It took me 40 years to drop the coin for a new yak. I couldn’t find the perfect yak for me. They all perform and handle so differently. I bought and sold many used yaks over the decades in all the different construction materials. I bought my first new yak 14 months ago and couldn’t be happier. At $6000.00 it was the perfect yak for me ! The P&H Volan 160 in Carbon & Kevlar at 42 lbs. love it !
Thanks, nice summary and information. You used Delta to show the flex in a thermoformed product, but I can tell you first hand that the Carbonlite 2000 material that Eddyline uses is considerably more stiff than the Deltas are (I own both brands). I do hope the composites get more affordable, but right now they may not be within budget for most (and neither are the thermoformed kayaks for that matter). And, there is also availability, many of us have to travel several states away to even test paddle one of these because there aren’t a large number of composite manufacturers in North America. Nice summary though, hope others can chime in here. I watched your video because I have very little experience with the composite boats.
I would agree, Eddyline does seem a bit stiffer. I think that's a combination of material stiffness and geometry of the deck. Eddylines have some nice lines on the deck that add extra rigidity. While in the past I would agree with the assessment that thermoformed is a bit of a premium material, nowadays a Delta 14 is actually LESS expensive than a rotomolded boat of a similar category, for example the Wilderness Systems Tsunami 140, at least in Canada. While I agree that composite kayaks are quite pricy, there are some attractive options that are relatively affordable. The Norse kayaks for instance are a great option for those who can afford a bit more of an upfront cost for a kayak that's going to last a lifetime of use. While more expensive than a Delta, many are actually less expensive than a similar Eddyline. All things to consider!
When I posted the question it was not quite complete, it should have went like this. Other than the "elitists, or those in maximum effort, subsidized competition" is anyone within the normal 99.99999% of the people running class iv, v, or vi, running composites, and I'm sure that answer would be......no.
It took me 40 years to drop the coin for a new yak. I couldn’t find the perfect yak for me. They all perform and handle so differently. I bought and sold many used yaks over the decades in all the different construction materials. I bought my first new yak 14 months ago and couldn’t be happier. At $6000.00 it was the perfect yak for me ! The P&H Volan 160 in Carbon & Kevlar at 42 lbs. love it !
Oh I'd love to get some seat time in a Volan! That's a sweet kayak!
Thanks, nice summary and information. You used Delta to show the flex in a thermoformed product, but I can tell you first hand that the Carbonlite 2000 material that Eddyline uses is considerably more stiff than the Deltas are (I own both brands). I do hope the composites get more affordable, but right now they may not be within budget for most (and neither are the thermoformed kayaks for that matter). And, there is also availability, many of us have to travel several states away to even test paddle one of these because there aren’t a large number of composite manufacturers in North America. Nice summary though, hope others can chime in here. I watched your video because I have very little experience with the composite boats.
I would agree, Eddyline does seem a bit stiffer. I think that's a combination of material stiffness and geometry of the deck. Eddylines have some nice lines on the deck that add extra rigidity. While in the past I would agree with the assessment that thermoformed is a bit of a premium material, nowadays a Delta 14 is actually LESS expensive than a rotomolded boat of a similar category, for example the Wilderness Systems Tsunami 140, at least in Canada.
While I agree that composite kayaks are quite pricy, there are some attractive options that are relatively affordable. The Norse kayaks for instance are a great option for those who can afford a bit more of an upfront cost for a kayak that's going to last a lifetime of use. While more expensive than a Delta, many are actually less expensive than a similar Eddyline.
All things to consider!
Ever see a composite in iv or v whitewater?
There's a few folks running whitewater in composite boats, but for most folks the durability of plastic makes a lot more sense.
Yes
When I posted the question it was not quite complete, it should have went like this. Other than the "elitists, or those in maximum effort, subsidized competition" is anyone within the normal 99.99999% of the people running class iv, v, or vi, running composites, and I'm sure that answer would be......no.
Why are they so wide
Width is a relative thing. It definitely changes the characteristics of a kayak. Wider is generally going to be more stable, but somewhat slower.
You are a 😂😂😂
I agree 100%
This is really uinteresting and coo......... what is going on with your weird arms?
🦖🦖🦖
Are you going to have these boats in stock in 2024 so people can sit in them? Because every time I check your out of stock.
You bet! I think we've got a container of Norse inbound at the moment!