Categorized | Cross Over Kayaks, Whitewater Kayaks

Pyranha Fusion River Touring Kayak Review

Posted on 07 May 2009 by bobby@coloradokayak.com

Pyranha Fusion River Touring kayak Review

Whitewater / Touring hybrid kayaks seem to be getting hotter and hotter by the week. Liquid Logic was the first out of the mold with the super bomber XP series. These boats are very stable, have plush outfitting and offer plentiful volume for those wanting a boat that tracks on flat water and then paddles well in whitewater too. Now, it’s Pyranha’s turn to enter the hybrid game. They mimicked many of the features found in the Liquid Logic Remix XP series, and tried to improve upon them. Did they succeed? So far, the Fusion is looking pretty good. In a nutshell, it’s narrow, light, easy to maneuver in whitewater and priced to sell at $895. It has a very similar drop skeg, a waterproof deck hatch/storage area (the Remix XP10′s hatch is not waterproof), and Connect 30 outfitting, which is the same stuff found in their creek and river running boats. Check out the details below.

Specs:

Length cm / ft	Width cm / ft	Volume Litres / US Gal.	External Cockpit Length cm / ft	External Cockpit Width cm / ft	Weight kg / lbs	Suggested optimum load weight range (inc. paddler)
312cm / 10′ 2″	66cm / 26″	308 lts / 81.5 gals	90cm / 35.4″	49cm / 19.3″	20.8kgs / 45.8 lbs	55 – 130 kgs	121 – 287lbs

Pros:

The rear deck hatch is waterproof. Pyranha has been building high end touring boats for a long time (Venture kayaks). This is a big asset for the R&D folks at Pyranha. They were able to take many legacy features like the waterproof hatch system, and integrate this into the Fusion. The best part about this is that the Venture brand touring boats are all $2000 plus, and the Fusion retails for less than $1000. In short, the Fusion has lots of tried and true touring features, and a class V whitewater heritage. Great combo and priced to sell.
The storage compartment is waterproof and has lots of room. Take the Fusion on a Middle Fork of The Salmon or Wild and Scenic Rogue overnighter.

The Pyranha Fusion has a narrow beam (narrower than the Liquid Logic Remix XP10). This means that it is fast and easy to roll (the XP10 is very easy to roll also. Our Liquid Logic rep teaches newbie kayakers to roll in XP’s). The boat also has great secondary stability which means that it will do well on whitewater trips.
This is a fast boat due to the long narrow hull.

Boat outfitting has improved a lot in the past few years and Pyranha is at the top of the list. The Connect 30 outfitting in the Fusion was adapted from their whitewater line (Ammo, Burn, Everest, Karnali). Features include a ratcheting back band, cushioned seat, hip pads and foam bulkhead.
Get Connected.

The adjustable bulkhead and back band ratchets.

There are 2 areas that can be used for kayak fishing accessories like deck mounted rod holders. They are very easy to access from the cockpit.

The drop skeg raises and lowers. There is a line that locks on a cleat that is also very easy to access from the cockpit. Drop the skeg and cruise on flatwater, and then raise it up and paddle the Fusion in whitewater just like you would a river runner. The raised skeg makes loading and unloading the Fusion much easier too. No worries about banging the skeg and breaking it. Also, when paddling in shallow flatwater, the skeg will raise into the recessed area of the hull if it hits an obstacle. Boats that do not have this will break skegs.
The drop skeg cord and deck mount accessory area are all within an arms reach while situated in the cockpit.

The skeg in the lowered position.

The skeg in the raised position. Neat, clean and out of the way.

The bow of the boat has bungees for holding maps, water bottles, or just about any accessory that you could hold with a bungee. This is also a great spot for a deck bag like the Watershed Aleutian bag. Also, the deck has a recessed area that can hold a compass or a Venture brand pod. This pod is a waterproof case that will accept things like cameras, GPS’s, etc.
More deck mount areas and bungee tie downs. A Watershed Aleutian bag would be perfect for this boat.

Overall, the Pyranha Fusion is a bomber boat that is great for a variety of uses. It would make a great addition to a summer camp on a lake or river. People who have never kayaked before can go fishing on ponds, paddle along beautiful stretches of coastline and do just about anything that a recreational kayak or touring boat could. Whitewater paddlers and experienced kayakers can run rivers with confidence. Also, people who want to do self supported overnighters will love the Fusion for obvious reasons. Check out the photo below. Cody Howard likes to plug big waterfalls in his Fusion. I wonder if the storage compartment will stay dry if he goes deep.

