The Pulse 85 Huntsman is one of the most stable, compact & versatile kayaks in the Tootega range, making it great for a variety of uses. Although it is kitted out as a fishing kayak, the Huntsman would be equally suited to river paddling, exploring the bays/coves & is perfect for a spot of wave surfing. If you’re out playing in the waves & capsize then the kayaks self-bailing system will come in useful.

The Pulse 85 Huntsman is also lightweight with moulded carry handles, making it easy to carry down the beach or lift on & off a roof rack. Because it’s compact & light it’s the ideal choice for female kayakers, small adults & even children.

Tootega’s Pulse 85 Huntsman comes in a range of colours, for anglers there’s even a camouflage version. There are also plenty of  accessories for the kayak, so you can set the kayak up to suit you.

Tootega Pulse 85 Huntsman FEATURES

The Pyranha Surf Jet arrived in pure ‘naked’ form. As in the boat’s devoid of clutter boasting only a retractable skeg – minimalist it sure is! That’s not to say you can’t customise and outfit the boat, you can in fact. For this test, however, we went for a float as is.

Carting it to and from the put in is a little unusual as there aren’t any grab handles. Instead there’s an indent hand hold inside the cockpit, but only on one side. There are fixture and fitting points which we’d suggest paddlers make use of as utilising the single hold isn’t the most efficient when carrying. You may also want to add a seat for additional comfort once on the brine and thigh straps for improved handling and control in the surf.

Jumping aboard and although it’s a low volume boat it still boasts a fair amount of stability – the secondary stability is actually good and should therefore be trusted. Anxious paddlers may require a few flat water runs to get used to it but all in it’s a well mannered sit on top. If you really want a planted ride then drop the skeg which sees the Surf Jet turn into a completely different animal. Directional, with improved tracking, the Surf Jet delivers a pleasant enough ride in this guise with even some flat water paddling opening up, showing there’s a degree of versatility in the Surf Jet.

In wave mode the gunny shape allows for early drop ins, ensuring a long ride. Setting a rail is easy enough although it doesn’t bite quite as hard as some surf orientated sitons we’ve used in the past. With the skeg once again down it locks into the wave’s pocket and drives off the bottom, arcing progressively back up to the lip. Just remember to keep the skeg slot grit and mud free for easy retraction.

Pyranha Surf Jet Video Review

Conclusion

All in the Pyranha Surf Jet is a fun, accessible and playful surf sit on top that while aimed firmly at wave environments can straddle flatter water venues if required. Heavy weights will be surprised at the stability and get used to piloting in a short amount of time. Lighter riders will discover a throw about hull that’ll keep smiles wide when playing in the lumpy stuff. It’d also make a good SOT for kids and has a decent price point.

Pyranha Surf Jet FEATURES

Due to the Dagger Kaos Molten 10.2 versatility as a sit on top kayak we thought it appropriate to publish a two part review about both its flat water performance and wave prowess. With part one having already been done here’s part two…

The main difference between using the Kaos 10.2 in waves is the addition of the supplied thruster fins. As a 2+1 set up the character of the Kaos is changed dramatically. Although we hasten to add that the boat will work just fine without these screwed in, and actually deliver a different style of riding. If you favour flat spins and slides, for instance, then don’t plug in.

With the fins securely fitted the instant improvement is the Kaos’s tracking. You won’t need to apply as many corrective strokes as you do when the fins are off. This is great for punching out through white water and oncoming swell as it means focus can be on keeping the hammer down and powering through to the outside.

Once in position riders can focus on their wave of choice and making the drop. Again, those fins biting and the Kaos’s improved tracking keeping the boat straight and true as you pick up your wave.

Dropping down the face those fins dig in once again as you lean the boat onto to its side to engage the rail. Without and there’s a degree of side slip whereas the skegs promote drive off the bottom and help slingshot paddlers back to the lip. Re-directs are then efficient with pro-active weight transfer from rail to rail.

Zooming down the line it’s easy to generate speed and outrun pitching lips. Rounding white water is efficient and for those with skill blowing the tail out is doable. It’s not quite as agile as closed cockpit, carbon or glass surf kayaks but it’s pretty near. As such any wave head, of a sit down bent, will enjoy getting stuck in with the Kaso 10.2.

