I agree with you on the seat in the older model. I swapped it out for a newer version after doing some glassing under the comings. I've never had a problem with the old Rudder system. I guess I've been lucky. Excellent walkthrough of the new boat.
I agree, sold my old 18x for those reasons!! Rudder sucked, seat issues. BUT a new 21 18xultra is enroute!! It wont replace my workhorse Maelstrom Vital 166 (such a perfect boat but heavy) and after a 20 year career instructing and guiding I want a lightweight workout boat and long distance dream machine! The New improved Epic 18x ultra will be my daily workout boat and keep me paddling for 2 more decades.
Hi Mark, how do you deal with the reduced space under the deck hatch? I also found the new seat tighter than in my 2014 model. I'm currently test-paddling a 2022 model and I'm very intrigued. My main use case is marathon paddling and multiday tripping on lakes and rivers. Any comments?
@@MarkSundin thanks for the response. I decided to keep paddling my 18X Sport Ultra (2014 version) for the time being. The seating - although clearly improved - is 1.5 cm narrower in the new model which is just a tad too tight for my taste. I also found the space for my feet (size US11) too cramped. Let's see if Greg Barton will address these things in a future model. Thanks for your video though, it was very instructive.
I agree with you on the seat in the older model. I swapped it out for a newer version after doing some glassing under the comings. I've never had a problem with the old Rudder system. I guess I've been lucky. Excellent walkthrough of the new boat.
I agree, sold my old 18x for those reasons!! Rudder sucked, seat issues. BUT a new 21 18xultra is enroute!! It wont replace my workhorse Maelstrom Vital 166 (such a perfect boat but heavy) and after a 20 year career instructing and guiding I want a lightweight workout boat and long distance dream machine! The New improved Epic 18x ultra will be my daily workout boat and keep me paddling for 2 more decades.
Hi Mark, how do you deal with the reduced space under the deck hatch? I also found the new seat tighter than in my 2014 model. I'm currently test-paddling a 2022 model and I'm very intrigued. My main use case is marathon paddling and multiday tripping on lakes and rivers.
Any comments?
No issue for me mate. Excellent choice as a fast marathon style kayak.
@@MarkSundin thanks for the response. I decided to keep paddling my 18X Sport Ultra (2014 version) for the time being. The seating - although clearly improved - is 1.5 cm narrower in the new model which is just a tad too tight for my taste. I also found the space for my feet (size US11) too cramped. Let's see if Greg Barton will address these things in a future model. Thanks for your video though, it was very instructive.
Yes!