Hi,

I'm wanting to buy a new playboat. I've been paddling for a few years now. I'm fine in class 3/4 water and paddle some class 5. I see myself as a pretty competent boater.

I learnt in a Dagger animas and then RPM. I bought a Riot Disco (new) second hand about 6months ago to try and get into some playboating. I bought it because it was available to me, and I didn't really know what I wanted in a playboat. I don't mind the kayak, It's good on the wave, but I think it might be slightly big for me for playboating. It's a dream for riverrunning compared to the old RPM. I think something a bit smaller will help my playboating learning curve a lot! But the main issue is the outfitting. It is poor and it is getting damaged. I get extremely sore if I paddle it for more than a few hours, and my legs get numb often. So now I know what I really want in a playboat - a bit smaller, more comfortable, and something that isn't falling apart!

I'm 5\"11' and 84kg. I have size ~12US feet.

I am looking towards a Jackson '07 Allstar. Things I like: It's dry, it's lightweight (hopefully will help when throwing it round), strong. I also like what Jackson as a company seems to be trying to achieve. In theory this is also meant to be a very comfortable kayak. I have read some reviews on the original Star series, most people love the kayak. My main concerns are the outfitting. I have read some reviews on the originl Start series that say it is slightly flimsy, but also heard many people who swear by it. I'm also pretty sure I will fit in the Allstar, but not 100% sure, and it seems a fairly big jump to go up to the SuperStar.

I know I should demo the kayaks, but I'm in Aus, and kayaking isn't big here as it's a big flat country that's in bad drought. It's almost impossible for me to demo any kayaks.

So I've heard all the good things about the Jackson range, but what are the bad things? Also any other info would be appreciated, on the Jackson kayaks or opinions on some other good playboats. I'm mainly after something that paddles well and I can spend a lot of time in and not feel like my legs will need to be amputated after a short while paddling. I think some of the biggest improvements in kayaks over the past few years has been in outfitting, and this is something that I want to take advantage of.


Thanks in advance,
Allen.

Hi Allen,
I've got an older Jackson and am looking to update to a new 07 boat. It looks like they aren't coming to Aus for a while, apparently the demand in the US is pretty high. I like the old outfitting - comfortable, dry, simple, but I also have an 06 Rocker with the sweet cheaks seat which is awesome - even more comfortable. I'm 6'2\" with size 13 feet and was sick of having shredded feet in other boats and bought the jackson because it specified a foot size and leg length for each model, I even bought it with out demoing but have never regretted it. Paddles well and is comfortable too.

Hope this helps

i recently bought and 07 Jackson Star and its the comfiest boat ive ever been in,
to date ive never got cramp although if u want to the footrest can be pumped up until its painful.
definately worth the money and its cheaper than many other boats too

also if your really getting into playboating its worth getting a jackson happy seat/thruster combo as it can really help, especially the seat as it reduces the need to tighten up all the fittings - much comfier

i dont think ive found any problems with mine, its also the strongest and the ligtest boat ive ever been in

I would demo the Super Star first.
If it has too much volume for you too throw around go for the All Star.
Being maxed out on the size for the All Star would make it no fun in big water.

I appreciate the comments. I would like to get a happy seat simply to give thighs a little support, which I think would help stop cramping that I get in the feet, and also numb legs.

I also appreciate the suggestion to try the Super Start first, however my main concern for this kayak is for freestyle. If I can use it for anything else as well, great! Also Australia is a very dry country, it's not often you're paddling any big water, it's all low volume stuff. Also the Super Star is only 1 inch shorter than my disco.

I actually really like my disco, it's just that due to its age, things keep breaking, and it's uncomfortable. 2 reasons I want to upgrade, 1 is comfort, and 2 is that, yes I'm learning play boating in the disco and having a lot of fun, I think that if I can get into something smaller, then it will just help increase my learning curve.

This is partly why I am also leaning towards something from Jackson. Comfort (although some other kayaks could be slightly more comfortable), they are also lightweight which I think will help when learning to throw it around, and also being very dry with no holes is another thing that makes me lean toward them.

I've spoken with the AU Jackson dealer yesterday, they won't be getting anything from the star series until later this year, so I'll see if I can demo one then.

Once again, thanks for the comments.

I bought an Allstar a couple of years ago to get into playboating.. sort of a sink or swim approach. I never looked back; strongly recommend the Allstar.

I am about 6 ft and 90 kg and have paddled the Allstar comfortably in grade 4, however you do tend to spend a lot of time staring at the sun on bigger water.

Thanks Dary, that's pretty much my attitude, so I appreciate your reply! So long as I fit in one I'll be happy. Just have to wait till the end of this year when I can purchase one in Aus now

Hi Pishk

Where in Oz are you? There are a few 2005 Jackson boats around (I know, I've had 2 of them).

Are you around Penners much? I know guys with both an All star and a super star (and I have a star), but they are all 2005 models.

steff

Yeah I'm from the Central Coast. I make the trip down to Penrith every now and then, depending on when I have a free weekend

If I buy a kayak I figure I may as well fork out the extra cash for a new kayak instead of something second hand. But maybe if I nicked one for a quick demo

Ya, I will be replaceing my 05 with an 07 All Star fairly soon also.

Hey stefflooi,

I usually head to Penrith same time as Pishk and if you were there at same time would also be super keen to give your star a small run if that would be k with you. Seen heaps of guys there with All Stars but I'm only a pretty small guy and so the Star would be more my size. P.m us or post if that would be ok and i'll try to hook up at Peno some time.

Are you guys going to the concrete classic?

steff

Not 100% sure yet when is it?

We are going to the Dagger freestyle clinic thing on the 29th/30th Sept.
Thats if it's still happening. I sent dagger an e-mail saying we would go and asking if they could e-mail me a confirmation and I still haven't heard back from them.

Will probably head down their that weekend regardless.

The Concrete Classic is on the 27 - 28th of October. I probably won't make it on the weekend fo the 29th of September (I'm in Brisbane).

Where on the Central coast are you?


steff

Around Erina (Gosford exit off the freeway).

p.s. bever, for ur info the concrete classic is like 2 weeks after camp, I checked ! if im free i'll be keen to head down, probably just for sunday though.

have you looked at www.entropygear.com?
they sell the jackson kayak fun series in australia and could probably get in an all star if you asked them to

Hey Pishk,

Just read my e-mail's and I'll be heading down there for sure. Have to give my broken paddle to a guy there. Plus I'll be getting my new paddle in a couple of days.

p.s. binnsy,
Thanks I've been talking to Jez from entropy gear and when I'm sure it's what I want I'll defiantly be buying through him.