Conclusion

A multi-faceted wave tool, that’s tunable by inserting or removing the included fins, Dagger’s Kaos 10.2 Molten is a fulfilling surf sled that copes well with either small or bigger surf. Offering a direct and drivable feel with all three skegs attached it draws fluid lines on open wave faces. Remove them and you get a spinny and playful machine with a different dynamic to that of the former. And then of course, as is described in part one of this review series, there’s a decent element of versatile flat water performance to be made use of.

Read part 1 review: Dagger Kayaks Kaos Molten 10.2 review part 1

Dagger Kaos 10.2 FEATURES

The Tootega Prophecy 135 is the flag ship model in the Tootega touring range and offers performance in spades. There’s great storage capacity for all the essentials you will need for your adventures plus amazing comfort, stability and speed. The generous space in the cockpit area gives excellent comfort and the cushioned heel pads, easily adjustable foot rests and raised padded seat all add to the mix. If you are planning on covering distance then the Prophecy 135 is the sit on kayak for you!

Tootega Prophecy 135 FEATURES

Pyranha Fusion SOT kayak review

Upon first glance, from a side on viewing position. The Pyranha Fusion SOT looks like a standard sit in, closed cockpit kayak. Yet gaze on unobstructed and the boat’s sit on top credentials are plain for all to see. What you get here is a performance orientated hull that the brand suggest can be taken from proper white water river runs, to flat water cruising and back to surf environments.

First Impressions

Out of the box and the Fusion SOT is certainly quality. Top drawer fixtures and fittings in the proper places and attention to detail where necessary. The Deluxe Spec edition, tested here, comes with a retractable skeg and the included thigh straps only add appeal. Paddlers will also notice that the Fusion SOT’s seated area is equipped with nifty backrest rather than full seat coverage, which is different to how some brands supply kit.

On the water

Hopping aboard is pretty standard. The Fusion SOT’s flat hull is certainly stable enough but paddlers would be wise to practise their capsize drill as there’s a degree of ‘roll’ when clambering in and out – although this a good thing when stepping it up in moving water and requiring a lively boat.

The sitting position encourages the rider to adopt a proactive posture with trunk forwards and thighs locked out to the side (ready to slip those supplied thigh straps into use). Paddling forwards and tracking is straight and true. Glide is fine although there’s a decent amount of rocker that has a tendency to push water. While it’s perfectly fine for flat water cruising a flatter profile would be more efficient for any kind of distance paddling. Messing about along short sojourns, however, is fine.

Head out to where the juice (surf) is and Pyranha’s Fusion SOT takes on a whole new dimension. With comfortable thigh straps positioned it’s a super playful hull that can be edged and chucked about with the best of ‘em. Retracting the skeg gives the Fusion SOT a slidey feel in waves whereas with it down the line gunning it is par for the course.

With skill, riders can easily edge the Fusion SOT along liquid walls and it’s a fairly critical boat through turns. The rocker – mentioned earlier – helps prevent pearling in hollower conditions while the boat’s durability allows riders to take on rockier swell locations or potentially a bit of shore break charging.

Versatility is key when discussing the Fusion SOT, however. Although we didn’t get a proper run out in river style conditions, we’re pretty confident it’d navigate moderate white water runs with ease, and being a sit on top, it’ll inspire oodles of confidence in this arena – something you can’t beat.

Conclusion

As an all-round, versatile machine – with a slant towards more performance orientated sit on kayaking – Pyranha’s Fusion SOT would be a worthy choice for any paddler looking to step up their game. Whether that be in rivers, in surf or across a mixture of both, with still plenty of opportunity to simply get out for a float, the Fusion SOT is a desirable bit if kit and another example of how sit on tops shouldn’t just be labelled as fair weather beach toys.

Price: £659

The BIC Bilbao is a versatile recreational kayak that is suited to both beginners and expert kayakers. Whether you’re paddling for sport, exploring, diving or having a quick paddle with the kids, the quality of its design makes all activities possible with comfort and ease. The fluid hull shape provides a nice smooth ride, while the deck shape and quality extras allow you to carry almost any load with optimum stability and guaranteed safety.

BIC Bilbao FEATURES

When we first clapped eyes on the Dagger’s Kaos Molten 10.2 we fell in love instantly. Sleek, yet snarling lines, a vibrant colourway, impressive looking fixtures and fittings (set back support, thigh straps and thruster 2+1 fins); we knew this was going to be a fun sit on top to test.

