C-Forum

Hi all- I'm looking for a performance comparison for these three boats: Esquif Vertige v. Dagger Rival v. Dagger Impulse. The boat would be for a 5'8"/150 lb person. Any experience and opinions appreciated.

The Rival would be the most performance orientated, followed by the Vertige with the Impulse a distant third.

sadeloach wrote:Hi all- I'm looking for a performance comparison for these three boats: Esquif Vertige v. Dagger Rival v. Dagger Impulse. The boat would be for a 5'8"/150 lb person. Any experience and opinions appreciated.

We picked up a used Vertige this Spring. My experience so far is that it is a stable platform, but not responsive or easy to turn as other designs with more rocker. It makes you work. Can't have everything. Once in position, it deflects water well and keeps you dry. Does not veer off course.

At 5'8", 150 lb, I would encourage a smaller design than any of these...unless you plan to carry a lot of gear or paddle a lot of flatwater.
The Impulse is definitely more boat than this paddler would want.
The Rival is quick and responsive. The Vertige is stable and forgiving.
The Vertige would be an easier design to jump in and have fun as a new paddler.
The Rival would allow the paddler to progress further, but has a steeper learning curve.

I agree with the others.

I now use my Vertige for self supported multi day whitewater runs and I've done the same in a Rival.

This is all very helpful! Thanks for the feedback.