j dawgz - Killer Kayaks!

Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 Kayak – Built For Adrenaline Action?

The Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 Kayak is designed and manufactured by a well known brand, Dagger. This kayak and creek boat is designed for big water with a well defined high-volume planing hull.

The Dagger Mamba Creeker model comes in three sizes, the largest among them being the 8.6 kayak. This larger size is offered in two variations: a river-runner model and a creeker model. The outfitting is, in fact, the only difference between the two variants. The creeker features a roto-molded seat, which is specifically designed to be more resistant to collapse.

There is no reason to choose the river-runner model, in case you are planning to paddle on class III whitewater. In fact, for most paddlers, the creeker outfitting is the best option. Only school fleets could be an exception, if they need to easily and quickly adjust the seat position.

Back in 2012, the entire Mamba series had been revamped. Designers updated the edge profile, added volume, and tweaked the rocker profile, making a few changes to each of the three boat variants. In 2013, a new contour outfitting had been added to the Mamba line-up.

Read the rest of our Dagger Mamba Creeker review to find out if it is a reliable whitewater kayak for an adrenaline junkie like you!

Mamba 8.6 kayak seat

Build Details of the Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 Kayak…

The Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 kayak can accommodate a paddler who weighs up to 200 pounds, and comes with moderate, recessed edges extending from the bow back to the paddler. At the back, the edges smooth out into a softer chine. The very high-volume stern, combined with the soft stern edge, allows this kayak model to make last-minute, quick adjustments in a rapid.

In a hastily initiated turn, the rounded edge prevents water from catching it. The Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 stern is kept out of the water due to the boat’s volume, even when the kayaker is paddling from the backseat.

The defined planing hull and hard edge in the front give the Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 kayak the ability to drive through big water, from a forward or a center body position, with a sporty feel. The Mamba creeker is also really safe due to the edges up front, and the kayak surfs pretty well. Its good performance is extremely noticeable when you drop into wave trains that have plenty of glassy overhead waves.

In these difficult conditions, the Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 can carve across the waves in confident, big arcs. Because of the edges on the boat’s forward two thirds, the Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 is superior on a wave.

Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 whitewater kayak

The Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6’s frame can be classified as a more linear profile in the stern and a progressive kick-rocker in the bow. The center of the boat carries towards some of the rocker. The bow is kept riding up and over waves by the progressive bow rocker. When dropping off ledges or into a hole, the Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 frame design makes it easier to get the bow up.

The longer waterline is created by the linear stern rocker, making this kayak model faster. When more of the stern drops into the water, the longer waterline will help with tracking at different speeds. The rocker profile has the advantage of featuring the slight creep of the rocker line toward the center, allowing the boat to pivot more easily than other models.

Looking at the Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 kayak from above, the very wide knee box and relatively fine bow are immediately apparent. The Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 boat’s widest point is wider than that of other models and the planing hull, combined with this characteristic. makes it feel a little boxy.

rapid riding

Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 kayak’s frame design provides exceptional primary stability (which means how stable it is just sitting the water). However, this comes at the expense of secondary stability (when the boat is on its side). The kayak doesn’t feel as solid as other models with better secondary stability. However, with only a little counter-lean, the primary stability allows users to take curlers and waves sideways. It’s all in the balance and technique of the paddler.

The Dagger Mamba Creeker’s wide mid-section tapers dramatically to the fine bow, ending in an up-turned point. This frame design works really well, however, for a whitewater boat, the Mamba 8.6 isn’t so fast in flat water due to its width. But the ability to drive the kayak aggressively through whitewater, combined with the extra speed gained from being able to punch through curlers and holes, makes the Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 boat fast overall.

Features of the Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 Kayak

The Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 kayak comes with a rigid hard shell structure and a soft chine. Its cockpit type is the sit-inside variety, with a roto-molded seat, a leg lifter, and the seat track is welded-in. The boat features a round hull shape and comes with Contour Ergo Outfitting and an adjustable backband ratchet.

The adjustable Contour foot brace comes with a foam padding for increased comfort, and the tight braces are adjustable, as well as the hip pads. The kayak also features security grab handles for easier recovery from whitewater ejections or rollovers.

Enough Storage in the Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6?

Dagger Mamba Creeker in four colors

The Dagger Mamba 8.6 is the largest model from the Mamba line-up, offering not only more volume, but improved volume distribution as well. The Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 boat provides enough volume for maintaining good steering and keeping you above currents, even with the kayak loaded down with full gear and food provisions. It comes with room for multi-day equipment in the back.

Check out the Dagger Mamba 8.6 on Amazon by clicking here!

