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Post by gunner on Apr 29, 2008 10:32:53 GMT -1
i have been lurking for a while now but i thought i would just say i find the reviews very helpful they have helped me a lot i can not go to the meets because of work commitments but i bought a mantaray last year for myself based on what i read on this site and its brilliant i am looking for a kayak to take 2 people now so i can take my son out in the summer
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Post by ZEBRA on Apr 30, 2008 23:35:32 GMT -1
hi gunner we will be trying out and reviewing the tarpon t130 tandem at the next meet
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Post by newbie on Jun 14, 2008 3:52:07 GMT -1
Reviewing anything is very subjective. I have found 2 things which bear on reviews. 1. Preponderance of evidence. If a great number of reviews exist from normal people, they can usually be counted on to find the truth. 2. Find a reviewer you trust. This is more difficult than it seems.
Using measurements in evaluating Kayaks sounds on the face of it to be a good thing. But comparing across catagories is dicey at best. Comparing a nimble whitewater 'yak with an 18ft tourer is not gonna happen.
I am testing a Tarpon 160i tomorrow early. I have about 1 hour sitting solo in the rear seat of a Perception Tandem......so I really have nothing to go on. BUT, I am going to see what I see..... I have several items to check, and all on the usual list. Stability. I am paddling in-harbor but with easy access to the ocean. If it is a reasonable day, I intend to check out some waves. Ease of ingress/egress. Will I kill myself getting in or out? Comfort while paddling. Will my knuckles hit the gunwales? Will I need a longer or shorter paddle?
By this time tomorrow I may actually own one!
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Post by BUDDY on Jun 14, 2008 5:01:51 GMT -1
Good luck with the trials. You have obviously read a few of our reviews/opinons. Dont forget to report on your trials as it may help someone else at a later date. Steve
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Post by ZEBRA on Jun 14, 2008 9:48:52 GMT -1
boomphat you welcome to try the 160i just let me know and i will bring it along with me its a great kayak and very easy to paddle i would say its a long version of the scupper pro so you get all the benefits of the scupper pro + the benifits of the long tourers with it but try it yourself and see what you think .
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Post by newbie on Jun 15, 2008 1:36:37 GMT -1
Today, here in SUNNY Southern California, I tested the Tarpon 160i vs the 140. Keep in mind that I am completely new to this sport and am NOT a fishing guy. My intention is to get some exercise. In Southern California I should be able to 'yak at least 9 months a year without resorting to anything more than some kind of wet suit bottoms.....I don't know what they are called!
On with the test.
Initially, I gingerly got in the 160. I was quite unsteady at first but after 10 minutes that mostly went away. This boat was FAST and accelerated with each paddle stroke when done aggressively or very smooth acceleration with more gentle strokes. This boat tracked dead nuts straight and was difficult to turn. Initially unstable, I am after all as my name inplies a complete newbie at this, I was soon able to lean, backpaddle and otherwise maneuver well. I did a few hundred yards of threading the needle under a series of low bridges connecting land to the docks in the harbor.
I than swapped over to the 140. The stability felt even greater. Was I sitting lower? I was getting used to this! This boat however, was completely different. I couldn't keep it straight at all. I wandered all over the place. Once it made up its mind to begin veering left, that's what we did. Likewise to the right. I tried taking more powerful strokes on the side we were turning towards with only minimal effect....As soon as I corrected this, I would begin veering off in the other direction.
My teacher/guide made some suggestions without help. Increase / Decrease paddle feather? Make sure of your grip and make sure you are centered.......all to no avail.
I'll be back. This is my 2nd try in a kayak and it won't be my last. Next week I'm going to track down and test a Cobra Tourer. This boat is a between the 2 Wilderness offerings in length and at the same width I'd expect similar stability characteristics. However, this boat has a listed capacity of 475lb, which means it'll haul my lard ass and another 90kg of.....stuff..... I don't know if most of the posters are Metric (booo!) or English system (yeaa) .
The Cobra is a little more expensive but that won't stop me now. I already have my car fitted with a roof rack and have investigated places to launch / put in.
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Post by markatwwc on Jun 18, 2008 20:45:02 GMT -1
Hey Flyguy'
Oh, it was so simple...Every paddler, every area, every situation is different. The T160 is a BIG boys boat or it's for a guy who wants to eat up the miles. When you go to a kayak shop I would hope that you get PROFESSIONAL advice. This is soooooooo important. I cannot stress this enough. Call me and we can have a chat about the best boat..it's not as simple as saying an Ocean Kayak is more stable etc....It's more about where you are, what you are doing, how heavy you are and what you want to do. This may sound complicated BUT it's important...we don't want to drown people!!!!
Tight lines
Mark
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