I was at the Riverside Kayak store in Tempe last week. The owner was very nice and helpful. I looked at the Edyline and Stellar Kayaks. I am leaning toward the Edyline because of the high back seat. Waiting for owner to contact me for a demo. She mentioned you to me and told me she enjoyed working with you.
Finally a comparison for smaller paddlers. I am 5'7" 135lbs slim build and have owned several kayaks including the Sitka LV. I switched to a band backrest and added just a little more padding for my hips and it is a perfect fit and it handled exactly as you described. Eddyline make a super kayak. I wish I had a chance to try the Stellar.
I just demo’d these two kayaks and they do indeed feel very different on the water. The Eddyline was much easier to paddle in the direction I chose without use of the skeg. When I tried the Stellar S14 LV I was literally paddling in large circles as I tried to go straight since I was stronger on one side than the other and I’m a new paddler and my form shows it. The Stellar is very sensitive to your paddling form. Once I put the skeg on the Stellar down, then it went straight as an arrow. I also found it to feel much faster. It felt like I was skating on ice, compared to the Eddyline. All said, I loved both but for different reasons. If I want to develop perfect stroke technique and go fast, the Stellar will give me the feedback and speed I’m looking for. If I want a leisurely time out on the lake with the ability to lean back and relax for a bit, the high back on the Eddyline is perfect. I ultimately decided to buy both. I got the Multisport version of the stellar since It could take more abuse if I ever take it on rapids, without any cost in weight. I also like the customization I could get in terms of colors and options on the Stellar.
Wow thanks for the feedback. Love your description. Stellar is faster and more playful and does come to life with more paddling skills. Enjoy your boats!
It is very nice to have some information for smaller paddlers! I am 5"3 and 125lbs, it is hard to find information about the fit of the cockpit. I was looking at the Feelfree Aventura 125 &140, would those boats suit a smaller paddler? Would I need to add some more padding? Love your videos, I've been learning so much, preparing to buy my first kayak! 🙏
Excellent video. Thank you. I have a Skylark now which I really like, but looking to maybe add an S14LV G2 MS to get lighter weight and feel more confident in intercoastal waters off New England. Tested one and liked it although cockpit a bit tighter & lower. Do you have any insight on how the Stellar handles intercoastal waters? Surf?
Great comparison, thank you. Looking forward to getting out of our rec kayaks and into a real boat. At the paddle show in Madison, I learned that I'm wide across the hips. The Sitka XT was the only one I fit in comfortably. Are there different seat options available? Difficult to retrofit?
I'm older and less flexible than I used to be, so I've been thinking hard about a Sitka XT for the slightly higher deck and the longer cockpit. I spent about 20 years as primarily a whitewater paddler, and while cockpit outfitting in modern whitewater boats is generally really good right out of the factory you can do wonders with some minicell foam and contact adhesive. You could even replace the seat completely with minicell if you wanted to. In case you don't already know, the Sitkas are also available with a backband instead of the backrest, and that's my preference.
Thank you for this! I love the keyhole on the Sitka, but everything else about the Stellar (was looking at the mid-versions, not the LV). Ended up with the Stellar S14. I'm 5' 3" but too big for the LV. My hips are connected nicely and my feet feel good. I moved my seat up several inches, but I do miss that snug Sitka fit. I can engage my thighs in my Stellar if I really push them up to the braces. Is there anything I can do to improv my connection at the thigh? Or is that just the trade off between these styles of boat?
It’s a bit of a trade off. Adding some foam to the outside of your knee can sometimes help with ergonomics. Possibly adding some deeper foam thigh hooks
Great review What do suggest for a similar feel for a 6’ 200lb intermediate kayaker? I have a Hobie for fishing but would like a faster slicker kayak when going with my recreational buddies. Thank you
Fair question. I would say rough and dirty 5’8” and under and may be 150 pounds or less. That said I know people 6 foot tall and 165 that fit in a Sitka ST. So take that with a grain of salt.