Dagger Mamba Creeker Review Summary:

Pros

The Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 is an excellent creeker and the boat of choice among race crowds
The boat provides lots of rocker and runs pretty fast
It comes with room for multi-day equipment in the back
This kayak is well constructed
The Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 is the largest model of the line-up, offering more volume, crisper control, increased speed, and improved volume distribution
Added safety features, including a handle near the cockpit, repositioned bow grab handle for easier access, and a molded-in stern foam wall holder for improved structural integrity
Allows learning paddlers to get a good idea about ferries, peel outs and good eddy turns
Intermediate to advanced kayakers are also at an advantage using the Dagger Mamba 8.6 creeker, due to its ability to paddle very well in almost any whitewater class

Cons

Some users find the Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 to have a bit too much rocker in the bow, engaging late on eddy lines
Kayakers who are more used to an aggressive chine may not like it
It is a very heavy boat

If you need more kayaks to check out, have a look at the Oru company page.

Seaward Tyee XLC Kevlar Kayak – Elegant, Responsive, & Fun?

The Seaward Tyee XLC Kevlar Kayak (Seaward Tyee XLC for short!) is a well engineered watercraft designed for both the novice and pro. Built for performance and beauty, the Tyee is quick in the water, seaworthy, and stable. For such a long boat, it turns easily and its beauty turns a few heads when you go to launch it.

The Seaward Tyee XLC Kayak is an extremely versatile kayak; it is a great watercraft to use if you like fishing, overnight touring, photography, duck hunting, or just plain getting out on the water. Once you’re out there, you’ll appreciate the high standards that Seaward Kayaks built into this piece of performing art. Rugged elegance would be a great description for the Seaward Tyee kayak.

Seaward Tyee XLC kevlar kayak

Frame of the Seaward Tyee XLC Kevlar Kayak

The Seaward Tyee XLC’s frame has a long 17 foot long waterline, combined with a generous 2 foot beam, making the Tyee XLC kayak a stable one that is quick and responsive for a long cruise. Its Greenland up-swept bow will slice through rougher water with ease. Altogether, its dimensions are 17 feet long, 24 inches wide, and 14.5 inches deep, providing a great platform for water fun.

The Kevlar hull makes the Seaward Tyee XLC kayak almost bombproof, bouncing off rocks and trees with very little damage. You will find that it easily handles choppy water. That up-swept bow pushes through the waves better when it has a little load in the front, so go ahead and pack a good picnic.

The cockpit is very generous, and if you have bad memories of doing a wet exit, you’ll appreciate how much extra room it has. You won’t get your legs stuck when extricating yourself from an overturned kayak. The Seaward Tyee XLC seating is easy to fine tune to your body type. The seat back can be adjusted forward and back by using the pre-formed holes, and it can be tilted to a right angle using a strap. The seat bottom is padded with mini-cell foam. You won’t feel the cold coming through the seat like you do with cheap molded plastic seats.

Any Special Features With The Seaward Kayaks’ Tyee XLC Kevlar Kayak Offering?

At 51 pounds, this Seaward Tyee XLC Kevlar model is slightly lighter than the fiberglass model. It has some heft to it but that only confirms how rugged and seaworthy they build it. The molded padded seat and backrest make for a comfortable ride. They are easily adjusted and keep you protected from the jolts that choppy water can give to your back.

The Sea-Dog foot pedals take a little getting used to, but along with the rudder, they are easy to operate. The Seaward Tyee XLC boat tracks well so it doesn’t take much to keep it going in a straight line. It is very responsive and only takes a little flinch of your foot to adjust the course. The smart rudder system will keep you steady.

When you order, you should have a choice of some great colors that add to the beauty of the watercraft. Pick black or white, teal or red, ivory or burgundy. You can even go with funky colors like signal yellow, mandarin or fuschia.

You don’t want to spill, but if you are in over your head, the Safe Hatch system will keep your gear from getting away from you. It will also keep it from getting soaked in the surf, so you can look forward to dry clothes after a long day on the water.

The Safe Rescue System makes it easier to re-enter the Seaward Tyee XLC Kevlar kayak in case of an adventurous spill. The kayak itself is pretty stable, so that also helps. When practicing deep water re-entries, you’ll see that there is more than enough leverage to pull yourself back into the Seaward Tyee XLC kayak beauty!

Is There Enough Storage Space?

According to Seaward Kayaks, the Seaward Tyee XLC kayak has 415 liters of storage space. To put that in perspective, it is more space than you would get if you crammed all your food and gear into 20 5-gallon buckets from the home improvement store. In other words, with careful planning, you can fit everything you need for a week-long trip.

