Bear's Discourses #8.1 Solos

[@projectknifehand]

I was finally able to order my "forever" canoe about 5 weeks ago. I ordered a Phoenix in IXP. Can not wait to get my hands on it!

[@timrodriguez1]

Beautiful boats!🤘🤩

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I have been watching all your videos and doing a ton of research...I just ordered a Trillium in the carbon stealth package! Thanks for these videos. Can't wait to get my canoe in the spring!!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Fantastic breakdown. Thank you so much Bear!

[@hueyav8r]

I appreciate the information of this series of videos. Helped me understand what I might want and not want.

[@northstarcanoes2404]

Thank you for letting us know, John.

[@autonomy666]

This was incredibly helpful - thank you!

[@stevewilliams904]

Thanks for this extremely helpful comparison.

[@plmn93]

Dang it Bear, I was trying to decide between a Magic or Trillium but now you've placed me in a Solo. i guess I was using my heart instead of my head. I'd like some extra speed to cover distance but it's probably not worth the tradeoff. This video series has been very interesting and helpful, thanks for putting it out there.

[@zootycoon246]

That was a good vid! I ordered a pack boat but that Northwind solo and magic is on my radar now too. Thanks for the update!

[@robertpapps3618]

Great info, thanks much!

[@paulkerby4829]

Very good video

[@donaldthompson2319]

Great videos. Trillium has my attention. Keep up the good work. Sasquatch

[@joesixpack7551]

This is great info - I have one of Bell's Magics in Black gold with wood and it is SWEET! Can you please discuss rocker in detail? I know the basics that more rocker allows easier turns, but at the sacrifice of tracking and speed. Specifically, can you explain the effects of more inches of rocker in the bow than stern compared to more inches of rocker in the stern than bow? I also have an old Mad River Malecite and the proportion of rocker in that boat is opposite of my Magic... Thanks for the great info and I've been eyeballing a Northwind Solo, saving my pennies!

[@northstarcanoes2404]

In short, at recreational speeds, the stern is where the tracking comes from. The bow doesn't do much until the boat is moving at close to max hull speed. Therefore, we can have more rocker in the bow to increase maneuverability, without compromising tracking. I think you're wrong on the Malecite specs. I just googled, and while you are correct that there are a few places that say 1.5"/2", others have the correct info, which is 1"/0.5". The Malecite is a good boat, and definitely doesn't have the asymmetry incorrect.

[@dinfiv5]

I have a Northwind Solo and love it, how does the Rob Roy fall into these groups as I've been looking at it as an addition. The info out there is pretty slim. Thanks!

[@northstarcanoes2404]

Rob Roy is the same underwater profile as the Magic, though only 15ft. It's more efficient than the bulk of kayaks because its waterline is almost 15ft, unlike kayaks with their pointy ends. Capacitywise average adults can do 1-2 week trips depending on how they pack. What else are you wondering?

[@nboothful]

I've been thinking a lot about the ADK LT. A 10-footer is so much easier for me to carry and store and the light weight would be a game changer. I live near water and just want a no-brainer throw-and-go that is comfortable. Had a 12ft SIS kayak and it was nice but getting from the apartment to the car was a pain and the cockpit was too uncomfortable for me. Downgraded to a 10ft SOT w lawn chair (about 50lbs) and it confirmed a 10 footer + comfy seat is best for my needs but still heavy. The dilemma is I am about 6'1" 195lbs (but can go lower if I'm good), plus a bit of lite day gear or occasional one-night campout. Will the LT work for me if capacity is maxed or is the 12-footer an absolute must?

[@northstarcanoes2404]

It really depends what conditions you want to paddle in. On flat water, the 10.5 is doable, though you'll be maxing it out. The 12 is a much safer choice, both for rough conditions and xtra gear. I'd recommend the 12 as better for all around use. That doesn't mean the 10.5 won't work, but you'll be cutting that very close.

[@nboothful]

@@northstarcanoes2404I wish I could demo both and see for myself. I'm on the west coast.

[@northstarcanoes2404]

@@nboothful Contact Ethan Ebersold, he might know who has both in stock. 503-572-3848.

[@scottiebaldwin]

I will own a Magic one day!

[@BradKuns]

Good morning hey wich one of solo canoe fits me best I'm 5 11 and 280 and 40 lbs dog camping gear 100 lbs small lake Michigan and want do bwc

[@northstarcanoes2404]

Look at either the Pearl or Opal - we do both in a K9 edition. The Pearl K9 is on the website. Don't have a picture of the Opal K9 yet. Best to call 763-631-2231 with specific questions.

[@theoutdoordad7395]

For a 160-180 lb paddler that does a 50-50 mix of eastern Class 1-2.5 whitewater and flatwater and like to fly fish would you recommend the NW Solo?

[@northstarcanoes2404]

NW Solo is a great choice. Also, depends on whether you'll ever travel with gear or only day padding. Easiest way to get it dialed in is to give us a call - chatting brings out the nuances. 763-631-2231.

[@shizzhizz1234]

I really want a northwind solo pack but cant find one.. anyone have a contact for me?

[@northstarcanoes2404]

Give a call 763-631-2231 - easier to explain verbally than writing - we can help you get one.

[@FlyAwayNH]

@@northstarcanoes2404 If one were to order a Northwind Solo pack boat, could it be switched to/fitted with a canoe seat at a later time if desired? Thanks in advance!

[@northstarcanoes2404]

@@FlyAwayNH The standard set up for a pack boat is to have a foam seat glued to the hull. You can install a canoe seat over the foam seat, but that means you won't be able to put your feet under the seat or kneel. Best option for flexibility is to choose the optional Lounger Seat upgrade. You can remove the entire Lounger Seat, leaving behind only a single low profile track, so you could switch back and forth.

[@djrtime1398]

Phoenix should not be offered in Starlite. Rivers with their rocks are way to brutal on those Kevlar only boats. I know this first hand. I should have bought an IXP boat but wasn’t as knowledgeable as I should have been…but the salesman was happy.

[@northstarcanoes2404]

Yes, StarLites are not built for moving water. I'm sorry you didn't get a lamination that matches your paddling style. As to your statement regarding Phoenixes in StarLite: there are many paddlers who paddle on large rivers, places with lots of current and few rocks - they really appreciate the lightness of StarLite. And, more so, the Phoenix is also frequently paddled on lakes too.