The cockpit of the Fusion takes an XL sized deck (or 1.7 Seals randed). This means that you can use an ordinary whitewater deck.

The Fusion is light for a boat if it’s size. It weights 45 lbs. vs the Remix XP10′s 49 lbs.

At $895, the Fusion costs less than most whitewater kayaks, and over $100 less than the Liquid Logic remix XP series. Keep in mind that you do get what you pay for. The Remix XP series has plush outfitting that I personally think is worth it’s weight in gold.

Cons:

Boats that fall into the hybrid category do many things well, but nothing REALLY well. They are not long enough and do not have enough storage to do extended touring trips, and are not the right boat for serious whitewater paddling. Play boaters, creek boaters and dedicated river runners will want to use a regular whitewater boat.

The Pyranha Fusion is quite a bit narrower than the Liquid Logic Remix XP9 and 10(about 2 inches narrower). This means that the boat is more tippy and not as stable. The Remix XP10 is by far the most stable kayak that I have ever paddled including recreational and touring boats. Beginning kayakers will have a better chance of staying upright in a wider boat. On the other hand, hull speed is directly proportional to the width of the boat. The Fusion may be faster and perform better in demanding whitewater because it is not as big and heavy.

For now, there is only one size Fusion(80 gallons-the same size as a Pyranha Karnali-L). The Liquid Logic Remix series comes in 2 sizes (73 and 105 gallons).

The Verdict:

If you like to paddle on different types of water including, rivers, lakes, ponds and oceans…The Fusion will get the job done. Compared to the Liquid Logic Remix series, the Fusion is narrower, lighter and faster. It’s as long as the XP10, but has 80 gallons of volume instead of 105.

Pyranha did their homework in regards to boat features too. The rear storage area is waterproof, the outfitting is the same that is found in Pyranha creek boats, and there are numerous accessories for fisherman. Overall, The Fusion is a top quality, high performance, well made boat for only $895 ( more than $100 less than the Remix XP series).

Fusion in Eastern Washington from Huckin Huge.com on Vimeo.

Tags | Fusion, Pyranha

Marnie

Thank you for the info! I have been torn between the Fusion and the XP. I’m still a little torn but feel better informed.

http://coloradokayak.com bobby@coloradokayak.com

They both are great boats.
Kent

Marnie…
You’re writing back in Feb, 2011. Surely you’ve committed by now. Which one did you get? As I improve, I’m coming to prefer the Fusion…speed and maneuverability, and figure I’ll ‘grow’ into what may still unsettle me about it. (Can roll fine, now, and have a good brace.) So, what did you do, and what do you think?
AND, the ads seem to describe only Fusion 10s, as it were, equivalent to the XP 10, only leaner, etc. IS THERE a Fusion 9?
That’s what I thought I’ve been toying with, at our local shop.
??? Maybe the ad was old, and they’ve produced a 9 footer.

Kirtsky

Does the Fusion have foot pedals, or does it rely on the bulkhead for bracing?

Thanks.

http://coloradokayak.com bobby@coloradokayak.com

There are 2 Pyranha Fusion models (the river tour and the connect 30). The River Tour model costs a little bit less ($849) and comes with foot pegs. It does not come with the Connect 30 outfitting that you see in Pyranha whitewater boats. The Connect 30 model ($949) comes with a bulkhead and foot foam (more supportive). It also comes with Connect 30 outfitting (hip pads, ratchet back band and seat).Neither of the boats have foot pedals that turn the skeg. The skeg raises and lowers, but that is it. It provides extra tracking, but does not help with turning. The boat really is not long enough to need a rudder that turns. A skeg is perfect on there.
Hope that helps.

nathan

I’m 5’10″ and 170lbs and im wondering if the small or large size would fit better cuz i fall right in the middle of both by the weight chart on the websites and i dont want to be cramped or swimming in the thing. Any idea wich would fit better?

http://coloradokayak.com bobby@coloradokayak.com

I would go with the larger boat for sure. You will not be swimming in the large, especially if you get the Connect 30 outfitting, which is super supportive and awesome (same outfitting that goes into Pyranha whitewater boats). The larger boat will have more volume for rapids, be faster on flatwater, and have more storage space. You will also float it better. The Fusions are not huge boats (like the Remix XP’s) You would be a perfect fit in the large.

