Rocker vs. Habitat

[duckfoot]

I'm thinking about a new creek boat and have narrowed the field down to either a Habitat or Rocker based solely on comfort.

I'll demo both, but probably only on Class III.

I'm a little worried about Wavesport plastic because they seemed to have suffered that rash of broken playboats recently. Also, seems like the lack of serious chines on the Rocker might make for poor eddy catching. What about the Rocker's lack of a step-out pillar?

Thoughts?

[lotsawater]

The Habitat kills it.

And you can't boof Jackson creek boats, it's not your fault it's the boat.

[Arn]

I demoed the Habitat 80 and the MegaRocker, which may not be applicable. I originally thought I would go with the Habitat, but after the demo, I was all for the Mega. I had a very different experience than Lotsawater. I thought the Mega boofed like a champ and the Habit with its planing hull boofed not nearly as well and misdirected too much on f&*&( you rocks. I also did not dig the Habitats low hip pads and straight legged design, which takes away some steam from power strokes I thought it was a throw back to the Y although better.

[doublet]

I haven't paddled either, but no way I would trust Wavesport plastic to hold up under the abuse of Colorado mank. Too bad cuz the Habitat design looks really good. I'd just prefer something that would last more than a season...

[COUNT]

I've paddled the Punk Rocker a bit and can say that it boofs incredibly easily. One of the easiest boofers out there. It manuevers well but catching eddies is difficult. It has absolutely no primary stability whatsoever but has great secondary and is quite comfy. Haven't paddled the Habitat. It looks like a good boat but I completely understand your concerns.

COUNT

[Russell Marcus]

I have a Rocker and it is solid. I have to agree with count, the

[Russell Marcus]

I have a Rocker and it is solid and easy to paddle. It has decent primary stability and great secondary stability. I have to agree with count, the Rocker boofs easily just make sure the seat is in good position so you have a balanced waterline. Make sure you drive into the eddies and you have to lean more but eddies have not been a problem. I dont think you need edges for creeks especially in colarado. I'd go with the burn instead of the habitat but have only sat in the habitat. It is probably the best allround creeker out there if you want edges. Russell

[dasunluva]

MEGA ROCKER RULES!! The boat is seriously solid and I like it more and more each time I paddle it. It carves in and out of eddies really well, boofs great, resurfaces like a rocket and is super comfortable. I have beat the shit out of the plastic and it has handled it really well so far. The Habitat is probably cool, but why not get a Jefe if you go that route/design?

[peterB]

The Jefe got me back off the couch. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Peter

[Rhodes]

Mega Rocker for sure! Insane secondary stability, carves into eddies with ease(just stay forward), resurfaces, blasts through holes, boofs off the hizzy, super comfortable, solid plastic, great company run by a stand up guy, Joe Keck of the Mank Crew paddles it...just buy it, no need to demo the Habitat.
Unless you are paddling class III in which case I would recommend the Super Star.