Sun Dolphin Aruba vs Crossover Kayak Review - What is the difference?

Have you ever wondered what the real differences between cheap and expensive kayaks are? I address those differences in this video. I compare a Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 with my Liquid Logic Jefe and also a Dagger Katana Crossover boat. I try to provide a detailed review of the design features, safety features and what they all mean. I then take the boats to a class 3 river for a head to head comparison. Come enjoy the fun and hopefully you can make a more informed decision on which boat may be right for you!
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[@RiverKingsKayak]

😀 thumbs down guy! LOL. Thumbs down before it premieres! Too funny. At least I know you are still watching!

[@ImMora1]

Nothing personal mate, just my way of showing my thoughts about the premiere feature, I'm sure the video will be gold as always!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@ImMora1 right on! I understand your view point. Lots of folks enjoy the live chat. Esp. lately. Please come by and join in the chat! I do have a thumbs down guy that follows me. I assumed it was him lol

[@ImMora1]

@@RiverKingsKayak haha thats great, hope the real thumbs down guy wont be upset that I took his place! And unfortunately the premiere is 4 am local time so I think I'll pass, greetings from Finland!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on!! Thanks!

[@canajian]

Ahahahahaha

[@GatewoodBrown]

It's not often Pete is the victim of a swimmer bell! We all appreciate the effort you put into showing us the differences between quality boats and big box store kayaks. Makes me want to go kayaking ASAP!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Me too! You guys are gonna love those katanas

[@adulfdabo898]

@@RiverKingsKayak I went for a crossover (Lettmann) as my first boat just recently. Good one to start with and get a feeling for kayaking. I don't know if I'll ever become a real creeker (I'd have to travel for some real white water). But as I see, you usually end up owning different boats for different waters anyways.

[@mmrazovic]

>> "Have you ever wondered what the real differences ...?" Yessss! You explained it great, thanks a lot for the video guys!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Mark! Hope it made sense!

[@SideTrailAdventures]

I'm a little behind on my KZbin watching so apologize for the late creeper comment...as with most things, you get what you pay for. I really appreciate how you break it down in no uncertain terms and actually show how the differences in the boats translate out on the river. Love watching you work on the water...good times!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Austin! We got to get together for a run soon...

[@SideTrailAdventures]

@@RiverKingsKayak That would be awesome! Hopefully this 'rona craziness lets it happen. Hope you all are doing well!

[@rubberduckproducktions532]

Very fair and balanced review of these vessels. Should provide a lot of evidence for those looking at boats to see what and why the price ranges on these boats are so vast. Excellent points on the usage and places in the world for all of these boats. Great job!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Tracy!

[@KentuckyWoodsman]

Thanks for the video and sharing the knowledge Pete!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Chris! You bet!

[@SouthernPaddler]

Dude- I got nothing against Sundolphin, but to put that thing through it's paces like you did- stone cold!! You are the man!! 👊

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Dan! We had fun doing that one!

[@evilstealth6441]

Excellent, excellent video. Thank you for the quality!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Matt! Hope it helps in some way!

[@paulbhager]

Thanks! Picking mine up on Tuesday!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Paul!!!

[@Patriotic327]

River Kings and pals. Watching this because I wanna go from day touring to “moving water” etc. Katana, Fusion, and Remix boats are in my sights for 2021.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Ryan!

[@bobmcelroy7289]

Thanks for the excellent comparison! Sun Dolphins are great for down here in South Florida, whitewater, not so much...

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Bob!

[@abritandhisbikeinpoland6802]

Brilliant, you have now convinced me that a crossover kayak is for me, it seems to cover all bases! And the Dagger katana or the Approach are the two that I am thinking about, and as I am a total beginner it would seem the best choice for rivers lakes and maybe in the future a bit of the rough stuff also!! I'm looking forward to seeing some camping trips with that boat! Great film, as usual!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks BMBinP! Keep me up to date with your purchase! Have fun out there! Take a look at the Dagger Axis if you think there will be some lake action in your future.

[@abritandhisbikeinpoland6802]

@@RiverKingsKayak ok thanks mate.

[@dirtdobber2185]

Thumbs up great information Pete. All these boats work well in there designed element, thanks for the instruction. Boat type and water character need to match up or you may hear a Bell! Lol.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks DD!!

[@rickyhogan2749]

Always Great, Thank you for sharing.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Ricky!

