Liquid Logic Versa Board (SOT / SUP) Review

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).

Related posts:

1. Liquid Logic Coupe Sit On Top Whitewater Kayak Review
2. Liquid Logic CR Series WhiteWater Kayak Review
3. Liquid Logic Remix XP10

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 Throw Bag by Liquidlogic from Shaneslogic on Vimeo.

Pros:

• 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.

Related posts:

1. Liquid Logic Remix XP10
2. CKS Squad Review:Nick Wigston Reviews The Liquid Logic Remix 79
3. Liquid Logic Jefe

The Liquid Logic Deuce Coupe

The Deuce is a refreshing new addition to family friendly kayaks! We needed a boat for the family that I could paddle solo and/or with the wife and 2 kids. I was amazed at the choices out there. Many claimed versatility. The Deuce at 13 feet and three seats won our hearts over the Malibu 2 XL, the Tarpon 130 t, and the Hobie Kona Deluxe and Odyssey. Liquid Logic’s Deuce can be paddled by the kids on the lake or at the beach. If they flip it over, no worries. The Deuce is a sit on top with very large scuppers. Just right the boat and the water drains out those scuppers very fast and the kids can climb in and keep paddling. So… I don’t have to fire up the motor boat and play David Hassleoff to rescue the kids anymore! The capacity is over 450 lbs, so its easy for me at 220lbs to paddle with the wife and one or both of our small kids, or with our son who is 12. Lots of combinations here with the three seating positions and multiple foot wells. There is also a stern gear well for a cooler or for our little one. We tried other boats like the Tarpon 130 T and Malibu 2 XL. A lot of tandem sit on tops do all the same things, they are stable and track (go straight). …and are boring to paddle! It seemed all the family boats were designed in Detroit! Just more of the same….a big rotomoled “ keel” to keep the boat locked into only going straight. We found that those big keels prevent mobility and easy turning ability. We chose the Deuce because it is highly stable, easier to turn, and tracks incredibly well. The Deuce has a drop skeg. I think it’s the only sit on top with a drop skeg. When the skeg is deployed its holds a true line even in the wind. Something no other sit on top can claim. I love the skeg! I also like that when solo paddling it is just so lively. It just paddles like a performance kayak not just the average beach toy, like so many of the other boats in its price range. I wouldn’t even consider buying other sit on tops to take down the river. The Deuce is based on Liquid Logics Remix Whitewater river running series, so the performance is there on moving water as well as flatwater. On Solo days without the kids, I’m running some pretty good class 2 and little class 3 rapids. The river adds a level of adventure to going boating. There are some little waves and eddi lines to paly on that flipped the other sots like the Tarpon and Malibu. When the skeg is down on the lake, I can cruise and keep up with friends in their decked touring boats. This skeg is like magic, it just locks the Deuce into holding a line for crossing the lake. Nobody thought I would be able to keep up with the longer sea kayaks, but in the Deuce I can! This is the only sit on top with a drop skeg and its so worth it. It’s like getting two boats for the price of one! A comfortable flat water boat that tracks and is stable, but also a performance boat that you can run rivers and take to the beach to surf. We got the “Wedge seating system “and it is very comfy and recommend the thigh straps for increased control for moving water or coastal paddling. . This is the “best of the best” for tandem/solo/triple sit on tops.
-A happy customer

Specs:

• 13 feet long
• 33 inches wide (max width)
• 65 lbs
• Optimal paddler(s) max weight 450
• Tandem, triple, or solo paddling

Pros:

