Which Dagger Kayak? Code \ Phantom \ Nomad 

Thanks! I try

Thanks Art!

Thanks for the feedback Jim!

Yes, both the Phantom and the 9r2 can be given similar personality adjustments by slamming the seat far forward. That said I hope you understand that my role is to paddle these boats stock and explain them as they are manufactured, not as they can be modified. That's what I am doing with the old school boats, but it really doesn't belong here.

@@AlexBarham I hear ya for sure. 3 of us got phantoms in one order and they all had different seat positions from the factory (a big up for waka in my opinion with their fixed positions). Stock is a bit of a misnomer, considering how much of a difference 1" can make in where the seat is positioned. My sweet spot is 1" forward of the middle of the range of movement as measured on the side of the seat. The fact that you can change the personality of a boat is a benefit and worth mentioning imo, because it means that the race qualities can be dialed back to create a more versatile boat and fit the boater better. Point being, it's worth mentioning, because if someone isn't taking to their phantom, an easily diagnosed issue could be a small seat adjustment to change the waterline to fit someone's paddling style/abilities. Side note, my phantom isn't even symmetrical from the mold, and the seat holes are drilled asymmetrically as well. The front pillar screw is only one way to check for seat position and because of flex, etc, isn't really even a good indication.

Agreed, but you can't fault boat makers for looking at what is hot and seeing what they can do. The lessons learned from the Sickline rules boats changed how we look at whitewater, which caused the development of new techniques, which inspired new boat designs which do those moves better, and so on. That's just progression. Now seeing that technology come full circle to the all around boats is a joy for all.

@@AlexBarham Yeah, I'll take this design/manufacturing model over that of other outdoor activities/sports, where they roll out something new almost every year regardless of the need and (lack of) tech advancements.

Were the tooling costs/lifespans different you'd see that.

Sure thing! Just reducing the traffic in my inboxes

There are certainly people who enjoy them, but these new designs certainly run circles around stuff that came out 30 years ago.

I would put you in the Code or maybe something more easy to drive like a Nirvana. I hate crossovers because they are like Swiss army knives, do everything but good at nothing.

Sure. The boat pops out of holes and other features. Once you can anticipate the pop it is an opportunity to point the boat as it loads up so you get shot in the direction you want to go

@@AlexBarham ok, I’ve definitely experienced this by being stuck in a hole and leaning back and I literally popped out catching air, free willy style. (Didn’t really know what I was doing) But I haven’t harnessed it. THANKYOU - I’m really enjoying all your videos and insight. Anymore perspective on the code would be greatly appreciated

Thanks Pop! Appreciate the feedback!

@@AlexBarham I should know I have all three 😊

I didn't say you can't do it, but something like a Nomad or Machno is built for that purpose and does it better

Thanks man!

Thanks man!

It is all going to come back to that magic word- dynamic. These boats will do roughly the same thing, but whereas the Machno is focusing on making everything a smooth and digestible as possible, the Code is going to be more aggressive and powerful, expecting the paddler to simultaneously contain and unleash it's performance.

@@AlexBarham ended up with the code as it happens and glad I went that way, loving every minute and tackled my first grade 4 in it 👍

I'd check out the beginner kayaks video I made. At this point they are all pretty easy to roll. It isn't like 20 years ago when we were trying to roll bread boxes with horrible outfitting.

Thank you.@@AlexBarham

Thanks Kevin! Glad it was worth the effort

You're very welcome!

Thanks! Glad it helped!

I would check Dagger's specs.

Thanks!!

Lol was there a Katana 2? I really don't pay attention to the crossovers