Update: it arrived I had a custome colour of navy with orange splashes and orange trim and handles… paddled it 5 times so far and have been smiling all the way… have also convinced 3 other people to buy one so yer boat is defo addictive
Thanks, Wade! Our favorite moments are: "So 76 gallons of volume and 68 gallons of volume, which, you know, volume means nothing..." "This is some of the best plastic out there. Pyranha has nailed it." They put a real big grin on our face! Thanks again!!
You've just answered my prayers, Wade. I asked for this video in the comments section of your FC 242 v LL Hotwhip video. On Wednesday I'm off to demo the FC 242, FC 252, and the LL Hotwhip in the same day. This video couldn't have been timed better. Thank you.
@WadeHarrison I've only gone and bought the 242! I'm used to small boats, so the 252 just felt too big and unwieldy. The 242 is much more agile, nimble, and outright fun. I added your backrest modification today. This is a huge improvement, so thanks for sharing the idea. I can't wait to get out on the water. Cheers for the videos, reviews, tips, and general good vibes.
Got the 252 last summer and just recently got rid of my ripper 2 large. I've dropped down to 180 lb and I think the 252 is exactly what you said, a sporty little creeker that can play.
Just went back to this video. I have been paddling a 252 for a year now. It has become rare that I paddle anything else. I have a Scorch and a Steeze that get a little use but there are not many places I will not take the Firecracker. I have resisted trying the large ReactR, 9 boats is enough for now.
Would you recommend the Firecracker for a beginner? I'm in the 6'2" 220 lb range and will be splitting my time between a Class II whitewater park, a few Class II-III rivers and some ocean play in the waves. Love the vids btw.
Wade, Great comparison between firecracker 242 and 252. I'm debating whether I get 242, 252, or Hot Whip. Demoed Hot Whip and liked it. I'm 6'4", 215 lbs and paddled dagger super ego for awhile. This boat was great for rock splats and stern squirts, but uncomfortable. Firecracker/Hot Whip boat replacement for Super Ego will primarily be for big water Class IV. Seems like 252 would be ideal based on your feedback, but maybe the 242 would be more playful? I have Dagger Axiom 9.0 that I love for surfing, and can stern squirt it, but with a lot of effort, and strong current. How much more effort would be required to stern squirt/rock splat in the 252 over the 242? I'll demo both soon enough, but curious about your thoughts on that. Seems like you can flat water stern squirt the 252 without too much trouble, which makes me think the 252 is perfect for me. Thanks!
@@WadeHarrison Before we got the SCUD, we smashed stubbys down all the tiny steep creeks where other boats just wouldn't fit. 252 not quite the same, it's too long for starters, but it's the closest thing I have paddled since. Super fun boat, but kinda eyeing up a Scorch X for big stuff now
@@PyranhaKayaks Im just stoked that it's a big boat hat isn't just a scaled up medium like some other manufacturers do. Would really like to see another bar in reach on the front deck, but otherwise it's quite exceptional. (Can you build us another nano/attak/ammo boat for sub 5 cumec pooldrop canyaking?)
@@gemmawatson6100 we try our best to make each size work for the intended weight range, for sure! Glad you appreciate it, and thank you for the thoughts! No plans for a N-att-ammo at the moment, but never say never!
I reluctantly paddled a medium firecracker at Gauley last year and totally fell in love. I haven't been in a 252 yet, but probably the boat for me at 215 pounds. Question Wade, in what scenario do you paddle the ripper over the firecracker? My Pyranna quiver is getting embarrassingly large.
I’m going to be touring around CO in the summer and I will bring the REactR and probably Firecracker 252 unless I get a Powerslide but I feel those 2 are the perfect set of boats for everything
I love my 252. I'm 6' 3" 197lbs and I demoed a Ripper 2 L and the 252 back to back and love how you can mostly forget about the tail on the Firecracker until you want to engage it. The R2 never lets you forget about that long ol' tail back there! Only thing about the 252 is it does feel a bit wide sometimes but that's the trade off for the stability I guess.
@@NChillbilly oh for sure, yeah! You could get super playful in the 242, or have loads of comfort and confidence with a fair amount of play potential still in the 252!