As I said before, the Seaward Tyee XLC kayak actually rides better with some extra weight in the front. In fact, that extra volume allows for a dry ride even if you are heavily loaded for your overnight adventure. Don’t be afraid to treat yourself with extra food or gear. With all that space, you should be able to handle another 70 pounds or more of supplies on the water.

Check out the Tyee on Amazon by clicking here!

Pros

Kevlar reinforced hull is very rugged, so you don’t have to worry about hitting rocks or trees
Cockpit is very generous, easy to get in or out if you are a big person
The Seaward Tyee XLC seat is adjustable so you can paddle comfortably
Rudder system allows you to track straight in the water, so there is less effort
Greenland up-swept bow slices through the waves so you can rocket across the water
17 foot boat tracks well and wants to go in a straight line
Extra large storage capacity for versatility of use, from picnicking to cruising
Well engineered design is stable, fast and seaworthy
Seaward Tyee XLC Kevlar comes in great colors of your choice, mixing functionality with beauty
Built specifically to adapt to the needs of the newbie kayaker and the pro

Cons

The Seaward Tyee XLC contains a large cockpit without thigh braces
The padding for the knees is slippery so you don’t always get the leverage you need; a rougher pad would help
It would be easier to get into the Seaward Tyee XLC (after a deep water spill) if the deck lines extended to behind the cockpit
Some people have a tough time doing a self rescue in the Seaward Tyee kayak, but a two person rescue is very doable
The price is high for some people, so this is a long term investment

Seaward Tyee XLC Kevlar Kayak Review Summary

Altogether, the Seaward Kayaks’ Tyee XLC Kevlar Kayak is an amazing piece of equipment that you can use on slow rivers, Great Lake surges or ocean surf. It is easy to get into and out of because the cockpit is very generous. The kayak is stable and edges very well, yet is quick and responsive in the water, even with a full load.

This is Seaward’s most stable kayak. It handles choppy water comfortably and pushes back the wave very well if it has a light load. No wonder this offering, the Seaward Tyee XLC Kayak is a favorite with many tour operators.

Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak – Is It Super Stable?

The Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak is suitable for beginners or paddlers who prefer a smaller-sized kayak. Although it has a simple design and construction, it does not fall short on its sturdy frame. The kayak is extremely stable, with unique safety features that will keep all paddlers safe and secure.

Check out the Tahe Marine Solo on Amazon by clicking here!

The Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak is comfortable and oversized cockpit will make entering and exiting a breeze. This kayak should not be underestimated because of its size, because it boasts exceptional handling and an enviable amount of speed.

The Lifestyle Solo offers a great experience for kayakers who want to experience the true fit and feel of an amazing kayak while honing their skills.

How Does The Frame of the Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak Differ?

This one-of-a-kind kayak has been designed with the best manufacturing materials and techniques. From a highly reputable manufacturer, Tahe Marine, you can be certain that the kayak will come with a well-built and durable frame.

Lifestyle Solo kayak - red

The Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak has a polyethylene construction with a 98% recyclable HD (high density) core material, making it very tough but lightweight (48 pounds). It also makes it more reliable because it increases the stiffness of the kayak, allowing it to absorb less energy and withstand the most challenging environments.

The frame measures 12.5 feet by 21.75 inches and is 12.5 inches wide.

Any Special Features of the Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak?

The Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo is ergonomically designed and as such, is stable and maneuverable, especially for those who want to experience the sea in a unique way. Its small size also makes it suitable for beginners with different preferences, and is exceptionally easy to handle. You can count on the padded seats to give you the comfort you need, even if you’ll be in the water for many hours.

Other features include two round hatches that make it easy to pack equipment, a standard rudder system that can easily be installed (but is just as easy to paddle without!), availability in five different colors (red, orange, yellow, blue, and green), a responsive foot control for easy handling of the kayak, and a weight capacity of 220 pounds.

Plus, thanks to the large cockpit, this kayak is easy to enter and exit, which a lot of beginning kayakers can find “difficult”.

Ummm, But What About Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo’s Storage Space…?

Despite the Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo kayak’s small size, it features a storage capacity that’s large enough for longer expeditions. Even if you’re planning a short kayaking trip, the storage space will exceed your expectations.

The front and rear hatches have 10″ of storage space, both of them being round in order to facilitate easy packing and quick access to your equipment. With sufficient space, you will not be limited to what you can bring on your paddling adventure.