[@rickrangel6938]

I am almost 60, fully retired and I have always had an interest in learning but never had the time. It always seemed that I was too busy with work. You have really gave me some insight on Kayaking. Thank you for the break down. I don't know if I'd go that far going white river kayaking, but it seems like a lot of fun. Can you drown? That is my greatest fear. Perhaps I should buy a cross over and slowly edge my self up to river white water. Once again, thank you.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Anytime you are engaged in an activity involving water, There is a possibility of drowning. That being said, with proper gear, practice and training, you can reduce that exposure as much as humanly possible. When we run the super hairy class 5 stuff, those risks are much higher than a river that in itself does not pose a lot of risk...as long as you have proper gear, start on low risk water, progress in a reasonable manner and have capable friends around you, you should do well as you work your way into the sport. I always advise joining some kind of group that will be able to safely show you the ropes so to speak. Hope that helps! Thanks Rick!

[@rickrangel6938]

@@RiverKingsKayak Awesome!!! Thank you once again for the tips.

[@RogueTitanNate]

I’ve been eyeing dagger kayaks for some time now and after this video I decided to purchase a katana. My current kayak is the pelican vortex80x, which I have mostly used on lakes until more recently when I took it on the South Fork New River (class I / class II). As of now, I have done 2 river trips, both of which have been super fun and I have had no complaints so far in the pelican. I went ahead and decided to get the Katana because I wanted to be able to grow my paddling skills and have a proper boat that could handle both flat water and more challenging water. Also the upgrade in storage is gonna be nice for kayak camping trips I plan to do. I can’t say much about the katana yet as I’m waiting for it to arrive but I know I made the right decision. Thank you Pete for giving insight into these kayaks and showing what can be done in the Katana. :D

[@RogueTitanNate]

I actually found this channel from the French Broad River camping series. That’s the river I want to do a camping trip on.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks RTN! I think you will enjoy the Katana. FB9 is a formidable stretch of river. The Katana will be perfect for that, just be sure your skills are ready and you go with someone that can help should the need arise. From Hot Springs down is a great stretch that isn't too rowdy. Have fun out there! Thanks for tuning in!

[@RogueTitanNate]

UPDATE - I have used the Katana for a few months now and I got to say it is a nice boat. It is super stable and very forgiving. The skeg feature is really nice when paddling on lakes as it makes it easier to control in flat water. I practiced paddling without it which was a little difficult at first but as I paddled it more, it became easier to paddle in a straight line. Regarding whitewater, I have now paddled it on quite a few class III rapids and having a skirt is necessary as my boat doesn’t flood with water. The only complaint I have with the Katana is the back hatch. I like it and use it to store stuff but I had it implode when I flipped in one of the class III rapids I ran. I am thinking about putting a strap over it to prevent it from imploding in the future. I was also able to self teach the roll in the boat :). I have at this point paddled the Reddies River, Buffalo Creek, South Prong Lewis Fork, Lewis Fork Creek (confluence of the prongs to W. Kerr Scott reservoir), and Stony Fork Creek (cascades section).

[@jatiedesurvey6057]

I'll be here to view it Pete! As long as my internet doesn't lag and put me behind the real live comments! LOL!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Jeff!

[@iangustafsonkayaking6149]

I have two Dagger Katana 10.4's arriving any day now -- one for me and one for the wife -- our first kayaks.. After a ton of research that's what I chose to get, and I can't tell you how good it feels to know that my "favorite" KZbin kayak guy runs and recommends the same boat! Kayak camping here we come, and no more carrying gear on my back. Cheers from Oregon.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Ian! You are gonna love em!

[@jeffccr3620]

I see you went with the Katana . I just recently just started looking at a crossover boat and i am leaning toward the Liquidlogic Stinger XP. Been pretty hard finding any live footage on youtube about the boat. But the written reviews seem to be pretty awesome

[@RiverKingsKayak]

They are great boats. I like the Katana better though. Won't go wrong either way.

[@traviswhitworth6506]

@@RiverKingsKayak I'm getting a dagger axis. I only plan to hit class 2 at most. I mostly paddle slow moving water with a few ripples and small rapids occasionally on the run.

