Hi everybody. First post here and looking to purchase my first raft. I just recently discovered Maxxon rafts and I dug up some old threads and research on them. It appears nowadays they have changed to the Leafield valves and are now welded vs glued on the seams. Seems like some big improvements from the past. Now, I can afford an RMR but I'd like to know how these updated Maxxon rafts compare. The pricepoint looks great on both however it seems RMR has a good following and are quality rafts. Can't find much current info on the Maxxon's so figured I'd turn to the experts here.
Thanks!
Here's kind of a quick run-down the on the pluses and minuses of each: The Maxxons have a glued-in drop stitch floor pad. This creates a very smooth bottom and a generally excellent handling raft. However, there is a lot of glue holding that pad in, so it could fail at some point if you keep the boat long enough. A less important detail, though still worth mentioning, is that the D-rings on the Rocky Mountains are welded, whereas they are attached with glue on the Maxxons (the actual Maxxon D-ring assembly is RF welded - the upper and lower patch - but not welded onto the boat). Maxxons, size for size, are somewhat easier to roll up, and weigh less than RMRs. The RMRs use a considerably beefier base polyester, so their rip strength is higher. That said, most brands are overbuilt these days. Rocky Mountain floors are easy to replace should you ever need to (on sizes 12' and up) since they are laced in. Warranties are the same for both brands. Chances are that you would be happy with either. Perhaps the real question to ask is "Which one can I get my hands on in the next six months". Rocky's fabric coating center, the Trib factory (Sagittarius Sporting Goods), and to a lesser degree Maxxon's China plant, are all running behind a bit due to Covid. Hope that helps.
