Finally, it's here - The OC1 showdown! - Ares Vs Volare Side by Side in 4K

[@michaelserpa7398]

GREAT job. I have both Ares Pro and Volare Pro. LOVE them both. I live on Kauai and get to paddle big conditions a lot. The ares slides through and bombs down faster. The Volare is shorter with longer rudder and helps me carve the swell and shoot the troughs better. The ares is faster the Volare is more fun. Only problem with Volare is that it doesn't drain as well as the ares. Would really like to know how you changed the drain

[@808Mark]

What do you think of the kamanu composites noio vs the ares pro and volare pro?

[@mkendall72]

Love the video, I have a volare since October 2020 (Kahe Kai before that)- very very happy- however paddling in Singapore quite often get swamped and takes a lot for the water to drain defo interested in the bullet style Venturi/scupper

[@paulmatthews5363]

Great review and thanks for posting. I have a Kahele and Volare Pro (and access to a mates Ares) and totally agree with your comments. As a fellow 90kg+ paddler, I really notice the difference in volume on DW in the Volare. I have had similar issues with drainage / venturis on the Volare in the ocean and would be keen to get more details on the "fix" you applied to your boat ? The single stock venturi seems to struggle to clear water and sometimes you really need to get up and going to get it working. Anyway really enjoying both boats and keep the great videos coming . Cheers

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

check my comments above 🔼🤙🏼

[@michaelsoule7458]

Agreed, had to put a Venturi cap on my violate. Way better at keeping the water level down! Great review. Aloha 😎🤙🏾

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

Right on! 🤙🏼

[@PhillipChase-]

Do you have any pictures of the Venturi drain conversion? I’m thinking about using the drain you posted, but wondering about cutting the boat, thank you

[@Coconautify]

Hey there PLWA, thanks for this side by side comparison and for the additional comments comparing the Kahele with the Volare. It is great having an 'everyday' paddler give us an unbiased opinion of these canoes. I wanted to follow up on a comment about the upwind performance of these canoes. Coming from the Cook Islands, we like to do a bit of work first before enjoying the surf ;-) . Seriously, most of our races, if not all, involve some sort of circuit which covers all conditions (Rarotonga is a small island!). A typical race for us generally starts into the wind, around a top marker then surf back, and when the swell peters out, a flat water paddle to the finish. So its really important here that a canoe can perform reasonably well in all conditions and especially upwind, as a good surfer will get the most out of his/her canoes downwind irrespective. We have enough va'a canoe paddlers here that are proof of that. I currently paddle a Kahekai, which actually sometimes seems to 'surf' upwind, and I have found it performs better than the Kahele into it (or maybe I'm just better than the dude paddling it, I dunno!). I chose a Kahekai over the Kahele because of 1) its longer length, and 2) related to that, my weight (100+ kgs). The performance of a canoe into the wind/chop, and across a range of conditions is therefore very important for the kind of sea environment we have here, and especially for our competitive racing. By the way, JohnnyP if you're reading, moving the rudder forward a couple inches in the Kahekai my view came at too much of a tradeoff for overall maneuverability/control, and especially when surfing down the left-hand (ama-side) face of a wave. Not sure if this is an issue with the other Puakea canoes. Interested in any further thoughts you might have on this and any one else in the comments section here. Cheers!

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

Thanks for the comments and question..and yes it is a complex decision - which canoe is better upwind 🤷🏼‍♂️ Again so many variables come into play, the weight of paddler, type upwind/crosswind conditions etc etc. When the conditions aren't ON for a pure downwinder we often do an out and back course - & on a recent paddle, my buddy who has a Volare Pro can generally stay with me upwind when I'm on the Ares Pro - not much in it at all - but on a general paddle river or bumps I can pull away. I think the nose shape can pay dividends here, and also it's (Volare) shorter, so depending on the gap between bumps etc/angle paddling at them, the shorter canoe may appear not to "slap" down as much - hence losing speed. However, sometimes perception isn't always an accurate conclusion!!😉🤙🏼

