|
|
 |
| Archives and Online Features : Gear Reviews |
Paddling: The Real Deal Awards
By Hooked Staff
2005 Jul (Vol. 7, No. 3)
|
|
Printer friendly page
|
 |
| Necky |
Necky Orbit Fish
Winning features: Super-fast hull, comfort
The Deal: This boat handled everything we threw at it better than any we tested. The hull is fast enough to make the slowest waves seem quick, but it also handles the speediest of playspots. “It’s smooth on the pile or in the green,” noted one tester. “And its speed makes it easy to initiate big tricks.” Perhaps the Orbit Fish’s greatest attribute, though—besides the comfy seat and the versatile edges, which make hole-play dynamic—is its roomy fit. Say goodbye to corns, black-and-blue toenails and other plastic-induced gnarliness. $1,099; 866-632-5987; www.necky.com.
 |
| Lotus Designs |
Lotus Designs women’s Steep Stretch Pant
Winning features: Women’s style, warmth, performance
The Deal: Unlike their male counterparts, our female testers actually play hard and possess fashion sense. These pants, perfect for cold-weather paddling, scored high in both departments. Semi-dry and comfortable, they ride low on the hips, so they don’t interfere with your spray skirt. “Companies have long made cool pants—for guys,” said one female tester. “Now women paddlers don’t have to deal with the bulk of trying to fit into them.” $170; 800-638-6464; www.lotusdesigns.com.
 |
| Innova |
Innova Seaker
Winning features: Inflatable performance, short set-up time
The Deal: This inflatable sea kayak won over our skeptical testers with its high performance. “Inflatables never stay rigid in choppy water,” and “If it isn’t composite it won’t be fast enough,” were some of the team’s remarks before they hit the water. Post-test raves included “Why didn’t anyone think of this before?” and “Can I keep it?” Constructed from high-pressure tubes that sustain impressive rigidity, the Seaker comes with a SmartTrack rudder system and sturdy storage hatches. The set-up time is a scant 15 minutes, and it stores easily in the trunk of your car. $2,499; 360-707-2855; www.innovakayak.com.
 |
| Thule |
Thule Hullavator
Winning features: Innovation, easy-to-use, saves your back
The Deal: One tester put it best when she said, “This rack eliminated one of the most inconvenient aspects of boating for me.” The ingenious Hullavator pulls down to the side of your car. You load the boat at chest level, then push it back on top, eliminating the trials and tribulations of solo paddlers, height-challenged paddlers and those of us with sore backs. Plus, the system only takes up 28 inches of rack, so there’s still plenty of space for bikes and other fun-hog equipment. $399; 800-238-2388; www.thule.com.
Last Updated: Feb 24th, 2006 - 14:18:11
© Copyright 1999-2006 by Hooked on the Outdoors
|
|