Hey Wade, I so want this boat. Ben comparing specs on the FC L, Antix 2.0 L, and Hot Whip 72. 220 lbs and currently in the Rewind L, which paddles stupid easy downriver, but is really no fun.
compre el 242, por que te demoraste mucho tiempo en hacer este video. Sin embargo creo que el 242 fue la mejor elección para mi, solo peso 77 kilogramos
At 77kg you made the right choice I’m close to 84kg so in that in between weight so thats why the 252 fits me I feel the paddlers taller or shorter at the 75-85kg are in that range to be in either size definitely want to get a demo of either if possible
Good review. I like the term sports creeker. I was explaining to a friend that it is really good in the Welsh steep, shallow and rocky rivers but I also like using it for park and play on a wave. For me Pyrahna have nailed the bit which let them down in the last, comfort. I can use this boat all day.
is the 252 different enough from a large ripper 2 to be worth having, or would the 242 be a better addition to the quiver? As ive lost weight and am down around 180 my large ripper 2 has gotten less playful, and am looking for something a little more playful for my daily driver boat, with the r2l complimenting it for bigger days
Nice comparison Wade! I was curious to get your full feedback of the 252. A friend of mine plans to get one. Out of curiosity, do you prefer it in general to the Ripper 2 L for downriver with a side of play? I got the R2L as my river-runner/creeker (I'm about your weight) but I can feel it has it's limits, it is a bit long/unwieldy sometimes and I really hope the medium ReactR (I have one on preorder) covers that niche for me, as I don't really want a full volume creeker. I was told that the medium ReactR will be more of a medium/large.
The ripper 2 is definitely better big water flowing type where edges and speed is needed the 252 is that great all around not as edgy as the ripper 2 and no where close as fast so they both serve their purpose and yeah definitely can’t wait to get that reactr in the water
Have you talked to any folks in the 250lbs range that have tried the 252? I actually have an identical boat to yours sitting in the garage but haven't gotten out in it yet. I pre-ordered one last year when they announced it, but it didn't arrive till late season and I just never got out in it. I'm a little worried it might be a bit of handful for what I need and am considering selling it especially since I just scored a great deal on Puffy Steeze. I've been on the hunt for the right mix of playboat and creeker. OG Ripper is a bit too aggressive and edgy for me most of the time if that is any reference. Any thoughts?
I’m 242 without kit, the FC252 feels great. I also have a puffy steeze, which is way more stable but less fun to surf and I can’t taillie it. Had a large rewind which was a barge, and have a large ripper 2 but prefer the firecracker.
@@sbaldwin21 Thanks.... that is good to hear. Probably need to work on dropping even more weight for so many reasons. Good to hear that it is a good match with the Puffy Steeze too. Should be more than covered with the Ozone, Ripper 1 L, Scorch L, FIrecracker 252 and now the Puffy Steeze. Geez... have quite the flotilla these days and that isn't including the rafts and my Dory.
![[UA] NAVI vs MOUZ | BO5 | IEM Rio 2024](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/CMBYk0cbGoA/mqdefault.jpg)
I’ve been watching all of your firecracker videos all year and got to demo a 252 two weeks ago, was the final nail in the coffin, got one on the way
Nice let me know first trip out what you think
Update: it arrived I had a custome colour of navy with orange splashes and orange trim and handles… paddled it 5 times so far and have been smiling all the way… have also convinced 3 other people to buy one so yer boat is defo addictive
how is the surfing?
Thanks, Wade! Our favorite moments are:
"So 76 gallons of volume and 68 gallons of volume, which, you know, volume means nothing..."
"This is some of the best plastic out there. Pyranha has nailed it."
They put a real big grin on our face! Thanks again!!
All facts and just dropping the solid well designed products look forward to the upcoming year 😜🫣
@@WadeHarrison ❤ - it's gonna be a good one!
You've just answered my prayers, Wade.
I asked for this video in the comments section of your FC 242 v LL Hotwhip video.
On Wednesday I'm off to demo the FC 242, FC 252, and the LL Hotwhip in the same day.
This video couldn't have been timed better.
Thank you.
Glad made it happen thanks for watching
@WadeHarrison I've only gone and bought the 242!
I'm used to small boats, so the 252 just felt too big and unwieldy. The 242 is much more agile, nimble, and outright fun.
I added your backrest modification today. This is a huge improvement, so thanks for sharing the idea.
I can't wait to get out on the water.
Cheers for the videos, reviews, tips, and general good vibes.
Man, you do the best reviews!
Really appreciate your thoroughness
I appreciate that!