KKeller

6’3″ and 245lbs. Been looking at the XP10 but kinda like the Fusions looks also. I’m confused on which way to go.

http://coloradokayak.com bobby@coloradokayak.com

Well, you would fit in the Fusion, but depending on what you want to do with the boat, you may be better suited in the XP10 due to your weight. The Fusion is 82 gallons which is the volume of a creek boat (Nomad, Jefe,Burn L). The XP10 is 105 gallons, which will float you better, and you will have a lot more room for storage. I am 6’2″ and 210 lbs, and fit perfectly in the XP10. I fit in the Fusion, but feel like I am sitting in a WW boat.

If you want a boat that is smaller, to make tighter moves in, paddle harder (low volume) whitewater and have it paddle more like a whitewater boat with a storage hatch, the Fusion will do the trick. Keep in mind that on flat water it will be slower because you will only have 80 gallons floating you and not 105. If you are paddling big water (Grand Canyon) or doing lots of mileage on flat water maybe think about the XP10.

Both AWESOME boats, but for bigger paddlers, the XP10 is a great choice. Ultimately, paddling both may be a good bet.

http://www.riverlesspaddled.com Roamn Ryder

This is just the feedback I’ve been needing to read. I’m doing the Grand Canyon in March and have been back and forth between the XP10 and Fusion. I may end up selling the XP10 and getting a Fusion later, but for now it looks like the XP10 would be the way to go!

http://coloradokayak.com bobby@coloradokayak.com

yea, get a big boat for a big river!

http://. stephen

my mate has just got 2 kayaks not sure of make but thinks they r older types of the fusion.. guys he is buyin from said they are 13.5 ft long and 70cm across not sure if they r correct sizes but im a big guy and was wonderin wot they can hold im 6’1 and prob near 20 stone is it even possible for a kayak to hold my weight more so if they r older type o fusion will they take it dont want to sit in and sink lol cheers
Albert

5’7″ and 140lbs. Would like the Fusion to serve double duty: family paddles down quiet rivers and help me learn to whitewater.
Should I pick the small or the large?

http://coloradokayak.com bobby@coloradokayak.com

For you the small would work just fine. The only foreseeable issue that I could think of would be if a larger person in your family would want to paddle the boat. You could fit in the large too, and may want to get the large, because then everyone could use it.

Chris B

I would like to point something out about the Fusion S, which I demo’ed today. Having been a long-time Micro 240 paddler this boat instantly felt familiar and after looking at the design closer, I see why.

The Fusion is simply a stretched Micro. Same hull design, same knee height, same degree of rocker. All they did was add another 1.5 feet of length, add a skeg and hatch. So those that love the predictability of the famous Micro but want something a little more flexible, here you go!

I plan to get one soon. Been looking for something to fish out of yet run II-III stuff as well.

http://coloradokayak.com bobby@coloradokayak.com

Thanks for the comments. That will help some people in their decision for sure…

Chris

I am trying to pick a whitewater boat. I am torn between the Burn L and the Fusion L. I want to be able to play a bit in eddies, and surf some standing waves, but I also want to be able to keep up across flatwater with my brother in his old dagger crossfire. I have been able to sit in both boats and LOVE the way I fit in the Fusion. Fits like a glove. I have paddled the Fusion but only in a pool, and I havent found a Burn L to paddle yet.

Which way would you point me?
Thanks

http://coloradokayak.com bobby@coloradokayak.com

I think that if you want to be able to keep up with a Crossfire, you may want to get The Fusion, as it is a bit longer. The Burn has a planing hull, and may be a bit slow for your tastes in flat water. BTW – Neither of these boats are good for playing in eddylines. They have lots of volume in the stern, which makes it really hard to squirt. The same goes for the bow. Awesome river runners though!

Chris

OH BTW, I am 6’5″ 255 lbs

http://coloradokayak.com bobby@coloradokayak.com

The Large Fusion or even the Liquid Logic Remix XP10 would be good options for someone your size. The XP10 is bigger than the large Fusion, so you may want the extra volume.

anthony

In the review in the CONS section, it says

“”Boats that fall into the hybrid category do many things well, but nothing REALLY well. They are not long enough and do not have enough storage to do extended touring trips, and are not the right boat for serious whitewater paddling. Play boaters, creek boaters and dedicated river runners will want to use a regular whitewater boat.”"

