Reaction vs Transition
Reaction vs Critical Mass
Reaction vs Vortex
Reaction vs Dancers
Reaction vs Lazer
Reaction vs AQII
Reaction vs Animas
Friday, December 12, 2008
AQII vs. Reaction
Reaction vs Transition
Reaction vs Critical Mass
Reaction vs Vortex
Reaction vs Dancers
Reaction vs Lazer
Reaction vs AQII
Reaction vs Animas
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Ice Blue and Pink boats
This week, someone asked me about an ice blue Stinger that he wanted to buy. Another customer was deciding between ice blue and pink for her slalom boat (she chose pink).
I did not have any good photos with those particular colors, so asked around on the DragoRossi message board and was reminded of this Madagascar trip posted by members of DragoRossi UK in which they had both pink and ice blue boats.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Pre order pricing and old 4 meter comparision
since some of the people who are interested in this plastic slalom boat are not currently competetive, I was asked to show a comparision of the DragoRossi plastic slalom boat, which falls within modern race dimensions, and one of the last competetive designs that used the older, longer dimensions.
3.5 meter SL350 on the top (new rules) and my old blue 4 meter on the bottom (old rules)
I dug out the last race boat I had before grad school got the better of me and I stopped training at the end of 2004.
Length restrictions were changed from a minimum of 4 meters to a minimum of 3.5 meters right after that time. So, the old blue 4 meter boat is obviously longer. Look how the designer has to make all sorts of strange features just to create a shorter rocker and make an easier turning boat. The new 3.5 meter boats can have the same rocker, or tighter rocker, without having to create odd tips on the boat.
If you have not tried a new 3.5 meter boat, and you used to race, then you really need to get in one of these new toys. They are more nimble, turn easier, and will make you feel like a champ.
For those of you who still compete or coach, you'll be happy to see a plastic teaching boat that is made with current design constraints in mind.
oh yea, this is an announcement about the pre order pricing too.
I got the factory to set their price for the half container being shipped to the U.S.
I'm putting up my money and credit to bring these boats over here so need to cover my butt.
The retail price will be $700.
However, anyone who gets an order in, by the middle of January, before the container ships, will be taking some of the risk away from me, and will be considered as a co-importer.
This means that you can get a boat at wholesale price.
see details here
Buy them for your club.
Buy one for yourself.
Buy them to sell.
Shipping can be arranged on an individual basis, but it starts to get expensive with FedEx, UPS, and the like. I suggest Forward Air. Better yet, if someone is travelling from one of the drop points on the east coast to your location, a little bit of gas money goes a long way.
3.5 meter SL350 on the top (new rules) and my old blue 4 meter on the bottom (old rules) 
I dug out the last race boat I had before grad school got the better of me and I stopped training at the end of 2004.
Length restrictions were changed from a minimum of 4 meters to a minimum of 3.5 meters right after that time. So, the old blue 4 meter boat is obviously longer. Look how the designer has to make all sorts of strange features just to create a shorter rocker and make an easier turning boat. The new 3.5 meter boats can have the same rocker, or tighter rocker, without having to create odd tips on the boat.
If you have not tried a new 3.5 meter boat, and you used to race, then you really need to get in one of these new toys. They are more nimble, turn easier, and will make you feel like a champ.
For those of you who still compete or coach, you'll be happy to see a plastic teaching boat that is made with current design constraints in mind.
oh yea, this is an announcement about the pre order pricing too.
I got the factory to set their price for the half container being shipped to the U.S.
I'm putting up my money and credit to bring these boats over here so need to cover my butt.
The retail price will be $700.
However, anyone who gets an order in, by the middle of January, before the container ships, will be taking some of the risk away from me, and will be considered as a co-importer.
This means that you can get a boat at wholesale price.
see details here
Buy them for your club.
Buy one for yourself.
Buy them to sell.
Shipping can be arranged on an individual basis, but it starts to get expensive with FedEx, UPS, and the like. I suggest Forward Air. Better yet, if someone is travelling from one of the drop points on the east coast to your location, a little bit of gas money goes a long way.
