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detonator or nitro?

Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 11:10 pm
by mattbcha
Of the esquif detonator or the nitro, which boat is more suited to the following paddler-low intermediate(class 2-easy 3) looking to progress to upper intermediate/advanced(solid 3/some easy to moderate 4). I weigh 151, and I am 5'8. Boat will be used on a variety of rivers and creeks, mostly in the southeast. Interested in river runner and playboat equally. thanks!

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 2:01 am
by OC1_SURFER
Go with the Detonator. Your size, and the fact that you mentioned "creeks" would justify the smaller canoe. You'll love it.

T.P.

Detonator

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 4:11 am
by NZMatt
HIya Matt

Definitely the Detonator. I am 5'10" and 155lbs. I bought my Detonator as my first OC1 - huge step up from the XL13 and Outrage I had been borrowing. I've paddled and grown in that boat now for the last 2-3 seasons and it's been great. I've run it down some easy class IV creeks (Taylorville on the Beaver in NY) down some big water (Ottawa and Gatineau) and just had a blast. It's an awesome boat. Now I am looking to trade up to a more precise, faster and edgier boat - probably the Zoom. There may well be a well worn, well loved Detonator with awesome Karma for sale here in a month or so...for a good price too - it's not so pretty any more :)

Detonator

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 4:34 am
by sbroam
I demoed both and found that both worked fine for me at 220#, so at your size, I'd definitely go smaller. I can never remember which is the smaller one, but from comments above it must be the Detonator.

paddling next week

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 1:03 pm
by billcanoes
Hi Matt,
I'm in Charlotte. A paddler from AL is planning on coming up next week. This is the tentative schedule if you want to join.
Thurs French Broad 6
Fri Demo Nitro at NOC on the Nanty
Sat Pigeon R
Sun TBD

Bill