Pros

The Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak comes with a shallow arch hull that has been designed with good stability in mind
Two incredible round hatches that make it easy to pack and have quick access to equipment
Can be paddled with or without a standard rudder
A very fast kayak that will allow you to explore most bodies of water without restrictions
Comes with extra equipment such as a compass and thigh pads

Cons

The kayak’s seat may be padded and comfortable, but it doesn’t have the right lumbar support. If you plan to spend a lot of time on the Lifestyle Solo, it’s advisable to replace the seat with a more supportive one. This will ensure that you can enjoy your expeditions without any back problems.
Due to the Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak’s oversized cockpit and design, many kayakers associate it with beginners, but surprisingly, even experts can be able to make the most of it.

Tahe Marine Solo kayak in green

Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak Review Summary

The Lifestyle Solo may be a small-sized kayak, but it comes highly recommended, and kayakers will be able to enjoy its spacious and fast-paced nature. The Tahe Marine’s Lifestyle series are some of the better quality kayak’s out there especially with their mid-of-the-range pricing.

If you are a beginner, its good stability will put your mind at ease and make your experience on the water much more enjoyable. On the other hand, if you just want to exercise in the water, this kayak is also a perfect fit for that as well. Its amazing features make it stand out from the crowd.

Necky Chatham 18 Kayak – One of the Best Touring Kayaks Available?

The Necky Chatham 18 Kayak is one of the most recommended kayaks on the market today, impressively able to navigate almost any body of water. Being one of the newer models, this kayak has been positively embraced by skilled and experienced kayakers. It is well constructed with an attractive finish, and is less expensive and lighter when compared to other versions of the kayak:

The Necky 18 Chatham much more slender, but is coupled with amazing stability. Please read this Necky 18 Chatham review as we will be discussing its frame, build, & much more.

The cockpit is adjustable, making it very comfortable and providing easier paddling through most bodies of water. Its tracking is a little stiff due to its length, but is nevertheless one of the most sought after kayaks. The Necky Chatham 18 is recommended for beginner and intermediate kayakers. You can use it to gain skills and experience, and at the same time ensure that you don’t endanger your life.

Necky Chatham 18 kayak

The Chatham 18 is one of the few touring kayaks that offers the luxury of speed and stability. It is also known for its special design that eliminates the occurrence of back and leg pain. This means that this kayak can be used to paddle a longer distance for more hours.

Build & Frame of the Necky Chatham 18 Kayak

The Necky Chatham 18 comes in two options: the fiberglass model and the carbon model. A fiberglass model weighs about 53 pounds, while the carbon model weighs around 48 pounds. The Chatham 18 has a slender frame with a width of 20 inches, enabling you to navigate the waters at higher speeds. It is also longer, with a length of 18 inches, which sometimes affects its navigation but also provides more space for storage. Its cockpit is adjustable, providing a great relationship between the paddler and kayak.

The Necky comes in a variety of color combinations such as the red and black, red and white, and yellow and white.

necky chatham 18

Features of the Necky Chatham 18

The Necky Chatham 18 has a specially designed touring seat from Necky, already equipped with a back band. It’s designed to ensure comfort by making sure it does not retain water and keeps pressure off of your sciatic nerve. This ensures that your legs won’t fall asleep during long distance paddling.

A supportive back band is also put in place to ensure proper arm and back movements:

Details of the Necky Chatham kayak

There are also stern, bow, and day hatches manufactured by Valley, each equipped with bulkheads and are water proof and tough. Valley hatches are practically the best on the market, manufactured for ease of access. The Necky Chatham 18 kayak is also fitted with an adjustable thigh brace and a Necky wire retractable skeg. This allows you to make adjustments to the kayak’s trim, especially in windy waters.

The Necky wire is specifically designed to prevent destruction by salty water, ensuring its efficiency after many uses in salty waters. The Chatham 18 is also easy to transport, as it has a tether attached to the seat, ensuring stability when hauling it on top of your car.

Storage Space In The Necky Chatham 18 Touring Kayak

Let’s get to the bottom here: The Chatham 18 has a storage capacity of about 163 liters and the kayak has a maximum capacity of 350 lbs.

Compared to other kayaks, it has a smaller amount of storage space. It does not allow you the luxury of carrying plenty of items with you during your exploration. This feature, however, allows it to retain better speeds and stability.

Check out the Necky Chatham 18 on Amazon by clicking here!

Necky Chatham 18 Review Summary!

