Independent review of the new Jackson Kayaks.

For a long time now Pikey (Chris Bucksey) and Jackson importer Square Rock’s main man Aaron have been trying to get me in a Jackson Kayak. The main reason for this other than to sell more boats is because they both know how much I didn’t get on with the original range. I have now paddled both the new Fun and the new Allstar and here is what I have to say.

Factors they both have in common.
· Extremely quick to set up, no messing around 10 mins max.
· Extremely roomy considering how small they both are.
· Extremely comfortable, increasing paddling time without having to get out.
· Extremely quick hull and that’s a massive biggy for me as the uk features are mainly slow and require that extra speed.
· Extremely light in weight.

The Fun
Is a great play boat and goes massive; it carves like no other boat I have paddled. All play boating tricks are possible but this isn’t where it stops this boat is brilliant down rivers. Its very stable forgiving and because of the very well thought out rails carves into the line you choose and stays on track. I can imagine it being good on the surf as well because of the way it holds a carve.

The Allstar
This boat is the best play boat I have paddled. It’s extremely loose and can spin forever. The boat excels in every area so far I can’t fault it. Loose, quick, release’s exactly when you need it too, it carves really well. The boat goes massive on every aerial move. It is several steps up from the Fun but that doesn’t take away how great the Fun is especially for someone who wants to play boat and run middle level rivers.

The new boats from Jackson Kayak are Awesome and I recommend everyone goes out and demos one, either from your mates, sponsored paddlers, the shops/importers or me when I receive my shinny new toys from Jackson.

See you on the water in whatever Kayak you choose but I do strongly recommend Jackson Kayak.

Gareth Harvey

Just out of interest one of my friends has already posted my review with out me knowing so i am sorry for this. I must point out that i really really didnt get on with the classic Jackson boats in the uk. I previoulsy paddled a zg and a project.

I dont own any Jackson boats at the moment and paddled both boats with the idea i was going to dislike them but and this is a massive but i really really like them. The fact that i didnt want to go into too much detail was because most people get bored of rubbish so i just put in the facts.

At the end of the day boat choice like anything is a personal choice, so i have passed on that i think the boats are great, and why so its now your chance to try them and make your own minds up.

Gareth

How did the star compare to the ZG and project, both playboating and river running wise?

Both the zg and the project are awesome boats, but for me the zg wasnt all that in the hole, Loops didnt really go big, but it did excel on the wave which was cool. The project was far too big for me and was heavy compared to the jackson boats. The project was great in the hole and very quick on the wave but for me it didnt really carve enough and wanted to always spin out, but saying this i was under weight for the project 62. Again both boats were great but just not ideal for my paddling style.

As i said in my review i cant fault the 2007 jackson boats yet, the star seems at home on all types of feature it loops massive but still is slicey enough to cartwheel nicely and then put it on a wave and the new hull with its longer planning surface and smoother more responsive rails give it all the speed and bounce you need to get some serious air. I am 6ft tall, i have size 10 feet, 34\" legs and weigh 190 ibs si i am on the top of the advertised weight range for the boat but the balance and floatation is spot on. The fun is a great play boat but an even better cross over boat and really excells in this area. It has a fast hull with improved rails and again all tricks are possible but down the river it keeps its line, tracks really well and again everything i said in the review about comfort etc.

I have gone out of my way to dislike the jackson boats but with the 2007 range i cant, i think they are great and highly recommend that people go out and paddle them to see if they suit their paddling style.

Gareth

can anyone say when these boats will be in the uk to buy?

From what i have heard they should be available after about a months time, but also there is a massive demand as the boats are awsome, so i recommend you demo one asap and get your order in quick as.

Gareth