[@michaelr4950]

I appreciate all the time you take to provide information. It helps a lot of people who don’t have regular access to an outfitter get information. I just wish I would have found your channel earlier. All the videos are great! I am looking to add a kayak to my canoe collection to be more safe on class II and maybe venture into class III but never above. I would be going out to enjoy the river safely and not to perfect my WW techniques to try and move up to class IV or V. I initially was just going to get a crossover but through researching, seems like maybe a full WW boat might be more optimal for its maneuverability and have been seriously considering a Zen 3. (Somewhat similar to a Jefe) My only concern might be its performance on very slow moving creeks and small rivers. Would the Zen (jefe) be considerably impossible to track in a straight line on class I/flat water? Should I just go with the Katana? Thanks for any insights!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Michael! After reading your post, I would def go with the Katana...It will act almost exactly as a ww boat but with the ability to drop the skeg and actually go straight. I believe you will find that indispensable.

[@michaelr4950]

@@RiverKingsKayak Thank you for taking the time to respond, much appreciated. I will take your advice and look into getting a Katana. Maybe I will see you out on the water one day, better have the swimmer bell ready! Thanks again, well wishes.

[@naranjoandres32]

Im really digging the liquid logic boats. Thinking that’s the ww kayak im going to get. Really like the daggers also.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on brother!

[@PeteBraginton]

Great vid! I would add the Wildy Aspire to the list of similar crossovers...but I'm kinda partial 😁. Float On!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Pete! I would put the aspire about right in the middle between the SD and the Katana in moving water...but better than the Katana on flat water.

[@driftlesskayaker5882]

Thank you Pete for helping me find my way to the Wilderness Aspire. I ran into your channel when searching for more information on the Aspire. For the type of kayaking that I do, the Aspire is a great fit. It's extremely stable, tracks will with the skeg down, maneuvers well with the skeg up, and just checked all of the boxes for me. I absolutely love the huge cockpit, hinged rear hatch, and all of the creature comforts. The paddling that I do is similar to the rivers that I see in your videos. I traditionally only paddle rivers with mostly riffles, class I, and and an occasional class II here and there. I'm no whitewater kayaker and don't have the desire to be. I purchased the Wilderness skirt for mine and it works very well to keep water out and is easy to get into/out of due to the zipper. I would never try to roll with it but I'd also never try to roll period; our local rivers are way to shallow. The skirt is also nice for warmth when winter kayaking (I live in Wisconsin). My Aspire was an upgrade from our Menard's Viper kayaks (same level as the Sun Dolphin). Feel free to checkout my KZbin channel 'Driftless Kayaker' where you will see my early videos in a Menard's Viper red, blue, or lime green kayak; or my more recent videos in my Wildnerness Aspire 105. The 'value' kayaks got my family into kayaking (since we needed to buy 4 of them at once) and once we found that we really enjoy it and were ready to invest in the hobby, then we purchased the Aspire 100 for my wife and 105 for me. We now have our (2) Aspires and (6) of the Menard's kayaks for our sons, family, and friends to use and they are great for so many reasons. Thanks again for your channel posts, I'm really looking forward to seeing more of them soon! Take care, the 'Driftless Kayaker'

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@driftlesskayaker5882 awesome!! Love it and I will swing by the channel. Thanks!!

[@dismaldog]

miss your vids mate-try to get back out there.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

We will William!

[@bobseaver7807]

Excellent video👍

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Bob!

[@thecappy]

I'm just getting back into the hobby, and the crossover boats seems to fit what I want. (Lakes and rivers). Unfortunately everything is sold out and used is almost new price.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

That is an unfortunate state of affairs right now! At least you are back at it!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

This is great stuff 👏🤣

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks HK!!!

[@TheShanegrila]

I picked up a Aruba 8 for 80 bucks just to have an extra one for the kiddos pals. I made a larger hatch in the rear and installed some float bags and put some foot pegs on it. It's actually kind of fun.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on!

[@billysherlin6589]

I picked a Dagger Axis 10.5 and a Dagger Axis 12.5 this past fall for 800.00. I assume they were the model before the Katana. Way better kayaks than the Old Town Vapor that I was paddling. I got float bags, skirts and Astral Vest with them. I'm ready to start on some smaller white water this year.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on DDA! The Axis is a slightly different boat. The Katana is the whitewater version of a crossover kayak. The Axis is geared slightly more towards better performance in flat water but can still take on some light to moderate rapids. It is a great boat none the less! And yes, better than anything Old Town for sure.

