The
Liquid Logic Remix XP series (10 and 12....feet long) is new for 2009. It is a TRUE multi-purpose whitewater /recreational kayak that is much needed in the consumer industry. Liquid Logic basically took a
Remix, and made it longer and wider. It also has a cargo hatch ("backcess" hatch) on the back, a skeg (really cool!) and bungee cords for attaching gear and maps to.
Specs:
Length:10'3"
Width:28"
Volume:105 gallons
Bow Rocker:14.7"
Pros:
This kayak is loaded with many appealing features. It's got an adjustable skeg, cargo hatch, bungee ties, great outfitting and a huge cockpit that add to the versatility of this boat. The skeg sits inside of the back of the boat, and is completely out of the way, when it is in the raised position. There is a hand lever just to the right of the cockpit that allows the paddler to raise and lower the skeg while he or she is paddling in the boat. This is great for areas that have lakes that are connected by rivers, and for people who paddle in flat water as well as rivers. We took the
XP10 out for a paddle at our local lake. The
CKS staff noticed that the boat was very fast and stable for a whitewater kayak, and that it tracked amazingly well when the skeg was down. It even tracked pretty well when the skeg was up.
The "backcess" hatch in the back of the boat has a removable top. It is not water-proof, but it does hold out most of the water. There was plenty of room in the back, enough to store a weeks worth of gear or so. This boat would be a perfect choice for The Grand Canyon, Rogue or Middle Fork self support trips (
click here to view or large selection of river and flat water guide books).
The bungee ties on the top of the boat were a nice touch and reminds me of what you see on high end touring kayaks. This is a great place to put maps,
guide books and
small storage bags.
Check out this link from the Ottawa river. This is a perfect spot to test the
Remix XP10. There are big rapids and fun waves to surf in a whitewater boat, yet huge pools and lots of flat water with tasty fish.
Cons:
The Liquid Logic Remix XP10 is a big boat. It is great for stuffing a lot of gear into the back, and paddling off into the unknown for a lot longer than you could with a traditional whitewater boat. The drawback to paddling such a large and heavy (loaded with overnight gear) boat, is that it may be difficult for some people to control in tight, technical whitewater. Smaller paddlers especially will be fully aware that they are paddling a 105 gallon boat. Keep in mind that the
Remix 47 is 1/2 as many gallons. If you are a beginning kayaker and are looking for a boat to learn in, this may not be the best boat in the
Remix series.....Perhaps a smaller one would be better.
The Verdict:
This boat is a great option for people that paddle on all types of water (lakes, ponds, rivers and ocean). It tracks amazingly well on flat water because of it's retractable skeg system, and handles whitewater just like a Remix on steroids. Self-support paddlers will love the cargo hatch, as well as fisherman who want a place to keep their catch. This boat is 105 gallons so keep that in mind if you are a beginning whitewater kayaker, or small and light.... It's a lot of boat. Overall, this boat get 2 big thumbs up from the CKS staff.