• The Deuce Coupe has the same stable hull as the Remix XP series. The great thing about the XP is that it does as well on the Grand Canyon, as it does on local pond.
• With a maximum recommended weight of 450 lbs, the Deuce Coupe can handle a heavy load. 2 grown adults can paddle it quite easily.
• Whether it’s the ocean, river or lake,the Deuce Coupe will perform. It’s got a drop skeg for enhanced flat water tracking and speed, a river running hull that’ll bomb through moderate whitewater, and scuppers (drain holes) to drain out water,  in the ocean. If a beach break crashes on you…no worries.
• 13 feet of length and a forgiving hull will make you feel like you are paddling an old school river runner. This thing is fast! Drop the skeg and it’s even faster.
• TONS of storage! Load up your cooler,  dry bag and a couple of beverages (up to 5) and head off to your favorite beach or camp for a good time!  
• The Deluxe DVC seating is AWESOME! Liquid Logic boats are known as the most comfortable whitewater boats on the planet. The DVC follows this tradition…and then some. It is basically an integrated seat, back band, hip pads and thigh bolsters(the wedge). This system allows whitewater paddlers to hop into the Deuce, and feel just like they are paddling in a whitewater boat. There is enough support to edge and turn the boat. It’s  SOTBAO (Sit On Top Bad Ass Outfitting)!
• Did I mention that the coupe has 5 beverage holders?
• Take the Deuce to the beach. Drop the skeg and tour along the shore or to a good break. As far as surfing goes, put your best stern draw / rudder stroke in the water, and you will be able to surf this thing till the sun goes down. 13 foot of boat will allow you to catch waves that whitewater kayakers and short board surfers could only dream of getting on. Plus, if you steal a surfers’ wave and they get mad, you will have 5 drinks and a cooler on board.You’ll make some new friends guaranteed.

Cons:

• Since the Deuce is 13 feet long, it may take some finesse to get it down a low volume, narrow creek. The upside to 13 feet of boat, its that it generates tons of hull speed which will get you through sticky water features that may hang up shorter/slower kayaks and rec boats. If it’s a smaller boat that you need, get the Coupe.
• The Deluxe DVC Seating System is hella expensive, but worth every penny. If you can afford it, get it. If not, LL makes a DVC seat that is more basic for a lot less $$$. It’s still comfy, but does not have as much support.
• If you are a big person and are buying the Deuce Coupe as a solo, keep in mind that it is a big boat to carry. Fortunately, LL is making a wheel that attaches to the rudder area. This will make it easy to drag.

The Verdict:

The Liquid Logic Deuce Coupe is a very unique water craft. It is one part white water boat, one part recreational sit on top, and one part barcalounger. One of the best features of the boat is the drop skeg. The combination of a rudder and whitewater hybrid hull design allows the Deuce Coupe to be paddled in almost any body of water, ranging from oceans, rivers and ponds, to swimming pools. At 13 feet long, the Coupe can be paddled as either a solo or tandem;perfect for the active family looking for ONE boat to satisfy everyone’s needs. 5 cup holder’s ain’t bad either.

Related posts:

1. Liquid Logic Coupe Sit On Top Whitewater Kayak Review
2. Liquid Logic Remix XP10
3. Liquid Logic Remix XP10 Long Term Review By Atom Crawford

Grand Canyon Mojo

No river trip is the same, and you’re never the same after any river trip. Getting on a Grand Canyon River Trip is always something special. Grand trips are so many things. There’s the big water challenge, but each rapid has a moderate and easy line and can be portaged easily in a kayak. There are amazing hikes, climbs, and hidden treasures to be discovered and epic views of rock, sun, water, stars and moon. The delight is the wilderness setting amongst the camaraderie of friends and the love of your Grand Canyon Family. Take the Grand trip as far as you can, you’re alive and living. You are out there….in the backcountry and it is serious. It’s the chance for total escape of the world…..Check out time!

15 of us just paddled the Grand Canyon, 226 miles from Lee’s Ferry to Diamond Creek in about 12 days…all by kayak. We came to love our XP’s…. our homes for 12 short January days.