[@subliminallyinc]

That's an interesting comment about moving the rudder forward more towards the cockpit makes you have less control. I would have thought doing so give you more control as the rudder is less likely to pop out of the swell if you're carving off the back side of the swell and on your ama-side to the wave. On the topic of steering, the one thing I've noticed about puakea boats is the pedals have a higher foot inflection point so I feel like I am under-steering unlike if I'm in a kai'waa boat like the Ares, the foot pedal is in a more neutral part of the foot so I can engage the pedals a lot sooner than I was in my Puakea kahele.

[@Coconautify]

@@subliminallyincYes I think was the rationale, to have the rudder in the water at all times, especially when surfing on a wave. However I found especially when turning a marker buoy, that having the rudder closer to the centre of the canoe is not necessarily a good thing. It is actually harder to steerand turn, not easier. Also when on a steep fast moving wave, the rudder will often times be out of the water for a second or two no matter what, so it doesn't in my opinion matter all that much. As for surfing down the ama side of a wave, I quite often feel like I don't have control on the canoe, but this may be a combination of rudder placement and ama shape and length in the water etc. This may be adjusted, but then the overall balance of the canoe gets impacted. I consider myself a fairly good surfer/downwind guy, I've owned and paddled a gazillion different kinds of canoes over the decades, and they're all different. But I've never 'spun out' the way I sometimes do with the Kahekai down the left hand side of a wave.. Other than with an earlier Pueo, which feels like a very similar kind of canoe to me. Having said all that, I'm still very happy with my Kahekai, and as I say, it handles upwind legs exceptionally well. I can often stay with the guys paddling va'a upwind, which says a lot about its performance on those upwind slogs!

[@subliminallyinc]

@@Coconautify this is great info. it's nice hearing from someone with lots of experience on this topic. It's surprising how much trim of the ama affects the surfing behavior of the canoe. One small adjustment here and there and the canoe just becomes a different animal in different bump conditions. Unfortunately to adjust the ama in a way that mitigates the spin-out problem could turn a smooth ride into a anxiety-ridden ride.

[@Coconautify]

@@subliminallyinc actually it might be fun to list all the canoes I've ever owned, so from memory here goes: 1. Seahorse (circa 1998-99). Moananui canoes, NZ 2. Viper, Outrigger Connection 3. Pegasus, Kaiwaa canoes 4. Hurricane, Ozone canoes 5. Fusion, Outrigger Connection 6. Pahoa, Tiger canoes 7. Zephyr, Outrigger Connection 8. Kahekai, Puakea Canoes Beyond that, I have paddled 'molo solo' on a Polaris (Kaiwaa), a Wave Blade in Kauai, and Takapuna Cup on a Pueo... Best allrounder for me still to this day is the hurricane, and most comfortable was the Polaris. One small note for PLWA if he's reading, its pronounced "Kah ee vah ah", as Hawaiians don't really pronounce it as a 'W,' it's a 'V'.. As in "Havai'i" for Hawaii... Anyway, cheers guys, and PLWA, you've inspired me to do one of my own downwind vids... yours are kickass!

[@neilwood5767]

Just the comparison video I needed. Thank you.

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ericmitchell6123]

Great comparison… Thanks! I have an Ares Pro and my Volare should arrive next week. Could you share a link to the Venturi set-up you have on your Volare?

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

Planning to add this in my next clip which has been a little delayed 🤙🏼

[@damienbayle1632]

Great, I've been waiting for a comparison like this for a while. I ordered an Arès 15 days ago yellow and gray like my Vega. I look forward! go next video you compare the Vega and the Flex?

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

Might just have too!! 😆🤙🏼

[@cashking3196]

I’m glad I bought the Ares. Seems like the Volare is definitely made for bigger paddlers.

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

The volume difference visually is quite noticeable 🤙🏼

[@hocuznomakeladat4974]

@@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia volare has a little more volum than the ares?

