I have owned my hawk for about a year and I love it! It ride pretty high in the water. In 60 + KM 40 MPH winds that thing stayed up and carried her to safety when more experienced paddlers went through all forms of trouble. I get compliments on it everywhere. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Solid performing boat with an equally solid construction. We recently purchased a Northstar, assuming an upgrade from a year-old Perception Carolina II. This is the first boat I've bought that was the right size for me, and I'm never going back Not a bad boat for its length. These kayaks have two hatches with a variety of often leaky closure systems and luxurious seats that aspire to being little aquatic armchairs. Still LOVE this boat, though! After all those trips, it shows little wear except for a sag in the plastic (slight concave area) under the cockpit. As mentioned by others here the seat could be more comfortable (maybe some foam will help,) and it is by design a low volume boat (so it is not ideal for carrying a lot of gear) despite it's size. A rudder is perfect for paddlers who want extra boat control and the ability to steer using their feet. The fiberglass blades deliver a smooth and effective stroke, giving the feel of a well-balanced paddle. They can keep you informed on lead times for boats and have insight on what is coming down the pipeline. Having owned Mad River boats with high quality the merger with Wilderness Systems is not encouraging. Beautiful, fast, comfortable boat. The low-profile, backband seating makes it easier for experienced paddlers to perform a roll in these boats. Shop similar products Available right now Delta Kayaks Delta 12.10 Kayak (19) $1,495.00 Delta Kayaks Delta 14 Kayak (13) $1,995.00 Eddyline Fathom Kayak (3) $3,199.00 Delta Kayaks Delta 17 Kayak (6) $2,575.00 2) I removed the seat it came with, and sit on a foam pad, which lowers my center of gravity. For my purposes (lazy summer afternoons spent paddling on a placid lake with my wife), it works wonderfully. Car topping requires a certain regimented skill set, especially in brisk winds. For recreational kayaks, expect to spend around $1,000 for a plastic kayak or nearly $2,000 for an ultralight rec kayak; transitional kayaks range from $1,350 to $3,000; and touring kayaks cost between $1,600 and $4,400 (all prices USD). and age of thekayak. I've used it in twisty Florida wilderness rivers and rough waves in open water. Best Overall: Wilderness Systems Alpha Angler Carbon. In addition, if you have a variety of crafts, the Pungo can be adjusted to suit the boat size. This is a long-term investment, and the savings of buying used are likely alreadysignificant. It Is What It Is! This 14' is faster than any plastic 16' or 17' that I've paddled. Paddlers were pleased to note that this paddle's adjustability does not come at the expense of its performance. If you want to catch a ride in a decent size following sea it takes work to keep it at a right angle to the waves (that stern rudder stroke again). Thermoform kayaks are not as light as Current Designs Aramid blends, but are still easy to handle. We work round this problem by storing the kayak out of direct sun, and, when on the top of our pickup, supporting it at three points along its length. It is amazingly fast, tracks like a arrow and stable, turns on a dime. Redo stock outfitting to improve control (seat, back band, thigh braces, deck), you will like the difference it makes. I am sure it can be turned quick but we were never able to do so. Wilderness Systems is to be congratulated for creating the most Mac Daddy piece of furniture ever to grace a sea kayak. The perfect kayak to fit your lifestyle awaits. Ours has handled everything from relatively tight rivers and streams to very aggressive open water with equal success, comfort and confidence. I LOVE IT. Despite being suitable for beginner kayakers, the performance of this paddle is not compromised and would suit expert paddlers as well. Some other kayaks just seem to take more effort, and hence risk of RSI. Or any kayak, for that matter? By dropping 20 pounds off the boat, it handles beautifullyquicker turning and very light on the water. FREE Returns . Reading reviews of Current Designs kayaks helps to understand where these boats excel. I have the poly Sealution and I love it. I wouldn't take it more that a mile off shore in its as delivered condition unless I was looking for an epic tale to tell. Our South Carolina factory is humming with activity, but we are mindful that we need to produce and deliver boats safely. Not to mention getting it on and off the car and carrying it to the water. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community! Finally, remember that online research will only get you so far. The boat performs very well in difficult weather and is downright fast in smooth water. Love the extra room behind the seat for stuffing a jacket & my platypus water bottle. While a foot longer than the craft it replaced, it is no faster. It VERY GOOD, but rather too heavy. I also use a standard two-wheeled kayak dolly for moving it to the water. The plastic is high quality and has held up to years of sitting under the sun, being dragged and launched and landed on rocky beaches or shores with minimal changes or damage. However, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the paddle continues to deliver a trustworthy and reliable performance regardless of what length you set it at. It's very seaworthy, certainly more seaworthy than my paddling skills, even in spots when the wind and waves are up and I'm totally pooped. )It is my favorite and most used boat. Use this information to help guide your search, comparing the type of paddling described in the reviews to what you are hoping to do. Old Town Castine 130 kayak. Likewise, the shallow V hulls and rounded chines (where the sides of the kayak meet the bottom) provide stability in rough waters but will feel less stable than North American-style or Transitional kayaks for beginner paddlers. An adult paddler and an enthusiastic child can keep up with most solo boats. Tandems. Fiberglass boats seem to better stand the test of time, but plastic kayaks that are stored indoors can be an equally good buy. A Message to Wildy Fans and Prospective Customers, We are producing kayaks as fast as we safely can and shipping kayaks to dealers daily. The rudder, cables, hatches, etc are still as good as new. The kayaks that have evolved in the Pacific Northwest tend to sport novice-friendly rudders and have much higher volume. Wilderness Systems Pedal driven kayak brands Brooklyn Kayak Company Feelfree Kayaks Hobie Hurricane Kayaks Jackson Adventures Native Watercraft NuCanoe Ocean Kayak Old Town Canoes and Kayaks Pelican Perception Kayaks Santa Cruz Kayaks Vibe Kayaks Viking Kayaks Wilderness Systems Sit-on-top kayak brands 3 Waters Kayaks Advanced Elements Aire Theres no real downside to buying an older kayak that has been well cared for. It doesn't need a rudder or skeg though-and a skeg would take a chunk out of the already-low storage volume. The foam-padded seat is adjustable with a tilting leg support, backband and very comfortable, adjustable hip pads. It doesn't quite make it into the ultralight category, unlike the full-carbon version that is also available from Wilderness Systems. The Northstar excels in stability; it's weight and durability are a real plus in a wilderness setting. See what someone else loved about the kayak, and let it guide your decision. Fiberglass kayaks cannot handle as much abuse as a rotomolded plastic kayak, but they are far from fragile, especially Current Designs heavy water reinforced layup. $425 $500. I would definitely purchase another of these if I could find one. Current Designs offers more touring designs in the 15- to 17-foot range, aimed at paddlers of all sizes and experience levels. It performs very well from oceans to lakes. Learn basic steps for shore and dock put-ins and take-outs. I don't experience leaky hatchesmy stuff stays dry and they are large enough to accommodate larger drybags. O'Fallon, MO. Don't be put off by that rating, I am brutal. The foot pegs are plastic p.o.s.'s. Join the Wilderness Systems Email Community. But, I adjusted my stroke to a lower silhouette and quickly dried. I normally paddle around the island of Montreal or in one of the lakes in the vacinity. I've owned my Hawk for 15 yrs. Great looks, speed and control. Our only complaint is that when you tilt the boat, there is some lateral flex and creaking in the seats plastic shell that you dont get in other boats whose seats are made of more rigid materials or glued directly to the hull. At 5'8" and heavier than I want to be it is a tight fit getting in and out. The 15- to 17-foot length and efficient hull shapes mean Danish-style kayaks are also well-suited to day or multi-day touring. The other boat is a fiberglass tandem (Skookumchuck I think) Anyways I like the ways the Northstar pro handles, paddles, rudder function. such a problem. I traveled 580 miles to