The Dagger Axis All Water Adventure Kayak
Hybrid Boats are gaining popularity, due to the versatility that they offer. The Dagger Axis is no exception. This boat is geared towards the recreational paddler, who is looking for a kayak that will allow them to paddle on flat-water as well as moving water and streams. Like the Liquid Logic Remix XP10, Pyranha Fusion and Jackson All Water; the Dagger Axis comes complete with a drop skeg, cargo hatch and roomy seating area. If it’s a comfortable day on the lake, with the ability to paddle some occasional whitewater that you are after; the Dagger Axis is a wise choice.
Specs:
Pros:
- The Axis is a very fast, stable boat. After taking a couple of strokes to get it up to speed, it holds a line very well, and is very easy to keep at speed. You could paddle a few miles of flat water pretty easily.
- There are 2 sizes (10.5 and 12). The 10.5 is a decent sized boat for most paddlers (up to 300 lbs) who want to do day trips. The 12 footer is a big boat (up to 350 lbs). Kevin Garnett could paddle this boat and not cramp his legs.
- The storage hatch is large enough on the 10.5 for a light overnight trip. The 12 foot version has even more room. The cockpit area is almost big enough to sleep in in the 12.
- Price. This boat offers a lot of bang for the buck.
It only takes a few strokes to get the Axis up to speed. Once it's going, it's easy to keep cruising.
Cons:
- Of all the hybrid’s on the market, the Axis is meant for more flat water paddling and not aggressive whitewater. If you want to paddle class III and beyond, look at the Liquid Logic Remix XP10 or Pyranha fusion. They have more aggressive outfitting and hull designs that are better for difficult whitewater.
The Axis has a roomy seating area that is a breeze to get in and out of.
The Verdict:
The Axis appeals to the person who wants a comfortable boat, that handles different types of water well. It would be the ideal kayak for someone who is looking for a boat to bring to the lake house in the summer. You can paddle it on flatwater, moving water and anything in between. At $795 it is one of the least expensive hybrids on the market, which is another great reason to look at this boat. Dagger has made quality kayaks for a long time, and the Axis is no exception.
Related posts:
I purchased an Axis 10.5 in December and I love it! It is everything I have read about. It does better in whitewater than I’ve seen written about(even class 3 water). There is one problem that dagger will have to address. Out of 3 floats, the skeg has broken 3 times!!!! There is a plastic piece that holds the front of the skeg up,instead of a steel bolt. I think fabricating a new piece out of aluminum or steel will do perfect. If there is not a recall of some sort I will have to have this done myself, I just hate to void my warranty. I am sure by mid-spring it will be an issue,I just can’t wait that long!!! I still wouldn’t trade it, it is a great boat!!!!
I am sorry that you are having this issue. Is the rudder hitting rocks where you paddle? Where exactly is this happening? On the river? Is it a shallow run? Just curious to know more about your problem.
Did you buy the boat from CKS? Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like any help in the future! I will forward this info to the right people at Wilderness Systems. Again, sorry to hear about you issue.
Do you leave the skeg down when paddling whitewater? If so, you should pull the skeg up. I’m not so sure that fabricating a metal skeg pin is such a good idea. If you crunch the metal skeg and you have a metal hinge then you might destroy the boat instead.
I have a question for those who have purchased this boat. I am 6′2″ and have longer legs, I was wondering if i should purchase the 12 foot axis or would i be able to fit in the 10.5 model? Any help would be appreciated thanks
I have paddled boats only on flat water. I am 6′2″ with a 34″ inseam and weigh 210 lbs. The 10.5 was extremely comfortable. It felt like a mix of a whitewater boat, and rec boat. The 10.5 tracked well, was fast especially when the skeg was down and seemed like it would do well in easy whitewater. The 12 footer is REALLY big. It’s a bit faster and takes more effort to get it up to speed. Once it’s going, it’ll track really well and hold a line better. I think that unless you were really big, it would be harder to paddle in whitewater, especially tight rapids. 12 feet it pretty long. It would be better for paddling on flatwater.
Those are just my thoughts.
@TimMurphy – Hello, I’m 6′1 and 190 lbs, and I am very happy with the Axis 10.5.
It’s a very stable boat, comfortable, and cruises along nicely.
I have no doubt you’d find the 10.5 to be a good fit.
I’m trying to decide between the Dagger Axis 12 and the Pungo 120. I am 5′8″ tall and weigh 200 lbs. I will mostly be using the kayak on a lake, but might occasionally use it on a river. I’m not looking for a boat for class 3 rapids, but I’m wondering if the hybrid aspects of teh Dagger are worth having.