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

@@hocuznomakeladat4974 correct! Actually, a lot more volume - especially for and aft of the seat 👍🏼

[@robbebrouth3262]

Hi - hope you are well - when you get the chance would you please advise where you got the foot pads for the Ares - thanks...

[@alansfun7633]

Yes a pine needle stuck on the ruder is very noticeable at times only when you get back to the beach and remove it it’s like removing a splinter , I have considered glueing a fine needle at 45° in front the writer to help deflect the needles and minimise the gap between the deck and the writer as tight as possible

[@jeffschnelle3634]

Seeing a weed rudder on the Ares and high aspect on the Volare has to effect the responsiveness of each as the more vertical rudder will be more responsive. I know there is no weed, high aspect and with your weed problems there is not much of a choice, just wondering if you factored that into your comments on each canoe. FYI Ozone Midwest dealer here from the states. Have surfed Kahele and Ares extensively in similar conditions to what you have but only the Volare once at the Columbia River Gorge last year. My new demos of each model will be here Monday, regular Ares and Volare Pro which should be close to the same weight, stoked to do my own comparison of each. Thanks for this video, nice job!!

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

Thanks for your comments - Yes I've used all fins available in both canoes - just happened to have that setup on the day! I find there is a big trade-off with the weed fin on both canoes - it appears we have no real solution to the weed problem days here in Perth - we have also experimented with our own designs!

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

UPDATE: I have now been made aware that Puakea has added bullets to the new Volare canoes coming out of the Ozone factory - I haven't seen one in the flesh as yet so hoping this information is true! All that work must have made a difference! For those interested in doing a modification - I used the bullet kit from Stellar Kayaks stellarkayaksusa.com/store/venturi-bullet-completed-set.html WOW! Stoked to see this vid has had the impact that it has - My intention was to only share my personal dilemma on owning 2 of the fastest downwind canoes on the market...and to show the differences in design. Thanks everyone 🤙🏼

[@subliminallyinc]

good info. Do i have to cut off my existing drain to add on the venturi bullet?

[@robpainting2809]

@@subliminallyinc I used a Dremel and cutting disc to remove mine. The Stellar bullet kit is quite a bit bigger than the venturi fitted on the Volare, so it fills and empties quite quickly. Make sure to install it like in the video - with the front edge of the bullet just inside the cowling. Maybe a quarter to half cup of water in the footwell at normal paddling speeds and makes a lot of gurgling noises as it sucks dry in even small, slow-moving, bumps.

[@JR-BoT.]

@robpainting2809 @subliminallyinc the original drain system looks like its painted over do you just cut it out?

[@JR-BoT.]

​@@robpainting2809the original drain system looks like its painted over do you just cut it out?

[@JR-BoT.]

​@@subliminallyincdid you go thru with this mod? Did you just cut off the original painted over drain?

[@seanaiken4812]

Thank you for this. I agree my volare does not drain like my Surfski. Will you post your modifications? Thanks again.

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

Yes, I may just do that soon. I've been a bit held up with my latest edit of the Volare downwind, so I may squeeze it in there somewhere. Thanks for watching 🤙🏼

[@GavinGillett]

Looking forward to picking mine up soon :) P.S love the green and white

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

Thanks mate, you’re going to love yours🤙🏼😉

[@MikeSerpa]

And did you cut the existing drain off the bottom of the canoe

[@Captaindekoning]

Love this video! Hey where did you get the foot pads and railtape from? That's a great idea!

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

Footplate pads can be sourced from many ski manufacturers, and the rail tape I get from Amazon. Cheers 🤙🏼

[@roozynz]

I find the ares comfortable. Feet are low and I sit great. I can only compare it to an ehukai. What the seat position like in the volare. I also found the ehukai tilted over waves when linking. Were the ares slices through. Meaning I was saving energy with the ares by not having to go up and over. Only minor buy can take its toll over time.

