Choosing the right size

[Limey]

I'm looking to buy a river runner and have demoed several boats. I like the Dagger Mamba and the Pyranha Burn. My problem is at 5'10"/205 (with basic gear) I fall on the line between the medium (8.0) and large (8.5) sizes. I've tried both. The smaller boats fit better and were easier to maneuver, but were a little less forgiving. The big boats felt too loose but seemed to get pushed around a little less easily. I'm new to kayaking but seem to prefer river running to playing and would like to do overnighters in the future (or at least carry a camera, some food etc and not have the boat perform poorly because it's overloaded) and I'm not sure if I should go with the medium because it paddles and fits better or the large so I can carry some gear and have the volume to run bigger water or maybe a creek or two. Any advice/experience would be awesome!
Mat

[LiquidGuy87]

Heyyy.

I'm 5' 10' 175 and paddle the Medium Burn. Most days I feel it is the perfect size... but on others I wish I would have chosen the Large Burn. I would say go with the Large Burn if you choose this boat.

I think overall the Burn is a better boat than the Mamba. It has slightly sharper edges which will allow you to play the river a little more efficiently (what limited play you can do in a creekboat).

I know you say you don't like playboating as much now... but I almost guarantee as you progress in your river running skills and you gain some confidence you'll start playboating a bit. Do it all

Hope this helps a bit.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

[Limey]

Thanks for the response! I liked the large burn. As I was demoing it, I didn't spend much time dialing in the fit and it felt a little roomy. Do you like the outfitting? I've had trouble getting my I:3 to fit right. The Mamba just fit better, but the Burn did seem to outperform the Mamba. As for playboating, you're probably right!

[LiquidGuy87]

I really like my outfitting... although I do have the older Syncro not Connect 30. The Connect 30 is GREAT.

I have confidence that you'll be able to outfit the boat to make it work for you. With a little love you'll feel like you're sitting in your Lazyboy at home. MAYBE BETTER

What a great boat.

[Geezer]

That Mamba I had just didn't want to go where I wanted it to go so I bought a Burn and an much happier.

[Limey]

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm going to demo the large Burn again today and see how it feels.