Information Guide To Jackson Kayak’s Customer Options

Jackson Kayak has re-written the books of whitewater kayak manufacturing. They've got some of the best boats in the industry, but at the same time have made the shopping process a little bit confusing for the consumer (and for us too sometimes). The purpose of this post is to inform the customer on the current JK situation. Here is an explanation of the options.

Plastic-Cross-Link Vs. Super Linear

Current 2010 model Jackson's (Star, Fun, Hero and Villain) are all offered in 2 different plastics (click here to read an in depth article on the differences between cross link and linear):

• Elite: These boats are made out of a light weight cross-link plastic. They come with full Happy Outfitting (Sweet Cheeks on all boats, and Happy Feet / Sweet Cheeks on Fun's and Star's). The advantage of cross link plastic is that it is light and strong. The drawback is that it is hard to weld. MSRP:$1195
• Super Linear: Super Linear boats have linear plastic. Linear is a little bit heavier and not quite as strong. It is also easier to weld.MSRP:$1049
• The CKS website has the "Elite" and "Super Linear" boats listed at 2 different products. Here are the links for each boat:
  • Jackson Kayak 2010 Star Series Elite (Crosslink Plastic)
  • Jackson Kayak 2010 Star Series (Super Linear Plastic)
  • 2010 Fun Series Elite (Crosslink Plastic)
  • 2010 Fun Series (Super Linear)
  • Villain Cross Link / Super Linear....more info coming soon. Call for details.

Color selection....Solid, Multi and Custom Colors

The color selection process is one of the coolest and most unique parts of JK's offerings, but also one of the most confusing. They have standard solid colored boats. They also have solid colored boats that cost extra (see**below), due to the expense of the dye. Next are the multi colored kayaks. These are basically "one offs". We (CKS) do not have any ability to pre determine the color of the "multi" boats before they arrive here at our warehouse. The last option, and by far the coolest is the custom multi color boat. All of these options will be explained in detail below. NOTE: ALL of the IN STOCK MULTI AND SOLID COLORED BOATS ARE DISPLAYED ON OUR SITE under the "color choices" item tab.

• Solid color boats:
  • Elite Solid Colors ($1195)-red, green and orange. Factory determined multi color.
  • **Elite Solid Custom Colors ($1274)-yellow,black,white,purple and pink.
  • Super Linear Solid Colors ($1049)-brick red, yellow and blue.
  • **Super Linear Custom Solid Colors($1124)-carrot and moss.

• Multi color boats:
  • Elite Multi Colors($1195)-Jackson Kayak determines what colors to use in these boats. They use both the standard and custom colors. The multi colored boats are a mix of between 2 and 4 colors (see the color choices tab on the for examples).
  • Super Linear Multi Colors($1049.00)-Jackson Kayak determines what colors to use in these boats. They use both the standard and custom colors. The multi colored boats are a mix of between 2 and 4 colors (see the color choices tab on the for examples).
  • Custom Multi Color Super Linear and Elite(Crosslink)-($75 in addition to boat price)- Custom boats are a really cool thing. The customer can pick out up to 3 colors (black,pink,purple, yellow,blue,green, yellow, white). They can choose where they want the colors to go (for ex. black stern, white cockpit and pink bow). If you have a very detailed design pattern, give us a call, and we can pitch it to Jackson. Custom boats take 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Outfitting Options

• Elite Jackson's come with the following outfitting:
  • Fun and Star series- Happy Feet, hips, Sure Lock back band, and sweet cheeks. The customer can change out the size of the sweet cheeks if they want. Call us for details.Click here to see pics of the outfitting, and to read more details.
  • Hero, Dynamic Duo and Villain-Standard outfitting which includes foam seat pad, hip pads, Sure Lock back band and a foam Uni shock bulkhead.

• Super Linear and Classic Jackson's come with the following outfitting:
  • Fun and Star Series- Foam seat pad, Sure Lock back band, hip pads and foam foot blocks.
  • Hero, Rocker, Dynamic Duo and Villain series-Foam seat pad, Sure Lock back band, hip pads and Uni-Shock bulk head.

Shipping Boats

• Jackson Kayak imposed a $69 shipping fee on all of their 2010 model kayaks( Fun, Star, Hero and Villain). This is a Jackson Kayak rule (not CKS), and there is nothing that we can do about it. Again, if you have any questions about shipping, give us a call. The Rocker series and Classic's are still $19.95 to ship.

2010 Jackson Spray Skirt Information

The sizing for the Hero's and Rockers are the same that they have been in the past. The Villain is TBD.

We hope that this helps to shed some light on Jackson's many options. Just like building a custom bike or any other outdoor gear set up, the more options that are available, the more difficult it can be to sift through all of the info. The end result however, is a better product, that is built 100% for an individual and not for a mass market. Jackson is trying to accomplish this as best they can. With a little bit of patience, it is possible to build your dream kayak, that has your own personal touches like graphics, outfitting, type of plastic, etc.