The Versa Board is a brand new product for Liquid Logic this summer, and they killed it with this recreational style hybrid. If you are looking to go out and SUP or hop on a Sit On Top kayak to cruise around on ponds, lakes, class I-II river waters, or the ocean to take the kids and/or dog out, do some fishing, float trips, etc etc etc… Look no further, this thing does it all for the water enthusiasts out there – hence the name Versa Board. As a recreationalist, you just can’t go wrong with this one.
The Versa Board can be outfitted with a huge number of accessories to really dial it in to what you want to use it for, or you can just jump on and go have a blast with it. It also has a paddle grip on the side that will allow you to bring a Rec and SUP paddle out so you can do both while on the water.
Specs:
Seating options for your Versa
Pros:
Ability to Customize with Accessories
Comfortable stock seat (although upgrades are available). Scupper plugs (for stability, draining and stiffness) with retainer straps are a nice touch too.
Hybrid capabilities between SUP/Sit on Top
Great Gear Storing Option
5" cargo hatch and dual bungee systems. Bring your coolers!
Great Stability in the Water
Easy to use retractable skeg with lever keeps the Versa on track.
Cons:
Not the most agile or best performance board out there, but if that is what you want you should probably check out something like C4’s ISUP SUB VECTOR 9-3
It could be a little heavy to carry around or load on top of your vehicle by yourself, but who paddles alone anyways???
Trying to run out of things to do on this board, as that will quickly become a lost cause.
The Verdict:
Tired of spending a bunch of money on multiple kayaks & SUP’s for your recreational needs?? Stress no more, the hybrid Versa Board is the “Jack of All Trades” for light rapids and flat water. Families, canine lovers, fly fishers, and booze cruisers will love this thing! Be sure to check out all the sweet accessories for the Versa Board. Look here for more info (Shaneslogic blog).
Leave it to Woody and Shane over at Liquid Logic to come up with yet another unique item. The Speedloader is a throw bag that has an adjustable opening. It throws much like a traditional bag, but loads much easier/quicker(see video below). Simply loosen the draw cord, un-click the fastener, and open the top of the bag. The wide mouth top will make it SUPER EASY to get the line back in the bag. Check out this video. Woody(Speedloader) vs. Shane(traditional bag). Besides that, it has a flat bottom that makes it very stable(less likely to roll off an unstable surface), foam core construction for extra flotation, and is made in the USA.
The Speedloader is compact and can be stowed in a variety of places due to it’s small size.The small, tight package is also aerodynamic and throws easily.
It’s super easy to open and load the Speedloader, hence the name.
The rectangular design and flat bottom make the bag stable. It will roll around less than rounded bags.
At $59 the bag is reasonably priced.
The foam core construction creates float. When you toss the bag it will stay on the surface of the water making it easier for the victim to grab.
If you are taking a swift water rescue class, bring this bag. You will spend a lot of time re-loading your bag. why not make life easy?
When the line is all of the way out, you can use the Speedloader as a beer bag. Load it with a couple of cans and put it in the river.
The mesh sidewalls help drain water and also reduce weight.
Cons:
Spectra would be a nice option. Word is, LL is working on this issue as we speak.
There are bags that have longer, thicker and stronger gauges of rope. The downside to a bag with more rope is that it is bigger and heavier. This bag is not meant for commercial raft rescue. Get a 90′ Dart Spectra bag(2500 lbs) if you need a burly bag for raft related Z-drags.The Speedloader is good for personal boating and kayaking. When the spectra bag comes out…that’s a different story.
Born in the USA
The verdict:
There’s quite a few throw bags on the market. Every one has it’s own niche. Astral makes some good ones that will fit inside of your PFD. There are ones that will haul a fully loaded 18′ oar rig out of a broach on Blossom Bar Rapid. Salamander has the waist belt bags that are ready for action. Liquid logic came up with a bag that is priced to sell, light, small in size, throws well, and loads even better. Plus, if you’re using it on a multi day trip, it’ll cool your river sodas before you get to camp.