If you are going to paddle on rivers and lakes, the Axis sounds like it could be a great boat for you-either the 10.5 or the 12. The 10.5 would be a great boat. It is a little bit shorter, still tracks (with the drop skeg) well and would be easy to get it down river (class I and II). The 12 is faster on flat water, but is much more boat to get downriver.
I am a beginning kayaker and looking to buy my first boat.
I’ve taken some classes and know just enough to know that I don’t know much.
Since I seem to prefer rivers and occasionaly small lakes, I think this is the boat for me. I want something that could handle a “wee bit of white water” if I unexpectedly find myself in some. I can’t imagine ever seeking out anything more than a class II.
My problem is: I am torn between the 10.5 and 12. I am 5.5′ and weigh about 155. I do sometimes paddle with some “black belt” folks on a small lake in sea kayaks who told the 10 would be very slow. Would the increased speed of a 12 be worth it? Any insights would be welcome
There are advantages and disadvantages to both boats. The 10.5 is going to be easier to get in and out of the water (and off of the car), better in whitewater (easier to maneuver between rocks and in small rivers) and a better fit for you inside of the boat (the 12 is a huge boat). The downside to the 10.5 is that it will be slower than many of your sea kayaking friends. The 12 is 1.5 feet longer, which makes it a much faster boat. It has a huge cockpit, which may need some additional outfitting. It is also a little tougher to paddle down river, if the river is tight.
Overall, I think that the 10.5 would work great for an overall boat. If you are going to spend lots of time paddling with sea kayaker’s, the 12 would be a good choice.
Do you have a store near by where you can sit in the boats?
I think you should look at the discontinued Blackwater 10.5 . It is great in flat and moving water and fine for class I and II rapids. I have paddled both and think the Blackwater would be faster,though not as good in rapids.
Yes, there is a store somewhat nearby that will let us try out the boats on a nearby lake. My friend is smaller than I at 5′3″ and is worried about being able to lift the boat onto our rack.
We’ll only hang out with the sea kayakers for a short circle around a small lake on Monday’s after work. I think we can live with not keeping up with them. We are still able to hold our own at the pub afterwards, which is very important.
Since we are primarily interested in doing the river thing. I think you have convinced me to go with the 10.5. I really appreciate your help.
As soon as I get one and start paddling, I’ll send in my own review from a beginner’s perspective.
I’m really glad I found this place, I’ll be back, to spend money if nothing else.
Sounds like a good call. To tell you the truth, the only way that you will be able to keep up with sea kayakers is by paddling a touring boat. The 12 is pretty wide, and touring boats are narrow. This means that even if you were in a longer boat (like the Axis 12), they would be more efficient than you (narrower = faster). In short, you would work much harder than they would to go the same speed, and the same distance (especially if they have glass or composite boats). As far as keeping up with them at the pub….well that is a different story.
Definitely paddle the boats on the pond. If you have the option of “try before you buy”….go for it. We had a Dagger demo day on the lake here in Buena Vista, CO, and many of the female paddlers thought that the 12 was HUGE! In fact, one girl(average size) was able to lay down on the seat, and sleep inside of the cockpit with her legs stretched out. She liked the 10.5 way better.
Send in your reviews for sure!!! We would love to get info from the perspective of as many real world paddlers as possible. Photos would be great too! Also, feel free to post things on our Facebook page. We love getting kayaking photos on there.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Colorado-Kayak-Supply-CKS/35769140592?ref=ts
We’ve got lots of accessories that will make your day on the river much more enjoyable. The most important goal however, is to make sure that customers are getting themselves into the correct boat. That is the purpose of this blog.
Thanks for reading!
CKS Admin
What is the deal with the “pebble texture” finnish on the Axis 12 hull bottom?
It will hide abrasion. Also a textured hull is actually faster in the water as compared to smooth. Fish and snakes are not smooth and just imagine how fast they are through the water. It creates release.
I am also new to kayaking. I am 6′3″ and I weigh 235. I sat (at a local store) in the Axis 12.0 today. It is the first kayak that I have sat in that looks to be good quality and I fit well in. I loved the cockpit. I would buy this, but it is a bit more than I originally wanted to spend.
I might instead buy the discontinued Blackwater. I found it on craigslist for $500 and it looks to be in good condition. Is this a good deal? Does it have a similar cockpit?
Yes, both of the cockpits are roomy and comfy.
