The Jackson Kayak Clutch is making waves as a high-performance half-slice. Drawing design DNA from the Nirvana and the Flow, but featuring a significantly thinned-out tail, it targets the sweet spot between a dedicated creeker and a playful river runner.
The bow is packed with volume and features a high, aggressive rocker. This helps with keeping the boat riding high and quick resurfacing.
Performance:
- Boofing: When you come off a drop, the boat launches. It doesn’t just clear the hole; it lands on that rocker with a light, airy feel.
- Surfing & Spinning: who doesn’t love a flat spin. The boats ends stay remarkably dry during flat spins. It’s incredibly easy to pivot, though you have to be mindful when surfing—if you sit too far back, the rocker can “blast” you out of the wave. Lean forward to stay engaged or tweak the seating position which is super easy to do.
- Stability: This boat is stable enough for big water and handles weird currents without the edges or tail hanging up. Your edge control doesn’t have to be as careful as it needs to be in other boats.
The stern of the Clutch is the star of the show. It’s thinner than a Waka Steeze but carries enough volume to feel like a Steeze in terms of its overall forgiveness.
- Stern Squirts: The Clutch stern squirts and stern stalls with ease. You can get it vertical on eddy lines or even in flat water with the right technique.
- Engagement: Unlike many half-slices that can feel grabby in big water, the Clutch’s tail stays up and out of the water when you’re driving forward, keeping your speed high and your line clean.
Jackson’s current outfitting remains some of the most comfortable in the industry. Its simplicity and robustness cannot be underestimated. A number of other manufacturers have adopted similar systems over the last few year.
Outfitting:
- The Bee’s Knees: Essential for that locked-in feel when you’re throwing the boat around.
- Seat: The seat is easy to adjust.
- Adjustability: Bulkhead and backband are easy to adjust. Replacement parts are also very easy to hold of, or even repair on the river bank.
Currently, the Clutch is a “one-size-fits-most” and this will limit the number of people that the boat is suitable for. Hopefully if the boat becomes super popular Jackson may introduce some other sizes.
Summary:
In summary the Jackson Clutch is a versatile powerhouse. It’s more playful than a Steeze, more stable than many dedicated half-slices, and carries speed like a full-on race boat. There is a lot of edge control and feels good. It can however change direction easily with great primary and secondary stability. If you are within the weight range then this boat is definitely worth a look.
Specification:
Length: 8’10”
Width: 27.25″
Volume: 85 gal
Weight: 46 lbs
Paddler Weight Range: 130 – 220 lbs
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