Which is better for the beginner: Jackson FUN or Wavesport EZ 50/others?

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Permalink Reply by Susan Rapp on March 24, 2008 at 12:12pm

Leah, this really depends on your preference. Personally, I do not care for the FUN series because I sit too deep in the boat and because of the high sides, I have trouble setting up for my roll. So, the EZG works better for my body type (I'm 5'1", have short torso and errrr....uhhhh....large chested). But the FUN may work out perfectly for you. I know a lot of people who paddle the FUN series and absolutely love it! Can you roll the FUN? Have you tried it on moving water/whitewater? When you buy a new boat, there will also be a time period you will need in order to adjust to the new boat and adjust the outfitting. In other words, if you haven't had it long, don't fret about the decision just yet. You may end up being one of the FUN fans! :o)

Take care,
Suzi

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Permalink Reply by Fish Bait on March 24, 2008 at 12:26pm

Leah, There are a lot of Pyranha paddlers, and I've personally seen amazing things done with the brand of boats, but I know that a Pyranha boat isn't for me. The feel of Pyranha's hull shape doesn't feel like a boat I can excel in. The same goes for Jackson series boats. Jackson series tend to have a lot of volume in the bow of the boats, and a lot less in the stern. I've found that Wavesports tend to be more equalized in volume throughout the boat, and have decided that based on my comfort level, I want a Wavesport.

But don't read too far into what I've written. I don't think you posted to have someone else with a different body type and paddling style decide the best boat for you. The best option for you is to demo any boat you can fit into. Boat manufacturers tend to have niche's for their designs. A Jackson series boat isn't going to feel like a Dagger series.

I've never sat in a Liquid Logic, but based on their online charts for body weight with boat type, I've eliminated Liquid Logic from my paddling options. Try comparing your body weight to the suggested paddler weights for each boat, and find the ones you want to try. A paddler on the light side of weight for the boat won't be able to throw it around in a playboating situation. A paddler on the heavy side of weight for the boat will find that throwing the boat around may be too easy (unstable river runner).

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Permalink Reply by Leah on March 24, 2008 at 1:47pm

Thanks for the feedback! It's been very helpful!

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Permalink Reply by Brandy@ERA on March 25, 2008 at 3:58pm

Leah,

I have an EZG 42 and I love it. I've heard good things about the FUN, though. Do you have an opportunity to demo the EZG or one of the Pyranhas?

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Permalink Reply by Leah on March 25, 2008 at 4:54pm

I've tried an EZG, not sure what model specific & I was able to roll it easier after only being in it for like 5 minutes. But I like the way the Jackson is built with more volume in the bow. The Wavesport is just teeny tiny for me, like being in a GEO car, lol. That's bad I know, but it's the truth. The Jackson's just a little harder for me to roll and I've got to work on that. I have never had the chance to try out a Pyranha or a Liquid Logic, but I'd like to someday.

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Permalink Reply by Fish Bait on March 26, 2008 at 9:46am

I can understand the GEO car aspect of your worries, so my new advice to you is don't go near squirt boats :)

EZG's are like paddling on a cloud. Not to mention it rolls as easy as thunder.

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Permalink Reply by Dan Flaherty on March 26, 2008 at 12:44pm

The best thing to do is to try the boats out. I am 5'7" male who has paddled both of the boats in question. I personally found that while the Jackson Fun was very comfortable, it had a very different feel than the EZG in the current. The ezg was more stable front to back and a little less stable side to side. In terms of rolling. The ezg is quite a bit easier due to being shallower volume. I was in the beginer paddler catagory, because of this, i felt that the ezg had a better overall comfort level. I was able to throw the ezg around better and more confidently. I also know many people who use the Jackson Fun. I personally felt that the ezg was a better fit for me.

After saying all this. I would say that the best thing to do is demo demo demo. If you have the option to try a boat, try it. The more you try out different boats the more you can decide what you like. The FUN might just need a little practise to get used to how it performs.

Dan

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Permalink Reply by MarkE on March 28, 2008 at 9:00am

It's the indian, not the arrow. EJ ran the Niagra Gorge in your boat. It's solid, trust me. A common misconception among new boaters is that the boat makes a HUGE difference. It doesn't. You can learn to drive just as well in a BMW as you can in a Toyota, Mercedes, or Dodge. I know the "brands" all say their boats are the best. That's their job. But don't listen to the hype. They all float, and that's all that really matters when you are starting out. In my opinon, the Fun is a better boat than the Remix or Ammo because you can surf the Fun. The other two you can't. More people paddle Jackson boats in my area than anything else. I've noticed that a lot of brand loyalty is regional. You shouldn't have any regrets. Just get out there and paddle.

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Permalink Reply by Leah on March 28, 2008 at 3:00pm

Thank you MarkE! Thanks for giving it to me straight & real. I was considering saling my boat after all this talkity talk and hype. But why should I do that when I haven't even really got a feel for it yet? That's silly! Thank you! I am excited to get my Fun out there on the Ocoee and Hiwasee. It's good to awesomet things about the FUN!! Peace!

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