C-Forum

which I want to do becasue I've always paddled Frankie's boats: Viper, Ocoee, Skeeter, Superfly Spanish Fly, Prelude Cu-Fly

If I don't get an Edge what should I get for the short open boat slalom class? What is the best 13'2" oc-1 race boat? Is there a consensus top couple of boats? Thanks.

Dooley

Well I've only paddled one breifly, but I think the best 13'2" slalom boat would be the Millbrook Ignitor. I have the smaller ABS version, the Spark from Esquif, and love it. I beleive it is the main slalom boat used at the moment.

Nate

Hello, I might be of some help.. first, neither design very new.. the ignitor came out in 97 /98 but it is a cab forward desgin.. It is a lot more rounded compared to the Edge.. The Edge is a carver,, It begins its turns sooner, but there is more boat infront of you.. My impression of the ignitor is that its a more paddle oriented boat, meaning ,turns, spins, etc are initiated with the the paddle .The Edge is an edge oriented boat.. You can carve it through a gate and just paddling forward and turn using boat lean. The Edge will feel like a viper on steroids . My opinion is that either boat is able to win a national with the right paddler.

I would vote for the Edge just because when I was a greenhorn convert from K1 to OC1 whenever I would run into Frankie he would always invite me to paddle with him and the other homeys. To a boy from Missouri I felt that was an honor. Though I am not a slalom racer His boats have always served me well. Viper 12, Ocoee, Skeeter, Spanish Fly, Prelude, Prelude again.
Frankie used to show up at our local once a year race and not only win the OC1 class but beat most of the K1 experts. A boat that can do that can't be bad.

No knew thoughts, just another man's vote :

An Edge is a fine boat. If you can get a good deal on one in good shape, I'd say go for it. If you are going to have a new one built, consider some other designs - try them out if you can. The Edge is very much a Frankie boat as has been noted. I paddled a Viper 12 for a long time and still consider it one of my favorites. However in the last couple of years I've tried, and come to appreciate the "Kaz" style.

Get a Spark

Yes, do get a Spark, it's a great boat.

Nate

Louie, you can't paddle a Spark in the short class at slalom races

As already said, try as many boats as you can.

As already said, paddling style is a factor.

I've paddled a couple of Kaz boats & own a Hooter. I really like the boats, but I learned to paddle in Frankie boats. I am definitely FASTER in the Edge, and I weigh ~220#.

BTW, Phil Foti/Rodney Morgan are not building boats (for anyone else) at this time.

Victor, did you get my email last week? I do need a couple of boats.

JD