole Grummans. One question. Portaging. It was kinda awkward carrying even though it's very light. What's the ticket for a long port age? I've got the alluminum gunwales.
Clamp on yoke. You can buy from Northstar Canoe. Thanks for watching!
@@HappyPaddlin thank you.
Yes, the clamp on yoke is the only way to go. Scroll down this page: northstarcanoes.com/accessories/yokes-thwarts/
Northstar also sells a shoulder carry foam pad if the whole clamp on yoke thing is over kill.
Thank you for the video. A couple of questions if you don't mind me asking:
1. I have a Northwind solo in Blacklite that I bought used and my stern thwart is positioned further back than the one you have in this video. Is there a change in how they lay those out or is a layup difference.
2. You mention combidrops (sic?) in your videos but all I see for sale on Northstars site are sitting drops or kneeling drops. What are the differences between the three?
I am curious because I just purchased the kneeling drops and they are en route. I am tall and... husky... and I find unfurling myself out of the boat when I'm sitting so deep in it to be kind of difficult from a stability perspective, especially if I'm floating (on a dock or along a sheer riverbank) as opposed to beached on a sandbar or something. I am not near as comfortable standing in it as you are...
1) I do remember them making a change and I think they just adjusted their methods and changed how they support the seat. I wouldn’t worry about it at all. I have old Northstar and Bells and they all are doing fine.
2) Combi drops: they are the “middle” between kneeling and sitting. I now have decided I dislike them. Good for neither sitting or kneeling. Maybe I would use them in my Magic for sitting. Never again in my NW solo. Go with your kneeling drops (if you kneel). Sitting drops if you sit. Having both will be nice for you. I could see lowering my seat for a windy big lake/river trip.
Thanks for watching!
Dusty - I have a Northwind Solo in BlackLite and I’m a big guy (6’4” and 275 lbs). I’ve never even tried standing like he does! I have the kneeling drops but haven’t put them in yet. Anxious to give them a try. Wish I had a foot brace.
@@clifffawcett Not hard to glue one in yourself. I've done it several times. Go with Aluminum one (on their site) and find a warm place to install. I used to make supports to hold the bracket in place when installing but now I've found I just stand there and hold each bracket for about 20 mins while the glue sets. Finding the Zen state while sniffing in the fumes ;) Kidding about the glue sniffing (have some ventilation) but holding in place by hand does work pretty well.
So Northstars website comparison spreadsheet shows the Magic at 16' and NW Solo at 15'6" but your video clearly shows the Magic being shorter. Are they switched? I'm 230ish with minimal gear doing day trips on lazy rivers and would prefer the Magic for the speed and being able to cover more miles. Is it doable with my weight? Thanks love your vids 👍
The labels on the video are correct as are the specs on Northstar’s site. The Magic on the left just sticks out in the water a bit more when side by side at the put-in so the NW solo comes in closer to the camera. And the NW solo is fuller as I mentioned. The Magic will work for you and your size (there is another vid of a guy about your size choosing a Magic).
@@HappyPaddlin thanks...I saw the lengths after I watched it for the 5th time😃 I thought that other video he was the 180# guy that chose the Magic. Thanks for the feedback keep up the great work, you're a great help to the community that can't get to demo days
The Magic has the capacity so it is really just about your balance and skill set. Longer is not always faster for people if they are uncomfortable/squirrelly in the longer canoe. So, it’s really about your background but I’ve put gents your size in Magics before. Some tip and some rip!
@@HappyPaddlin yeah I know what you mean. I've been in everything from tugboat stable and heavy to very tippy to fast and long kayaks. For me it boils downs to keeping my center of gravity low enough to fit the boat. I'll probably stay with the lower seating position with a foot brace and my werner kayak paddle. Very interested in kneeling so that'll come later I think. Wish they made a seat like the swift one that can be lowered or raised on the fly.
Any thoughts on using either of these boats for a week+ in Algonquin or similar? Seems like performance (Magic) vs stability (Northwind) - but would they both do well with a load?
Took a Magic into Algonquin about 25 years ago and loved it. Low windage is a great advantage of the magic. Both canoes are perfect for that application. I’d be happy with either.
Russel, I took my Blacklite Magic in the Boundary Waters for a week and it performed really well. I was pretty topped out gear wise, but it wasn't a problem. If I were going in longer the Solo might be better for carrying a bit more gear.
what material is they grey one?
IXP
I don’t like switching all the time.
If ya have a great C stroke, ya never have to!