Friday, December 05, 2008
St. Louis MO: The next whitewater frontier?
http://stlriverproject.blogspot.com/
I have started a blog that will follow my progress in The Chain of Rocks River Project. Now, whitewater in the mid-west has been a black hole in the minds of most kayakers. But, I am spearheading a project that sets out to change that fact. Check out the blog, send me your thoughts, props, suggestions etc. I want to involve a large community in this because it will eventually affect a large community. Imagine, a world class river park with everything from small practice features, to 10 foot standing surf waves all at a park and play location. Imagine, a crumbling section of St. Louis, revitalized by a new source of revineau.
These are the visions of a successful Chain of Rocks River Project. Check it out.
http://stlriverproject.blogspot.com/
I have started a blog that will follow my progress in The Chain of Rocks River Project. Now, whitewater in the mid-west has been a black hole in the minds of most kayakers. But, I am spearheading a project that sets out to change that fact. Check out the blog, send me your thoughts, props, suggestions etc. I want to involve a large community in this because it will eventually affect a large community. Imagine, a world class river park with everything from small practice features, to 10 foot standing surf waves all at a park and play location. Imagine, a crumbling section of St. Louis, revitalized by a new source of revineau.
These are the visions of a successful Chain of Rocks River Project. Check it out.
http://stlriverproject.blogspot.com/
oooooh new Critical Mass coming
Just spoke with Tony Z at donkeyflip.com and learned that my new Critical Mass is shipping very very soon. Sweet! New plastic for me. That means I'll put the old one up for sale. One friend expressed interest so he has right of first refusal, but if he doesn't take it then I'll let other know.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
yay. a photo of me
just excited to have a good photo of me because I'm usually behind the camera
This was taken by Jeff Paine (of American Whitewater) on Fall Creek this past October. Thanks Jeff!
Speaking of American Whitewater...
I know that the organization is not perfect, but I get concerned when people talk all sorts of crap about the organization while sitting on their own butts and doing nothing.
Either work within the system, start your own organization, or recocnize that you're just an unproductive complainer.
AW does what they can for ww boating. I would think that anyone's complaint would be better served if they joined up, volunteered, and let their voice be hear as a member. The only other option is to start their own organization.
This was taken by Jeff Paine (of American Whitewater) on Fall Creek this past October. Thanks Jeff!
Speaking of American Whitewater...
I know that the organization is not perfect, but I get concerned when people talk all sorts of crap about the organization while sitting on their own butts and doing nothing.
Either work within the system, start your own organization, or recocnize that you're just an unproductive complainer.
AW does what they can for ww boating. I would think that anyone's complaint would be better served if they joined up, volunteered, and let their voice be hear as a member. The only other option is to start their own organization.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Mad Boy on the water with normal paddlers
not that Corran and the pros in Italy haven't entertained us with their "WTF were you thinking?" antics while designing the boat. But, the Mad Boy was designed for mere mortals, average paddlers (and I'm hoping for those who used to paddle alot but are not quite up to the same level they used to be... just like me) You know... the people who get out every weekend with no external rewards, just the pure joy of being outside and being on the water with good people. Good people like Rob, Wade, and Jeff.
Enjoy these pics from running the T'VILLE dam at about 2.5
Rob is in the yellow MAD BOY.
Wade is in an orange JEFE.
Jeff is in an orange REACTION
Sunday, November 30, 2008
DragoRossi Mad Boy first look in U.S.
Here's a glimpse at the new river runner (probably be used as a creeker by many) from DragoRossi.
This boat will arrive in the U.S. some time this early spring.
The new outfitting includes an adjustable rotomolded seat with pad.
The new ratcheting backband is larger and set up for easier adjustment. Everything is attached to the seat so no matter where you move your seat the set up for the back band is how you like it.
Traditional thigh hooks and a new adjustable bulkhead foot brace system. Move the black plates (which are on top of the main white plate) to fill in the space and prevent any slipping past the bulkhead. It's a safety feature that many are incorporating into their standard setups these days.
a quick shot of the hull. Not the best photo. Flat light and unscratched new plastic don't make for the best contrast. But, you'll get the idea...
Where does the Mad Boy fall in the DragoRossi creek boat line?
Check out these photos for quick comparisions with the Critical Mass and the Mafia.
blue CRITICAL MASS (left), yellow MAD BOY (center), green MAFIA (right)
My First Impressions...
I paddled the boat for the first time on Friday after Thanksgiving at Bulls Bridge. First impression was the stability. Big flat spot on the bottom makes the boat sit flat and confident. The edges are rounded enough so it's still easy to put up on edge for ferrying and it transfers edge to edge in a familiar way.
