C-Forum

Hello all,
Thanks for reading this post. I am a total newb. I have a Mad River 16 TT and I am wanting to get another boat. I want to get more of a solo white water play boat. I am a big guy. I am 6'5 300lbs. I have been looking into the Mad River Outrage X and the Bell Prodigy X. I think I am leaning towards the Outrage X but Im not sure. I have read some of the posts from the past on this topic and would just like to hear what anyone with experience might have to say. Which of these boats would be best for a beginner. And where would I be likely to find one used. I will buy one new if I have too, but would prefer a used one that is outfitted. I plan to make the purchase in March or April. Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks

McNugget

Hey McNugget, I have a MR Explorer 16TT too. Totally indestructable! I literally push it off cliffs with a weeks worth of gear and no worries! Great boat. About the Outrage/Prodigy: both good boats, Prodigy will surf, carve, and catch eddies a little better. But if a sweet deal on an outrage comes along...
Anyways in the end it's a matter of personal preference, so watcha wanna do is paddle as many different boats as you can. there's lots of choices, and nobody can tell you what's best for you. Find the local shop's demo day, or beg/borrow. In the end, one boat may be as good as the other as you will likely buy/sell several like the rest of us, on an endless search for the perfect boat. Happy hunting!

I'm also 6'5 but 230 lbs and my weight is at the upper end of what the Prodigy X can comfortable handle. At 300 lbs, you'll set the boat down below it's stability curve and she won't feel quite comfortable or run dry.

I've used both a Nexus and a Caption rigged solo for tripping, load was probably 300 lbs including paddler. I'd strongly suggest that route.

As for outfitting, you won't fit in factory outfitting. The trim point on the Prodigy X is for someone around 160 lbs, and the seat will be too far forward for your size. Straps, knee pads and anchors will also be for a similar paddler and extending them out to max will still be off. For a rigged boat either buy something from a tall paddler, or rig it yourself.

Also look for the pocket canyon (esquif). Probably impossible to get a used one (pretty new boat) but a guy like you could probably both play and trip with that boat...

I like the prodigy design but I am not sure about bell constructions... the gunnels and twarts look very weak to me...

I got an old ME for tripping but am much lighter guy... you would probably swamp that boat pretty fast in WW.

The ME might work - I'm 220 +/- and frequently use an ME to take my kids out (one at a time!). They range from 40-120# and we manage fine. But any bigger, and we'll be looking to put them in a solo boat!

I am more like 285 lb to be exact, I really just wanted to get the point across that Im a big guy. Don't know if 15 lbs makes a difference. Just thought I would add that in there.

If you find a deal on a used ME, buy it!
Im 6'1 240lbs and my Me keeep me way high, I cram 50lbs + of gear and people use em as tandem boats. I paddle it up to class III and have seen people take theres higher.
I bought a nitro to get something a little more playful and love it as well, more twitchy then the Prodigy X but dryer then an Outrage, I never got a chance to try an Outrage X but found the Outrage too wet and to low in the water for my weight. I felt the prodigy X not edgy enough for what I wanted.
I'd check out the Blast. it is in the Detonator, Nitro family of Esquif boats. I like the Design of these boats. The blast is listed as a boat that people can take as tandem and makes a good Big boy solo boat.

they are hard to get used and it 'll also come down to how much you want to pay and how agressive you'll paddle.


Remember Demo Demo Demo!!

I thought the Outrage X was a wonderful boat- I had it my first year- boating- it was very forgiving.

I just got an outrage X last year unfortunatly I was only able to use it a few times because of surgery but I was 290 and had no problems staying dry. I put a mohawk seat in it and have the back of the seat under the thrawt so it ride a little high in the front but I stay dry and have no problems turning or spinning

Speaking as a big guy, you may want to give an Encore a ride. I have had an Outrage X, an ME, and an Encore. The ME and the Encore are great boats. I didn't care much for the Outrage X.

Thanks for all the great feedback so far, I really appreciate everyones info. It has given me a lot to think about. The more I read and consider, the more I think I need to start demo-ing the tandem white water canoes. I would really prefer a solo, but I guess my size dictates that, that is almost impossible, especially if I wanna take camping gear. Anyway keep the input coming if you have any experience or advice. Thanks McNugget

If I was your size I'd be looking for a Caption.
If that's not available maybe a Probe 14.
Folks I know paddling ME's complain that they're wet and switch to Outrage X's. But none of them top 200 lbs.

definitely try an outrage x before buy, they are very narrow and I would imagine kinda narrow for a big guy. I am 6' 195 and my regular rage is narrow compared to other boats. the x is nearly the same width just longer.

I'd try out a Caption if you can

If you are local I think my caption came in today I am going to set it up for solo/tandem with using the Anchoring Strips
http://www.northwater.com/html/products ... trips.html

I already have the pedestals that I got for 25 each. They were hanging around it the back warehouse same place I got my outrage X and these are not the little pedestals either