Diesel 65 Question

[mfrench]

Seeking info about the Diesel 65. I am 5'8", 155 pounds and have been paddling for 6 years. Looking for a new creekboat. In the past I've owned a Phat and an Embudo. Looking for something a little smaller and with a snapier feel. I'm having a dillema deciding whether to buy another full on creekboat or a hybrid. I primarily paddle IV+ to V creeks. I don't really get into the hard 5+ that much, but if the opportunity presents itself, I want a boat that will handle it. My main priorities in a boat are good safetly features, and I want the boat to punch holes really well and not stern ender. Comfort is a nice thing too, which from what I read the Diesel is quite comfy. I do most of my paddling in Colorado on rivers like Clear Creek, Big South, OBJ, BAiley, Gore, etc. I'd also like to take some trips to Cali, and Oregon/ Washington. So I need a boat that will do well there too. Other boats I'm considering are Dagger Nomad 8.1 and Mamba 7.5. Would the Diesel be suitable for what I'm looking for. I have a playboat for easier runs, and am looking for a creeker. Thanks for your input.

Mike

[mike18]

Hey, the deisel seems to be just fine for me as a full on creek boat. I've never paddled out there so I'm not familiar with any of those runs but I have taken it down some V+ on the east coast and it handled just fine. I weigh 175 and paddle the 75.

[tonkisj]

ay i a aussie n a mates got one they r brillant. Depending on your size and how snappy you want the boat i would also look at the EZ series and some of wavesports other ones. their websit iz www.wavesport.com
ave fun

[Cory]

If you've been paddling play boat all season then moving into a creeker, your going to feel a difference (like driving someone elses car). the Diesel is a great boat for the change. the harder chines on it make it as predictable like your play boat. Hence being the SUV of kayaks. Going with the Diesel wouldn't slow you down Go For It and you'll love it. Although I don't paddle class V and I haven't had much experience with paddling the boat, I do hear a lot about it and this is what others tell me about it. Hope this helps.

[Michael Leeds]

First of all my best advice would be to try one out a couple of times if that is possible. I primarily use my Diesel out here on the N.F.Payette in Idaho. I find that this boat is extremely fast. Which is great because the N.F. isn't a creek, so speed to make your moves is your friend. I have several friends out here that used to use the pyrahnna H-3. They borrowed my Diesel a couple of times and now they own Diesels. I have also used it on a couple creeks out in Oregon and Washington. It performed very well! It surfs, loops, boofs, and punches holes. In fact I just used a Diesel 65 for a self support trip this past thurs and fri. I find that the Diesel is also a good transition back and forth from a playboat. I am 5'7" and 145lbs and I just upgraded to a 75 from a 65. I just wanted a little more space and volume...All I know is that I love mine and the more I paddle the boat the better it feels. Later, Michael Leeds. :)