Fanatic vs. newer slalom designs

[overthehill]

Hello to all,
I'm new to this forum and have an old Fanatic which was built for the '89 Worlds.
I tried slalom racing at a couple of events back about 20 years ago and really enjoyed the feel of a race boat.
After several years off the water I've developed an interest in paddling again. In terms of handling/paddling- what are the main differences in an older boat like my Fanatic and some of the newer, shorter boats like the Vajdas? I'm 50 years old and am not a threat to win anything, but I would like to try slalom racing again. Am I going to be at a huge disadvantage with an older design?
I am 5'9 and weigh 150 lbs. What manufacturer/design would you recommend if I were to buy a newer boat?
Thanks for any and all feedback.
Ken

[kaz]

Hi Ken,
I think the Fanatic is still a great boat, especially at your weight. I think if Davey Hearn and Jon Lugbill were still racing Fanatics today, they would still win most races. Just my opinion.
JKaz

[KNeal]

To add to what Kaz said, you'll be good in any boat you paddle, and train in, as long as you keep paddling/training in it. I picked up a 92 Fanatic, or F-2 (the larger volume Fanatic), recently to be my downriver/attainment boat. I actually like it more for its slalom performance than than downriver speed or attainment abilities. Try it out at a few races and see how ya do.

KNeal

[John Coraor]

At your weight you should have no problems paddling a Fanatic and older slalom designs are still competitive for intermediate paddlers on intermediate level courses. If you want to paddle at the Nationals at ASCI or team trials at Charlotte on bigger, squirrelier water and more difficult courses, then you would probably appreciate one of the newer, shorter boats. However, those are likely to require a sizeable investment of cash and you might as well wait to see if you feel constrained by the older design of the Fanatic.

If you have cash on hand that you're just itching to spend, then that's another matter entirely!