Paddling tips, tricks, news and gear reviews from an Unsponsored point of view
The FX PFD from Palm Equipment has been around in one form or another for years and has been one of Palm’s top sellers throughout its lifetime. In 2013 Palm took the FX and totally overhauled its fit and the material used.
The new FX has been such a success that it seemed to make sense to move things up a gear and develop a rescue vest using the same platform. Palm have done exactly this and have released the FXr in early 2014.
I’ve had my PeakUK thermal rashie for 3 years now and use it for everything. It is the ultimate thermal. I use it on it’s own under a BA when it’s hot or as a base layer when whitewater paddling. Brilliantly comfortable, fantastic cut and comfortable around the neck. It is quite long in the body for me (I’m quite short) but I find this ideal as it means I can pull it down over my bum and sit on it, meaning you don’t get that annoying bunching of layers around your waist and backband area.
I have yet to find anything wrong with this thermal! Simply put, this is the most multi-functional piece of kit I have ever owned, and it only costs £35! Continue reading
Pat Keller has kindly agreed to share his Dagger RPM Max upgrade on Unsponsored. Pat has taken the standard RPM Max shell and added one of Daggers new Contour Ergo outfitting systems.
The seat swap was pretty self explanatory (a few bolts and a bit of man handling to get it in), but it’ll be best to use the plates that come with the creek seat than just washers.
Since 5:10 (Five Ten) were bought out by Adidas the ability of other brands to use 5:10’s world famous stealth rubber on their own footwear designs has ceased to exist. Astral have therefore decided to use the G.14 rubber compound.
Real world feedback is suggesting that this compound is as good if not better than stealth rubber.
A really nice review on the Dagger Katana.
Dagger Katana 10.4 Review (Crossover Kayak) from Fluid Glass Productions on Vimeo.
A review of the Dagger Katana 10.4 based on my experience with it during a 27-day solo descent of the Grand Canyon in January 2014. It exceeded my expectations in whitewater, and had plenty of capacity to store gear and food with only one resupply. Thanks to CKS for making a model available for me to review before the trip. Continue reading
The Exped Cloudburst is a roll top dry bag that also has a set of rucksack straps allowing it to be used as a pack.
It’s refreshing to paddle a small playboat that actually feels like it’s designed for the smaller paddler, rather than feeling like a shrunken version of the medium size.
I’ve owned my Wave Sport Mobius 49 for a week now. I meant to post up my initial thoughts sooner but I haven’t been able to leave the boat alone for long enough to actually sit down at my computer.
Finding a good shoe or boot that is robust enough for long walk ins/outs, offers good levels of protection/support and is comfortable to wear all day is pretty tough. Thankfully a number of big players have begun to expand the range of shoes available. For the last couple of years I have been using a pair of Five Ten Water Tennies and really like them. But I also have a but also have a set of Astral Brewers which are great in my playboat. The Brewers dry much faster that the Water Tennies but don’t have the same level of protection or stiffness as the Five Tens.
The Dagger Jitsu is the new playboat from Dagger. It’s been a long time (in my opinion) since Dagger was at the forefront of playboat design. Many of the recent designs have been popular but have never tempted me back to the brand. This is a short initial review of the Dagger Jitsu.
From Dagger:
Dagger brings decades of experience and team-tested, paddler-proven heritage to freestyle kayaking in the all new Jitsu Series. Tested and approved by some of the world’s most skilled paddlers, the Jitsu excels in surfing and aerial moves in wave play with volume proportions that allow skill development in hole play as well.
The Jitsu’s unique rocker profile, hull to rail relationship through the stern, carefully distributed centralized volume, and slicey tips make three dimensional combination moves in advancing hole play easier while creating a seamless blend of speed, looseness, and release on waves. The double-step carving rail above the release edge also helps the boat to grip and drive on wave faces for very controlled carving. The Jitsu maintains snappy edge-to-edge transition yet it is arguably the loosest hull on the market today.
Out-performing competitor freestyle kayaks downriver, the Jitsu is a solid all-around choice for those who want to enjoy big waves, holes on river, and freestyle competition too. Continue reading
The April 2014 edition of the Paddler ezine is now out. Some awesome articles, loved the two big water features.
I managed to get two reviews and photograph of the month!
This is the ‘Big Daddy’ of lockers – the ultimate rigging biner and one which is super strong and super tough. This should make it ideal for kayaking.
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