The boat is fast. I actually had to back off a bit on the approach to this boof move that I normally do when the river is at 1'. Typically I am in either the Mafia, or my Fish so have to paddle a bit harder to make the cross current move. The Mad Boy is very fast for it's length; probably a hair faster than the Critical Mass. But, the nice thing is that it's not TOO much faster. The adjustment is easy. I'm sure it will be a good big water boat too.
A note on the new outfitting. It took me about 5 minutes to get the bulkhead, thigh hooks, hip pads, and seat where I wanted them. Probably would have taken a bit less time if I was not distracted by talking with a friend who I had not seen in several months. All in all the outfitting is very easy to deal with, very "industry standard" and familiar.
This boat will arrive in the U.S. some time this early spring.
The new outfitting includes an adjustable rotomolded seat with pad.
The new ratcheting backband is larger and set up for easier adjustment. Everything is attached to the seat so no matter where you move your seat the set up for the back band is how you like it.
Traditional thigh hooks and a new adjustable bulkhead foot brace system. Move the black plates (which are on top of the main white plate) to fill in the space and prevent any slipping past the bulkhead. It's a safety feature that many are incorporating into their standard setups these days.
a quick shot of the hull. Not the best photo. Flat light and unscratched new plastic don't make for the best contrast. But, you'll get the idea...
Where does the Mad Boy fall in the DragoRossi creek boat line?
Check out these photos for quick comparisions with the Critical Mass and the Mafia.
blue CRITICAL MASS (left), yellow MAD BOY (center), green MAFIA (right)
My First Impressions...
I paddled the boat for the first time on Friday after Thanksgiving at Bulls Bridge. First impression was the stability. Big flat spot on the bottom makes the boat sit flat and confident. The edges are rounded enough so it's still easy to put up on edge for ferrying and it transfers edge to edge in a familiar way.
The boat is fast. I actually had to back off a bit on the approach to this boof move that I normally do when the river is at 1'. Typically I am in either the Mafia, or my Fish so have to paddle a bit harder to make the cross current move. The Mad Boy is very fast for it's length; probably a hair faster than the Critical Mass. But, the nice thing is that it's not TOO much faster. The adjustment is easy. I'm sure it will be a good big water boat too.
A note on the new outfitting. It took me about 5 minutes to get the bulkhead, thigh hooks, hip pads, and seat where I wanted them. Probably would have taken a bit less time if I was not distracted by talking with a friend who I had not seen in several months. All in all the outfitting is very easy to deal with, very "industry standard" and familiar.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Reaction vs. Lazer
because of the contrast, there is a white line at the bow of the Lazer. The old black ender cap blended in with the roof a bit too much to see well.
I'm sure the Lazer is faster in the flats and super easy class III, but the added rocker of the Reaction lets it keep up some speed in the heavier water and makes turning a bit easier. The deck is just a bit higher too for your knees.
If anyone has an Excel that can be compared, I'd love to have pictures.
Reaction vs Transition
Reaction vs Critical Mass
Reaction vs Vortex
Reaction vs Dancers
Reaction vs Lazer
Reaction vs AQII
Thursday, November 27, 2008
new plastic slalom boat
the straight-on shots are at the bottom as well as my impressions for the first day of paddling this boat
The SL350 weighs 14kg with all the outfitting. I'm sure if someone wanted to save weight they could take out the seat and shave at least 1.5kg off. But, weight saving is not really the point of a plastic slalom boat. Having a boat for teaching people how to paddle a slalom boat IS one of the reasons for having a plastic slalom boat. Also, it makes a great, durable cruiser for slalom boaters who don't want to beat up on their $1500 composite competition boats. So, the ready-to-go outfitting is nice.
It has an adjustable ratcheting backband and traditional style footpegs.
The SL350 is a completely modern slalom design, made with the design concepts with which current slalom athletes are accustomed.
It measures just barely over 350 cm,and is within the competiton dimention requirements.
here is a nice shot of it next to the Reaction so cruisers can get an idea of the size of the boat
I let James Capozi take the boat for it's inagural run down Bulls Bridge at just over 1/2' on the gauge. He is well over 6' tall with long legs and big feet. He fit very well in the boat. I don't know his weight, but he is super thin. Still, he looked like he was at the boat's max weight. It was James' first time ever in a slalom boat and he found it stable. While he complained about not being able to turn it (ha ha ha slalom boat newbie!!!) he was making it look good and nobody in the group could tell that he had not paddled in a 3.5m boat before.
