impressions of the Option and Ion

fleckbass · Post by **fleckbass** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 7:11 pm

No one 200+ lbs has gotten into an Option yet?

Walsh · Post by **Walsh** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 7:28 pm

Bruce, I think everybody has been in one at this point - they're just still off boatin' at ALF, while I'm back at my desk already.

I expect this thread to pick up a bunch on Monday.

RodeoClown · Post by **RodeoClown** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 4:02 pm

I posted a few pictures and updated specs on the Blackfly website. The pictures aren't great, since they're of the boats that have been paddled, but they'll do for now. Once I get a chance, I'll get some really purty pictures of the fresh boats.

Yukon · Post by **Yukon** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 4:34 pm

They look great, I am sure we will get lots of reviews and comparisons next week after ALF is over. I am curious as how they compare to the l'edge as I have just got mine and been paddling one for 2 weeks in Mexico. I really enjoyed the ledge and aslo the Big Dog but I am also keen if there is something better for me - not just different. Congrats on the new designs it is great for the Open boat world- next someone needs to make a bomber tandem, probably too heavy out of plastic

Pierre LaPaddelle · Post by **Pierre LaPaddelle** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 4:53 pm

Yukon wrote:I really enjoyed the ledge and also the Big Dog . . .

Interesting point, Trevor.

Not to take the focus off the Option and the Ion, (both WONDERFUL initiatives!) but would love to hear your comments on the Big Dog. How's she paddle?

Whereas the NorthWest doesn't have much demo access to Esquif's or Blackfly's excellent products, there IS a Big Dog rep in Washington state. . .

Rick

RodeoClown · Post by **RodeoClown** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 5:51 pm

Yukon wrote: next someone needs to make a bomber tandem, probably too heavy out of plastic

I want to make a tandem Ion- would be around 9.5 ft long. I think it would be ridiculous, and really, really fun. Someday I'll probably cobble together a composite one and see how it handles, but that's a long way off.

Lappie · Post by **Lappie** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 6:04 pm

Jeremy, a tandem boat would be great... but less than 10'... would be prety wet for normal north americans(6'2", 220lbs...) like me....

agrestal · Post by **agrestal** » Sun Mar 20, 2011 7:04 pm

RodeoClown wrote:I want to make a tandem Ion- would be around 9.5 ft long. I think it would be ridiculous, and really, really fun. Someday I'll probably cobble together a composite one and see how it handles, but that's a long way off.

OMG, that would be AMAZING!! If you need a guinea pig, let me know.

Creeker · Post by **Creeker** » Sun Mar 20, 2011 7:35 pm

After trying out the Option my last day at Alf I prefered my Race day experience in the ION. I found the lines in the ION were easier to make to get to the money spot on Baby Falls.

The one thing about the option is that it feels like there is a pin in the bow and stern. The balance point from primary and secondary stability is nearly the same. It's best character is that it is VERY predictable.

while there is lots of talk about the Option I think lots of folks need some time in the Ion.

RodeoClown · Post by **RodeoClown** » Sun Mar 20, 2011 9:19 pm

Creeker wrote:while there is lots of talk about the Option I think lots of folks need some time in the Ion.

I think once some more people get to paddle the Ion, a lot of people will be surprised. It works A LOT better than it seems like it should. Heck, I was surprised by it, and I designed it!

I also got to paddle the production Option today. All I can say is

Lappie · Post by **Lappie** » Sun Mar 20, 2011 11:54 pm

Send them out north west, we'll try them all!!

RodeoClown · Post by **RodeoClown** » Tue Mar 22, 2011 9:01 pm

Would those of you who got to try the boats care to speculate on the upper weight limit? Inquiring minds want to know.

Shep · Post by **Shep** » Wed Mar 23, 2011 1:04 am

First off, a HUGE thank you to Jeremy. He and his paddling crew were kind enough to host me on a run of the Warner River in Central NH today. It was kindof a creek-lite run. A couple of drops in the 3+ foot range, some quickly shifting currents with squirellyness and some exciting back-to-back rapids. Jeremy loaned me his Option to paddle, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. For the sake of this comparison, I primarily paddle a Taureau, haven't ever been in a L'Edge, Maxim, or Zoom, and have not logged much time in a Spanish Fly.

On to my observations: Things I like about the Taureau, this boat also does well. It turns like a short boat should, doesn't change it's stability if you fill it with water, and fits almost anywhere. I did not take the opportunity to roll it,

so I don't know if it rolls as easy as the Taureau.

Things the Option does better than the Taureau: Definitely rock solid stability (much better than the Taureau, which has mediocre primary, but good secondary). The Warner river is only the second remotely technical whitewater run I have paddled since last summer, and I think I only had to use a single low-brace all day. It just wants to be right-side up. It also cleans holes and waves MUCH drier than the Taureau. I did fill it to the gunwales once, but I think I had just punched 4+ holes/waves right down the middle without really steering around them. I just pulled over and dumped, no drama.

Things it would be nice if it did better: More hull-speed of course, but really, that's probably completely unrealistic. I think in the 9ft and under category, you can't have both rock-solid stability and a fast hull. My guess is that the Maxim and the Zoom especially are on the other end of this spectrum, but I wouldn't give up the Option's stability for hull speed.

The Option is on my short list. I am still interested in checking out the L'Edge, but unless it really shocks me, I think I want an Option. Gotta figure out if I can sell my Taureau or wait until I save up a bit of money.

Hope this helps,
Shep