Thanks for this video, I’ve been looking at both as a first Kayak and can’t find anyplace to demo one…. For someone 5’6” 135 lbs would you recommend the Eddyline Sitka ST or LT? Or is it more personal preference, i.e roomy versus wearing the Kayak like a glove?
There is a bigger version of the Eddyline Sitka, it is the XT and it is made for taller paddlers. I am 6'2" and it's what I have. Lovely, stable and fast, with excellent first and secondary stability. Great for group paddles and the skeg is superb. I also have a Stella 18' racer, which is exceptionally fast, but not as seaworthy with almost no primary stability, but good secondary.
There’s so much that depends on body type. Just being tall doesn’t tell the full story. Both Eddyline and Stellar have three sizes for individual fit. I would suggest trying a few.
I have looked at the Steller before and I would love one. Unfortunately I have Zero storage as I live in a first floor apartment. Great information and a couple of great Yak's 👍👍Nice one matey.
Based on your username and avatar maybe you've already gone that route, but have you thought about paddling whitewater? I once new somebody who had an apartment in a city and stored her boat in the shower. You can also fit a 7' boat in most cars with a hatchback.
It's impossible to go wrong with either! I tend to look at Eddyline as a Mercedes Benz and Stellar as a Porche. Eddyline IS made in the U.S., though....
I was at the Riverside Kayak store in Tempe last week. The owner was very nice and helpful. I looked at the Edyline and Stellar Kayaks. I am leaning toward the Edyline because of the high back seat. Waiting for owner to contact me for a demo. She mentioned you to me and told me she enjoyed working with you.
Very cool! Teri is a sweet heart.
Finally a comparison for smaller paddlers. I am 5'7" 135lbs slim build and have owned several kayaks including the Sitka LV. I switched to a band backrest and added just a little more padding for my hips and it is a perfect fit and it handled exactly as you described. Eddyline make a super kayak. I wish I had a chance to try the Stellar.
Enjoyed this vid for such concise explanations of many important aspects and differences of design that these two kayaks feature. Well done!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I just demo’d these two kayaks and they do indeed feel very different on the water.
The Eddyline was much easier to paddle in the direction I chose without use of the skeg. When I tried the Stellar S14 LV I was literally paddling in large circles as I tried to go straight since I was stronger on one side than the other and I’m a new paddler and my form shows it. The Stellar is very sensitive to your paddling form.
Once I put the skeg on the Stellar down, then it went straight as an arrow. I also found it to feel much faster. It felt like I was skating on ice, compared to the Eddyline.
All said, I loved both but for different reasons. If I want to develop perfect stroke technique and go fast, the Stellar will give me the feedback and speed I’m looking for. If I want a leisurely time out on the lake with the ability to lean back and relax for a bit, the high back on the Eddyline is perfect.
I ultimately decided to buy both. I got the Multisport version of the stellar since It could take more abuse if I ever take it on rapids, without any cost in weight.
I also like the customization I could get in terms of colors and options on the Stellar.
Wow thanks for the feedback. Love your description. Stellar is faster and more playful and does come to life with more paddling skills. Enjoy your boats!
Try using the Skeg next time in the Stellar, I think you will find it will track well.
It is very nice to have some information for smaller paddlers! I am 5"3 and 125lbs, it is hard to find information about the fit of the cockpit. I was looking at the Feelfree Aventura 125 &140, would those boats suit a smaller paddler? Would I need to add some more padding? Love your videos, I've been learning so much, preparing to buy my first kayak! 🙏
Excellent video. Thank you. I have a Skylark now which I really like, but looking to maybe add an S14LV G2 MS to get lighter weight and feel more confident in intercoastal waters off New England. Tested one and liked it although cockpit a bit tighter & lower. Do you have any insight on how the Stellar handles intercoastal waters? Surf?
Mild surf it does fine. I’ve had my 16’ on the coast and surfed some small breakers. They are not as heavy duty as some other British boats out there.
Great comparison, thank you. Looking forward to getting out of our rec kayaks and into a real boat. At the paddle show in Madison, I learned that I'm wide across the hips. The Sitka XT was the only one I fit in comfortably.
