Last year, I had a Varmdo on order from a reputable dealer, because we thought they would be available (I ordered one of the turquoise colored ones). This kayak won awards at the paddlesports show in Strasbourg, France in 2023. But then, I had to withdrawal my order because there were some technical delays with the production (manufacturers moving their location, export issues, etc). So perhaps now we can get them, thanks for showing us this, maybe availability has improved now.
Similar experience for me. I was looking to buy a kayak this spring, so I took some boats for test paddles last summer. Had a chance to sit in someone's HV Rodloga but didn't get it out on the water, and it fit me like a glove. Test paddled the LV that my local shop had in stock. Loved the way it performed on the water, but it was a squeeze for me. A manager at my local paddle shop talked with me at great length about what he knew of Melker's delays getting their new factory up and running, and he didn't sound optimistic that they would work things out by spring. Two months later, that same manager told me he still hadn't been able to pre-order any. I ended up getting a hell of a deal on a different boat back in September. Now it looks like the Rodloga will be back in production by next spring. I'm bummed that it didn't work out for me, but I'm glad Melker is still in the game. It sounds like they burned some bridges with my local shop due to Melker's lack of communication about everything, but they make cool boats and I hope they continue to push paddle sports towards innovation and sustainability for a long time to come.
Melker's new production facility is up and running, and the first shipment of Varmdos (as well as the new editions of the Rodlogas in both Cork and Trad-core) should be available in the US early spring this year. There are demo Varmdos in stock at several US and Canadian dealers now, and available for test fitting and ordering.
HI Ken, Happy New Year, hope the shoulders okay. Beautiful looking boat, really looking forward to seeing it on the water. But after seeing all that snow you're getting I don't think it will be for a while.
Unfortunately, we're about 3 months away from getting back on the water here. Hopefully I'll get a winter trip in though, now that my shoulder is ready for some mild action. :) HNY!
Another awesome video, thanks for the sneak peek into a really cool looking boat! I can't wait to see the hands on review of it. One question: with the plant based sealant on the outside of the kayak, would that be as much of an incentive for mice to chew on as the soy based wiring covering on automotive wiring? I know there is a huge problem with mice eating through wiring on cars and trucks.
This natural material core made me think of Cape Falcon Kayaks. I don't think you have tested anything from them yet? They have a seemingly well organised DIY option with text/mail back up if you have questions and a very dedicated guy running the show 🙂 Just wondering how good/bad the kayaks and canoes are
@@PaddleTV You totally should. The F1 is unflappable, the West Greenland *IS* one of the most beautiful, and paddles so sweetly. Go up there and see Brian, I'm sure he will give you a loaner.
Beautiful kayak! That red one you reviewed last year still has me 'like whoa' 😲 This is another kayak I would just hang in the garage and wipe down with a diaper every weekend 😂
Yeah... the P&H Volan is a beauty! The P&H Virgo I tested last year might have even topped that one. When you get to the level of beauty of composite boats like P&H's and Melker's, they're all 'works of art' in my mind. It's more of a matter of which style of art you prefer. Of course, the coolest thing about this 'art' is that you get to paddle them! :) HNY!
Meh. It looks alright, better than many, but I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It has some smart features, I like the placement of the skeg control and the plumb bow and stern are good for such a short kayak, but not the most beautiful ends by far. For a beginner recreational kayak, the design in plan and profile probably nails that performance spot in the market better than many kayaks of the past aimed at that area. 24 inches is mighty wide once you get into some rough water, without good cockpit fitting out, many would rattle around in there. High initial stability, but you'll get pitched in beam waves especially if you don't have good control contact. Forty-four pounds is relatively light compared to polyethylene or heavier fiberglass layups, but you can get much lighter than that without going to composites OR great expense with traditional construction. Not sure what to think of cork and flax. I guess time will tell how that works out for durability. It does look nice and is a unique twist. It has fairly nice lines and would likely be a far better choice for a beginner in terms of a platform to grow skills than some of these plastic pumpkin seeds you see floating about.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
weird, the video isn't in stereo, sound only coming out of my left speaker. Gorgeous kayak.
Sorry! I messed up the audio. It's not your speakers :)
@@PaddleTV oh it's ok, just noticed it.
Thanks, I was just checking all my audio settings...
@@mountainhobbit1971 I've got a new computer and speakers and thought I had to do some troubleshooting... Thanks for the heads up. 👍
What I took away from this video was KW's will be back on the water this Spring.
Sterling still has my vote for some of the finest boats on the market. Beautiful vessels.
HNY! Another beautiful creation from Melker. Rich man’s toys, but oh so lovely to look at.
Gorgeous boat!
Looks like one of your trees fell over. Glad to read that your shoulder is doing better.
:)
Great looking boat!
Last year, I had a Varmdo on order from a reputable dealer, because we thought they would be available (I ordered one of the turquoise colored ones). This kayak won awards at the paddlesports show in Strasbourg, France in 2023. But then, I had to withdrawal my order because there were some technical delays with the production (manufacturers moving their location, export issues, etc). So perhaps now we can get them, thanks for showing us this, maybe availability has improved now.
That's what I understand happened. I don't know the full story about why it was delayed a year, but I do know they're being made right now.