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

Haven't paddled an Ehukai, so I can't compare. The Kahele and Volare are similar in posture position - sitting higher than your feet - higher than the Ares, which I find a little more level. The Volare, for me, is definitely the most comfortable OC1 to paddle.

[@andrewwolfgangbakes5285]

This is a great overview of the models! I'd love to know your thoughts in comparing the Ares and Kahele which I am considering for myself this year. (Lake Ontario, Canada)

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

Great suggestion! IMO (flatwater comparison only) - Kahele has better acceleration off the mark, but a higher cadence is required to maintain top speeds on flatwater. Ares has more glide once its up and going, and can be just as fast/faster depending on your stroke efficiency. But it all depends on the comfort level you have in each canoe. I say this because the seating position is different on both of these canoes. You are always faster on the canoe you feel more comfortable and stable in 😎🤙🏼

[@andrewwolfgangbakes5285]

@@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia ended up ordering an Ares! I cant wait to get it :)

[@glennsimmonds5850]

awesome work

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

Thanks mate..

[@subliminallyinc]

yo PLWA! I dropped my ares order and put it into a Volare. It just made more sense to get it as the pacific north west here in Canada has shorter period swells. Was catching and connecting the 1 foot swells like a champ in the Volare (kind of like in the Kahele). I felt like if I got the ares I would lose the ability to do so. Anyway thanks for the advice in this video.

[@darianhildreth6379]

So you're getting a canoe slower than the Kahele in the flat, but not as fast in bigger conditions than the Ares. Why not just keep the Kahele?

[@subliminallyinc]

@@darianhildreth6379 its going to the wifey that's 70 lbs lighter than me.

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

Kahele is a still very different canoe to the Volare again - more versatile.

[@subliminallyinc]

@@darianhildreth6379 UPDATE: got the Volare. not any slower in the flats vs kahele for me. Stroke feels heavier but gotta nail the catch and be more patient and the volare moves.

[@franckravez9134]

Hello, I have a Kahekai and I am happy with it. My only problem is that the waves are very short in The Med and going downwind, my nose often dives. I am a average paddler at 95kgs. What would advise me to do ? Learn to paddle better .... and/or go for another boat ? Then I do not know between the Ares, the Antares or the Volare ? All comments welcome. Thanks.

[@subliminallyinc]

The Kahekai is still a very good boat to own for downwinding. In my experience if your nose is diving down the backside of the trough its because you are over powering the canoe with too much momentum (which is easier to do because of your weight) and the canoe will nose dive and you plough into the wave in front of you. Learn to just give it enough power int he stroke to get the right amount of speed to sit on the wave behind you. Patience is the key. If you are going too fast use a free hand as a "brake" to dip into the water to kill excessive momentum. Also lean your body weight back to level off the canoe to prevent the nose dipping. Good luck out there!

[@franckravez9134]

@@subliminallyinc Thanks a lot for your answer. Will try this method next time.

[@subliminallyinc]

@@franckravez9134 I highly recommend finding a good paddling coach and go on downwind clinic. I flew to Maui to attend a Maui to Molokai downwind clinic with Kai Bartlett as the instructor and learned so much from that 5 day session. These clinics are out there you just have to find them. Might be difficult with covid right now but when the state of the world gets a bit better it's something to look into. The lessons will carry with you for a lifetime.

[@franckravez9134]

@@subliminallyinc I was supposed to do a week session in Guadalupe with Woo and run "Zerace" at the end of the week. It was all cancelled. I booked for next january.

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

Learning to surf the runs and "feel" the ocean takes time in the bucket. The biggest mistake many make, including myself sometimes, is rushing the canoe into the next bump. Being able to relax, read the water, and know when to put the power down is the key. And remember surfing across a bump (like a surfer on a wave) is always faster than going straight down!