12 days is a short trip by most standards…long enough to see the sights, surf the waves, and hike up the side canyons, but without the extra work and cost of raft support. Most of us just wanted to see if it could be done. Just get there with your boat and a trip to the grocery store, Liquid Logic has got the rest covered. Just hop a jet if you have to and get to Flagstaff…. meet up with Ted….were waiting on ya…

The Park Service has regulations for solid waste disposal…aka GROOVER. Woody designed a killer Groover for the Remix XP. He built them ahead of the trip for each of us, and they are perfect fit for this down river mission in the G.C. national Park. . Your own private Grand Groover consists of some Glued up 8 inch PVC Pipe, sealed on one end and threaded screw cap (water tight) on the other. Disassemble your bow pillar and cut out a template. Two cam straps hold everything in place and this design doesn’t take a lot space out of your boat. And its cheap, $35 materials and can be built in less than hour.

Pack up your friendship rings… cause this XP Train is leaving….

Preparing for a 12 day kayak trip without a mother ship raft to support us was a lot easier than I thought. Just be able to pack extra warm winter gear like down jackets, down booties, tents, tarps, or bivy’s and a winter sleeping bag. Then there is food. Just think light and make it lighter. Or pack the essential gear, and stock up on your favorite good eats that will fit in the kayak after everything else in packed!

"There are many groovers but this one is mine!"

>

“Grover Essentials’ that don’t need explaining in most western Cultures”

The 2nd biggest Park Service Requirement on the grand is having a fire pan. Boyce made a break down firepan out of Alum plates and angle iron shapes for the stakes and frame, and a Kevlar fire blanket as a liner. This gear was split up and carried between 2 to 3 boats and doesn’t weight a lot, I think at least 60% to 75% less weight than a traditional steel fire pan that rafts carry.

I filled my groover with plastic bags of Charcoal. Keeps the stink down. This way you can cook the freshly caught trout and grill over it the fire pan, and it helps start a raging campfire a lot faster, especially when the wood might wet or raining or just to warm up faster. Fires can also help you dry the outside of your drysuit or any wet clothing before you take it off. A rolled up dry drysuit makes a nice pillow and a dry warm dry suit can take the edge off chilly river mornin’s.

“Its always polite to stare here”

Now that the biggest Park service required gear is met, time to get that boat packed. Packing for a 12 day self support can be a little intimidating. But with a little planning and the right boat (bigger the better for the only ditch that is one of the 8 wonders of the world! For this Mission, we choose our Liquid Logic Remix XP ‘s. XP’s are bigger than your average whitewater boat at 10 feet 2 inches with a rear hatch and bulkhead. The rear hatch gives you easy access to the largest compartment of the boat. It’s a lot easier to open a big hatch and pack and unpack gear than from most whitewater kayaks that we’ve been using, where the only access is behind the seat and behind a back band. Having a “big”hatch in a kayak really helps packing larger bags and gear into the boat.

Small end bags like Watershed Futa’s can easily slide into the stern, I like how they fill the shape of the boat and offer more flotation for swims. Sea 2 Summit Compression dry bags compress all your clothes, tent, sleeping pad and sleeping bag to half their normal size, sometimes even less! Fill the rest with Jet Boil stoves, fuel cans, water filter, first aid kit. Etc. More room for heavy items or Watershed Ocoee dry bags behind the back band. The XP has a water bottle holder in the seat between your legs, but instead pack a thermos for hot drinks or soups there. The XP doesn’t have a bulkhead, it has foot pegs. So its easy to get some more storage bags like two more Watershed Futa’s or three Ocoee’s or just simple roll closure bags. Some of us had plastic Jars with watertight screw lids for nuts, rasins, trail mix or misc gear items. Anything that this watertight will work when packing an XP! I took out my foot pegs and arranged the bags to be my foot rests. Worked fine and I didn’t have to hassle moving the pegs around to get the bags out. I think I gained some more storage this way too. The Remix XP can swallow big helpings of gear like the CU football team at the training table. It’s a little strange to look at a whitewater boat with a hatch on the stern deck and a mini cell foam bulkhead. Not to worry, this system works and works well. It’s the future of self support trips like the Grand Canyon. Multi days….bring em on!

The “model” Grand Canyon Load out!

