L'Edge Review after test run on Green Narrows

[Dooleyoc-1]

Well, I've been waiting to post a review on the L'Edge until I could actually paddle it down a river (an artificial slalom course and swimming pool just didn't seem like fair tests) So today I paddled the L'Edge down the Green Narrows in NC with Matt and Will Lyons from LVM. Will shot footage of the L'Edge and we will post a link later this week.

Here's the one sentence review: The L'Edge is the best open canoe creek boat on the market. Period.

I've been paddling the Green for 10 years and today was the best and smoothest run I have ever made on that river. I never felt out of control on the entire trip and I even fired up Gorilla (I did walk the notch) Here are some thoughts on the boat:

Stability- it is the most stable boat under 14 ft on the market. This is huge for creeking and river running. It is much more stable than the prelude. It is in the same league with the spanish fly and quake when it comes to stability.

Maneuverability- it spins on a dime. It is just as maneuverable as the fly.

Boofing- It is incredibly easy to boof. It boofs at least as well as the prelude if not better.

Dryness- It is very dry. I paddled the open version and it was dryer than the prelude (and much dryer than the fly)

Re-Surfacing after drops- It resurfaces at the bottom of drops better than any canoe I've ever paddled based on my line on pencil sharpener today (you have to plug it and it's about 10 ft tall. The boat resurfaced fast and in control)

Punching Holes- This was the most pleasant surprise of the day for me. I had my best line ever punching the top hole at Zwicks and going through speed trap below gorilla. This boat glides over holes like nothing I've ever seen. I'm not sure what it is about the hull that allows this to happen but it was shockingly good at gliding on top of big holes and staying dry

Durability- This boat seems to have much thicker plastic than the prelude or spanish fly. Only time will tell but I would predict that it will be the most durable canoe since the quake. (it is heavier too)

Speed- This is the only area where I wouldn't give the boat 5 stars. Yes, it's faster than a spanish fly or quake (but those are the two slowest river runner/creekers ever made). It is slower than the prelude but that is understandable because it is so much wider. You don't need much speed on creeks so this is a small price to pay for everything you gain. Also, I'm guessing it will be much more playful than the prelude on runs like the ocoee and gauley (I will find out next weekend on the ocoee)

Rolling- I didn't have to roll today but I did roll it in the pool. I thought it was easier to roll than the fly or prelude. I would say it's one of the easier canoes to roll (with the ocoee and quake being the two easiest because I can hand roll those boats and the Cu-Fly is probably the hardest to roll)


Final Thoughts: This will be a paradigm shifting canoe. It is plastic but unlike the fly it looks like a traditional canoe and unlike the prelude it is incredibly stable. On top of that, it should be more durable than either boat and it seems to have an almost magic ability to glide over holes. This will be the canoe that converts the average rec paddler to roto molded plastic.

This boat should elevate the sport by making things easier. If you're on the Tellico this boat should take you to the Watauga. If you're on the upper yough it should take you to the green etc... It is really nice to be on a run and not have to think about stability.

Many thanks to Craig and Jacques at Esquif for pushing the envelope of canoe design and making this project a reality. I am very stoked about what will be possible in this canoe. I've spent all afternoon day dreaming about rapids I want to run in this boat!


PS- the L'Edge got a lot of attention from the kayakers today on the green. This boat will get more people into the sport. I'm taking it on the boy scout lost tribe trip and the ocoee next weekend if anyone wants to jump in and try it out.

[Mikey B]

Wow, the boat sounds awesome! I can't wait to test drive one.
Great job Craig...sounds like your design is well thought out and executed. And it does look really really good...should help to sell a bunch too

[yarnellboat]

Dooley, for some additional context, what ballpark are you in weight-wise?

I sure hope I'll see a L'Edge out West sometime, though we usually have to wait forever to see new boats. At 220 lbs I'm hesitant to put money down for a L'Edge based on early hype & reviews, need to try before I buy.

Thanks, Pat.

[Dooleyoc-1]

I'm about 195 lbs. Any yes, it's always good to test a boat before you buy it. However, I think 220 lbs will be ok for the L'Edge

(I think 220 would be too much for a fly or prelude even though I've seen plenty of people that big in both boats) I was about 205 for a lot of the years I was paddling those boats and I felt like I was at the top of the acceptable weight range.

[Craig Smerda]

I hate to say I told you so... so I won't

[kanur]

Final Thoughts: This will be a paradigm shifting canoe. It is plastic but unlike the fly it looks like a traditional canoe and unlike the prelude it is incredibly stable. On top of that, it should be more durable than either boat and it seems to have an almost magic ability to glide over holes. This will be the canoe that converts the average rec paddler to roto molded plastic.

I could not agree more. Proud owner of L'Edge #10

[Alden]

Craig, sounds like you have done great work here. I have heard only good things, and this review from Dooley puts it over the top -- I think this is going to be a big seller for Esquif!! I have to try it!!
Alden

[TheKrikkitWars]

I wish I had two grand to get me one of these mythic beasts... any headed to the european or UK distributors yet?

[funkidreadz]

@Josh,
If everything goes to plan I will have one over on the island in October, , if you are keen for a testdrive we can hook up.
James

[sbroam]

... At 220 lbs I'm hesitant to put money down for a L'Edge based on early hype & reviews, need to try before I buy.
...

Pat - I am about 215 these days and cannot imagine that 5-10 pounds would make a significant difference. It floated me fine and was as advertised - stable, dry, fast enough (remembering what it is), edgy enough, etc.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cmnypny/4891951228/

Dooley - great review, thanks.

[fleckbass]

Wondering how cross-strokes feel with the width of the boat. Also, what outfitting did you try Dooley? What do you think is the preferred choice?

[fleckbass]

What gunnel choice?

[Wendy]

I am very short and no problem with the excellent tumblehome
My 5 ft 3 1/2 2 cents

[Dooleyoc-1]

Hey,

You can check out the video Will just posted to see the boat. I'm paddling the open version with wood gunnels and the esquif bulkhead outfitting.

I had no problems doing cross-forward strokes. The extra width on the boat makes it so stable...

[TheKrikkitWars]

@Josh,
If everything goes to plan I will have one over on the island in October, , if you are keen for a testdrive we can hook up.
James

I'd love to if possible, are you getting the open or closed version?