[@traviswhitworth6506]

What skirt did you get for your axis? I'm looking to get one but I don't know much about them.

[@billysherlin6589]

@@traviswhitworth6506 it is the Snap Dragon skirt that fits my Axis. Not sure of the size, ill check when I get home. It works well.

[@traviswhitworth6506]

@@billysherlin6589 I picked the axis 12.0 up today. I got a seal skirt and float bag. I was told my aquabound 230cm stingray should work well with it. I can't wait to get it on the water!

[@billysherlin6589]

@@traviswhitworth6506 awesome. They are great boats

[@searchmanager9372]

Pete Do you have a review of the Sundolfin Aruba S12 you showed in the background of this video. I have this kayak but have never tried it on a river or rough water. What are your thoughts. I like mine for the ability to carry all the gear I need for camping.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I do not. I have never actually paddled the s12. I have friends that brought them along on trips. As you may imagine, they do have fun in them. They, like the Aruba 8 do not deliver the safety criteria I require from any tripping kayak that I would consider. You would be fighting an never ending and doomed battle of trying to keep water out and stay afloat in any kind of rough water. Hope this helps!

[@lawrencestokes5745]

Thanks for the review. Can you review the Old Town Castine's - can't find a decent review anywhere?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I will see if I can get my hands on one...

[@lawrencestokes5745]

@@RiverKingsKayak Thanks, that would be great.

[@brettkovak6344]

Pete this is the first video I ever saw of yours! I just stumbled on it and said to myself who is this guy he seems to know what he’s talking about! And then from here on in it’s just history! I subscribed and watch everything you have and I just wanna sell everything and move to North Carolina! I notice you’re a contractor, I grew up in carpentry and work as a solo carpenter. I’m gonna sell my house here in Vermont and I’m not sure. Where I’m going to go. If you’re looking for a carpenter Pete I can run your crew and bonus! Paddle! Hey no pressure you’ve got the wandering electrician you may have the wandering carpenter in your crew before along anyways the long and the short of it is I’m thinking of selling my house and moving south, just need to line up work not looking to you for that but it’s going to take about a year to figure it out. Meantime paddling is ending right now here in Vermont it’s too cold! Peace!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Brett! Come on down! I dont really run a crew anymore so I dont have work to offer, but if you do get down this way, we can paddle for sure! Thanks for the support! Hang in there for the long winter...another reason to move down here...year round paddling. It never really freezes over, well, not for very long anyway! Thanks Brett!

[@brettkovak6344]

@@RiverKingsKayak I didn’t think you were doing that anymore, anyways I’ve got some friends in South Carolina Aiken to be specific. He’s been trying to get me down there for a couple of years. I’m solo and looking to relocate! I’m going to go down to see my friend in Aiken but I’d love to get together and paddle with you on my way through! I thought you were still into contracting and thought I’d just throw it out there! LOL I will get down there to paddle with you and your Friends I’m currently looking for a prion Yukon expedition! Best big river boat I’ve ever seen!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@brettkovak6344 right on! Let me know when u come thru!

[@automattic6829]

Thanks for the info! Just curious, what make you choose the Katana over the Liquidlogic Remix XP? I’m on the hunt for a crossover and I’m torn between the two (both are next to impossible to find used in my area).

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Great question autoMATTic! There are two main reasons. 1. I am a firm believer in the full plate bulkhead foot brace over the foot pegs of the LL. I hear there is a conversion kit for the LLs, but have not seen one. 2. The hull of the Katana is (to include the step out pillar in the cockpit) of the Katana are full on WW verses those two recessed channels on the LL hull. I do not like those channels at all as they can catch on rocks both messing your lines up as well as causing uneven wear patterns (eventual soft spots there at the edges that lead to holes and cracks). The round hull of the Katana will allow rocks etc to simply slide right under without catching. Hope that makes sense! The LL is still a fantastic boat, I just preferred the Katana.

[@automattic6829]

@@RiverKingsKayak that makes perfect sense! Thanks for the detailed reply. And good timing too, I'm watching you add a footplate to Evan's boat at this very moment haha. Once I settle on the right boat(s) I hope I can find a crew like yours to paddle with!

