Mountain Buzz banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

Newer Boats - with edge

Jump to Latest
2.3K views 5 replies 4 participants last post by  rivervibe  
C
#1 ·
Sorry to make another thread about looking for a boat, but after reading a whole bunch of them in this forum I thought I'd make yet another.

I've been paddling for a number of years doing solid IIIs and I plan on venturing to IVs this year. I got out earlier this year and felt a lot less comfortable in my current boat (Biscuit) than the past and I can't help feeling that it's the really smooth edges.

I spent a lot of my time working up in an LL Vision and I've been missing how hard that edge was with the newer boat. Since I haven't paid attention to what's out there for a bit now I figured I'd ask some advice to find something with a bit of bite to it.

Stats: 5'10" 160-175 lbs depending on the time of year and amount of paddling. And yeah that Vision 44 left my feet bloody. :(
 
#2 ·
OK, I'll take a shot here. The vision was a "one of a kind" type boat. I don't know if anyone else made a boat with edges like that. They were more like rails right? Anyway, if you prefer boats like that you are in the minority of boaters. Didn't LL make a vision 56 back then?? with your size and love for the vision, a 56 might be the trick for you. Thats all I got good luck..
 
#3 ·
I paddled a LL Vision 56 (the largest of the 2) for many years and loved it. I moved on to another playboat, the Molan, only because I had literally worn out the plastic. I really wish they would come out with an update version of those edges.
I'm sorry you were in the 44. I bet I'm even a tad smaller than you and would never have fit.
 
#5 ·
I'm loving the edges on the new Zen, but if you want something that squirts, this isnt it.

Snappy as hell, super fast. Great river runner and surfer.

It took 1-4 if not 5 at the SSV race. Did I mention the thing is fast.
 
#6 ·
cslebn said:
Rivervibe, how do you like the Molan compared to the Vision?
Click to expand...
Well I like them both, but they are very different. The Molan I feel has a bit tighter control when its surfing on its hull, and it feels looser across the wave or pile, spins very well... The Vision has more rocker and lower volume ends and so it was for me much more predictable when engaging the bow or stern. The Molan is so bulbous that I find it more challenging to initiate and then it tends to cork out in random directions. When you do nail it, the loop goes huge though. The rocker of the Vision helped with surfing too.
As far as weight, I'm about 140 and feel almost too light for the Medium Molan. The length is good, but there is a bit too much air down around my feet. On the other hand, it's a very comfortable boat.
When I look at the bow of the new Pyranha Jed, it looks like they were trying to address that overly bulbous bow.
There is a huge amount of personal preference and style that goes into what you are going to like in a playboat.
I hope this helps!
 
Mountain Buzz
posts
684K
members
69K
Since
2003
A forum community dedicated to whitewater kayaking, boating, and rafting enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about safety, routes, gear, models, styles, gear swaps, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Whitewater Kayaking Rafting | Gear Talk Whitewater Rafting Rafting | Trip Planner Kayaking | Trip Planner