I think it would help if you could clarify the reasons why the Pyranha would not be good for serious whitewater paddling. I understand that it may not be the best boat for playboat/rodeo activity due to its length. But as I understand both creekboating and river running, the idea is to get downriver from point A to point B. In creekboating, that may involve lots of waterfalls, narrow passages and rocks.

Your review said it was maneuverable. Also the waterproof rear hatch presumably provides volume as well as floatation, just what a good creekboat needs. So could you clarify why you think the Pyranha is not good for any type of whitewater for which the paddler has the skills? Thank you.

http://coloradokayak.com bobby@coloradokayak.com

If you’ve got the skills than you could prob. paddle the Fusion anywhere you wanted. Cody Howard and Nicole Mansfield have both paddled it off of waterfalls and down pretty tough runs…My personal thoughts are that I would rather be in a creek boat in the 8 foot range (as opposed to close to 10′) for class IV and V lower volume or steeper runs. It’s easier to crank into small eddies, make tough moves, back paddle out of things,etc…Also, lots of people like a true displacement hull for creeking- the Jefe and Nomad being top choices. The Burn’s got some edge on it, and is also great at what it does.
Yea, the rear hatch definitely provides some volume. True for sure. The bow and stern profile of The Burn and Jefe are really good for shedding water off, and also resurfacing after plummeting off of big drops. Boofability is a huge factor in a creeker. I am not sure how the Fusion boof’s, as not that many people have taken them down tough runs.
I guess it depends on what type of creek boating you are talking about. Taking a 10′ boat down a tight run is tough.

You are right though, it is up to the paddler. Pat Keller could style Gorilla on The Green in The Fusion for sure….

Steve

Just had this boat out on the lake and it’s very responsive with the skeg up, and tracks great with the skeg down. Does not track well with the skeg up, but that’s exactly what you want in a hybrid – something maneuverable in fast water and comfortable in flat. It cuts thru the water well. I can’t wait to test it on faster water. Great boat, comfortable and no regrets!! I’m 5 foot 9 inches 180 lbs…..

http://coloradokayak.com bobby@coloradokayak.com

Thanks a bunch for the comments steve. let us know what you think of it on faster water!

John

Wondering if fusion and/or XP-type might be for me. I live in Teton County, WY. I have a great lake kayak (16.5′ x 22″). I also have a Necky Manitou 14 that I bought first and don’t use on the lakes much anymore — I do use it on the Snake River, the class I/II sections, fast and fun for that. I also have a Lynx I IK for the class III sections. The Lynx is very stable and I have never flipped it in a couple of seasons, but I do wait for the cfs to come down to about 5K. I admit I do not yet know how to roll, brace, eddyturn, etc. In the Lynx I just take the waves head on, and have been lucky! I see that the Fusion and XPs are “stable.” How might that compare to a Lynx? I assume they would track better on the flatter water than the Lynx. I might or might not learn to roll. Would be nice to be in an enclosed cockpit rather than sitting in water in the Lynx. Any thoughts?
John

Expanding on yesterday’s wondering.

For the lakes: don’t bother with the Fusion/XP-type (I own a lake boat). No questions.

Class I/II: Manitou probably faster (longer, narrower)then Fusion/XP-type. Shorter hybrid boats easier to turn, but not so critical in class II; perhaps more fun in some II? Key question: How do these two types compare stability-wise?

Class II+/III (with some flatter water sections): Key question — stability-wise, how does the Hybrid-type compare to a Lynx I? If I want to learn to roll, obviously the hybrid-type is better (maybe that’s the key personal decision that would drive the boat decision). Hybrids (esp. w/ skeg down) track better than Lynx, and probably more maneuverable — being skinnier and having more serious outfitting than just thigh straps and foot brace. Enclosed cockpit might extend season regarding colder water/air.

So, it looks like the key questions for me as a current non-roller are about stability compared to Lynx I-type and to Manitou-type.
Thanks for your thoughts.

http://coloradokayak.com bobby@coloradokayak.com

So basically you want to know:
A: How does the Fusion compare to the Lynx and Manitou in regards to primary stability in whitewater.
B: How would it be in the Fusion without a roll.

