Buying a new Playboat. What do you think?

Surfpimp · 09-21-2005

Buying a new Playboat this winter. What do you think?

I have it narrowed down to these four but feel free to make any additional suggestions.

jmack · 09-21-2005

I like my ZG54. Plus, you can actually find one for less than full price. Plus I thought the Vision was really uncomfortable- sit in one before your buy. The new wavesport boat though might be good- I haven't paddled it.

erdvm1 · 09-21-2005

Make sure you consider the Jackson Star series. These boats are sick!! and comfy and VERY durable. Talk to Craw for a demo. Not a flat water boat perfect for holes and runs rivers too

Bong_Crosby · 09-21-2005

I think they were $999 this summer. CKS has a used one for $575 + $49 shipping. The picture looks like it's in pretty good shape. They might even be able to e-mail you some more pics, especially of the hull. Check out http://summitkayak.com/store/index.c...1508&do=detail

Here is a little tip; if they've got a boat you like at your local shop, you can offer them $50 to $100 less if you're willing to pay cash. The reason being is that they have to pay a certain percent to the credit card company if you use a card and nothing if you use cash. This ain't gonna work at the beginning of the season, but if, like the ZG I bought, it's the last one and it's been on the floor for a while, they may be motivated to move it. Never hurts to ask.

The ZG has incredible pop for aerials, is super comfy, fast (considering its length), easy to throw around in the flats but not ridiculously so, slicey for a spud boat so you can throw down in the holes, and super balanced bow to stern.

Good luck,

Bong

rasdoggy · 09-21-2005

Confluence has a Demo Vision and ZG54 stop in and try them on for size.
To me the ZG seemed nice and loose compared to the 88 and I didn't paddle the Vision long enough to give an honest opinon the Stars seemed short in the tail for me but I hit the scale at 215ish and can't loop yet.
The Project is close to the ZG a little wider in the tail and the hips and a little shorter.

outdoormikeg · 09-22-2005

I've paddled both boats and while my play skills are pretty basic...I liked the ZG better than the Vision. My biggest problem with the Vision was comfort.

The rigid, bumpy backband on all LL boats (I used to paddle a Pop) seems to put one of my feet to sleep almost immediately. My brother (who I a much better paddler than I) said the same thing the when he paddled one.

It might be a anatomy thing but I have never had a problem in my ZG as far as foot sleeping.

peterB · 09-26-2005

I have had little trouble with comfort. I think the vision is the best hole boat I have ever paddled. I was surprised how the edges give you more control in the hole. The speed is nice on wave and the thing is super light.

Peter