Hallo,
pardon for my poor english but i'm not really used to communicate in this language. I can better read as write ..........
My questions are :
here in germany it seems to be impossible to get information about c1´s. Can someone tell me if it´s possible to use an old perception slasher for training like a slaolm c1 to improve paddling skills ? I´m about 220 lbs. All guys i can ask in my region either don`t know that boat or tell me it's a bad one . Opinions : too edgy - not fast - too heavy - too tippy ..... etc. I drive a K1 reflex for a long time and can`t believe that the slasher should be such a bad boat ...........
Next question : because it seems to be impossible to test a OC in germany i would be glad if any body can give me some information about follwing OC1 ovation, ocoee, spark, zephyr, zoom ........ I´m looking for an oc1 for riverrunning up to class4 an some playing and
slalomtraining on easier rivers.
I know this are a lot of questions, thanks for all informations and a nice time on the river, oldmann
I'm 190 and feel like I'm a little heavy for my Slasher. I am going to try some Slalom in it this spring and have been told that it will be fine for a fat old guy (me) to train in. Probably won't win any races but that's pretty much a given with me paddling anyway so I'll use the boat I've got.
Ive never paddled one, but I hear they are edgy and "squirty".
There is joy in turning a c-boat on a squirt through slalom gates.
If you can get a GOOD deal Id get one. Otherwise shop around, its old tech.
There will be a learning curve with the Slasher but it is worth it. I weigned about 230 pounds when I started paddling a Slasher to train for slalom. The boat was edgy and I spent a LOT of time on flat/easy water getting used to it.
The practice paid off, as I now weigh 185 pounds and I am pleased with my performance in open canoe slalom.
I enjoy the Slasher and still paddle it a lot, but at this weight I am reluctant to take it out on more that class 3 because it does tend to ride low in the water.
I weigh ~220# and the Slasher is fine for me - comparable to a slalom boat in stability, edginess, etc. There is a learning curve, but no worse than for a slalom boat except that you are not as worried about damaging the boat while learning! I've run mine on the Ocoee, Chattooga Section III 1/2, and other rivers that approach class IV. I'm definitely leary about anything steep and creeky, but this is great in big water.
Like others have said, the Slasher was a trasher at times.
The Dagger Atom was used as a durable substitute for practice. Please see pictures in C-1 Rec Boats. There is some comparison between the Atom and Slasher.
I guess you have to go with what you have available.
I'm 200 lbs and I'm paddling one, Had to raise the seat a little but it's pretty comfortable. Yeah, it's heavy for it's size, but it's pretty indestructable and it's size is not big so total weight isn't a killer like a cascade that gets close to 50lbs. Yeah, it's tippy, but if you got a good roll, you roll. If you don't you definitely want air bags in it and you work on the roll. It's definitely low in the water but it can be a new thing to be down in the water and get grabbed and yanked around instead of floating on top of all the action. While you're getting used to it you turn over some, but once you're used to it, maybe it's not so bad, could even be fun. It's got a lot of rocker and turns fast and easy. But the best thing is, a lot of people hate them so you can get them cheap. I wouldn't pay more than $150 U.S. for one.
. Opinions : too edgy - not fast - too heavy - too tippy ..... etc. I drive a K1 reflex for a long time and can`t believe that the slasher should be such a bad boat ...........