[@daniellonngren3293]

Question: I have had a Katana on order since December . Are they still making them , are they shut down for the pandemic or just way behind? Any insights would be helpful. I have been watching your channel for a couple of years and I love it. Thanks

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Daniel! I'm sure they are behind. All the manufacturers are. Your wait is not uncommon. I will ask around on the Katanas specifically...

[@traviswhitworth6506]

It took me some time to find a dagger axis. I put a 10.5 on hold that she said was ordered and awakening delivery a few months back. I called to check the status and still no word. I asked if any others had come and the answer was still no. She then said a red axis 12.0 just became available, so I jumped on it and am driving 3 hours tomorrow to pick it up! I really wanted a 12ft anyway so it worked out perfectly. Good luck on your katana hunt!

[@BuckeyeReid1865]

In the vid you said you bought the katana to do some overnight trips that involve whitewater. I've been doing that at least once a year on the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River in Tenn & Ky for awhile but and wanting to do something similar in less familiar waters. What other rivers/creeks would you recommend that's in the class II and III range?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

We were actually looking at that river when I bought the Katana. We also had some more adventurous rivers in mind. I ended up tackling the Chattooga sections 2 through 4. Sections 2 and 3 could easily be done in a crossover, and are right in that II / III range (with exception of bull sluice at the end of section 3). Section 4 is for real and thus we took actual ww boats on that trip. I feel now like I would have been able to get the Katana without incident. That run requires you to be absolutely sure though. Other than those two, There are the obvious answers like French Broad sections 6 through to Douglas Lake (section 9 has some beefy class 3 and a class 4 or two) that depending on skill would be fantastic. There is the Greenbrier in WV as well as many sections of WV and northern VA New River....There are literally soooo many!

[@BuckeyeReid1865]

@@RiverKingsKayak thank you so much for the input!!

[@charlessanne5689]

love my dagger katanas have both the 9.7 and the 10.4 my go too boats for a nice trip if im not doing tricks with my dagger axiom

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Charles!

[@kylerfraser2683]

Do you have a dagger zydeco 11? If you do would you be able to make an in depth video on it showing it in some water? Thanks!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I dont Kyler. Let me see if I can get my hands on one...

[@gundism]

I love my dagger response

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Gundism

[@johndyle3377]

What's your thoughts on the Dagger Axis and low class whitewater camping.... maxing out at class 3?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

The Axis is a great recreational leaning crossover! I say go for it!

[@LYFJV]

Maybe off topic but, any recommendations for a under $1000 kayak that can will handle a class 1-2 river that has many switch back turns that tend to push boats into the fallen trees or underwater obstacles near the far bank? Something stable but can be turned I guess?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

10ft dagger axis is a solid boat. Or virtually any ww kayak.

[@danborick7384]

Never heard that before Pete, If your are going to be a bear.....Too funny

[@RiverKingsKayak]

That is something that RK Brian always says!

[@ShortyAKALestat]

You have had your Katana for a bit now. As far as a cross over how do you feel it performs in flat water/maybe class 2 rapids, and how do you feel about the camping needs you have. I had been thinking of the pungo, but found some potential class 2 rapids close by, so I was thinking of the Axis 12, then i saw info on the Katana. Not i am not sure if I should go with that over the Axis. Do you or the River King watches have any advice? I mainly will be on the Nemakogan that you feature, but want to work my way up learning how to do rapids.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Good question! The Katana will far outshine any keeled boat in rapids and it won't even be close. In flat water though, it will be a scud in comparison. I really like it and have some trips planned for it. Every boat design feature is a compromise for something else. The axis is a great boat for some class 2 rapids as well as flats. The longer the boat,, the faster on flats and harder to maneuver. Hope that helps!

[@ShortyAKALestat]

@@RiverKingsKayak So the Axis 10.5 would probably handle like the Katana on the flat? On the flat I would not keep up with my wife that has a Pungo 120, but would keep up with my 6 year old, so maybe the Katana would be OK to stay with him. Do you find the Katana comfortable, even on long trips, if you have taken any? I also thank you very much for your response.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@ShortyAKALestat it is basically an oversized ww boat with a hatch and skeg. They are so slow in the flats. The axis would be faster for sure. The ww outfitting is not as comfy but you can get used to it.

[@ShortyAKALestat]

@@RiverKingsKayak thank you kindly, I will let you know which direction I go. May need someone to take me to my first bigger rapids.😉

[@dentondunn4346]

I have an Aruba 10ft and it has foot pegs, a lot stiffer than the one on the video...mine won't bend at all like you demonstrated. Mine has theigh pads too.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Denton!

