I came from a Phantom to a Large Mamba then Code then Puffy Steeze and now RMX-86. (I still have the Code, the PS, and the RMX and I can’t decide which two boats I want to keep!). The Code is perfect combo of the Mamba and Phantom, as it’s faster than Mamba but stable and forgiving where the Phantom required it to be paddled at higher speed to maintain control. The bow also “danced about” while staying dry. The Code can be paddled fast or slow and you can feel in control, it’s forgiving, a great beginner boat. In fact many folks I paddle with did great starting out with it and it gave them confidence to push their skills. But now most of them are buying edgier boats as they want more “performance”. Like why I bought the Steeze after gaining tons of confidence AND skills in the Code. The RMX is like a faster Code, it can be paddled slow or fast with no loss of control, BUT yes having an active paddle style/technique really does pay dividends as when I have gotten lazy it has caught an edge and flipped me where the Code probably would not have. The RMX needs to be leaned more while doing a crunch to snap into eddies, due to it longer water line. No surprise there. But the long waterline is what gives it its speed If I had room for 3 boats I’d keep the Code for running new to me class 4s because it’s so dang forgiving! But with more time in the RMX and perfecting active blade techniques I think the RmX is the keeper.
Great video. Thanks for sharing your initial impressions. I especially liked the comparisons you made to the Scorch. I'm not sure if you've ever paddled a Code, but its edges are also tucked away; I'm curious how they would feel compared to the edges on the RMX. I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts as you get to know this boat.
I've never paddled a code but I've heard good things. I can personally attest to seeing a code paddled by @prdala really handle the rocks of the Upper Nantahala in style. Meanwhile my scorch was a rock magnet! I'm not bashing the scorch here. It's a great boat but it's edges definitely aren't tucked under at all.
@BeaterBoater Yeah looking at Brian's Scorch next to my Code, it's almost as if the Code doesn't have any edges 😂 both great boats for different paddling styles. If you ever demo a Code I'd love to hear your thoughts on that as well.