Sit on kayaks have struggled to shake the image of being anything other than family beach toys in years past. A few brands these days are pushing shapes designed to perform, however, and more paddlers are seeing the benefits.

Dagger’s Kaos isn’t strictly a brand new boat but with a graphical overhaul and a few tweaks it’s looking meaner and badder than ever – yet thinking this its only attribute is to miss the bigger picture. So yes, it’s a sit on top with ripping/shredding waves in mind, yet there’s more to the Kaos 10.2 than you’d initially imagine.

With this in mind we’ve split the Kaos review into two parts, the first of which is going to focus on the boat’s broader appeal.

Kaos Molten Passengers?

In the accompanying pics you can clearly see paddler and passenger. OK, said passenger is of smaller stature but the fact remains for a boat designed with manoeuvrability in mind it works with more than one pilot aboard. There are, of course, more stable sit on tops out there, but the Kaos copes with additional loading.

Dagger’s Kaos Molten is certainly lively and loose feeling when you first jump in the cockpit. It has a tendency to spin, as you’d imagine being a surfing hull. But with a few paddle strokes you can bring the Kaos’ behaviour back under control.

The cockpit has ample room. Two full size adults might not fit but kids (up to a certain build) do so like a glove. And should you decide to paddle with a passenger, yet require a more locked in feel, donning the included thigh straps is doable, inspiring confidence as you go.

Further loading is possible, if your essentials on the smaller side, via the rear positioned hatch. Inside is a mesh liner that will hold modest size items – after all, the Kaos isn’t really a touring vehicle and doesn’t warrant oodles of room for this kind of thing.

Kaos Molten On the water

For the purposes of this review we didn’t attach the included fins – there didn’t seem much point when not hitting waves. And we didn’t want to run the risk of grinding them into the sand whilst scooping across shallower stretches. As such paddlers will have to concentrate a little harder on keeping the Kaos tracking straight and true. With a few solid strokes this is easily achieved proving the efficiency of the design regardless of fins. Shifting weight forwards slightly brings the heavily rockered nose down and helps.

For a performance orientated surf kayak the Kaos glides well. The progressive curve of the hull doesn’t push as much water as you’d expect. Instead a few plunges of the blade will have pilots moving forwards efficiently. If you have a small crew then this isn’t affected other than having to paddle a little harder!

Many may be questioning the stability of the Kaos. We found absolutely no issue at all. Having used and tested a bunch of low volume, less stable kayaks in the past the Kaos ers towards the upper end of the spectrum. As in there’s a lively personality itching to break out but nothing that can’t be controlled.

Something that became obvious is the Kaos does take on water. Not excessive amounts but some none the less – pretty obvious when you think about the boat’s pedigree. A large foam scupper, located centrally in the cockpit, is able to be removed. When at speed (i.e. on a wave) water flushes straight out, but when you stop water fills back in, the only option being to manually bail. That said, even with extra liquid onboard the stability of the Kaos is right up there. And to be fair, as we said at the start, an extra body paddling with you isn’t what this boat was intended for even though it copes fine.

Conclusion

Dagger’s Kaos 10.2 is a versatile sit on top kayak, that’s for sure. While waves are obviously its forte we’ve found there’s opportunity to take it into less hectic paddling environments and still have some fun. Able to accommodate a small passenger – so great for paddling with kids – it’s a boat that tracks and glides well for something with such a pronounced rocker. Fixtures and fittings, such as the thigh straps and back seat rest, are top drawer and with the choice of using in either finned or non-finned mode there’s a tuning range that you don’t normally find with SOTs.

Price

£799.95

Dagger Kaos 10.2 FEATURES

The distinctive looking Bic Ouassou is a fun, versatile sit-on-top that is designed with the leisure kayak market firmly in mind. The Ouassou’s spatula shaped hull, derived from surf long boards and rodeo kayaks, makes it ideally suited for beach play and use in surf as well as making the Ouassou responsive, stable and very manoeuvrable in most conditions. The compact size and integral handles make the Ouassou easy to move and store, further adding to it’s appeal as a great beach or starter sit on.

BIC Ouassou Features

All round kayaking fun – Perception Scooter review

Perception’s Scooter is a sit on top kayak that’s been around for a while. Arguably one of the more recognisable designs the Scooter has its legion of fans and is a common sight at many put in spots. This year Perception have given the Scooter a different set of stripes and upgraded their colour ways to include glacier white, purple haze and tropical zest (the one we tested).