A: The Fusion will be more maneuverable but less stable than the Lynx in class II and III whitewater. Inflatable boats are very stable because they are a lot wider, and have more flex. This makes them very user friendly, but a little less maneuverable. Things happen slower in an inflatable which is good and bad. I think that the fusion would be similar in stability to the Necky that you own. The Fusion will handle whitewater better though. It is a bit shorter which means that it is easier to paddle in and out of smaller eddies. It is also capable of paddling hard whitewater if you need to.

B: I think that if you are paddling class II without a roll, you would be fine in the fusion. A roll will only help, and may be a fun challenge to learn. It makes you way less stiff when paddling. If you know that when you flip over, you have to wet exit you will be a little nervous to flip. If you know that you can right yourself, it will be no big deal to flip, which makes the whole paddling experience easier.

Here is the last thing to consider. THE MOST STABLE of all of the hybrid kayaks is the liquid logic remix xp 10. It is the largest and most stable in the category. You will have the least chance of flipping it over. The downside is that it is heavier and harder to carry. It also takes more power to get it moving in flat water. For the Snake River the XP10 may make sense. It is harder to flip, and is better in bigger water.
Here is a review on the XP10 that may be of interest:
http://cksblog.com/2009/08/liquid-logic-remix-xp10-long-term-review-by-atom-crawford/

Let me know if this helps, and if you have any other questions…Also feel free to call us anytime to talk more about the boats(888-265-2925). We have paddled all of them, and can give you our feedback on them..

CKS

John

Thanks for making it through my two posts and for the detailed reply! I’m becoming more interested in this category of boat. Thank you for providing some good info to the public!

Kevin

I’ve been looking for a good hybrid boat and have decided on the Fusion connect 30. I can’t decide on which size. I’m 5′ 11″ and weigh 150 lbs. The small would fit me just fine. But looking at the pics on several websites show a smaller hatch on the S. Other sites show the larger oval hatch on the S. Could you clear up this discrepancy? I would like the larger oval hatch, but not sure if the L boat would be too big for me.

http://coloradokayak.com bobby@coloradokayak.com

That is a great question. I emailed Pyranha for the answer in regards to the hatch sizes….Sounds like you are in between sizes. You could go either way, but if you want to do over nighters, you may have more room and more comfort in the large. 5’11″ is pretty tall, so you would fill out the Large I would think. Also, if you plan on paddling for distances on flat water, you will have better hull speed in a longer boat. The large boat will also have more volume for paddling whitewater.
I have emailed your comment to Pyranha, and will let the horses mouth do the real answering. Thanks for reading the blog.

Kevin

Thanks much! I have been researching for a while and finally settled on this boat. This blog has been very useful. I may go with the L just for the hull speed and hatch size. Keep up the good work!

http://coloradokayak.com bobby@coloradokayak.com

Yea, it seems like the general rule, when someone is in between sizes with the boats, is to go large. It reminds me of another Pyranha article that Dixie-Marie Prickett wrote:
http://cksblog.com/2011/04/so-you-want-to-go-creekin/
In choosing a creek boat, many people make the mistake of buying one that’s a little small for them. Creek boats should float you well on top of the water. The last thing you want is to be subbing out of sitting really low in the water as this will negatively affect your lines through rapids and drops. I fit comfortably into the smallest H:3, the 235, but after paddling it on a local class IV-V run, I realized that it was not the best size for me. I was getting surfed in holes that I normally punched right through and felt like I was sitting low in the water and it was slowing me down. I chose to go with the next size up and now I feel much safer and happier on the water.
I think that the same goes for river touring boats. It is not like the smaller boat weighs half as much or anything. As long as you are getting a big kayak like that, why not go just a little bit bigger, and get the one that is faster, better in whitewater, and stores more gear. Plus, when spending 8 hours in a boat on a long trip – it may be nice to be comfy and stretch out. Maybe get some Jackson Sweet Cheeks!

http://coloradokayak.com bobby@coloradokayak.com

From Pyranha:
the small does indeed have the small round hatch and the large boat has the larger oval hatch .

Jeff

Could you comment, if familiar, with the New River in WV and how the Fusion would behave.

http://coloradokayak.com bobby@coloradokayak.com

The New is a river that can get really big, but has easier lines. Seems like the Fusion would be good for paddling on it. The boat is really fast and longer, so you would not really be playing on it, but bombing down the rapids.
If you do paddle it, be sure to let us know what you think of the Fusion on it.