Paddling a big boat in big water can be challenging. First….any wave catching is a bonus! You can t expect to play your way down the river in a January multiday trip. But it was surprising how easy the Remix catches waves loaded or not. It’s big and wide and supports paddler and gear weight very well. It’s also got to be the easiest Whitewater boat to roll on the market. Which I found out when I tried to get aggressive on the waves…ooops! Heavy boats take longer to turn, carve, respond, so you have to adjust your paddling style a bit. A big bonus is how a loaded boat can punch through a big hole. With so much more mass, you don’t have to paddle that much harder to get the momentum needed to get through holes and big transverse waves and diagonals…just T them up and take them on! With a bigger boat, go for the bigger waves! We got some serious surfs at the bottom of Lava, Crystal, and other huge waves that would be premier on most runs, but everywhere on the grand. Lot of these waves are just too big, fast, and so far from the eddies that only a longer boat can catch. I don’t think I will ever take a boat under 8 feet on the Grand Canyon. The Trade off for big green wave surfs in a long boat outweighs the limited small hole riding in a small boat. Take a long boat on the grand and catch more waves, take a short boat and watch everybody in long boats catch all the waves…you dig?

Mike Hipshir's been down in the ditch a time or 2. HUGE thanks to Mike for all of his Grand Canyon knowledge. He made the trip A LOT more enjoyable for everyone.

Another plus to taking a big boat like the XP on the Canyon is that there is a lot of flat moving water and flat slow water. The Remix XP has the rocker profile and hull shape of a whitewater kayak with moderate bow rocker in an oversized package ie wider, longer, more volume. Just like powder ski’s for backcountry…fat to float a heavier load. The REMIX XP Bow is shaped with a little more “V”, so the bow holds your line while cranking through the flats. Also, a rear skeg at the end of the boat can be deployed to assist tracking. A Skeg (pronounced sk-egg not pronounced SKAG ( a very older women that goes after a “Pup” (a pup is cougar bait) A skeg is a just a simple blade that drops from the boat’s stern into the water much like a Fin on a surfboard. It is fixed like a surfboard fin and does not have any moving parts like a rudder. When a skeg is down, it helps the boat go straight. When your Skeg is down, you don’t need to make a lot of correctional strokes. It’s those moments on flat water …as your bow goes yawning off to the left or right that can be frustrating. With the XP skeg down, you can relax and just let the forward strokes fly and make time to the next wave, rapid, side canyon hike, or paddle in high gear to get to camp before the sun goes down.

Take a short boat and you should have your head lamp ready cause you’re going to get left in the dust in the pools. Another benefit of the XP skeg placement is that you can play the swirls, eddies, and whirlpools better than shorter boats. You just don’t experience the spin outs that you do in smaller boats. The Colorado flows at 11,000 to 19,000 cfs…that’s big pushy water with whirlpools that make squirt boaters cry out for “MAMMA! I wanna go home” The XP skeg makes it easier to hold your angle and charge through just about any boil, whirlpool, swirly, etc. The Skeg is also spring loaded so if you hit a rock or drag up on the beach, the skeg will just slide back into the skeg box. But its also operated by a lever outside your spray skirt. So, in the rapids and surfs, or when you need the maneuverability just turn the lever to stow the skeg. We did notice that on waves, put the skeg down and lock yourself into a really stable surf with a roster tail! Yeah man, skeg roosting!

skeg roosting.

Losing my mind surfing in Lava

Bottom line, is that the Remix XP is the boss of self support big or small water. The XP owns Rivers, so go for it!

Other than the huge whitewater and canyon scenery, the Grand Canyon offers some of the best hiking opportunities in the west. Just about every drainage and creek has a trail to something special.

Deer Creek

The Grand Canyon Geology Course is a PHD’s wonder, the Anasazi ruins and petro glyphs are an archeologist mystery, and the change in vegetation from desert to year round rain forest lush is strikingly unexpected to any naturalist. You can experience everything the Grand Canyon has to offer from a self support kayak trip. You don’t need a month off work and big raft and thick wallet for the trip anymore. The XP can get it done!