[@dentondunn4346]

It's true...if it had a cushion on the bottom of the seat it would be a good kayak, that's my only kick about mine..my Pelican has all that mentioned plus a sealed bulkhead and it's 2 foot longer making it a lot faster but the Aruba is pretty stable kayak

[@dismaldog]

would love a katana-but same price here as my Stratos-$2,000 Australian dollars

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Ouch! I guess not too many on thr used market?

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

I filled my Sundolphin's empty spaces with expandable foam. Permanent float bags. (I'd never consider taking my Sundolphin on anything but flat or very slow water)

[@RiverKingsKayak]

right on EF!!

[@edwinallen5598]

Did you get the dagger for trips like the French Broad

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Yes, especially if the whole river was like section 9.

[@d_manoil1647]

Great video. Proud owner of a katana

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on DMO!

[@d_manoil1647]

@@RiverKingsKayak do you have anything for dry land training on a roll?

[@FeWolf]

sun dolphin has foam in the back, try a sit on top and class III, you have to preplan and once committed, you have to stay on course, there is no Plan "B", I tried the Pyranha fusion II, real nice crossover has great chime and edge. PS where is the location you video this, would like to try a new location

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Scott! That location is the Boiling Hole on the Mayo River. It is now part of the Mayo River State Park.

[@FeWolf]

@@RiverKingsKayak THX, keep finding me neplaces to kayak ;) LoL

[@juanhuttoe4517]

Id like your opinion on a good river touring boat. I have an rtk tempo now. I like it but would like a sit in. I'm 5'9" and usually around 220. I'm in central Georgia and all we have here are lazy rivers.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

For a boat that is being made, I like the Dagger Stratos 14.5...but we also plan to get into some current and rapids. That being said, my all time favorite downriver touring boat is the Prijon Yukon Expedition. No longer in production so you have to find on the used market...kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoe7Z2ehhb-ofqc

[@juanhuttoe4517]

@@RiverKingsKayak yeah the prijon is non existent in my part of the world. I have been eyeballing the Stratos and the tsunami. Thank you for your suggestions.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@juanhuttoe4517 def go with the Stratos if u are looking for performance and tsunami for the edge on comfort.

[@juanhuttoe4517]

@@RiverKingsKayak i want performance, lol

[@adayinourworld5988]

How do you feel about the Aruba 10? How does it compare to these boats?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Same as any sun dolphin. good for very limited flat water use.

[@AndrewFoley1]

Do they not make Jackson karma unlimited anymore? Is it under new name?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Karma Traverse I think?

[@DODDOC]

Why didn’t you put a skirt on the SD Aruba? Could you have rolled with a skirt on. & some added thigh stirrups?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

It doesn't hold a skirt.

[@DODDOC]

I’m gonna try using 3 heavy duty garbage bags and a bungee cord. I’ll send you the video

[@Music-fb6xl]

♥River Kings

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks XimerTracks

[@MikeAntoldi]

What’s your thoughts on a Jackson nirvana?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I have not had a lot of seat time in one, but they are awesome boats. I prefer a displacement hull and they are a planing hull. Different style but they are the best out there for some things. Great boat!

[@SideTrailAdventures]

Pretty sure if I get another kayak right now I’ll need a divorce lawyer to go along with it….BUT still doesn’t stop me from looking. With whitewater in my future, I’m leaning more towards a crossover like your Katana, the Jackson Traverse or the Liquid Logic Stinger (or XP10). I just know I’m going to want storage space for camping gear. Something to keep on the FB Marketplace/Craigslist radar for sure!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

LOL!!! Of the three, I would recommend in order, the Jackson, then Katana, then XP10. The stinger is a whole different animal due to the length. That and the P&H Hammer are the top the pile for ww expeditions right now. They are much longer and just different. If you have bad knees, the xp10 is the choice as the footpads instead of bulkhead allows you to periodically straighten your knees. The xp10 is the least true WW capable though. Wont really matter in anything up to class 3 though. They are all great boats. I kinda wish I had tried taking the Katana on my Chattooga trip now...

[@SideTrailAdventures]

@@RiverKingsKayak Yeah, I was leaning hard towards the Jackson...like I said though, still just an academic conversation for now. Appreciate the insight as always!