Dave

How is this on Lakes ? Would it be stable enough for fishing, or would I be better getting the xp 10 ?

http://coloradokayak.com bobby@coloradokayak.com

The Fusion is great on lakes. It has the drop skeg that will give some added speed and tracking ability. It is a little more nimble than the XP10, which means that it is a little less stable.
The XP10 has more volume, and if you are looking for the most stable boat that you could find, that would be it.

Sam

I have looked at both the fusion S and the remix XP9 and I am still undecided on which would be the better option for me. i am still fairly new to the sport but I am really interested in large overnight trips. what boat do you think is best?

http://coloradokayak.com bobby@coloradokayak.com

I think that both boats are great. It really depends on what you are looking for in a boat. The Fusion is a little bit more nimble (narrower), which is better for turning quicker, or maybe paddling creekier whitewater. On the other hand, The XP9 is really stable and is a tank. It LOVES big water.

Also, the outfitting on the boats are pretty different. What boating style do you have? Where will you paddle? Will you paddle with heavy loads in the boat?

Sam

well, I would like to have a boat that can handle some creeking but along with that I want a boat that can do well on long multi day trips with about a weeks worth of material. some rivers that I am interested in running are the sheep, cataract, and other small rivers with some good sized falls. along with that though, i do want a boat that can carry some three days worth of equipment while being able to handle class II-III whitewater.

Sam

by the way I am about 5″ 7″ and I weigh about 164 Lbs

Kent

Bobby, you are a SERVICE. Great help all thru these Q and A’s. I’m this close to buying what I call a Fusion 9.
1) There IS such a boat, right? 9′ long, drop skeg, good outfitting in the compartment (tho I don’t like the foot rest).
* I’m 5′ 9″, and 172 #s (down from 184 and intending to plane out at 168 or so…as much for the boat as for my health. And, I’m old, tho good enuf shape. Did 5 rivers in 5 days in Wisconsin this summer, some III +). (Also went for couple swims!) (We did the Peshtigo in Funyaks, and I got to go face to face with Class IV. Pretty big thrill, and you almost can’t flip in those one-man rubber rafts.)
2) I keep sampling both LL XPs, the 10 and 9, and tho loved the 10 once, it now feels like a blunderbus. Tank. Forget it. Gotten used to a Fusion 10, the folks at the shop saying I’d like it better. Then tried the XP 9, and was ok, but THEN the Fusion 9, and tho foot rest and seat and so on had plenty left to desire, I like it best.
Heading down there this Wed I hope to make final decision , tho not in love with their lime green color ones that are in stock. Go to book across the lake, in xp9 and the Fus 9, and then roll both. AND DECIDE.
But sure wish I could go to coffee w you first.
Also, their price is close to $1000, and it seems $100 to $200 below that on line here and there, tho of course , there’s shipping. And, I got to get a skirt for it.
3) I want to be able to go out on the reservoir here in Springfield, and up its feeder creeks, and also tool down Buck Creek to the park where they’ve just built 3 drops and folks come from 4 states around to play in them.
I do have access to some playboats, thru the school I teach in (Faculty Advisor to the new Kayak Club)…so…well, there’s the profile.
Oh, I like the 9′ because it’ll fit into my Prius, hatch closed; so I don’t have to put on/take off racks all the time. Lazy, and practical, and impulsive. My house is 3 min from a good put in for the Creek, and 5 minutes from the water feature rapids.
So, wouldn’t you say the Fusion 9? Given all the above.
Can I get one retrofitted for foot pegs, instead of that platform, and those quite difficult screws to move that platform for someone else? And the seat in the one I rent, sucks, tho I tried a new one (I thought was a 9) yesterday, and it was quite comfy.
so how about I call you. Too much to reply to here, may be. Wish I could have the XP’s outfitting…seat and foot rests, in the fusion body.
It still surprises me, w its tippiness, but pretty confident in the roll now (better in the pool than in the moving cold dark current, of course), and got a good quick brace, that holds up even in the wave.
And thanks so much for this service you’re providing! It’s helping a lot of us!
Kent

