Option vs. L'Edge

boatbuster · Post by **boatbuster** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 3:37 am

I am coming down to making a final decision between these two boats. I posted this question on GDI and got more than 80 responses. I know it is mostly personal preferences but I want to hear particularly how people with cracked L'Edges have found customer service in getting them repaired. I understand the early ones cracked quite a bit, and the newer ones much less so. I have yet to hear of a cracked Option.

I paddled a L'Edge and fell in love with it, despite the weight. I have only been in an Option for a few moments and also loved it. I want opinions on how both handle class IV creeks, larger drops, as well as comparisons of stability, hull speed, dryness, boofing, etc. I know I like the weight and price of the Option better, but I also know the L'Edge felt like the best canoe I have ever paddled. If I get more time in the Option I may feel the same way about that boat. So give me the good, the bad, the ugly.

BTW I am 185 pounds and about 6 feet tall. I like to play and have a Fly, but for more challenging runs in recent years I have usually been in an Outrage. The extra six inches of hull on the L'Edge appeals to me, so I am probably not looking for an ION (although I would love to try a BlackFly!)

Thanks!

Smurfwarrior · Post by **Smurfwarrior** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 4:20 am

I think you should just flip a coin since you can't choose after actually paddling both boats and already getting 80 inputs on GDI.

Both good boats.

My original cracked L'Edge was taken care of just fine.

Cheeks · Post by **Cheeks** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 7:31 am

When I check this thread on Monday, I'm sure it won't have any other responses...

Look, you're going to get the same thing you got on the GDI page. People are going to write in support of the boat they currently own, or wish to own, and you will end up with a rough poll of who has what boat. I know the decision is hard - I hate making them myself - but Smurf may be right about flipping a coin, it seems like you really could go either way.

These threads are rarely objective, and if you read the forum or kept up with your GDI post will not be particularly informative. But, it might be fun to read if people get...antsy

ian123 · Post by **ian123** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 12:26 pm

He didn't ask anyone to compare boats. He asked about Esquif customer service. Read the post.

I paddle with a guy who cracked a new L'edge at ALF. The rep traded boats with him for the rest of the week. Esquif took the boat back and will replace it. He's paddling the rep's personal boat in the mean time. It's about the best customer service you could ask for.

Shep · Post by **Shep** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 12:37 pm

Well, he did ask for opinions on both boats in the second paragraph. As a very satisfied Option owner, I say go buy a L'Edge. You already know you love it, and you only suspect that you will love the Option. If the fun is in the shopping (and sometimes it is), by all means, keep testing, but if it's just stressful, go buy the one you know you will love.

Shep

Sir Adam · Post by **Sir Adam** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 1:18 pm

Or, if you're flush with cash, buy both, paddle for a while, and sell the one you like less:)

Not an option (no pun intended) for most of us though.

boatbuster · Post by **boatbuster** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 3:18 pm

Flush with cash? I wish. Reason I am asking for ya'll's expert opinions is I am going to sink most or all of my personal savings into this boat.

FYI, about half or more of those 80 replies on GDI were OT.

I have always heard Esquif has great customer service. Only one person posted that he had had a problem with getting a cracked boat repaired. The last time I bought a new boat, Confluence Kayak Corp. refused to do anything when the paper-thin hull of a bought-new Outrage cracked on the 15th paddle. They did not even measure the thickness of the hull (1/8 inch where it cracked) when I sent it back. So I will never buy another used boat from them, and I want to make sure if I buy another new boat that the manufacturer stands by it...Especially as much as these boats cost.

Has anyone even cracked an Option? If so I have no doubt Jeremy would make it right. These are, after all, canoe companies run by canoeists, not skirt-wearing corporate weenies.

Of course I know it boils down to personal preference but yes, I would like your opinions on handling characteristics. I am looking for 1. Hull Speed 2. Dryness 3. Stability/and easy rolling.

Thanks

RodeoClown · Post by **RodeoClown** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 4:30 pm

One Option has been broken so far- by one of my team paddlers. In all honesty, its going to be a toss up between the two. The Option has a slight edge on hull speed, the L'edge has a slight edge on dryness, and it's a toss up on stability and ease of rolling (they're have their differences in this aspect, but in the end it's say they're fairly similar).

If it really is a toss up, the sales pitch I'd make is to let price be the deciding factor. The Option will leave a few hundred more in your pocket to spend on paddling trips (and will also put more money in my pocket to spend on paddling trips).

Pierre LaPaddelle · Post by **Pierre LaPaddelle** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 5:03 pm

Cheeks wrote:When I check this thread on Monday, I'm sure it won't have any other responses... Look, you're going to get the same thing you got on the GDI page...

No, no, folks! Speak up! Being westerners, we're not all up to speed with the GDI!

truckeeboater · Post by **truckeeboater** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 5:13 pm

^^^ +1 on that!

Shep · Post by **Shep** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 5:13 pm

I echo all of Jeremy's comments, having tried both before I bought. The ACTUAL deciding factor for me, though, was that I could carve the Option more effectively (I'm 160lb, 5'11").

Shep

Mikey B · Post by **Mikey B** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 5:40 pm

I haven't gotten to paddle an Option yet, but like Jeremy's designs immensely! I have paddled a buddy's L'Edge and do love that boat. It's one of the driest, nicest surfing boats you will find. You won't be disappointed with it. The weight is a factor for some I know. But I know the Option is a great boat as well from some of the paddlers I know who paddle it and tastes run similar to mine as what we like in boats. You can't go wrong with either...who'd a thunk that you would even have these great choices in WW canoes a few years ago!

Craig Smerda · Post by **Craig Smerda** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 6:08 pm

tough call Harrison...

has anyone ever posted some side by side pictures of the two boats?

either way you go... we're happy to see you moving into a shorter boat man.

you'll like it.

Bob Wiggins · Post by **Bob Wiggins** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 6:12 pm

Come to the nantahala next weekend. There'll be an option there you can run through the falls a few times. I echo why Jeremy said as well- the extra 300 is a nice thing.

boatbuster · Post by **boatbuster** » Sat Apr 14, 2012 6:57 pm

boatbuster wrote:Flush with cash? I wish. Reason I am asking for ya'll's expert opinions is I am going to sink most or all of my personal savings into this boat.

What I meant was, I will never buy a new boat from the company that bought Mad River Canoe. When I bought a new boat with a "lifetime warranty" against manufacturers defects, I thought I was getting more than "we will send you a repair kit at cost."

F
Thanks

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