XP Livin’…..lose yourself in the Grand Canyon

Dave and Lisa...Post trip A+W. There's more calories in Dave's burger and fries than in his food rations for the entire week...Is his chair really small?

Here’s Dave bombing the gut of Crystal(ie.big ass hole) in the XP10

Campingbykayak.com Kayak Camping Guide from Lunch Video Magazine on Vimeo.

This is a really cool video about kayak camping. It has some footage of this GC trip, as well as good info on overnighters.

http://kayakcamping.amongstit.com/

-Ted

Related posts:

1. Whitewater Kayaking The Grand Canyon
2. Liquid Logic Remix XP10 Long Term Review By Atom Crawford
3. Liquid Logic Remix XP10

Liquid Logic Biscuit Review With Natalie Kellum

TeamKellum loves to playboat, but we aren’t out there linking phonix monkeys. Our favorite playboating is down river with a group of buddies, hucking themselves into every little feature, some moves end in grace and others with face plants. All ending in fun. Play park or down river, the only way playboating is not fun is if your boat is uncomfortable.

Glenwood Throwdown

This is why we heart our new LiquidLogic Biscuits! No pressure points with the bad ass outfitting, and it is made to last. The Bad Ass Outfitting doesn’t stop with the ass either. Your knees have a nice place to rest and the cone of comfort keeps the toes and ankles padded. This boat will have your happy ass flying on waves, getting aerial in the holes and loving down river days

Liquid Logic Biscuit from Natalie Kellum on Vimeo.

Music by Chris Strain
Play boating the new LL Biscuit with Team Kellum and Big Wave Dave.

Pros:

• This Biscuit train is rolling on gravy wheels

Cons:

• The LiquidLogic Jefe was not named the Cornbread. A Biscuit and Cornbread combo served up home style out of North Carolina would be the perfect quiver.

Check out the rest of Team kellum’s videos on Vimeo:
http://vimeo.com/user1727965/videos

Here is the link to the official Team Kellum blog. Lots of good stuff on there. Be sure to read about the wake boarding 12.oz handoff.
http://teamkellum.blogspot.com/

Related posts:

1. CKS Squad Review:Natalie Kellum Reviews The Women’s Kokatat Meridian GMER Dry Suit
2. The Liquid Logic Biscuit Playboat Review
3. Liquidlogic Biscuit Review With CKS Customer and Friend Thad Blackwell

The Liquid Logic Coupe SOT (Sit on Top) Kayak Review

Whitewater kayaking has been kept afloat by trends. Innovation creates the evolution of the sport. The Dagger RPM was one of the first whitewater “play boats”, molded to squirt and pirouette it’s way down river. Over the course of 15  years, play boats have morphed from bulky river runners, to long thin cartwheel machines, to short and bulbous aerial weapons. Another major trend that has happened in whitewater kayaking is the creation of hybrid river running / recreational kayaks. You can think of them as the SUV’s of the whitewater world. Liquid logic has been the pioneer of this movement, and pretty much every other kayak company out there has followed them in their footsteps.

The Coupe is a Sit On Top (SOT) version of the hugely popular XP series. It has a drop skeg which enhances tracking and flatwater paddling performance, hatches for secure, dry storage and a very forgiving whitewater hull that can bomb through class II and III rapids. This boat is really cool because it can be used in the ocean, on lakes and ponds, and of course true to Liquid Logic heritage, it will excel in whitewater rivers.

Specs:

Pros:

