Whitewater kayaking is one of the sports out there where it actually really benefits you to have at least a simple knowledge of basic scientific rules. The guys at Riot Kayaks got their formulas down just right. After all, if something is proven to work, why would you try and fix anything up right? Well, that is mostly true, however, it does not apply to everything.
Sometimes products are just so alike that it is literally impossible for consumers to tell the difference. When this happens things like the price, and brand recognition come into play a lot more in the buying process. A lot of lesser known brands end up being overshadowed by others because of the lack of “it” factor. This in our minds has happened to Riot Kayaks.
Even though they have been around for over 20 years they just can’t seem to step out off Dagger kayaks shadow. Add to that the fact that Dagger has partnered with Red Bull to break the world record for the highest drop on a kayak in history and things get even tougher.
Today we’ll be looking at the Riot Kayaks Magnum 80 Whitewater Creeking Kayak. To see if it’s only bad marketing that is keeping it a little in the shadows!
About The Product
The Riot Kayaks Magnum 80 Whitewater Creeking Kayak is an 8.3 feet long kayak. Like its name suggest it is specifically made for creeking in the toughest places you can imagine. As such it is a boat loaded with safety features.
It is equipped with front and rear floatation bags to ensure that the boat will resurface no matter how high the drop is. A security bar inside the cockpit to ensure that you don’t take the direct impact of rocks or other obstacles. Continuing with the security trend, it is equipped with suregrip thigh braces, and a creek foot brace.
There is no doubt that you won’t have to worry about being fully strapped in if you follow instructions correctly. It is not the most agile or maneuverable out there though so we can shave some points off there.
Key Points
What We Like
This boat is almost like a little tank out in the water. You won’t have a problem with almost plowing over anything that gets in your way. It comes loaded with safety features so that also makes it a great boat for beginners. Especially when you are thinking of taking your first whitewater kayaking trip.
There are really very few kayaks out there that can take the beating that this one can take. This also makes it a very durable boat. There are really two main groups of riders that will out right love this boat. Novice riders just getting into whitewater kayaking.
The other group is made up of older experts who need to feel safer in the water. All that being said it really isn’t the best boat in other regards that we will now get to.
What We Do Not Like
First off we want to make it very clear that we actually think this is a very serviceable boat. We are just not totally in love with some of its features. It is just way to bulky out in the water.
Sure you can pick it up and carry it wherever you want outside the water inside it makes paddling a little rough. It is great that you can almost run any line out there. It is actually really hard to paddle and get to the lines you want to get to. It doesn’t have great seep, and you really have to work to get it to change direction.
What’s even worse is that it is actually a couple of bucks more expensive than other very similar options out there. Maybe it is not the worst thing in the world for some people. The problem we see with this boat is that it takes a very specific rider to be able to ride it in tough conditions.
By being able to ride we mean ride it well, hitting the spots you want to hit in the water. Not just letting the current take you down stream which is what most other riders are going to have to do.
Buying Advice
We really gave this product a beating both in the water and in our reviews. We really don’t mean to discourage anyone who is looking to buy. We actually believe like we said that it can be a very durable product. With that being said, and like with many of our previous boats we recommend you find a dealer near you.
Actually what we think is the best way to go hear is to make a list of the boats that interest you the most. Regardless of the brand or type. Then you can search where the dealers are in your area. This will save you a ton of time and money and make the shopping process more enjoyable.
We know that what you really want to do is be in the water not in the store. In our opinion being efficient with your research is the fastest way to get you there.
Conclusion
We may have been a little biased with this boat, since we are not the type of rider that this boat suits best. That being said we understand that their plenty of riders out there who would love this boat. That is why we recommend that you do your own research.
We would never want our opinion to potentially keep you from buying a boat that would fit you perfectly. The problem is in our eyes this boat just doesn’t stand up well compared to other options we have tried and loved.
If safety is your main concern, you should really at least have a good look a this boat. The Riot Kayaks Magnum 80 Whitewater Creeking Kayak is one of the boats that would keep your family more at peace when you go out!
Our Rating
