Jackson Kayak Villain Creek Boat Review by Leif Embertson

Well I'm converted. After the 2010 season the Large Villain has definitely earned the top spot in my quiver. Throughout the season I was able to try the Villain out on a few runs ranging from steep creeks to big water, waterfalls, to river running, and low water mank fests to rivers at flood stage and was ultimately won over by the fact that the Villain does most everything that is asked of it and above all else is predictable…predictably reliable that is.

Villain Specs:

2010 Villain Promo video. The 2011 is pretty much the same boat. The Uni Shock bulkhead is a nice touch. It provides some added safety.

Reviewers notes. I am 6’4”, 205lbs, with size 11 boats, of scandohovian origin and am generally not easy on my recreating vehicles. Before the L Villain I primarily paddled the Mega-Rocker and since moving to the PacNW the Super Hero. From that perspective here are the salient points I can speak to after having paddled the Villian for a season.

• Great stability. Both primary and secondary. The wide semi-displacement hull provides a great platform to brace and maneuver from and once put on edge the side profile continues to aid the stability of the boat.
• Forgiveness. This boat has this in spades and it comes from both the semi-displacement hull and the rounded chines of the boat. While the edges are rounded the Villian still has edges which helps to set your ferry angle but be less grabby on eddy lines, boils, and rocks, than a traditional fully chined boat.
• Boofs like a dream. The nose is rockered enough to really lett’er rip yet is not to bulbous to get deflected by waves and holes easily.
• Resurfaces well and predictable. The deck profile is smoothly contoured and balanced so when you don’t get your nose up you come up fast and in control.
• Comfortable and well sized for the L-XL crowd. Most people have who have meet me would not call me small and the Large Villain fits me comfortably and has plenty of space for overnight gear or an extra safety kit.

Keep up the good work Jackson and SYOTR. Leif wrote this review for us on the go and was unable to send in photos. There's a bunch of photos of him (on this blog) stomping big lines his Mega Rocker and Super Hero. When we get some Villain pics we will put them in the review. For now, we have added Jackson Kayak team photos. They get the point across-this boat likes big lines. You can check out more Leif creek style action at: The Range Life:http://therangelife.blogspot.com/2006/07/yule-creek-is-business_11.html The Colorado Kayak Chronicle:http://coloradokayak.blogspot.com/2008/07/big-south-08-waiting-for-gate.html