• The spring loaded drop skeg is easy to raise and lower. There is a lever next to the cockpit that works well. This is the same skeg system used in the XP’s, which means that the system is tried and true.
• The hull has  a fair amount of rocker in the bow. This allows the coupe to turn easily and negotiate class I-III rapids with ease. The skeg is great because when lowered, it reduces the whitewater kayak like maneuverability and allows the coupe to track like a rec boat. The best of both worlds.
• The sidewalls are low and forgiving (they are rounded as opposed to being sharply angled). It is easy to get your paddle out over the boat. The rounded shape of the sidewalls make life easy when paddling in rapids. This boat handles just as well as the Remix XP, but without the cockpit.
• A deck mounted  paddle clip comes standard. This is an optional feature in most other boats.
• The planing tunnel hull design is stable, strong and works well in a variety of conditions. There are 6 oversize scupper holes that drain water well, and also add rigidity to the hull.
• For the value, the coupe has great features. It comes complete with two watertight 5″ diameter hatches, bungees and a storage bay behind the seating area, drink holders and comfortable grab loops. It is also built out of the same high quality plastic that Liquid Logic molds their whitewater boats out of.
• There are lots of great options that will enhance the overall user experience. The DVC Deluxe Seating is the most comfortable and high performance SOT seating system on the market. It’s an integrated system with a back band, hip pads and thigh wedge to fit under your legs which provides even more support. When you lean back into the seat, the hip pads tighten, thus providing lateral support which is necessary for balance and edging when paddling in whitewater.  It is as close to a full whitewater seating system as you can get. Think of it as LL’s Bad Ass Outfitting for a Sit On Top.

Cons:

• The Coupe is a sit on top hybrid, not a full on whitewater kayak. It’s not meant to charge class IV-V whitewater (although it could probably be done). The intended use for this boat is to paddle on the same bodies of water that the Remix XP10 was created for. If you want to take this boat down the Narrows of the Green or Upper Yough, you looking at the wrong product.
• At the time that this review was written, we noticed that the Coupe was a little bit difficult for one person to carry. There is no luggage handle in the middle of the boat. You are forced to either drag the boat on it’s bow or stern, or try to pick it up from the side, which is not easy to do(because there are no handles). As it turns out, LL is offering a “tag along wheel” that attaches to the stern, making it a heck of a lot easier to transport.This product will be available in may 2010.
• The DVC Deluxe seat is  expensive (MSRP $199). It looks like it’s worth every penny though. Also, when you think about it, it is really a seat, back band, hip pads and thigh braces all in one.

The Verdict:

The Remix XP10 has quickly become one of the most popular whitewater boats on the market, and also a CKS staff favorite. The Coupe is a sit on top version of the XP10. It’s perfect for a lazy summer day on the river, loaded with food, drinks and whatever else is needed for a good time. Like any liquid logic boat, it’ll be sure to get you to where you are going in comfort and style.

Liquid Logic has some excellent information on the Coupe and Deuce Coupe (tandem) on their site. If you would like to know more about this creation be sure to check out these links:

Coupe information:
http://www.liquidlogickayaks.com/coupe.cfm

Deuce Coupe Information(tandem):
http://www.liquidlogickayaks.com/liquidtv.cfm

Related posts:

1. The Liquid Logic Deuce Coupe
2. Liquid Logic CR Series WhiteWater Kayak Review
3. Liquid Logic Remix XP10 Long Term Review By Atom Crawford

Liquid Logic Remix XP10 Product Review by Atom Crawford

Ever since I read about Woody’s self support trip down the Grand canyon in A Remix XP, I Was hooked. Story here:

http://www.liquidlogickayaks.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=410

I love doing scenic overnighters and that boat sounded like just the ticket for some serious fun, and room to add more fun. All I needed was the boat and a permit. I purchased the boat from CKS (Woody’s yellow one from the Grand, how cool is that) and all I had to do was add some hip foam, (serious hip foam) as Woody and I are about the same height but a couple hundred pounds separates the rest. I then scored a Selway permit, 12 folks all kayak self support. It was meant to be. First off, This boat is super comfy. And I mean deluxe arm chair beer in hand comfy. You could almost sleep in this thing. Second, it can pack an enormous amount of whatever it is you desire for a trip. The hatch in the back offers access to a sealed waterproof compartment, tons of room in there. Behind the seat is even more room. The boat has footpegs, so you can stuff the front with even more gear. The cockpit is massive, so I could have a throw rope, water bottle, fishing rod (collapsible), and camera all secured between my legs and out of the way. Thirdly, It has a drop down skeg. And believe me it is not a gimmick. You drop that thing down and start hammering away, say goodby to whomever is trying to keep up. I love that with the skeg down, I just need to paddle and not worry about correction strokes. fourthly, this kayak is unbelievably stable. Almost impossible to tip over. Cruise control river runner for sure. Rumor has it that in calm water you can even stand up in it to take a leak. (in case the shore was covered in poisonous snakes, crocs, cougars and other unsavory specimens). Long story short, I love this kayak. I had over 60lbs in it on the Selway and it treated me right. Did just fine on the Class3-4 low water drops and I was amped to be able to carry whatever I wanted on the trip (5 days, 4 nights). We had 3 Remix’s on the Selway and they were the envy of the rest of the self support kayak cast….(it also rolls really easy)….

