Dagger Kayaks Alchemy 14 0L Kayak Video Review

[@cathytownsend7295]

I so wish your review videos would give us a look at the inside of the boat - cockpit, hatches, bow and stern. One of the things that gives me pause in purchasing a Dagger is the "column" in the bow of the boat. I'm sure it must have some purpose ("stiffening?"), but it comes at the price of taking up most of the storage space in the bow. This makes it difficult to balance the boat if you're packing for multiday self-support trips. I wish your video would give us a peak inside the bow of the boat!

[@justy2408]

Tested the Stratos about 3 weeks ago on a lake. Found it fun but without the skeg it almost turned too easily. Very playful and certainly fun but I wasn't sure it was suitable for 20km tours on lakes? Sat in the Alchemy today, but the test pond was rather small. My impression was it wasn't leaning towards turning as much as the Stratos. Very comfortable. It's now between these two and the Perception Expression 14....difficult...

[@CanoeingTheEdgeOfTheWorld]

Great video.

[@slaythoven]

Great review videos. Do you think there is any difference in "hull speed" between the Alchemy and the Stratos? Thanks!

[@FrontenacOutfitters]

Great question, albeit a tough one to answer. With the added length of the Stratos boats, it certainly can be argued they will be more efficient overall as they tend to track slightly better. However, the Alchemy series are narrower with lower decks heights and sharper entry points. I would say their glide is retained a little longer, so I'm leaning towards them being the faster boats. That said, this increase in speed may not be noticed by a new paddler, and all is dedicated by proper technique with the forward stroke - beginners may have to utilize a few more course correction strokes to keep the boat going straight. I hope this helps, but don't hesitate to fire off any other questions should they come up! Cory Davis Sales & Marketing Coordinator Frontenac Outfitters Canoe & Kayak Centre

[@slaythoven]

Thanks Cory! I'm pretty much sold on the Stratos. I am a thin guy at 5' 10", 170lbs and a 9 1/2" shoe, do you think Id be ok with the small? Spec wise, its actually smaller in width and height than the Alchemy LARGE. There isnt a boat to try out within a 100 miles of me, so I may have to wing it. Thanks again!

[@zmr0wvttvr121]

Yes, very good video. I've been looking to buy another kayak and I've researched them all I think ha ha. I really, really think I like this Dagger for the money. Now, I have longer kayaks at 16' but I do have a 13 & 1/2. I actually have grown to love the 13-14 range a lot in the last few years. I don't know, they're just so playful in the water. Again, very good video mate and Thank You for your time in creating it.

[@runningmoose]

Hello, thanks for the review! For a rower with a height of 190 cm and a weight of 80 pounds for a large river, will he be comfortable? In particular, I am interested in the height and comfort of the cockpit.

[@FrontenacOutfitters]

Hey Dmitrii! First, the Stratos 14.5L is a great boat for river paddling and skills development. Beyond that, a paddler at 180 lbs and 6'2" is in the wheelhouse for the fit of this kayak. That said, if weight is carried up top in your torso, and by having a higher centre of gravity, you might feel a little more 'rock 'n' roll' motion in the boat. This is an element overcome by spending more time in it on the water - with every paddle stroke, you feel more and more comfortable! I hope this helps - don't hesitate to reach out with any other questions or concerns. Happy paddling!

[@TineyGrouse]

I have the identical boat. Nothing special. Not impressed, I really refuse to use it, I rather my canoe. I wasted a few thousand bucks on mine...