http://coloradokayak.com bobby@coloradokayak.com

Hey Kent-
Check out this link.
http://www.coloradokayak.com/site/new_design/sizing_chart.html?category=3&subcategory=5
It shows the various sizes of LL remix XP9 and 10 and Pyranha Fusion Regular and Small. For someone your size, I would go with the regular Fusion FOR SURE. The Fusion is not a huge boat, and you want to be able to throw some gear in there and not have it be too weighted down. Also, at 5’9″ you may like the size of the full size Fusion better. Longer days on the river or lake, demand a more comfortable boat. The regular size Fusion is not HUGE so why not go with some more running length? More speed and cargo capacity?
The only real options on the Fusion are “River Tour” model vs. “Connect 30″ model. The River Tour model has foot pegs and a high back seat. No hip pads…It is set up for someone who does more flat water as opposed to whitewater. The Connect 30 version has all of the same outfitting that the Pyranha whitewater boats have. If you are going to paddle above class II whitewater I would go with the Connect 30 outfitting.

Hope that helps clear things up in the Fusion world.

Good luck with your purchase!

Jen

Thanks Bobby,
I’m a smaller person (5’5″ 120lbs)looking to run everything from Ruby/Horsethief, Labyrinth(Stillwater would be bonus) to Deso with minimalist gear but room for some water dromedaries. Any thoughts on using the boat for 4ish days (on the Green for example)? My husband and I can cruise with 1 Bills bag each for a 3 day trip plus water. Obviously I’d like the larger compartment with the regular size but the smaller one might fit better. Any thoughts on size and trip duration?

Thanks much!

http://coloradokayak.com bobby@coloradokayak.com

Hey there-
You are looking at the right boat. That is what the Fusion was designed for. You can go for over 4 days with that boat. It all depends on how light you want to go. Food source will be the main thing to think about. If you use some really light weight and small “Sea to Summit”http://www.coloradokayak.com/Shop-Now/?search=sea+to+summit bags you can go for 4 days no problem. You can pack a good bit of gear in the cockpit, and rig it down in case you swim…Sleeping pads, and things that can get wet can go in there…
It is true, the smaller boat will handle less gear. Especially the Fusion S…It is already smaller than the Liquid Logic XP10 series..You could pad out the larger boat (Fusion) and paddle it. The thing that you will notice, is that it may be a little bit harder to turn, but also will be more stable in bigger class III. The other option is to look at The Liquid Logic Remix XP9. It is 73 gallons, and the small Fusion is 66. It is right in between the small and large fusion…..Just and idea….Don’t want to steer you away from the Pyranha, but if you want something in the “middle” size range, you could look at that boat.

All of those boats (Remix XP10 and Fusion large or small) are built for 100% what you are talking about. They EXCEL at Class II and III whitewater expeditionary kayaking. They can also paddle Class IV no problem, as long as the paddler can handle it.

Hope that helps a bit!

BTW – we have a demo Fusion here if you ever want to try one out. The Gunnison Gorge is still running and you could get a late season trip in still…

Clark Walker

I bought a Pyranha Fusion(L) thinking it came with the Connect 30 outfitting. It did not. Is it possible to retrofit my boat with the Connect 30? The river runner outfitting is really not suitiable for how I want to use the boat.

Thanks…

http://coloradokayak.com bobby@coloradokayak.com

They make 2 models of Fusion now. They make the River Tour, which you have, and then the Connect 30 version. I am not sure if you can retrofit the Fusion. I will find out and let you know.

Clark Walker

I may have overlooked the answer to my question but were you able to determine if the Fusion River Tour could be modified with the Connect 30 outfitting?

Thanks – Clark

http://coloradokayak.com bobby@coloradokayak.com

I think that you can. The best thing to do is to call Pyranha, which is in Asheville, NC (828.254.1101) – and ask to speak to Dinver. He knows much more about Fusion modifications, and could answer your question. If you need some parts, we can then order them for you, or maybe Pyranha could ship you the outfitting….

http://neptunesrangers.com Bill Vonnegut

I started using the Fusion last year as my ocean rock garden boat. Since then my sea kayak mostly sits as the Fusion has the speed to keep up with the other sea kayaks and tracks like an arrow with the skag down. And is a blast to play with in ocean white water. Here are a couple of videos of it in action. It has become the new boat of choice for allot of people since I started making these videos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ripdh5Q71E4

http://coloradokayak.com bobby@coloradokayak.com

thanks for posting. that is awesome…full on.

Colorado Kayak Supply Blog

Categorized | Cross Over Kayaks, Whitewater Kayaks