[@michaelgantzias6148]

Thanks for the video #pwla .alot of take aways here... I'm 90kg too ,but I'm thinking that the Ares would have a better re-sale value due to its popularity.. I think you convinced me which way to go🙏😁

[@MikeSerpa]

Have had same drainage issue. What glue do you use with Venturi system

[@figetleng993]

Great vid. Smashed my ares on a downwinder and need to replace, considering a Volare... no questions both are good in the surf, but which is better in the flat? or a better all rounder? many thanks

[@garythomas2786]

I just adopted a new Volare and love the boat! I agree the Venturi drain is slower than my Kahele or Kahe Kai. Can you share info on the “bullet” Venturi you put in your Grasshopper? I always have about a liter of water in the footwell. May be because I’m 100kg?

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

Hi Gary, thanks for watching... I chose to remove the factory setup completely, then adding a standard Stellar Surfski Bullet and Scupper system - pretty sure that are available still from a Stellar Kayaks dealer? Drainage downwind is completely dry - bare in mind it opens up and fast fills when stationary! - Takes just 45-50 secs at speed for full drainage to occur 🤙🏼

[@andresquartero5596]

Can I order that custom piece you made for the drainage system from you??? I need one , lol

[@garywells110]

Hi, great video thanks. You almost answered my question but not quite. I am looking to buy an OC1, but I am very big at 6'7" and 140 kg. I know nothing is really designed for someone of my size, but do you think the volare would have the leg room and the volume to still work, looks like it might.

[@teop7887]

I would reach out to them directly mate, and perhaps see one first hand if possible. Cheers 😎 👍

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

Yes, absolutely

[@Tobin8r22]

Did you ever pull the trigger? I’m 6’5, 105 kg and the Volare is one of the most comfortable boats I’ve been in. You can’t beat the sliding, adjustable pedals on it. Admittedly I push it all the way forward, but I’m also all leg so will probably work for you also.

[@jayscz2027]

I'm 75kg. and a rookie OC1 paddler. (SUP racing for years...). love down winding and waves... any advice on these two? thanks.

[@subliminallyinc]

if you're 75kg and don't plan on getting any heavier then the Ares is the boat to get. the trimming of the Volare can get finicky and is really for individuals that have size and weight problems with canoes that is solved by the movable foot board. 75KG is about the right weight for most mid volume canoes in my opinion.

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

Yes and yes! Luckily at your weight you can paddle anything!

[@oc1]

I'm same weight. I do love the Volare. I have friends on both sides of the fence. Best to try both before buying. I'm just a beginner to downwind but it's all about water time! Learn as much as possible from everyone.

[@mikeharrison1901]

thanks for the comparison I chose the Valare but had the same concerns about the drains . After trying both boats Could you tell us or show us what the modification you made to drain all the water out. I paddle in the PNW in the winter. I hate cold feet. Thanks

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

Hey Mike, I no loner have the Volare, but the Venturi bullets and cap is what I installed (as depicted) I had also tried a 1-way snorkel mushroom valve - might be worth trying without any serious modifications to your canoe.

[@hocuznomakeladat4974]

@@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia where did u buy the Venturi from… I wanna try it on my ares

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

@@hocuznomakeladat4974 I just added a link in the description 👍🏻

[@hocuznomakeladat4974]

@@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia thank you!!! Love your channel! Keep the dw vids coming! Aloha from hawaii

[@GavinGillett]

Great video mate

[@laurentduverge7851]

Great comparison. Have you ever thought or comparing the Volare to the Antares?

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

Hey Laurent, thanks for watching...Ive never had a chance to paddle the Antares, however from what Ive researched and been told its a big water canoe, but the Ares still out performs it in most conditions??

[@laurentduverge7851]

@@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia Thanks for your reply. Sorry it took me a bit of time to see it. Computer issues.

[@Tobin8r22]

As a bigger guy - 6’5”/196cm, 230lbs/105 kg - I’d would take an Antares over an Ares, even for flat water.

