I will be comparing the Stomper to the DR Critical Mass.
I am 6'0" 150lbs. Class IV boater. Right off the bat I noticed that the Stomper had less initial stability than the CM, but better secondary stability. The Stomper just doesn't want to roll upside down. It is also a little easier to roll.
Initially I didn't like the decrease in initial stability. However, the more I paddle the boat the more I am liking its stability characteristics. This boat doesn't feel huge. Its speed is about right for an 8' boat. I've noticed that in my CM I was used to just bombing down runs and rarely did it matter what I hit cause the CM would get me through it. Or if I got off line the CM had enough speed to get me back on line. Where as the Stomper feels like its better going slow until you pick your line and then charging that line. Since the Stomper isn't as fast as the CM or a Remix for that matter if you get off line it is a bit more difficult to quickly get back on line.
I do like the increased rocker in the Stomper. It practically boofs for you. It is also nice when punching holes as the nose is easy to get up and over the backwash. On my first run in the Stomper I got off line and hit one of those holes you are supposed to go around and going in I thought I was toast. I hit the backwash, the boat buried a bit and then popped up on the top of the pile. After a few good strokes I was on my way downstream.
As for outfitting. This is my first LL boat and I have to say the bad ass outfitting really is in a league of its own. Top notch. My boat was ready to go in 10-15 minutes. I have never had my boat outfitted that quickly or comfortably before.
Overall I would say the Stomper is exactly what it was designed to be, a nice mix between the ultimate creeker (the Jefe) and the ultimate river runner (the Remix). It is better at creeking than river running but if you want to buy one boat I think the Stomper allows you to do everything without comprising much.
I am 6'0" 150lbs. Class IV boater. Right off the bat I noticed that the Stomper had less initial stability than the CM, but better secondary stability. The Stomper just doesn't want to roll upside down. It is also a little easier to roll.
Initially I didn't like the decrease in initial stability. However, the more I paddle the boat the more I am liking its stability characteristics. This boat doesn't feel huge. Its speed is about right for an 8' boat. I've noticed that in my CM I was used to just bombing down runs and rarely did it matter what I hit cause the CM would get me through it. Or if I got off line the CM had enough speed to get me back on line. Where as the Stomper feels like its better going slow until you pick your line and then charging that line. Since the Stomper isn't as fast as the CM or a Remix for that matter if you get off line it is a bit more difficult to quickly get back on line.
I do like the increased rocker in the Stomper. It practically boofs for you. It is also nice when punching holes as the nose is easy to get up and over the backwash. On my first run in the Stomper I got off line and hit one of those holes you are supposed to go around and going in I thought I was toast. I hit the backwash, the boat buried a bit and then popped up on the top of the pile. After a few good strokes I was on my way downstream.
As for outfitting. This is my first LL boat and I have to say the bad ass outfitting really is in a league of its own. Top notch. My boat was ready to go in 10-15 minutes. I have never had my boat outfitted that quickly or comfortably before.
Overall I would say the Stomper is exactly what it was designed to be, a nice mix between the ultimate creeker (the Jefe) and the ultimate river runner (the Remix). It is better at creeking than river running but if you want to buy one boat I think the Stomper allows you to do everything without comprising much.
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Reviews >> Kayaks >> Creek Boat >> Stomper 80
