C-Forum

Is there an equivalent to the old Dagger Rival on the market?

Opinions on this are probably all over the river, but I'd say Outrage. If some may think that's a little narrower/sportier, then maybe Probe 12. Something along those lines. Outrage looks the most similar and measures the most similar.

Pat.

Kaz still offers a composite Rival... http://millbrookboats.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Alternatives to consider...

Esquif Nitro http://www.esquif.com/2008/canot_en.php?id=4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Esquif Raven (Bob Foote design) http://www.esquif.com/2008/canot_en.php?id=31" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Esquif Zephyr http://www.esquif.com/2008/canot_en.php?id=11" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
M.R. Outrage http://www.madrivercanoe.com/product/in ... outrage_rx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Mohawk Probe(s) http://www.mohawkcanoes.com/whitewater.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The Nitro is a pretty popular boat up in Canada for running big water.


I started out in a Rival so I feel somewhat qualified to comment on this one.

I concur with Dr. Smerda. The Rival built by Millbrook Boats is the exact same boat Dagger used to build....only 25 lbs lighter.

There is a Dagger Rival for sale on Boatertalk.

I'd add the Bell Prodigy to the list. The Esquif Paradigm might be worth taking a look at as well. I know one Rival owner who switched to the Raven and liked the extra stability.

Craig Smerda posted a pretty good list.

Why are you asking? There are other options that are longer or short than the Rival, depending on what you are looking for.

none of thet boats are exactly like the rival (except maybe the Rival) but the good news is, all of them improve on something I found lacking in the rival. if you list what you liked or didnt like about the rival you prob get a shorter list

I'm replacing my Impulse and tried a friends Rival and liked it . It did everything better. Tried a Shaman once and that seemed good too.

I agree with Craig's list of contenders and you would not go wrong with any of them. Out of that group the Esquif Raven is (IMO) the closest in terms of boat shape, size and over-all handling. I paddled a Rival for several years and have spent a little time in the Raven. The Raven felt like I was back in the Rival but with a couple minor improvements. Mostly, it seemed to have little bit better initial stability and responds better to correction strokes at the bow.
Dave

Thanks folks. think I will look for a Raven.