[@SchilkeShire]

This ​@@Tobin8r22is the comment.i came here looking for. 6', 116kg, looking for a canoe to train in and develop some skills (I'll never be a racer in a 1man). I've just restored an old Apache Mako for now, but looking for my next canoe. An older dude in my club said the Ares and antares are fairly similar, just more canoe in the Antares. He also said hunt down a second hand Scorpius (not the XM)

[@grandealemao]

good video!! But why is nobody mentioning the problem with trapped water behind the seat, when it is NOT put to the end. There are easily 1-2 liters trapped and you carry it.

[@Alastair510]

Why no footstrap in OC1? They make a huge difference to stability and drive in a kayak or surfski.

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

Yes I wish there are straps also! Never seen one on an OC 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@subliminallyinc]

you have an ama in a outrigger canoe to help with that stability problem in kayaks or ski's

[@Alastair510]

@@subliminallyinc But what about the increased drive?

[@subliminallyinc]

@@Alastair510 I remember watching an Oscar Chalupsky video a while ago about the footstaps in a ski's and he says that if you're using your footstrap as leverage for increased drive in your forward stroke then you're doing it wrong.

[@1nzsurfer]

With you now changing a few things to the Volare, the rudder, and shortening the front Iato, would this change your thoughts about the Volare over what you have already said.

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

Still too close to choose!

[@saysayer]

Thanks for the video such a pressing question. :) What amazing canoe do we buy??? would be nice to see a comparison between 2 pro models.

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

Yes Pro vs Pro would have been ideal...my partner does have the Volare Pro, but with all his stickers on it, it almost weighs the same as the standard!! 😂 #joking

[@paulgillies1655]

I have the volare and have foot pedals all the way forward and live in Milolii Hawaii, the volare was recommended for me by ozone

[@damienbayle1632]

Oh yeah😎

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

I hope my waffling on doesn't kill the anticipation!!😂

[@Tobin8r22]

As a bigger paddler (6’5” 230 lbs) I love my Volare, but drainage is a huge problem. Fills up fast but takes forever to clear. I’ve got the pedals all the way forward and wondered if that was slowing down the drainage? But as mentioned I’m tall and really need the legroom. Paddling in Canada I need to use neoprene socks or booties during shoulder seasons as my feet are sitting in water most of the time. I have one of the original Volares from a couple years ago but noticed a newer one from 2022 had a diff system on it with a carbon fibre cap… is that the same solution you went with?

[@_bohm_]

Kahele braddah not Kahili😂😂

[@subliminallyinc]

Watching this video made me more on the fence. HAHA!! The Ozone shipment is coming in March but I've put my name down for an Ares PRO, but there's still a Volare pro I could easily scoop up instead. I already own a Kahele (since april of 2020) but feel like I fit in an Ares better. We do a lot of competitive time trialing in flats here. and I am surprised that a Kahele does better than an Ares in flats despite the waterline is longer on the Ares?? Anyway that's my personal dilemma, so it just goes the show whatever boats Ozone is releasing are great boats and you can't really lose in the end.

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

My "perfect canoe" = an Ares mates with a Volare and they have a baby 😆 Getting the best bits of both🤙🏼

[@subliminallyinc]

@@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia LOL would that just be a Vega with an ama?

[@saysayer]

I have a kahele and love it in the flat and then I paddled the volare in super flat and it was so smooth and fast! If you paddle mostly in the flat but wanna surf sometimes, the volare is the smart well rounded call. Plus this video says they are both faster in the flat:). Happy boat shopping :)

[@subliminallyinc]

@@saysayer got the Volare. yeah she can move in the flats, maybe not as easy acceleration like kahele, but if you know how to move and what to expect it exceeds expectations.

[@saysayer]

@@subliminallyinc ohhh. So coool you got the Volare. I love that boat!!! I do love my kahele too. I think you are right the acceleration is different. for me I have a longer stroke so I think I might actually accelerate faster in the Volare than the kahele... Have an amazing time in your new boat!!! :)

[@kalikeliihoomalu1661]

How can one man have so many one mans?

[@JoseCarlosTainha]

Tainha