recover the boat. Where the Tempest radically departs from its Old World roots is the realm of comfort. Amazon.com : Wilderness Systems Origin Recreation/Touring Kayak Paddle |Fiberglass/Nylon Blade | Carbon Blend Shaft (205-225cm), Blue/Black (8070225) : Sports & Outdoors Sports & Outdoors Sports Water Sports Kayaking Paddles $127.99 & FREE Returns FREE delivery Saturday, August 6 Or fastest delivery Thursday, August 4. Wilderness Systems is another widely-known North American kayak company. [ Plan your next adventure with the Paddling Trip Guide ]. We do mostly river & back-water kayaking in the sometimes breezy conditions of South Dakota. The hatches are plastic and the nylon bands securing them have suffered some fatigue but at least you don't have to worry about rubber. Some testers noted that when the paddle is extended, the lever on the shaft can get in the way of the paddler's hands, as it is not as low profile as we would have liked. Snug-fitting cockpits and lively handling make these kayaks best suited to intermediate and advanced paddlers. We mostly do day paddles, but once took a three-day trip with it. I put my nephew in it and he struggled for about 15 minutes, and then get the primary stability under control. We feel very safe in this kayak in all conditions. Investing in the Pungo Glass will give you a versatile and reliable paddle that will be a solid performer for seasons to come. The Arctic Hawk in my opinion has no weathercocking problem, and I don't think the greenlanders(or inuit in srostaker or who evers words) would have died from it. The slightly leaky hatches are an annoyance, but common for the hatch design in general. If it is an older kayak or the decals have been removed, the owner may not know the model name. The Impex Force series is known for speedy, rough-water capable hulls. I continue to find it fun and exciting, and am nowhere near its equal yet. It's only drawback is its weight which makes it a bit of a problem to haul around but a little ingenuity and this is solved. The Hawk is fairly quick but not as fast as a boat with similar dimensions but round chines. The kayak did have a huge amount of storage but it made you pay for it. Things we didnt like: Face it this is a heavy boat at 93 lbs. once in the water it is great. getting it there can be a challenge. Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 Kayak (2) 2 reviews with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. Do get it if you're going places where you will be on your own a long way from Port. I am 6 240lbs, my girlfriend is 52 and (well lets not go there) but needless to say we both love the speed & stability that the Northstar provides and we can both easily slide in & out of the 20 inch wide cockpit. Also, the extra weight makes it necessary to add an extra weight in the bow for proper balance. The following Current Designs kayaks have received the highest star ratings by reviewers in our Paddling Buyers Guide. Even when the paddle shaft was extended to its full length, the paddle continues to feel reliably secure and strong. Every kayak trips starts with a launch and ends with a landing. Well explain how tow belts work and basic towing techniques. I'll also walk you through the best kayak paddles for fishing so you'll hit the water ready. It is lighter though and I love the hull design! They are Cadillacs of the seagreat for comfort and long-distance tripping in the sheltered Inside Passagebut not necessarily good for performance. During blind testing, kayakers were unable to tell the Pungo apart from a standard one-piece as it just feels solid. When your fingers are cold, striking the deck fitting can be really painful. As boats go this one is fine. This boat makes me a believer in hard chine (I want a Valley Q-boat now). A big wave will, of course, break over the deck (we always wear skirts), but the boat never submarines. Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 Specs Length: 17' 6" Width: 22" Depth: 14" Cockpit: 32" 14.5" Weight: 50 lbs Max Capacity: 110 lbs MSRP: $3,199 USD / $4,249 CAD (Kevlar) $2,699 USD / $3,499 CAD (Fibreglass) $1,399 USD (Polyethylene) [ Paddling Buyer's Guide: See all Wilderness Systems boats ] The Tempest 170 has the best of both worlds I paddle a Kevlar Sealution, and love its predictability and seaworthiness, particularly with a load in heavy weather. The NorthStar is a very big, heavy boat. I've paddled this boat for about 3 1/2 years and I love it for most of my paddling. I have heard that you can negate this behavior with weight in the stern of the boat, but would rather put a skeg on it. Wow!! [ Paddling Buyer's Guide: See the Wilderness Systems Zephyr 160 ] Wilderness Systems Zephyr 160 Pro Specs Length: 16' Width: 23" Depth: 17" Weight: 54 lbs Capacity: 300 lbs I just wish I had the skill or bravery to put a skeg into this thing, but I don't so may have to find someone to do it for me. quad cities. Features a protective and replaceable skid plate and configurable deck . This fouled my right hand when paddling. In this guide, you will find links to the best Current Designs kayaks on the market, as well as an overview of the types of kayaks this company produces. My Sealution II was a 60 lb. Weathercocks badly in a following wind. But that is easly fixed by adding glass tape to the underside of the deck. Based in Washington state, Eddyline specializes in recreational, fishing and day touring kayaks made from thermoformed plastica material that has the durability of traditional rotomolded plastic without the heavy weight. We nevertheless have a wait time for new orders, and our phone lines have seen an influx of calls. These boats are ideal for someone who wants a lightweight kayak that is easier to load on and off a vehicle or carry to the launch. NADA 3. No complaints about comfort. Happily, the companys website contains archived pages with descriptions of every Current Designs kayak ever made. North American-style kayaks have foot controlled rudders for added maneuverability and tracking. Glad I was in So Cal and not the North Sea. If youre looking for an impeccably finished, thoughtfully designed single or tandem touring, recreational or transitional kayak, theres likely a Current Designs thats a great match for you. I have yet to find a wind or water condition that this boat could not handle easily. The Hawk is 22" wide and 17'11" long. You can unsubscribe at any time. For a while I had sole use of them. 3) I did have an episode of weathercocking when I first got it. A fast and fun boat, the secondary stability makes it a comfortable boat in all conditions. The design limits deck spray remarkably well. I love carving turns in it: the hard chine hull is easy to get on edge, and the secondary stability lets me crank it over confidently, even when I do sculling braces with only my head above water. The hard-chine hull shape is extremely reminiscent of the Romany. I own a glass Arctic Hawk and love it. Werner Skagit Fiberglass Touring Sea Kayak Paddle Highly Durable Secure Locking Mechanism Pros Cons 7. Copyright 2023 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. I paddled in open ocean, bays, lakes and calm rivers. The drawbacks we have found are three. Fast, efficient and straight tracking. I bought this Kayak two years ago. The rudder I find to be excellent, very precise, and trouble free after many miles. Being a plastic tandem this boat is a nightmare if you need to transport it during warm weather. Ninety-five lbs. Current Designs kayaks are widely available across North America at specialty outdoor and paddlesports shops. Much storage, a removeable soft cooler, and a very stable Kayak. Kayaks are a very specialized craft, with deliberate design tweaks for different intended uses. Contacting Current Designs with the registration number on the inside of the hull will also provide a definitive I.D. On the plus side it tracks well, weather cocking is not bad, initial stability is great, she carves a turn all right but if you put her on edge you can spin her faster that most other kayaks I paddle. E-mail me for pictures and directions. Rounding out the fit are contoured, padded thigh braces that can be easily unscrewed and moved to match different body types. A rudder would look too out of place and would add little over a skeg. In foul weather she can put a beginner in a very good footing . Oh yes, and it's a great value. This is true both above and below the waterline, and it makes the Arctic Hawk one of the best looking boats out there. It is made from puncture-resistant, heavy-duty PVC vinyl that's three-layers thick. Transitional kayaks in Current Designs lineup bridge the gap between recreational and touring kayaks. Anyone who thinks it weathercocks and needs a skeg is crazy. The front hatch seems completely watertight. Testers noted that the performance of this paddle is far superior to its look. It wil feel twitchy in waves, but it will only twitch to a point, and then the rock solid hard chine stability kicks in. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Pungo Glass scored highly across all rating metrics, particularly excelling in performance and durability. Badly laid out hull - deforms easily & does not always return to original shape. The Hawk carves turns nicely, as would be expected with hard chines. Under other brands, these may be categorized as Ocean Play kayaks, great for surfing, rolling and rough water. Werner Camano Fiberglass Bent Shaft Kayak Paddle High Performance Blades Lightweight Paddle & Good Locking Mechanism Pros Cons 6. I would love to have a skeg on the boat, although the box would really cut down on what you could carry. The Sealution is the first sea kayak I have ever owned even though I had and have the use of two Aquaterra Chinooks through our club. 2. I have the fiberglass lay up with deep teal deck, purple seam line, white hull. My wife is very comfortable in this boat and has never even nearly come out. It is really built for the slender paddler. Durability and robustness were important considerations given the granite islands and shoals that I slide on and off. I moved it aft of the cockpit and also removed the deck lines by the cockpit, which also occasionally rubbed my hands. Evolutions of these early Current Designs kayaks include the Solstice and Equinox, two classic designs that are still available today. So fret not, even though the Northstar is no longer in production and may be hard to find, you can still buy one anew with more modern fittings, 10lbs less, minus 5 inches of length and the center storage compartment in the Polaris. 7 Reasons to Consider Kayaking Events This Year, Best Paddling Destinations For Unforgettable Wildlife Viewing, Kayaking the Mouth of the Columbia River's Tidal Influences. Tracks poorly, has good speed. As far as it goes the boat does everything well. The Brit boats have been designed for the U.K.s typically rough seas and the skilled paddlers who venture out in them. Granted I was paddling with a person that had minimal experience paddling and ran out of gas leaving me to do most of the work. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. I go through periods lasting years when I paddle almost every week. As with any kayak, the lighter the layup, the higher the price. Current Designs timeless designs and robust construction make shopping for a used Current Designs kayak a great option. I have never known the Valley hatches to need this type of wedging to work well, so this really stumps me. I really didn't feel a need for it, so it's now up just about all of the time. Plastic tandem kayak is relatively light at 83 lbs. With the pandemic paddlesports boom putting used kayaks in such short supply, quality used kayaks are a rare find. I give the Gen-2 polyethylene Wilderness Systems Northstar a 9 out of 10. Union, MO. Prior to this kayak we borrowed an Easy Rider Sea Eagle and took this on several trips. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Although the wrapped finish of the blades is prone to show wear and tear over time, their actual construction is robust and will stand regular heavy use. more-or-less indefinitely. We use this kayak in true wilderness areas in Alaska. Otherwise I would recommend this Kayak for anyone looking at inexpensive, quality, stability, and fun. This intuitive mechanism is simple to use, even in cold conditions, when fingers are not working their best. My big negative is the rudder. I wanted a low volume Greenland style boat and the Arctic Hawk certainly has the look. With such a long history in the sea kayak world, many Current Designs models are no longer in production. Overall, I'm rating the Northstar a 7. You can fit an army in the cockpit, which means most people will need lots of outfitting to make it usable. My only complaint, it is sluggish running downwind, but maybe that's me. Layup is poor with trademark stress cracks on the kevlar hull even on a new boat. We have put a bit of effort into our teamwork, and can now paddle synchronously without much attention, and for long distances. The downside to this is you expend more energy moving through the rough stuff. The hull is scratched as expected but of no concern; it is poly, tracks fine; I use the rudder, runs well in all weather. So if I love this boat why the 7? We are also working diligently to answer your questions and have recently added additional resources in this area, but our response time may be longer than typical due to the volume of contacts we are receiving. If you are in the market for poly I would get a Sealution or a Current Design. This comprehensive checklist for a day of kayaking includes required and optional gear, clothing, accessories and repair-kit items. and I can load mine on top of our truck by myself. It outperforms any other plastic boat I have ever tried. I was able to have a chance to paddle this boat in Sydney Harbor and was rather unimpressed with the performance. Although slightly lighter, full-carbon models are also significantly more expensive. This intermediate-level kayaking series covers safety and rescue techniques. $750 hide Ocean Kayak Ambush 2 Person. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. Sometimes the choice is made for you, and the kayak is only available in a select build. by Wilderness Systems MSRP $1,189.00 Details Arctic Hawk Pro Description The Arctic Hawk Pro is a kayak brought to you by Wilderness Systems . Tandem kayak - the perfect two-person paddling experience. I use Thule racks and pads. It is a very fast kayak. Remove 1 or more items before adding another item to compare. 7 Reasons to Consider Kayaking Events This Year, Best Paddling Destinations For Unforgettable Wildlife Viewing, Kayaking the Mouth of the Columbia River's Tidal Influences. Kevlar is three times as expensive as Polyethylene! I Own a Capella and NDK Explorer. They are judged These boats have far more rocker (the amount of upsweep from the center of the kayak to its ends) than all of the other kayaks in the Current Designs fleet, making them supremely maneuverable and rough-water capable in the hands of more experienced paddlers. I paddled a rental plastic Sealution II and was not impressed. I have own this boat for many years and would not be alive to write this article if it wasn't awesome I've been seven miles off the coast of Maine lake Champlain original Greenland design still the best with a heavy camping load. 4.5 out of 5 stars 111 ratings | 8 answered questions . traditional touring kayak with two bulk heads and a full sit inside cockpit. The lever ferrule system was an instant hit with our team of testers. Florissant, MO. Again, it's not a little difference, destinations compared to small to medium singles are reached very quickly. I am having a little issue with getting used to hard chines vs. soft though, with my "no edge" or "all the way edged" reality that results from this design. Also it is hard to tract without the rudder but might be my technique. I have a very well-practiced ritual for getting it atop my van, which uses some custom-made guide ropes, but still the process is never easy. My wife and I came to kayaking with over twenty five years of two-up motorcycle touring experience. The Northstar is a kayak brought to you by Wilderness Systems. I haven't camped in it yet. This mechanism is common in adjustable SUP paddles, but we have not seen it used in 2-piece kayak paddles. I keep it washed and waxed. We have used it on lakes and ocean waters in calm and rough conditions. I am 6' 210 lbs. The thigh braces had to be padded a little. The Phase3 seat is probably the Gold Standard for comfort and adjustability. It doesn't seem to have aged much at all and appears to be nearly indestructible considering how much abuse we put it through. It's a well-behaved boat with impeccable manners, and no vices. If an outfitter near you rents Current Designs kayaks, chances are they will be replenishing their fleet as the kayaks get olderask if they are planning to do so at the end of the season. Copyright 2023 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. The Wilderness Systems Pungo is an immensely popular recreational kayak, loved for its stability and comfort. The lever ferule system provided an infallible joint for this 2-piece paddle. I have never felt safer nor more in tune with a boat than I do with my Sealution! Check out a few other kayak recommendations below or explore all kayaks to find the perfect one for you! Return this item for free. The boat was purchased for "workouts" mainly, not racing or touring. Regarding the weathercocking problem - 1) if it's sitting too high in the water, I could see that happening. These boats land at a higher price point than fiberglass, but you are paying for significantly less weight. I don't know about any complaints because it's the only kayak I ever owned u just have to learn how to paddle like Greenlanders do they've been doing it for thousands of years. Other models include the Squall (a plastic version of the Equinox) and two tandems: the Unity and the Libra XT.
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