First look

Out of the box Perception’s Scooter is a boat typifying the sit on top kayaking experience. A svelte and highly rockered nose leads to a well thought out and manufactured cockpit. Considering its size, There’s even reasonable storage in the aft tank well – on paper the Scooter is a benchmark sit on.

Perception have gone to great lengths engineering the Scooter as a robust and versatile sled. What appears simple in design actually has a great deal of thought behind it. For instance: Perception don’t just slap on heated plastic during the moulding process. Their powder mix is a closely guarded recipe, which has been hit upon after countless hours of R&D, and one which they’re confident delivers a top end product.

And then there’s the moulding process itself. Roto moulding is the act of circulating heated plastic inside a closed mould. The idea is to get an even coating of material across all areas. Perception, however, take this one step further and actually control the amount of plastic that’s pasted on – layering more across key sections. This means knocks and dings are kept at bay and the end user has a kayak that will stand the test of time. Looking sexy in tropical zest all on board fittings are embedded solidly and the Scooter gives the impression of quality from the get go. Top notch fixtures and fittings

To the put in!

At 20kg the Perception Scooter is fairly light for a sit on. Transporting to your put in may also require a trolley. If you’re burley enough then moulded handles are positioned correctly for hoisting the Scooter onto shoulders. When heading for the beach it’s possible to drag across the sand (or shingle) as plastic is resistant to scuffing. To keep your boat tip top, however, it’s always best to carry, if possible, or wheel it over rough ground.

The ride

Jumping aboard the Scooter feels secure, even in choppy conditions – its composed nature allows for easy mounting. Although stable there’s a lively personality bubbling under the surface that can be detected before you’ve paddled a stroke. Akin to a frisky Jack Russell the Scooter is poised to tackle most conditions Stable and composed Chucked at everything from flat water, to moderate chop and small wavelets the Scooter’s test grounds were predominantly coastal. The high riding nose and pronounced rocker cuts a groove through flotsam in an efficient manner – the Scooter’s keel spine, running the length of the underbelly, helps the boat track straight and true. You’re likely to get a little damp in the Scooter (after all this is a sit on kayak), especially if you’re missioning less than flat water. The cockpit, however, stays relatively dry with scuppers draining away excessive fluid efficiently. Deflecting annoying over topping wavelets the gunnels do a spiffing job where other not so well thought out kayaks fall down.

If you’re looking to stow gear there’s ample room in the aft tank well for a healthy swag of essentials. An upfront hatch also allows smaller belongings to be hidden away. There’s a storage compartment for keeping valuables safe up front but if you have sensitive items, like smartphones, then don’t forget to put them in a suitable dry bag. Forward storage hatch

Turn ‘n’ burn

It’s easy to believe sit on to kayaks all feel the same and serve up minimal performance. Yet the Scooter has its own individual personality – in this case it just loves to be edged, spun, turned and manoeuvred. Twirlin’ and whirlin’ Having tested Perception’s surf specific boat, the 5-0 a while ago, the wave performance of the Scooter is similar, if not quite as full on – it’s easy to spot the evolution and both have comparable traits. For recreational kayak surfers the Scooter will scratch that wave itch while remaining the perfect tool for mellower days with the family.

More on top

Perception’s Scooter has plenty of all round performance to tap into. Other boats will cover distance more efficiently – the brand’s Triumph 13 is one such boat. But the Scooter’s straight lining shouldn’t be sniffed at. Eating up miles is still a possibility and heading off on touring missions is perfectly applicable. Covering ground If casting a line and reeling in a big ‘un is more your bag then opportunities to trick out your sled are available – the Scooter has plenty of accessories available to pimp your ride. As with touring potential, there are better boats if you’re wanting to specialise in kayak fishing – for straddling disciplines the Scooter works fine.

Conclusion

The Perception Scooter is a benchmark classic sit on top kayak design that offers bags of performance across a varied range of areas. Comfortable and efficient for novices with enough personality that higher level paddlers can unlock. Coming in a variety of eye catching candy colours, sporting durable and robust fittings and competitively priced, the Scooter is a great sit on top kayak that all paddlers can enjoy.

NB

The Perception Scooter is now manufactured by Wave Sport Kayaks & is called the Wave Sport Scooter.

Perception Scooter FEATURES

Perception Scooter DETAILS