Been waiting so long on this very review - you certainly didn't disappoint, Wade! Great review.
Yeah buddy 🙏🏻🫣
Brilliant, the review I’ve been waiting for, did not disappoint.
Been wanting to get this one up just linked up with Mike and his 242 so thought I drop something.
Thanks for the comparison Wade - it helped me figure out which size I should be paddling!
Glad could help 🙏🏻
Got the 252 last summer and just recently got rid of my ripper 2 large. I've dropped down to 180 lb and I think the 252 is exactly what you said, a sporty little creeker that can play.
We sale at the same weight
Just went back to this video. I have been paddling a 252 for a year now. It has become rare that I paddle anything else. I have a Scorch and a Steeze that get a little use but there are not many places I will not take the Firecracker. I have resisted trying the large ReactR, 9 boats is enough for now.
Totally agree I love this design
Would you recommend the Firecracker for a beginner? I'm in the 6'2" 220 lb range and will be splitting my time between a Class II whitewater park, a few Class II-III rivers and some ocean play in the waves. Love the vids btw.
Not a beginner type boat but size wise you will fit
Wade, Great comparison between firecracker 242 and 252. I'm debating whether I get 242, 252, or Hot Whip. Demoed Hot Whip and liked it. I'm 6'4", 215 lbs and paddled dagger super ego for awhile. This boat was great for rock splats and stern squirts, but uncomfortable. Firecracker/Hot Whip boat replacement for Super Ego will primarily be for big water Class IV. Seems like 252 would be ideal based on your feedback, but maybe the 242 would be more playful? I have Dagger Axiom 9.0 that I love for surfing, and can stern squirt it, but with a lot of effort, and strong current. How much more effort would be required to stern squirt/rock splat in the 252 over the 242? I'll demo both soon enough, but curious about your thoughts on that. Seems like you can flat water stern squirt the 252 without too much trouble, which makes me think the 252 is perfect for me. Thanks!
No way you will paddle the 242 comfortably
LOVE my 252! It's the newschool stubby. Definitely a boat that doesn't paddle like you would expect from the specs
That is a interesting comparison the stubby was kinda like the same category for its time
@@WadeHarrison Before we got the SCUD, we smashed stubbys down all the tiny steep creeks where other boats just wouldn't fit. 252 not quite the same, it's too long for starters, but it's the closest thing I have paddled since. Super fun boat, but kinda eyeing up a Scorch X for big stuff now
That's a quote, right there!
@@PyranhaKayaks Im just stoked that it's a big boat hat isn't just a scaled up medium like some other manufacturers do. Would really like to see another bar in reach on the front deck, but otherwise it's quite exceptional. (Can you build us another nano/attak/ammo boat for sub 5 cumec pooldrop canyaking?)
@@gemmawatson6100 we try our best to make each size work for the intended weight range, for sure! Glad you appreciate it, and thank you for the thoughts! No plans for a N-att-ammo at the moment, but never say never!
I reluctantly paddled a medium firecracker at Gauley last year and totally fell in love. I haven't been in a 252 yet, but probably the boat for me at 215 pounds. Question Wade, in what scenario do you paddle the ripper over the firecracker? My Pyranna quiver is getting embarrassingly large.
Bonus question. You're going out west for a tour and can only bring two boats, what are you bringing?
I like the Pyranha ripper L for down river and the firecracker 252 for small creeking and river play
I’m going to be touring around CO in the summer and I will bring the REactR and probably Firecracker 252 unless I get a Powerslide but I feel those 2 are the perfect set of boats for everything
I love my 252. I'm 6' 3" 197lbs and I demoed a Ripper 2 L and the 252 back to back and love how you can mostly forget about the tail on the Firecracker until you want to engage it. The R2 never lets you forget about that long ol' tail back there! Only thing about the 252 is it does feel a bit wide sometimes but that's the trade off for the stability I guess.
You are in the 252 weight range you made good choice
Thanks for choosing our kayaks! ❤
Would it work for 210-215 and 6'? Loved the review. Looks like a great boat for those of us that don't have an arsenal for every occasion.
@@NChillbilly oh for sure, yeah! You could get super playful in the 242, or have loads of comfort and confidence with a fair amount of play potential still in the 252!
Hey Wade, I so want this boat. Ben comparing specs on the FC L, Antix 2.0 L, and Hot Whip 72. 220 lbs and currently in the Rewind L, which paddles stupid easy downriver, but is really no fun.