Is the Necky Chatham 18 kayak for you? We have discussed all the details here with you in our Necky Chatham 18 review. However, we realize that sometimes it is better to look at a quick pros and cons list. Only you can decide if this kayak is worth your money:

Pros

The Necky Chatham 18 kayak comes in two models making it easy you to choose the better option for you, depending on the cost and weight
Relatively affordable. The fiberglass model is cheaper than the carbon model
Higher speeds due to its slender size and light weight
Comfortable touring seat, designed to avoid numb legs and back pain
High stability levels enabled by a retractable skeg
Adjustable outfitting that provides for a comfortable interface
Tough, waterproof hatches
Easy to transport, can be hooked on the car top carrier using its specially designed tether

Cons

The Necky Chatham 18 has a smaller load carrying capacity compared to other model
Longer kayaks, like this one, have stiffer tracking and are a little harder to maneuver, especially in wild waters.

Aire Lynx 2 – Aire Inflatable Kayak That Treks Well?

[table id=Aire-Lynx-2-Overview /]

The Aire Lynx 2 inflatable kayak is a high quality inflatable kayak designed and manufactured by rafting experts, Aire. Made in the U.S., it is a popular inflatable whitewater kayak for both beginners and experts.

The Aire Lynx 2 kayak is the tandem model of the Aire Lynx I and it is a sleek two-person vessel, perfect for day outings, self-supported trips, and small extended excursions on rivers, creeks, and the ocean.

aire lynx 2 kayak

Constructed with performance in mind, the Aire Lynx 2 Inflatable Kayak is sleek, durable, well-constructed, and easy to maneuver on the water. It comes in several colors including blue, orange, dark green, yellow and purple. It is rugged, stable, compact, and comes with a range of new features guaranteed to improve the overall experience.

How Does The Frame of the Aire Lynx 2 Differ?

structure of the aire lynx ii kayak

The Aire Lynx II inflatable tandem kayak is constructed with 1300 Denier and 22 oz PVC coated polyester. The vessel is held together by strong welded seams and an outer PVC shell.

Leading the way in innovation and technology, the Aire Lynx 2 is created using Ferrari’s patented Precontraint PVC fabric and urethane AIREcell bladders that are attached to the outer PVC exterior. This construction feature ensures reliable abrasion protection.

Additionally, the Aire Lynx 2 kayak is designed so that the front part of the kayak rises about four inches from the rear and the frame’s waterline is decreased, as compared to the Aire Lynx I. This model is also four inches wider than the first model, making it more stable on the water and allowing for a bit more storage space in the interior section. However, this is what slows the kayak down, so paddlers looking for speed might not get what they are looking for.

Learn how to install the seat on an Aire Lynx 2 kayak:

Features of the Aire Lynx II Tandem Inflatable Kayak!

rapid kayaking

The Aire Lynx II has a range of innovative features that make it one of the most popular selling inflatable whitewater kayaks on the market. It contains two adjustable, high-backed PVC seats with thigh straps. Although the Aire Lynx 2 is designed for two paddlers, it is versatile enough to be used for a solo expedition, as the extra seat can be removed and the other one can be placed in the center of the kayak. The self-bailing floor has three sets of drain holes and three air chambers.

Leafield B7 valves ensure that inflation and deflation are trouble free. Another great feature of the Aire Lynx 2 kayak is that it can crash through waves much more easily than a boat exclusively designed for one paddler.

In addition, the Aire Lynx 2 kayak has seventeen cargo loops shared between the back and front of the vessel for attaching gear. This model also features an incredible 10-year warranty, a handy repair kit, and an owner’s manual.

Aire Lynx 2 Storage Space

storage space of lynx ii kayak

The Aire Lynx 2 kayak measures 39 inches in width, which is four inches wider than the Aire Lynx I, so it has a little more storage space. When it is empty, it weighs just 39 pounds, but the Aire Lynx 2 can actually hold up to 475 pounds and function efficiently.

For additional storage, the seats come with zippered pockets on the backs for your water, sunglasses, cell phone, or whatever else you need to be close by. Furthermore, due to the adjustable seats, the Aire Lynx 2 inflatable kayak can accommodate extra cargo if you are taking a solo trip, as one seat can be removed.

Pros

Versatile – both beginners and experts in water sports can operate the Aire Lynx 2 kayak efficiently
Can function in all bodies of water
Incredibly stable with a comfortable interior
Compact design makes for easy entering and exiting
10 year warranty

Cons

Color choices are limited to 5 colors
The Aire Lynx 2 is meant for rapids no higher than class III
Wide interior can be disadvantageous for slimmer paddlers trying to lock in their hips
Speed is decreased because of the wide design
Slightly more expensive than other tandem whitewater inflatable kayaks

Check out the Aire Lynx 2 on Amazon by clicking here!

Aire Lynx 2 Review Summary

The Aire Lynx 2 kayak may be an inflatable kayak but it comes with a 10 year warranty and that ALONE makes it an attractive choice for purchase consideration.