Similar experience for me. I was looking to buy a kayak this spring, so I took some boats for test paddles last summer. Had a chance to sit in someone's HV Rodloga but didn't get it out on the water, and it fit me like a glove. Test paddled the LV that my local shop had in stock. Loved the way it performed on the water, but it was a squeeze for me. A manager at my local paddle shop talked with me at great length about what he knew of Melker's delays getting their new factory up and running, and he didn't sound optimistic that they would work things out by spring. Two months later, that same manager told me he still hadn't been able to pre-order any. I ended up getting a hell of a deal on a different boat back in September. Now it looks like the Rodloga will be back in production by next spring.
I'm bummed that it didn't work out for me, but I'm glad Melker is still in the game. It sounds like they burned some bridges with my local shop due to Melker's lack of communication about everything, but they make cool boats and I hope they continue to push paddle sports towards innovation and sustainability for a long time to come.
Melker's new production facility is up and running, and the first shipment of Varmdos (as well as the new editions of the Rodlogas in both Cork and Trad-core) should be available in the US early spring this year. There are demo Varmdos in stock at several US and Canadian dealers now, and available for test fitting and ordering.
@ Thanks so much, glad to hear the good news!
Simply beautiful kayak!
Nick Schade makes the most beautiful kayaks.
Cork is great insulation in cold condition. Thanks but I live in the tropics.
Enjoy your reviews 👍
HI Ken, Happy New Year, hope the shoulders okay. Beautiful looking boat, really looking forward to seeing it on the water. But after seeing all that snow you're getting I don't think it will be for a while.
Unfortunately, we're about 3 months away from getting back on the water here. Hopefully I'll get a winter trip in though, now that my shoulder is ready for some mild action. :) HNY!
Another awesome video, thanks for the sneak peek into a really cool looking boat! I can't wait to see the hands on review of it. One question: with the plant based sealant on the outside of the kayak, would that be as much of an incentive for mice to chew on as the soy based wiring covering on automotive wiring? I know there is a huge problem with mice eating through wiring on cars and trucks.
Ha! That's an interesting question. It is amazing what mice will chew on in the winter. I'll let you know if the boat gets chewed on! :)
This natural material core made me think of Cape Falcon Kayaks.
I don't think you have tested anything from them yet?
They have a seemingly well organised DIY option with text/mail back up if you have questions and a very dedicated guy running the show 🙂
Just wondering how good/bad the kayaks and canoes are
I haven't tested a Cape Falcon kayak yet. One day I would love to make one...
@@PaddleTV You totally should. The F1 is unflappable, the West Greenland *IS* one of the most beautiful, and paddles so sweetly. Go up there and see Brian, I'm sure he will give you a loaner.
Looking good bro hope shoulder is well ...Does it have a skeg...Happy new year...
Yup. It's got a Skeg and is rudder ready. HNY Jay!
How is the shoulder?
Doing amazing! I can't believe the turn around. Thanks for asking!
Beautiful kayak! That red one you reviewed
last year still has me 'like whoa' 😲
This is another kayak I would just hang
in the garage and wipe down with a diaper
every weekend 😂
Yeah... the P&H Volan is a beauty! The P&H Virgo I tested last year might have even topped that one. When you get to the level of beauty of composite boats like P&H's and Melker's, they're all 'works of art' in my mind. It's more of a matter of which style of art you prefer. Of course, the coolest thing about this 'art' is that you get to paddle them! :) HNY!
Looking forward to the future review. Hope that you're doing well.
Am I ever looking forward to testing the boat... any boat for that matter! :) Happy New Year!
thought about have a reveiw on one of the Norse Kayaks?
Would love to review a Norse kayak. Hopefully soon!
That is a beautiful Kayak
I just saw a nice kayak. That's a beautiful kayak I want. This is Asia's Korea, too far from Sweden.
Meh. It looks alright, better than many, but I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It has some smart features, I like the placement of the skeg control and the plumb bow and stern are good for such a short kayak, but not the most beautiful ends by far. For a beginner recreational kayak, the design in plan and profile probably nails that performance spot in the market better than many kayaks of the past aimed at that area. 24 inches is mighty wide once you get into some rough water, without good cockpit fitting out, many would rattle around in there. High initial stability, but you'll get pitched in beam waves especially if you don't have good control contact. Forty-four pounds is relatively light compared to polyethylene or heavier fiberglass layups, but you can get much lighter than that without going to composites OR great expense with traditional construction. Not sure what to think of cork and flax. I guess time will tell how that works out for durability. It does look nice and is a unique twist. It has fairly nice lines and would likely be a far better choice for a beginner in terms of a platform to grow skills than some of these plastic pumpkin seeds you see floating about.
My only thought before watching was, it has to be the new Melker.
:)
I think my 2024 Delta 15.5 GT is the best kayak in the world!🇨🇦
Nice boat indeed!!
How’s your shoulder doing?
Doing great! My shoulder is no longer frozen... but now the water is. :)
@ this year, October 15th, Rogue River. Let me know if you want to join me and some friends on a 4 day River camping run. RogueTober run.
Happy new year to you and your family. Looking forward to 2025
Thank you! HNY to you too!
Delta 14' is 45 lbs
Yup. That's a huge benefit of thermoformed boats. The only downside of thermoformed boats is that they're not as durable.
Send it this way When you're done lol
Ha!
Nice...white trim ruins it...price makes it unavailable.
Cork is in short supply.
Not sure you’ve seen a lot of beautiful kayak if you consider this beautiful 😜
I'm curious what kayaks you think are beautiful. Please share.
The word is 'peek' not 'peak'
Ha! You're absolutely right. :)
Es horroroso 😂😂😂 terriblemente feo