At your weight the 252 will be so good! Trust me
compre el 242, por que te demoraste mucho tiempo en hacer este video. Sin embargo creo que el 242 fue la mejor elección para mi, solo peso 77 kilogramos
At 77kg you made the right choice I’m close to 84kg so in that in between weight so thats why the 252 fits me I feel the paddlers taller or shorter at the 75-85kg are in that range to be in either size definitely want to get a demo of either if possible
Good review. I like the term sports creeker. I was explaining to a friend that it is really good in the Welsh steep, shallow and rocky rivers but I also like using it for park and play on a wave. For me Pyrahna have nailed the bit which let them down in the last, comfort. I can use this boat all day.
Just got mine today. I run one hip pad in my large Reactr, but have three in Firecracker. Im not small either. Just wondering how many you had to run?
I have 3 pads per side as well and a seat pad and I foamed out the bulkhead more
@@WadeHarrison Thank You!!! If you find yourself in Missouri this winter come paddle the St Francis with us.
is the 252 different enough from a large ripper 2 to be worth having, or would the 242 be a better addition to the quiver? As ive lost weight and am down around 180 my large ripper 2 has gotten less playful, and am looking for something a little more playful for my daily driver boat, with the r2l complimenting it for bigger days
I would recommend demoing it I have both and love the rip2 L on big volume and around river running and the 252 for small creeks and full play days
Nice comparison Wade! I was curious to get your full feedback of the 252. A friend of mine plans to get one.
Out of curiosity, do you prefer it in general to the Ripper 2 L for downriver with a side of play? I got the R2L as my river-runner/creeker (I'm about your weight) but I can feel it has it's limits, it is a bit long/unwieldy sometimes and I really hope the medium ReactR (I have one on preorder) covers that niche for me, as I don't really want a full volume creeker. I was told that the medium ReactR will be more of a medium/large.
The ripper 2 is definitely better big water flowing type where edges and speed is needed the 252 is that great all around not as edgy as the ripper 2 and no where close as fast so they both serve their purpose and yeah definitely can’t wait to get that reactr in the water
Great review, Wade. How would you compare it to the Antix 2.0?
I was wondering that too. The Large Antix is only 1" longer but exact same width, volume, and weight range as the 252.
I will see if can get a Antix 2 Large I don’t know anyone with one right now
I had an antix 2L, have a 252 now. At 242lb, the antix 2L was more stable but not as sporty in a nutshell, harder to taillie, both surf great.
@@sbaldwin21 There's a video of Dane Jackson going down the Green in a large Antix and he has no problem at all doing taillies. He only weighs 155.
@@powskier yeah….Dane….Jackson….he’d tailly a bathtub. Not saying the large antix 2 won’t tailly, I’m saying the FC 252 does it much easier
Have you talked to any folks in the 250lbs range that have tried the 252? I actually have an identical boat to yours sitting in the garage but haven't gotten out in it yet. I pre-ordered one last year when they announced it, but it didn't arrive till late season and I just never got out in it. I'm a little worried it might be a bit of handful for what I need and am considering selling it especially since I just scored a great deal on Puffy Steeze. I've been on the hunt for the right mix of playboat and creeker. OG Ripper is a bit too aggressive and edgy for me most of the time if that is any reference. Any thoughts?
There was one guy I know that paddled it at 240 and liked it I think he ended up buying one
I’m 242 without kit, the FC252 feels great. I also have a puffy steeze, which is way more stable but less fun to surf and I can’t taillie it. Had a large rewind which was a barge, and have a large ripper 2 but prefer the firecracker.
@@WadeHarrison Thanks Wade... it would be kinda fun to get it into the hands of Rob Wallin or another big "XL Paddler" to do a review.
@@sbaldwin21 Thanks.... that is good to hear. Probably need to work on dropping even more weight for so many reasons. Good to hear that it is a good match with the Puffy Steeze too. Should be more than covered with the Ozone, Ripper 1 L, Scorch L, FIrecracker 252 and now the Puffy Steeze. Geez... have quite the flotilla these days and that isn't including the rafts and my Dory.
Is that your GS? I work at Grass Roots BMW in MO.
No it’s one my buddies I was just over there
I had to play the video twice -- first time I was too busy watching the dogs !
😎
Clean ass paddling Wade, great video
Have some good days 😎