Second run was my turn, and first time in the SL350. I weigh 170lbs and feel that the boat would be an acceptable size for me to compete in C/D racing, but I'd probably be better off with a larger bow if I were to race in the higher ranking race with more difficult whitewater. I was fine in cruising mode, but I just always preferred a larger bow. Some current competitors my size might argue otherwise.
The stern felt small. So, it's probably the boat that I envision, but if I was 150lbs. I'm anxious to have Ted or Devin try it out and get their impressions. Devin is lighter than me, but about the same height. Ted is much lighter than I am so will be a good indicator for some different paddlers.
I have paddled a couple of the new 3.5m boats briefly in the past. This plastic boat feels exactly like the contemporary boats and is a great improvement over the old Reflex and Fox.
Honestly, I need to get into my old slalom boat for a better comparison. I'm going on a bit of memory and have been paddling fat creek boats for the past couple of years.
Check the blog later because I will get some more people in the boat and get some more comparative runs in different slalom boats myself; probably ask to borrow one of the Vajda or Galasport models from this year.
The SL350 weighs 14kg with all the outfitting. I'm sure if someone wanted to save weight they could take out the seat and shave at least 1.5kg off. But, weight saving is not really the point of a plastic slalom boat. Having a boat for teaching people how to paddle a slalom boat IS one of the reasons for having a plastic slalom boat. Also, it makes a great, durable cruiser for slalom boaters who don't want to beat up on their $1500 composite competition boats. So, the ready-to-go outfitting is nice.
It has an adjustable ratcheting backband and traditional style footpegs.
The SL350 is a completely modern slalom design, made with the design concepts with which current slalom athletes are accustomed.
It measures just barely over 350 cm,and is within the competiton dimention requirements.
here is a nice shot of it next to the Reaction so cruisers can get an idea of the size of the boat
I let James Capozi take the boat for it's inagural run down Bulls Bridge at just over 1/2' on the gauge. He is well over 6' tall with long legs and big feet. He fit very well in the boat. I don't know his weight, but he is super thin. Still, he looked like he was at the boat's max weight. It was James' first time ever in a slalom boat and he found it stable. While he complained about not being able to turn it (ha ha ha slalom boat newbie!!!) he was making it look good and nobody in the group could tell that he had not paddled in a 3.5m boat before.
Second run was my turn, and first time in the SL350. I weigh 170lbs and feel that the boat would be an acceptable size for me to compete in C/D racing, but I'd probably be better off with a larger bow if I were to race in the higher ranking race with more difficult whitewater. I was fine in cruising mode, but I just always preferred a larger bow. Some current competitors my size might argue otherwise.
The stern felt small. So, it's probably the boat that I envision, but if I was 150lbs. I'm anxious to have Ted or Devin try it out and get their impressions. Devin is lighter than me, but about the same height. Ted is much lighter than I am so will be a good indicator for some different paddlers.
I have paddled a couple of the new 3.5m boats briefly in the past. This plastic boat feels exactly like the contemporary boats and is a great improvement over the old Reflex and Fox.
Honestly, I need to get into my old slalom boat for a better comparison. I'm going on a bit of memory and have been paddling fat creek boats for the past couple of years.
Check the blog later because I will get some more people in the boat and get some more comparative runs in different slalom boats myself; probably ask to borrow one of the Vajda or Galasport models from this year.
Reaction vs. Dancers
the orange DragoRossi Reaction, red Perception Dancer, blue Perception Dancer XT
Reaction vs Transition
Reaction vs Critical Mass
Reaction vs Vortex
Reaction vs Dancers
Reaction vs Lazer
Reaction vs AQII
Monday, November 10, 2008
Old School fun in the Reaction
way back in ancient times (1990's) I remember doing enders and corner spins in my old long boat. I brought the Reaction down to Tville to recapture some of that fun for a moment before breaking out the hot dog freestyle boat. I ended up spending the entire session in the Reaction.
special thank you to John Wallace of KayakPsych and Eskimo for taking photos.
Reaction vs Transition
Reaction vs Critical Mass
Reaction vs Vortex
special thank you to John Wallace of KayakPsych and Eskimo for taking photos.
Reaction vs Transition
Reaction vs Critical Mass
Reaction vs Vortex
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