Half Slice Boats Comparison | Pyranha Ripper 2 vs Jackson Antix 2.0 vs Dagger Rewind 

This is a very on-point breakdown. As a lower intermediate paddler when I first got into a Rewind, it had a lot to teach me. It now feels very stable and predictable, helping me progress my river running confidence.

Agree on all points. Have a rewind, nearly got a ripper 2 but in some cases was almost too playful

It’s crazy how capable a dagger rewind is for river, running and creeking. I feel like it’s the best all around boat that you can buy. You can creek (with the right amount of skill), river run, stern squirt, and it surfs great

Great review - I especially like the anecdotal nature. I've been in each of these, and depending on your weight range, I think you need to jump sizes to optimize each design. I'm 205, 6'2. All three were comfortable - the Dagger being the most, then the Jackson, then the Ripper. I know exactly how I like Pyranha outfitting set up, so I can adjust and make it very comfortable and functional for me, but in their stock set-up, the fish is less comfy of the three. In my size and weight range my preferences were the Ripper 2.0 in Large, the Rewind in Medium, and the Antix 2.0...well, not at all, really. I like Jackson boats, but the Antix 2.0 M didn't float me well, and the L is one of the most boring experiences I've had in a kayak. The Rewind L was also more like paddling a full-on creeker than a slice. The Ripper 2.0 Large is the most fun river runner/play boat I've tried yet. It has plenty of volume in the bow to push over big waves and holes, holds a line well, and has WAY more initial and secondary stability than the original Ripper. It drops the tail very easily for such a long boat, but you have to watch your depths ;-). It has retired my RMX86 for all my river running. I would highly suggest anyone weighted well for the Rewind M to give the Ripper 2 L a demo - the only thing I preferred about the Dagger was the couch-like outfitting. I tried the Firecracker 242 - definitely more stable than the Ozone L. At the time, I was paddling a LL Hot Whip. Pyranhas fit me better than LL, but the boats were very comparable, with the Firecracker being more fun surfing and a little easier to stern load. I did prefer how the Hot Whip held its edge - it felt closer to my SuperNova in a held lean...smooth, but locked in. The Pyranha was still a little crisper and sharper feeling when edging, which is the nature of those boats. I was going to order a custom 252, but with the R2L and SuperNova, I feel I have the perfect quiver for my needs. The Hot Whip and Firecracker are kind of their own niche - 1/2 Half Slices...kind of akin to the Soul Glide.

Hi there. I'm looking to get a boat for river running/park & play. Would the description of how these half slices paddle be comparable to my slalom boat? As in the talk about needing edge control and grabby tails match the kind of slalom feel. I'd just like to find something to head down the river that won't go crunch on every rock and need repair for a 98kg paddler!

Hi there, thanks for the video and comparison, noticed a paddler mentioned of 135 pounds at 5ft 6? how was its for that paddler for the Antix and Rewind?

what about the fire cracker?

For your 5’-10” paddler, did they feel they had adequate room in the medium Antix for their height? I’m 5’-11”, 180, between M and L sizes on weight, but would prefer a more play like experience with the medium, just not sure I’ll fit. Haven’t had a chance to sit in one yet, but plan to demo soon.

Totally agree on this. I have to say the large antix 2.0 was a disappointment for me. The 1 was just more fun and I'm glad I kept mine. The rewind is a very special and rewarding boat to paddle.