I have been considering a Xeno as my next river runner and is compteting with the Pyranha I3 and Necky Mission for a space in my boat collection for the next year.

I caught a glimpse of a Xeno around two months ago and it has taken some time to track one down so I could give it a go.

As with the Nano and other Eskimo boats the outfitting isn’t radical and is even reminiscent of some of the boats I used to paddle years back. For me this isn’t an issue. Outfitting can easily be adapted, hull performance etc cannot. Many paddlers forget this! Foot room is quite low for my size 10’s but its not uncomfortable.

The Xeno has taken the Nano to the next level. Loose, fast etc… It has better volume distribution, seat padding and the newer version have moulded in graphics. Because of the better volume distribution, it has no problem with staying horizontal in a hole.

The Xeno handles well in a range of environments, and because of its softer chines, it is less likely to catch you unaware and power flip.

After trying out the Xeno, its going to be hard decide which river runner to go for as the design meets my criteria well. We’ll wait and see.

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