I have a Valley Avocet-RM and am trying to decide between the Dagger Axis 10.5 and 12.0. RE the Dagger 12.0, how “huge” is huge as referred to in other comments? I am looking for a relatively speedy boat with a larger cockpit opening to use on flatwater and easy rivers.
It is a big boat for smaller paddlers, and also for paddling in lower volume streams. Long (and wide) boats can be hard to turn between rocks that are tightly spaced. If it’s fast cruising on flatwater that you are after, the 12 could be a great choice for you. It will do will in easy moving water as long as there aren’t a ton of rocks to navigate in betwen.
I am lucky enough to live in western Montana where I can access the Clark Fork, the Blackfoot, the Bitterroot and the Lochsa rivers all within an hour. I’m looking for the ideal boat versatile enough to do them all. I weigh about 190 lbs, am 5′10″ tall and have a little whitewater experience so I’d consider myself a high beginner/low intermediate paddler. Considering the Remix XP-10, the Pyrana Fusion, the Dagger Axis and the Wilderness Tsunami 125. Can you steer me in the right direction?
All of the boats have different niches. The Axis is better suited for flat water touring and easy whitewater. The LL remix XP is based on the Remix hull, which means that it can bomb class III and IV all day long. The Fusion is a little bit smaller than the Remix XP, and possibly more nimble, but not as stable.
I am considering buy either an Axis12 or a Pungo120 I have a dagger Approach 10 already.My question is there enough difference between the Axis and Approach for me to buy the Axis or should I go for the pungo.I am planning on using it on lakes and slower moving rivers,I am also learning to white water kayak and when proficient will buy a proper boat for this.
The major difference between the Approach and the Axis is the fact that the Axis is available in larger sizes with more length and volume. How big are you? Do you want a boat to store gear in when you paddle? These are the things to think about when looking for your next boat. It sounds like you are going to get a whitewater boat for rivers, so think about your plans for flat water. Do you want to do some short day trips, or longer tours? The Axis 12 is a big boat that has more room for storage. It is like a big version of your approach. The Pungo 120 is a good option too. It’s very stable,and a good option for lakes and ponds.
I am also a beginner kayak gal – 5″7,170lbs,58 yrs old and trying to decide between the Axis 10.5 and the Pungo 120 – I would be kayaking rivers,lakes,ponds,marshes,lagoons,bays here in the Midwest and in the Gulf Coast area – mostly bird and wildlife watching,photography,fishing,with an occasional overnight camping trip – not going for speed but comfort and stability. Is there much of a difference in the materials these kayaks are made of, their seats etc? I do not have anywhere to try these out where I am located – any info beyond what is on the spec web sites would be appreciated Thanks!
Hi, i am 6′ tall and weigh about 230, i currently own the carolina 12 which can haul 275 lb. the kayak sits very close to the water even when i have no gear (for overnight) in it. i read that the axis 12 can haul 350 lb. would that be a better fit for me? if i add 40 lb for gear that would make the total wight 270.
The Axis 12 would haul more.
Hi, I am purchacing a Axis 12. I deliberated long and hard on the 10.5 or the 12. When it comes down to it I live in a area that I have to drive a hour to get on a river that flows at speed at all and to get into at least a class 2 I must travel 4 hours. 90% of where I paddle will be slow river water. I am looking forward to having room to put things. I now have a old town otter which was a great beginner boat but I am looking forward to having comfort storage and engineering. The seat alone is worth a bunch !!
I’ve been checking out all of the comments here, all are very helpful. I currently live at the coast and have waterways all around my home and work. That being said, I move every few years for work and I would like a kayak that can handle most of what I throw at it. It seems like the 12 would work great for the ocean and waterways / marsh around my current home, but would it also be suitable for class II rapids if I move somewhere where the water is more “exciting” than relaxing?
Yes, that would be perfect for the 12. That is exactly what is was built for.
Seems like everyone who was debating over the Dagger Axis and other comparible kayaks wanted the same thing…versitility and manageability.
I am very new to kayaking and after only 1 month in a Manatee 10, I upgraded to the Axis 12 (even after testing a Pungo 120). At age 66 and only 5′5″ and 163 lbs, I was concerned about loading and unloading this by myself. Every site that I reviewd showed the Axis weighing 48 lbs. but the Dagger site has it listed at 55 lbs. Which is correct (can’t fit it on my scale to confirm). It does take a little effort but going slow and being careful is the key.
In the end, this was the right decision. This boat is so much fun and will do pretty much what you want in most waters except the open ocean. The skeg is a great option to have.
I agree about the skeg. It truly offers the best of both worlds.