Specs:

Pros:

• Comfy, can carry the household if need be
• Runs rapids really well for a big boat
• The drop down skeg is the bomb
• The sealed rear hatch is awesome
• If doing a self support class 3-4 trip-BUY THIS BOAT!!!
• Great on local lakes and mellow floats

Another tough day on the river.

Cons:

• Doesn’t come with beer holder or fishing rod holder
• Needs custom skirt size-Snapdragon makes a great one
• Footpegs are weak-they blow off if driving hard or boofing (they don’t break-just peel off)
• Seal the skeg bolts with silicone so the rear hatch stays dry

Atom didn’t give us a “verdict” on the Remix XP10, but judging by his photos and comments it’s safe to assume that he likes it a lot.

Here’s another cool video about taking the Remix XP’s down the French Broad River in Asheville, NC USA: http://www.liquidlogickayaks.com/liquidTV/xp_fbroad.swf

Related posts:

1. Liquid Logic Remix XP10
2. CKS Squad Review:Nick Wigston Reviews The Liquid Logic Remix 79
3. Liquid Logic Remix

CKS Squad Review:
Nick Wigston Reviews The Liquid Logic Remix 79

I had the pleasure of testing out the Liquid Logic Remix 79 on Pine Creek & Numbers of the Arkansas River and Gore Canyon at high water. Never have I felt more confident in big water than in this boat. It’s fast and maneuverable and it carves into eddies with speed and control. It has made me realize that creek boats are not the best choice for running higher volume rivers.

Specs:

Pros:

• Displacement hull makes it really easy to control in high-volume big water rapids
• Liquidlogic has some of the most comfortable outfitting on the market
• This is one of the easiest boats to learn how to paddle with

Gore Canyon at high water in the Remix 79

Cons:

• Doesn’t have as much rocker as a full-on creek boat, like the Liquidlogic Jefe
• It can sometimes be too fast, if you aren’t already used to the speed

More Gore

I now have a Jefe Grande for creeking and a Remix 79 for river running and instruction. The extra hull speed really makes a difference when river running. I feel safer and more confident that I can maneuver on bigger rivers. I strongly recommend the Remix for anyone who is learning to kayak, because it is stable and forgiving, and it punches through holes better than any boat I have paddled in many years.

For size reference: I am 6′1″ and 175lbs, and the Remix 79 is a perfect size for me. My buddy Evan is 5′9″ and about 160lbs and he likes the Remix 69. They also have a 59 and a really small one for kids.

LVMTV: Aguanish River, Quebec from Lunch Video Magazine on Vimeo.

Here’s some good Remix Action from up in Canada.

Related posts:

1. Liquid Logic Remix
2. Liquid Logic Remix XP10
3. Liquid Logic Remix XP10 Long Term Review By Atom Crawford

Thad Blackwell’s Liquidlogic Biscuit Review

I recently sent a couple of cool pictures to Earl at Colorado Kayak Supply and as a result he asked if I minded submitting a short review. Well, here it is:

I’m no Greg Parker (Team Jackson), but was fortunate to have spent a week with him through Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center’s 5-day intermediate whitewater course. (Both Greg and RMOC truly are amazing and I highly recommend both.) I’m also nowhere near the caliber of kayaker or man as Atom Crawford (CKS Squad), but I’m fortunate to have him as a patient and tolerant mentor and friend.

