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
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I’m confused by your saying, “Footpegs are weak-they blow off if driving hard or boofing (they don’t break-just peel off)”. Maybe it’s totally obvious, but could you explain to me what you mean by that?
They are plastic foot-pegs on a plastic rail (your foot rests on a small peg that is attached to the rail on the inside of the kayak, this makes it super easy to stuff gear up front and the pegs adjust back and forth for various leg lengths very easily). I had them pop off the rail when boofing a couple times. Nothing broke, they just came off the rail. Very easy to put back on. I tend to push really hard with my feet when rolling or boofing and this caused the issue. Most folks I have talked to never have this issue. It would be easy to install metal foot-pegs or a bulkhead if you had the same problems as I did. I love the kayak, I use it all the time. Atom…
Thank you so much for the info. I appreciate it.
What specific silicone would you use to seal the skeg bolts in the rear hatch in the XP10?
What do you think of the Dagger Approach 10.0 compared to the Liquid Logic XP10? Which one do you think is the better boat, especially when considering the price difference?
Thank you for your time. Take care and have a great day.
You could actually use Aqua Seal for the bolts. It is inexpensive and would get the job done. We have used the XP10 extensively on rivers like The Colorado (Grand Canyon), Piedra (Class IV wilderness run), Arkansas at high water, etc…and have never noticed any leaking in the hatch area.
Also, the Dagger Approach 10 and the LL Remix XP10 are different boats, hence the price difference. It all depends on what type of paddling you are doing. The approach is better suited for flat water, easy moving rivers, and mellow whitewater. The outfitting of the Approach is very comfortable, but not as whitewater oriented as the XP10. Also, the XP10 has a hull that is based on Remix series.
If you are looking for a boat that will paddle Class III and IV, big water, the Remix is the boat for you. It’s got the same plastic as the Jefe. If you want a boat for lakes and ponds and some easy rivers here and there, the Approach is a great value.