Esquif Raven Questions or Feedback?

[Kalin]

Howdy Fellow Single Bladers,

I'm strongly considering an Esquif Raven as my next OC1. I've had two quick test paddles in it and really enjoyed it. I'm wondering if anyone else has one or can offer some feedback. Pros, cons, etc. And what size air bags fit best? 60" or 54"?

I'm 6'3", 245 lbs and a solid intermediate (maybe advanced on a good day) paddler.

I'm hoping to try a L'Edge one day as well but think that for the types of rivers I'll be on, the Raven might be a little more comfy and suitable.

Thoughts?

Many thanks in advance,

Kalin of the Great White North

[Big Al]

Rides like your parent's Cadilac with super absorbent shocks, smooth as silk and u never feel a bump in the road.

If u want a sports car, this is not it.



Big Al

[Kalin]

Hey Big Al,

Thanks for the comments. I appreciate it. Nope - not looking for a sports car - got a couple C1s for that!

But I like your description and it fits with my impression of it so far. A big, smooth, stable ride that'll get ya to the takeout comfortably.

Kalin

[Louie]

Sir the ledge will beat the Crow, Raven, or any other bird boat. do not buy a Raven until you have test driven a Ledge.

[Wendy]

I find the L'Edge to have the Raven stability and so much more as we have discussed
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4 ... 0482473150

[Sir Adam]

No comments on the boat, as I have yet to paddle one.

I do want to say it's nice seeing you post again - glad to see you're still having fun

[yarnellboat]

Kalin,

I figured you'd have have tried about everything there is! The Tareau didn't take?

I was in-and-out to Haines Junction & Kluane the other day, but I missed paddling season this year with parental leave etc. Catch ya next time.

Pat.

[Kalin]

Hey Guys,

Louie - thank YOU, kind Sir, for the advice. I was afraid that would be the case! HAHAHA! I'm super keen to paddle the L'Edge, for sure. Does anyone know of a demo in the Ontario/Quebec area that would be available between Oct 6th and 28th?

Wendy - Thanks for the feedback. Do you have another link? I can't seem to make the one you posted for FB work...

Pat - I love the Taureau but I think I'm a touch too big for it. I dunno. That's also part of my hesitation about the L'Edge as well. (Altough I know ScottB and trust his opinion). And the paddle out after the Jaws on the Takhini is pure misery in the Taureau. I also don't find it a whole lot more comfy than my C1s, which also have the advantage of not filling up... <sigh>. Friggin' wicked boat, though. Ya want it? We want to spend some more time paddling the Tatshenshini and Lapie, both of which are a step up from the Takhini and Wheaton so I'm looking for something more suitable and I just found the Raven really dry, stable, easy going but it would be ready if I wanted to push it a little more, too.

I had two Quakes back in the day and loved them both. I honestly felt that if I had the skill to run the rapid, I could run it in a Quake - so it's encouraging to read that the L'Edge seems that stable and user friendly.

I guess the answer is just to buy them both. HAHAHAHAHH!



Any other opinions/comments/suggestions?

Thanks guys. I do appreciate it.

Kalin
P.S.> Sir Adam - any chance you'll be north of the border in October? Or do I have to come down there again...

[ian123]

Canoe water adventuring (near London) had a demo L'edge.... Ottawa Paddle Shack too. They both have websites. I don't know about availability....

[old]

I paddled a Raven once and it is very stable. XL-13 stable. Moves better but it is not a sports car. Plus I'm not a big boy like you either.

[Louie]

If you can't find one to Demo let me know and I will talk to the boss.

[Yukon]

Kalin there are already too many ravens on the Tat especially at Dalton post and the Raven wont like the Tutshi

[yarnellboat]

Kalin,

Assuming you're flying through Vanc to get east, Nikki could set you up with the demo L'Edge that's at Western.

Not sure about the raven. Have you tried any of those Zephyr's that are around Whitehorse? They might work for needs.

I've tried the L'Edge, and it is crazy-stable. If you liked the Quake, you'll probably love the L'Edge.

Pat.

[yrreb-OC1]

I have been paddling a Raven all summer. This is my first whitewater boat and I am having a great time. The boat is fast and loves to surf. The stability is high along with good maneuverability. I have paddled this boat on the Nantahala, Chattooga, French Broad, Arkansas in CO, the Red in WS, the Ocoee (this river kicks my tail) and of course the Saint Francis here in MO. That said, I am thinking about moving to a shorter boat like the L'Edge or a Prelude. I paddled a L'Edge this weekend at GAF and it is a fun boat. Someone else was asking about bags. I started out with 48s and just recently went to 60s.

FREE Louie!!!

[Sir Adam]

Most of October is booked for me unfortunately. You're welcome here anytime!