Dagger Kayaks Axis 12 0 Kayak Video Review

[@jaykudach]

This guy apparently doesn’t know whitewater boats! The bulk in the bow to shed water, the rocker, the smaller cockpit to easily attack a skirt... these make this a decent boat for light whitewater! Many whitewater boys don’t have dry storage... that are simply too short, and even fewer have dry storage in the bow.... that’s where your feet are wedged in!

[@PianoUniverse]

I think the salesman doesn't like this kayak...

[@mattcm32]

I need to better understand how a lack of front dry storage contributes to safety and why that is a reason this isn’t a crossover boat. My whitewater boat doesn’t have dry storage in the front...if it’s called a crossover boat because it can handle some moving water as well as flat water, I’d say that means this boat fits the crossover label very well. Not to mention you can add thigh braces to it to gain even more control in rougher water.

[@CheekyMonkey888]

multi day rec boats have a bow and a stern accessible bulkheads, even with the cockpit filled with water, they don t sink

[@YukonAML]

I keep watching so many reviews and still can't decide between the Tsunami 125 and Dagger Axis 12.0. This is so frustrating!

[@johnstewart8849]

iI like that.....I got a Diesel to try on my river. On flat water it’s like riding an untrained horse, skittish, an effort to stay upright. My Wilderness System boat is my favorite on the flat, because of its hull design....keel, hollow to the rails, then round tumble-home. The axis hull looks similar, but less defined, less harsh. With the skeg, it should be a good flat water, and also, skeg up, a good river floater. Most of the whitewater guys going past are just floating like ducks, not “boofing” waves and doing nose stands. Only issue is some states require a hull number over 10’, some over 12’, where does this one fall?

[@shawnconnors9581]

I have this exact same kayak and absolutely love it!

[@jeffccr3620]

How much gear will it hold , can it handle a 4 or 6 day trips ya think. I hate to spend the extra 400 for the Stratos if i dont need to

[@garysimpson7787]

How comparable to a Dagger Bayou is this boat? I has a Bayou that I lost in a fire and really liked the stability of that boat.

[@danybarceloux7950]

finally i purchased this kayak. im exited...

[@jt3512]

Dany Barceloux congratulations, have fun!

[@whatfreedom7]

How’s the seat?

[@danybarceloux7950]

whatfreedom7 love it . Can spend 6 hrs straigh sit in it

[@WolfgerSilberbaer]

Love these colors! Heartbroken that the katana doesn’t offer this scheme, because that’s the yak I decided to go with.

[@joseph2664]

I have this kayak and have used it about 7 times. It is a good hull design in many ways but the lack of thigh braces makes it very hard to edge the boat. It is a shame because it feels like it has enuf rocker that it would turn on a dime if I could get it over. On the plus side the high forward deck makes for tons of leg room (I am 6 foot tall). the cockpit opening is really big so it is easy to get in and out but it is impossible to find a cockpit cover that fits well. I may be selling this boat.

[@jwiereng]

Thigh braces can be added

[@jt3512]

Cory, can you please refresh me on the boat that the company redesigned the skeg cable to a button that you slide instead

[@FrontenacOutfitters]

JT, Sorry for the late response; I was away on vacation with today being my first day back. The models that switched for the old cable style skeg deployment system to the spectra cord with a 'push button slider' would be the Stratos series as well as the now discontinued Alchemy series. Also, Wilderness Systems made the same switch in skeg systems on their Zephyr and Tempest series (Wilderness Systems and Dagger Kayaks are both owned by the same company, Confluence Outdoors). I hope this helps!

[@jt3512]

Frontenac Outfitters yay, ty. Hope you had an awesome vacation!

[@jt3512]

it's good that the seat extends up companies need to realize that a lot of ppl have back pain so good support is crucial to comfort.

[@FrontenacOutfitters]

Jamie, Thanks so much for your comment! Believe it or not, high backrests tend to cause more problems than not. In respect to back pain, a proper kayak stroke features a torso twist that utilizes large core muscles. This type of movement will strengthen your back, so those with chronic issues actually end up reducing the amount of back pain they typically experience. However, with a high backrest, you are inhibited to a degree in performing the torso twist, which in turn puts more stress on your back and small muscle groups in your arms and shoulders. This is when the problems and discomfort occur. Beyond that, a high backrest makes a wet entry more challenging as you will always re-enter a kayak from the rear deck. Having a backrest that extends beyond cockpit combing means you have to lift yourself up and over the seat in order to get back in you boat. This action raises your centre of gravity causing the kayak to become more unstable, and therefore makes things more difficult than they could be. This is why you don't see high backrests in performance touring kayaks (i.e. sea kayaks) or white water boats. This is because efficiency, proper technique, freedom of movement, and ease of re-entry is paramount for that type of paddling. The flip side, of course, is that recreational kayak and even day touring kayak manufacturers recognize that the types of paddlers in those boats aren't likely to be going out for extended periods of time. As such, they focus on features such as fully-padded seats with high backrests or those that are adjustable up and down. I hope this all makes sense, but don't hesitate to reach out if you have any additional questions or comments! Sincerely, Cory Davis Sales & Marketing Coordinator Frontenac Outfitters Canoe & Kayak Centre

[@jt3512]

Frontenac Outfitters ty so much and that all makes sense to me

[@findinway7013]

Excellent review! TY

[@FrontenacOutfitters]

We're happy you found it helpful!

[@danybarceloux7950]

im really confuse now . i dont know which one to purchase... the dagger axis 10.5 or the 12 the WS aspire 105 or the WS PUNGO 120

[@adrianob.965]

What did you end up going with? I'm in the same exact situation now!

[@danybarceloux7950]

@@adrianob.965 dagger axis 12

[@beeveedee9355]

@@danybarceloux7950 how do you like it? I'm looking at an Axis 10.5. Moving up from a Pelican. Also looking at Riot Quest, or Edge, or the Feel Free Aventura, all in that 10' to 12' length... Most likely the 10.5-11 length due to weight and needing to handle and load on SUV by myself.