[@chrismcduffie4888]

Holy cow, my regular go to is my Dagger Blackwater 10.5 but for the family I have a Canadian ClearWater Design, 3 Pelican rec boats, and a Pelican tandem for the wife and 11 year old son. That’s 6 kayaks currently, but last year at one time, I owned 11! Haha!

[@johnpuckett899]

Okay bro I got a I am 6 feet 2 and I weigh 240 well I'll be better off to get a crossover or a Whitewater boat or doing something like you're doing

[@RiverKingsKayak]

At that size to start I would suggest a crossover boat

[@johnpuckett899]

Thanks

[@MonkeyNAround]

The thumbs down was removed and now you have all . Maybe your buddy is no longer watching. Good review.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Shane!!

[@riverkingbrian9264]

Hahaha!! You stole my line!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I knew you'd love that!!

[@daniellonngren3293]

I forgot to say that it was this video that put on to the Katana. SO basically this all your fault and you have to fix it! :)

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Daniel!!

[@jerrymiller276]

I need something a bit bigger than any of those boats. Want to do multi-day camping trips on up to 2+ rivers. And. I want some comforts along.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I hear ya!

[@kylemicou1409]

I have the Liquidlogic Remix XP10, basically LL's version of the Katana. They will support trips a week + long and you'd be surprised how comfortable they are. It's like if my Tsunami 145 and my Jackson Super Hero had a love child, packs almost like a touring boat and can run pretty much any water you point it at

[@kayakgoalie]

Jerry Miller If relatively flat water, I have a 14.5 Perception that I use for river camping. The capacity is amazing. Going to be doing the Namekogen this summer and I think class 2.

[@kylemicou1409]

Yeah, I think a crossover would do you just fine. Pete can take longboats in whitewater and all but hes not human. Like some kind of water and kayak machine or something...

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@kayakgoalie Did you see our Namekagon Trip from last fall? We loved it up there! kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4SzoJV7js2csMk

[@mdsf01]

Damn whitewater kayaking is crazy rough on the boat. Definitely not for me. I have kittens every time I get a scratch on my kayak 😁 Some Pelican models are far more robust than the SunDolphin so it's not fair to clump them all together.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

They hold up pretty well considering! Some are more robust, but they fall far short of the ww boats in build quality, durability and most importantly, safety. But I agree, not all box store boats are equal.

[@iowamatt2519]

I'll never get the thumbs down before it even starts. I just stop watching, rather than thumbs down. I never know if the video starts at 6 eastern or my time 6 central

[@RiverKingsKayak]

KZbin shud be showing your local time

[@Mhdogman]

No one should have a cheap kayak in a rapid period if they value their life.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Not bad advice!

[@Treasuremonk]

NOW take that Sun Dolphin down some Class 3!! A real test!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thats what I did!

[@Treasuremonk]

River Kings well... I was thinking water falls and such lol! Makes sense the “Grabbing” of the low quality plastic on the rocks! I learned something !

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@Treasuremonk as soon as you introduce a vertical drops you kind of quickly jump into class 4

[@Treasuremonk]

River Kings if yer skerd ? Say yer Skerd!!! Lol,, good video buddy! My main issue with the cheapos as I still use one is the sharp edges on the cockpit

[@adventurekid9242]

I'm sorry, Is it thumbs down Guy?? Or Thumbs down guy?? Because it would not be Thumbs down Guy?? Did Evan get my phone?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

🤣

[@megabyte7047]

The company that makes Sundolphin, just went belly up.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

interesting...well, this video may help folks then...

[@Waytogodavid]

That poor sun dolphin just got tore up in this review lmao 😆 note to self, don’t purchase a sun dolphin....I’ve been in my canoe for 17 years and today that changed....my first kayak purchase happened this morning! Pyranha acrobat 270....wish me luck folks lmao

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on David!!! Keep me posted!

[@joshck93]

Maybe all this virus junk will clear up and is Alabama boys can do a trip with all yall North Carolina guys

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Josh!

[@jonfisher9214]

@@RiverKingsKayak watching from London UK and not wanting to put a downer on things but it's going to get a lot lot worse. We're on lock down for possibly months. Stock up on supplies and isolate yourselves.

[@Ingenieur1961]

Music much to loud! Therfore: thumbs down.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Lol! Thanks for watching!