Are there different seat options available? Difficult to retrofit?
Yes they are definitely designed around a proprietary seat. Not easy to swap.
I'm older and less flexible than I used to be, so I've been thinking hard about a Sitka XT for the slightly higher deck and the longer cockpit. I spent about 20 years as primarily a whitewater paddler, and while cockpit outfitting in modern whitewater boats is generally really good right out of the factory you can do wonders with some minicell foam and contact adhesive. You could even replace the seat completely with minicell if you wanted to. In case you don't already know, the Sitkas are also available with a backband instead of the backrest, and that's my preference.
Thank you for this! I love the keyhole on the Sitka, but everything else about the Stellar (was looking at the mid-versions, not the LV). Ended up with the Stellar S14. I'm 5' 3" but too big for the LV. My hips are connected nicely and my feet feel good. I moved my seat up several inches, but I do miss that snug Sitka fit. I can engage my thighs in my Stellar if I really push them up to the braces. Is there anything I can do to improv my connection at the thigh? Or is that just the trade off between these styles of boat?
It’s a bit of a trade off. Adding some foam to the outside of your knee can sometimes help with ergonomics. Possibly adding some deeper foam thigh hooks
Great review What do suggest for a similar feel for a 6’ 200lb intermediate kayaker? I have a Hobie for fishing but would like a faster slicker kayak when going with my recreational buddies. Thank you
Sitka XT and a Stella’s S-14HV. I have a review of the Stellar HV from a few months back.
Thank you very much for the quick response. Have you done any reviews on modular kayaks for those of us who are spatially challenged?
What do you define as small stature?
Fair question. I would say rough and dirty 5’8” and under and may be 150 pounds or less. That said I know people 6 foot tall and 165 that fit in a Sitka ST. So take that with a grain of salt.
What do you think of Duralite plastic yaks from WS? Thanks.
They made those for a few years, and people seemed to like them. I never spent much time with them so I can't share any first hand feedback.
Thanks for this video, I’ve been looking at both as a first Kayak and can’t find anyplace to demo one…. For someone 5’6” 135 lbs would you recommend the Eddyline Sitka ST or LT? Or is it more personal preference, i.e roomy versus wearing the Kayak like a glove?
I would go ST for sure. 👍
@@HeadwatersKayak Thanks for the quick reply!
have you done professional kayakingif u didnt you should try its very fast but unstable
Whats the "tallest height " person generally that would fit in those kayaks ?
There is a bigger version of the Eddyline Sitka, it is the XT and it is made for taller paddlers. I am 6'2" and it's what I have. Lovely, stable and fast, with excellent first and secondary stability. Great for group paddles and the skeg is superb. I also have a Stella 18' racer, which is exceptionally fast, but not as seaworthy with almost no primary stability, but good secondary.
There’s so much that depends on body type. Just being tall doesn’t tell the full story. Both Eddyline and Stellar have three sizes for individual fit. I would suggest trying a few.
I have looked at the Steller before and I would love one. Unfortunately I have Zero storage as I live in a first floor apartment. Great information and a couple of great Yak's 👍👍Nice one matey.
Have you checked out the new Stellar modular kayaks? They break down in three pieces so you can store them in a tighter space.
@@HeadwatersKayak Yes I have looked at that and it looks good But right now I have the PakAyaK However, I do really like the Steller, perhaps one day.
Based on your username and avatar maybe you've already gone that route, but have you thought about paddling whitewater? I once new somebody who had an apartment in a city and stored her boat in the shower. You can also fit a 7' boat in most cars with a hatchback.
It's impossible to go wrong with either! I tend to look at Eddyline as a Mercedes Benz and Stellar as a Porche.
Eddyline IS made in the U.S., though....
I like the analogy. However it’s important to be clear that Eddyline has moved production to Mexico to be closer to their plastic suppliers.
Neither of these are US made. Eddyline used to be made in USA but they have moved manufacturing to Queretaro Mexico a few years ago.
Thanks for the info!
I'm showing my age...
(and not feeling guilty about my Epic!)