JACKSON VILLAIN CREEK KAYAK

I have owned the Jackson Villain 8FT – 8 inch Creeker now for a few years and have done some tough descents with it, it’s a good large volume creek boat that will work well enough in a river.  I finding that it almost auto boofs with its plentiful rocker and is very forgiving in that department, made of cross link plastic it has not exhibited any signs of cracking yet and in this day and age its nice to come across such an honestly built product.

The inflatable seat cushion is a nice touch as is the uni shock system absorbing foot rests which resist bad pitons. it has well thought out and has ruggedly constructed outfitting.
Good in any water this is a kayak for the most demanding of white water creeks and rivers.
It is a little heavy at 50 Lbs but I think that just reflects how sturdy it really is, it has a very spacious cockpit making getting out in bad situations such as a pin easier.  Though its well rounded design make bad pins less likely in the first place.

Its 92 gallons or 350 litres in volume, good for large flow situations and resurfaces well, Jackson make a smaller kayak of 8 feet two inches and weighing in at 41Lbs. It is good for a person up to 180Lbs

The Villain has now been superceded by newer models but is still a good option if you are looking for a secondhand Kayak
Cost new is around $1150USD.

 

THE DAGGER MAMBA 8.0

I really love this kayak,  it’s a perfect size for the small and rocky creeks of the forest rivers, here in Panama, body contact within the boat is perfect and it feels like an extension of yourself.

Good tracking makes carving up the river a breeze and it has a secondary stability that has helped me escape from many difficult situations.

The Mamba just like its name is fast and you can shred the creek well in it,  if I had any criticism it is that the boof is a little more difficult with its flatter planing hull.  Simple yet very effective outfitting has reliably held up well.

Rolling is a dream and sometimes it feels like you put almost no effort into it,  I rarely need a second attempt to get upright.  The cockpit is large enough to escape easily in a difficult pin situation, with good placement of the self rescue handles.

Nearing the end of its natural life this mamba has managed three tough seasons but it is still managing to hold out, though with a few patches now.   This kayak has certainly helped me realise a few dreams.