Thermoformed kayaks are BETTER when scrapping on rocks-- better than poly and way better than delicate composites. Thermoform boats are the most rugged of all kayaks with one major exception-- they cannot handle a direct rock impact nearly as well as a poly. I dropped my Delta17 off my SUV nose first 5' high onto the pavement-- zero damage outside of a buff job. As Dan from Headwater's Kayak says--"all kayaks should be thermoformed"
Great info, thanks! I just bought my first Delta kayak (coming from poly kayaks) and I was wondering about how durable they are on rocky, shallow rivers. I think I'll reserve my Delta for lakes and deep rivers.
Thermoformed kayaks are BETTER than poly's when it comes to scraps on rocks. Poly's gouge and wear out. Thermo's leave small lines and rarely any white marks. Poly's are only better for piercing direct rock impacts.
@@keithmoriyama5421 agreed, the only caveat would be that a thermofrom boat is at higher risk of cracking than a poly boat especially with any type of scraping that would significantly gouge or damage a poly boat.
I love the Delta kayaks, but Eddyline is thermoformed and comparable in quality. The Deltas have more flexible plastic (the longer models like the 16 & 17 need a rib in middle of the hull to provide extra stiffness), and the Eddylines are stiffer and slightly faster in speed for their length. Both companies have their strong and weak points (for example more cargo space in the Deltas, cockpit rim holds on to skirts better in the Eddylines). I wish Delta would use different eyelets (need to be bigger to allow space for rope tie downs during transport, and stainless steel instead of plastic). Both companies make wonderful kayaks, and only 75 miles apart from each other!
Yes I heard about that shortly after I posted my comment. They moved to be more centrally located and save on shipping (in part). Hope we can get a few more dealers here in Missouri, for both brands, it’s just not reliable to wait for the kayak you want through REI.
I've had my 17 for three years now... fabulous boat with tons of space and great performance, loaded or not.
@@johnandrews3568 such a great boat. Thanks for sharing and for checking out the video .
Thermoformed kayaks are BETTER when scrapping on rocks-- better than poly and way better than delicate composites. Thermoform boats are the most rugged of all kayaks with one major exception-- they cannot handle a direct rock impact nearly as well as a poly. I dropped my Delta17 off my SUV nose first 5' high onto the pavement-- zero damage outside of a buff job. As Dan from Headwater's Kayak says--"all kayaks should be thermoformed"
Great info, thanks! I just bought my first Delta kayak (coming from poly kayaks) and I was wondering about how durable they are on rocky, shallow rivers. I think I'll reserve my Delta for lakes and deep rivers.
Thanks for checking out the video and the comment.. you can use them on the river but a little care is certainly required. Happy paddling..
Thermoformed kayaks are BETTER than poly's when it comes to scraps on rocks. Poly's gouge and wear out. Thermo's leave small lines and rarely any white marks. Poly's are only better for piercing direct rock impacts.
@@AQOutdoors Thank you for the info!
@@keithmoriyama5421 Thanks Keith, much appreciated sir!
@@keithmoriyama5421 agreed, the only caveat would be that a thermofrom boat is at higher risk of cracking than a poly boat especially with any type of scraping that would significantly gouge or damage a poly boat.
I love the Delta kayaks, but Eddyline is thermoformed and comparable in quality. The Deltas have more flexible plastic (the longer models like the 16 & 17 need a rib in middle of the hull to provide extra stiffness), and the Eddylines are stiffer and slightly faster in speed for their length. Both companies have their strong and weak points (for example more cargo space in the Deltas, cockpit rim holds on to skirts better in the Eddylines). I wish Delta would use different eyelets (need to be bigger to allow space for rope tie downs during transport, and stainless steel instead of plastic). Both companies make wonderful kayaks, and only 75 miles apart from each other!
Thanks for the amazing annecdotal insights. Very much appreciated.
Eddyline has moved its headquarters and manufacturing to Arkansas
Yes I heard about that shortly after I posted my comment. They moved to be more centrally located and save on shipping (in part). Hope we can get a few more dealers here in Missouri, for both brands, it’s just not reliable to wait for the kayak you want through REI.