S6X 205 vs. S6 200
I've had my S6X 205 for about one month now. For the sake of this review,
I'm focusing on how it paddled in 4 situations:
1) Big Water River Running
2) Steep Wave w. Foam Pile
3) Deep Retentive Hole
4) Ocean Surfing
Before the 6X, I was paddling and S6. Other boats I've paddled are the
G-Force, Space Cadet, and Kingpin. I'm 5'10" with a 30 inch inseam, weigh 200
lbs. and have been paddling for 9 years.
Comfort - Huge improvement over the S6 for me. The knees are higher in the
6X, which leads to a much more comfortable position for me. I know many
folks love the way the S6 fits, but I could never really get comfortable in
it. Also, the 6X has heaps more foot room. I'm sitting one notch foward with
room to spare.
1) River Running
Speed - Faster than the S6 due to the increased volume. I'm able to plow
through holes with more speed, and I avoid subbing out.
Control - A little more to handle than the S6. This boat is much edgier
(which actually helps alot playing) but definitely you need to stay on top of
things.
Probably the vast majority of folks will be better off in the S6 if they
are going to be running big water, but I found the 6X can get the job done.
It ferries fast and eddies out in a controlled manner. For my weight, it
was actually a little easier as I stayed on the surface better.
2) Steep Wave
Sweet! The 6X responds FAST, which actually was a challenge for the first
week I paddled it. It requires precision to spin, as the hull is narrower
than the S6. For folks looking to simply surf and spin, the S6 will be
easier to deal with.
However, for blunts and carving the 6X shines. It is much quicker on
switching rails, leading to more dynamic blunts. I've gotten my first arial
blunts in this boat, doing the exact same movements as I was in my S6. Did I
mention this boat is fast on a wave - really, really, fast.
3) Hole
Not to repeat a theme, but the S6 was easier to control and more stable in
holes. However, the extra volume on the 6X gives alot more pop on loops.
Again, more air with the same movement. It seems to cartwheel a little
faster than the S6 with less control.
4) Ocean Surfing
The 6X is way faster on a wave face and carving is vastly improved. I was
pulling cut backs into cartwheels and all sorts of fun stuff. Basically, it
feels like the rails dig in more, and give a lot more kick to moves, more
similar to a surf board. But, it was also less forgiving than the S6.
So, overall, I would say the S6X is the way to go if:
- You are REALLY comfortable with a quick ultra-responsive play boat,
- Want to get more air
- Are over 200 lbs. and are subbing out the S6
- You want to use fins and do some ocean surfing
The S6 will be better for folks who:
- Are learning new wave and hole moves (blunts, loops, spins, etc.)
- Want more of a river runner.
- Want a playboat that gives a stable platform for learning.
Send me any questions, and I'll let you know what I think. I really like
both boats, but the 6X is opening up all sorts of new moves for me.
I've had my S6X 205 for about one month now. For the sake of this review,
I'm focusing on how it paddled in 4 situations:
1) Big Water River Running
2) Steep Wave w. Foam Pile
3) Deep Retentive Hole
4) Ocean Surfing
Before the 6X, I was paddling and S6. Other boats I've paddled are the
G-Force, Space Cadet, and Kingpin. I'm 5'10" with a 30 inch inseam, weigh 200
lbs. and have been paddling for 9 years.
Comfort - Huge improvement over the S6 for me. The knees are higher in the
6X, which leads to a much more comfortable position for me. I know many
folks love the way the S6 fits, but I could never really get comfortable in
it. Also, the 6X has heaps more foot room. I'm sitting one notch foward with
room to spare.
1) River Running
Speed - Faster than the S6 due to the increased volume. I'm able to plow
through holes with more speed, and I avoid subbing out.
Control - A little more to handle than the S6. This boat is much edgier
(which actually helps alot playing) but definitely you need to stay on top of
things.
Probably the vast majority of folks will be better off in the S6 if they
are going to be running big water, but I found the 6X can get the job done.
It ferries fast and eddies out in a controlled manner. For my weight, it
was actually a little easier as I stayed on the surface better.
2) Steep Wave
Sweet! The 6X responds FAST, which actually was a challenge for the first
week I paddled it. It requires precision to spin, as the hull is narrower
than the S6. For folks looking to simply surf and spin, the S6 will be
easier to deal with.
However, for blunts and carving the 6X shines. It is much quicker on
switching rails, leading to more dynamic blunts. I've gotten my first arial
blunts in this boat, doing the exact same movements as I was in my S6. Did I
mention this boat is fast on a wave - really, really, fast.
3) Hole
Not to repeat a theme, but the S6 was easier to control and more stable in
holes. However, the extra volume on the 6X gives alot more pop on loops.
Again, more air with the same movement. It seems to cartwheel a little
faster than the S6 with less control.
4) Ocean Surfing
The 6X is way faster on a wave face and carving is vastly improved. I was
pulling cut backs into cartwheels and all sorts of fun stuff. Basically, it
feels like the rails dig in more, and give a lot more kick to moves, more
similar to a surf board. But, it was also less forgiving than the S6.
So, overall, I would say the S6X is the way to go if:
- You are REALLY comfortable with a quick ultra-responsive play boat,
- Want to get more air
- Are over 200 lbs. and are subbing out the S6
- You want to use fins and do some ocean surfing
The S6 will be better for folks who:
- Are learning new wave and hole moves (blunts, loops, spins, etc.)
- Want more of a river runner.
- Want a playboat that gives a stable platform for learning.
Send me any questions, and I'll let you know what I think. I really like
both boats, but the 6X is opening up all sorts of new moves for me.
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