I’ve been paddling since September 2008 and after starting, I haven’t looked back. I’ve owned and tried about 7-8 different kayaks and can sincerely say that there is one that, when it’s useful life is over, will most likely be replaced with another just like it. I purchased my Biscuit 55 very shortly after its arrival at CKS. It was an almost perfect day; I took the day off work, loaded my 2 trade-in boats (a Fun and a CR-125) and left Albuquerque at approximately 4:30 a.m.

Everything was going well until I got a speeding ticket about 15 miles south of the CKS warehouse near Buena Vista. So now that I’ve just added $165.00 to the price of the boat, let’s get back to the review.I’m ecstatic about the performance of the boat. I’m also currently paddling a Pyrhana Ammo, and a Pyrahna Karnali. The Biscuit, once dialed in, is as stable as my Ammo. It’s rails and edges are very forgiving on a wave. I’ve had it in 700-800 CFS on the Rio Grande State Park (II) and the Race Course (III) and have been nothing short of amazed with its performance and stability. No, it’s not a fast boat; but edge it in the right direction and couple that with the right stroke and it will do what it it’s told when it’s told. And when the unseen Shark, Crocodile, or Cougar (see Atom’s blog) reaches up to flip you over and have its way with you, it rolls easily… This is the first boat I’ve combat rolled!

I can honestly say that I’m a weak playboater but I still have a blast in this boat and spend more time in it then the rest of my boats combined.

Another strong point about this boat is the “Bad Ass” outfitting. I realize that there are a bunch of old schoolers out there who will gut any new boat and put in their own outfitting and I say so be it; as for me, I’m a strong believer in the comforts of outfitting. I’m usually too damn nervous enough as it is, so I may as well start out in a clean and comfortable boat and clean and comfortable shorts because neither maybe in the same condition at the end of the run.

Specs:

Pros:

• Departure from tradition in design (Very cool)
• Responsive
• Stable
• Comfortable
• Plenty of foot room with Rodeo Socks
• Dry
  

Cons:

• It can be difficult to pick the right size for you (45, 55, or 65) so if you are thinking about getting one, it’s necessary to demo more than one size.

The Verdict:

The heat is on and the bar is continually being raised. I’m very interested to see who comes up with the next Star or Biscuit. But if someone asked me today which boat I would replace my Biscuit with, I have only one answer – another.

All Photos courtesey of Nate Lada

Related posts:

1. The Liquid Logic Biscuit Playboat Review
2. Information Guide To Jackson Kayak’s Customer Options
3. Liquid Logic Jefe

Liquid Logic Jefe Review with Fred Norquist

The Jefe has been one of the best creek boats on the market for a while now. It’s overall performance on different types of creeks make it a great creek boat. I’ve been paddling the Jefe series for three years now, and I love the way the boat performs in all situations.

Here is a sweet little video of the Jefe going big in California with Demshitz on the South Branch of the Feather:

South Branch of the Feather Creekin from Fred Norquist on Vimeo.

Fred Norquist on Yule Creek. Photo by Anders Carlson.

Pros:

• Boofs really well
• Has plenty of rocker for all that Colorado mank
• Resurfaces fast
• Best outfitting in the industry

More Yule Creek brought to you by Fred Norquist. Photo by Anders Carlson

Cons:

• The lack of edges makes it more difficult to track
• Heavy compared to a lot of other creek boats on the market

Fred Paddling the Grande on the South Branch of the Feather, CA Photo: Jeremy Laucks

The Verdict:

The Jefe is a sick creek boat that will help you navigate the gnar, whether it’s your backyard creek or a high sierra multi-day expedition.

Boof! Evan Garcia paddling the Jefe Grande In Chile.

Related posts:

1. Liquid Logic Jefe
2. CKS Squad Review:Fred Norquist Reviews The AT2
3. Werner Powerhouse Review by Fred Norquist