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 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

Kayaking Chris (Chris Moore) is an experienced paddler who has been a supporter of Sitons for a while now. He recently got the chance to try Wilderness Systems Tarpon 160 and sent us his thoughts. Read on to see what Chris thought:

‘I have just had a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 160 on trial from Desperate Measures in Nottingham and thought I would share my view on it. I have wanted to try this boat for a while so when Mark from Desperate Measures contacted me saying he had a demo one in I was down there straight away.

Knowing this isn’t a light boat (28kg) I opted to take my trailer to get it to my planned put in for the day – the River Trent. Given its length of 16 feet and weight I am glad I did.

Initial impressions are this is a big boat well put together. I had a good look around before launching and couldn’t see anything that let it down in terms of build quality. I particularly like the seat in this boat as it comes with a mesh base and backrest offering a fair degree of ventilation to stop you getting too warm. Also the addition of leg lifters was a nice touch, adding to the comfort when spending a lot of time on the water.

The back rest had a nice positive height adjustment which I was pleased to find went down quite low. I don’t like high backrests as they interfere (I feel) with my paddling. On its high setting it was like an armchair and ideal for time spent fishing.

Wilderness Systems have opted to fit hinged, lever locking hard hatches instead of the usual rubber type making them much easier to open and close – the front one is quite large. There is no shortage of storage; the front hatch is accompanied by another mid vessel compartment and an enormous rear well with bungee elastics. There are a couple of small web covered pockets within easy reach (although these lacked any visible drainage once filled with water) and a handy key pouch under the seat.

There was also a drinks bottle holder but you need long arms to reach as it sat between the soles of my boots. I felt this could have been a little nearer.

It didn’t take me long to get the seat adjusted before an uneventful launch onto the river. This boat is hard chined which can be apparent when at rest or slow speed. The boat has a minimal rock from side to side until the chine touches the water level, from there it feels very stable – enough that I could swing my legs over one side and not feel unstable.

Once paddling the secondary stability is very good, no dramas there. The hull has good forward speed, probably due to its 16ft length, and great tracking. It gets up to speed quickly and the glide on this boat is impressive, maintaining momentum for a good distance. Across small chop it was as expected: a dry ride with no noticeable water entry through the open scuppers. A dry backside is always welcome, especially when the weather isn’t particularly warm!

The stiff breeze blowing on the back of the boat did have an effect. Some weather cocking and yaw was noticeable but nothing the odd steering stroke couldn’t correct. The Tarpon 160 is comes with an optional rudder and in my opinion it would be worth the extra cost.

The afore mentioned hard chine made the boat turn very nicely when edged, despite its length, and once the wind was away from the stern it behaved very nicely. If you want to cover the miles this is definitely worth considering.

Construction is pretty bomb proof and it’s a nicely put together kayak. The drinks bottle could do with being a little closer to the paddler and I wasn’t sure how long the front foam hatch seal would remain water tight but no big deal to replace if it did eventually start to leak.

Lifting the Tarpon 160 onto a roof rack with tired arms would be best accomplished with a second person if possible. It isn’t the cheapest sit on top kayak either but I believe you get what you pay for and you get a great deal with the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 160!

RPF’s Maori design is the newest wave machine to hit the company’s line up and keeps the brand’s tradition of maximum comfort without the loss of manoeuvrability. Fast and nippy with the ability to outrun white water and get to the next section; the Maori is a playful sit on surf hull that’s guaranteed to put smiles on paddlers’ faces.

For riders who want to carve hard and aggressively; the Maori copes with full rail to rail turns with no trouble. For those wanting a gentler ride then the design is also able to accommodate, allowing the pilot to build his/her confidence and improve skills.

RPF Maori FEATURES

RPF Kayaks Shark is a highly manoeuvrable surf kayak.

The ease of sit on kayaking is hard to ignore and with most major brands producing their own version (s) RPF decided to not follow the crowd and instead produce a high performance boat that excels in waves.

RPF’s Shark features a classic sit on deck area with a highly rockered and surf optimised hull shape. Taking much inspiration from surfboard design there’s a healthy amount of nose and tail kick designed for taking on waves.

For paddlers who can roll, the Shark is able to be inverted and brought back upright with your paddle, however, the beauty of these designs are being able to jump back on board without the Eskimo Roll skill under your belt.

Fast and radical the RPF Shark takes sit on kayaking in waves to the next level.

RPF Kayaks Shark FEATURES

The Calypso Sport is the exact same hull design as the popular Calypso but comes with added value storage options in the form of a centrally located stowage tank and forward positioned storage tank.

An upgraded backrest, the inclusion of a clip in paddle keeper and a moulded drinks and accessory holder rounds off the upgraded design.

A great all rounder that is practical, fun and versatile.

The Calypso Sport comes in a range of different colours.

Islander Calypso Sport FEATURES

Islander Calypso Sport DETAILS

The RTM Mambo is a good all round kayak that boasts excellent stability, great manoeuvrability and an easy to paddle nature. With its unique hull shape the Mambo is at home on either flat water or in waves. Head off on tranquil and relaxing journeys or go and explore your local lake or river – the Mambo will cope with it all. The shape is also a stable enough platform for utilising as a diving or fishing pontoon.

RTM Mambo FEATURES

RTM Mambo DETAILS