Dagger Mamba or Diesel 75?

[gbodnar]

I just took a weekend beginner whitewater kayak course and am now looking to buy a river running boat. We did everything short of rolling, which we will do in 2 weeks. I am 6 ft 210, ( usually 10 to 15 lb lighter ) and 50 years old. I used the mamba 8.5 during the course, and really liked it but it felt a big big for me around the thighs, even after some adjustments ( Super easy to wet exit and hip flip though ) It's volume is 72 gal. I didn't get to try out the Diesel 75, but I sat in it and although it felt somewhat tight, I think it was the better fit. It's volume is 75 gal. Finally I sat in the Mamba 8.0 which felt very similar to the Diesel 75 for fit. Its volume is 57 gal. Being a beginner, I was wondering if anyone has any thoughts as to which one of these boats would be the most suitable for me. I plan to do mostly class 2 or 3 river running. I am am not anticipating getting into any playboating type moves. Would the higher or lower volume be better? My instructor gave me his thoughts, but I would like some more input.

Thanks
gary

[kristenp]

Choose whichever boat is the most comfortable for you. I would suggest a boat with more volume when you are getting started as a smaller volume boat will feel more difficult to control. Both the mamba and diesel are good options.

[sikdrop]

Especially if the fit feels good. While I think the Mamba is a better creekboat the Diesel is a bit easier to roll and a bit more predictable. It also has a better planing hull so you will be able to learn some basic playboating moves that will help you in other aspects of your paddling. A bigger boat is good in the sense that it has more volume and generally will sit higher in the water thus making it more forgiving but you need to be careful that the big boat still fits you. Also be careful when you compare boat specs... most (not all) companies don't actually measure volume. They come up with a best guess which could be interpreted more as an estimate of what the customer will want to hear. My best advice to people in your shoes is to go with the boat that "feels right" and if you are stuck between two boats go with the one that will challenge you just a bit.

Joe Stumpfel
Springriver Kayaks

[gbodnar]

Thanks for the input. I decided to go with the Diesel 75. After we got the outfitting adjusted, it really fit like a glove. As a beginner, I don't think I could be happier. Rolling it in the pool session was quite easy, and after a couple of hours of lessons in the river, I was still very comfortable sitting in my boat.

Gary

[sikdrop]

It sounds like you made the right decision fer sure! Enjoy your new boat!!

Joe at Springriver