I seem to like this boat more every time I take it out. The ReactR is a highly capable design that strikes a great balance: stable when things get pushy, but also playful and nimble for finding joy in every eddy turn.
Category Archive: Tests and Reviews
Feedback on kayaks from around the world
13
May
What kayak should you learn in?
Is a performance half-slice with sharp edges the way to go for every paddler? While some people benefit from being ‘cuddled’ down the river in a creek boat, this can slow down the learning curve and, for those not venturing into steeper drops, give dull feedback to the paddler.
28
Apr
An Ode to a Playboat, by a Non-Playboater
Now, I find myself singing the praises of a boat I really have not enough expertise to speak on; but as a “non-playboater”, who tries to occasionally playboat, I can’t help but love the Helectron.
22
Apr
Large Pyranha Storm Review
I’ve not been a fan of short half slices in the past, preferring the speed of the longer options, but I’m hooked on this boat!
29
Jan
River Tay Wizard Review
The Wizard is unlike any boat I have paddled before. Where I was initially apprehensive about trying this unique boat, the trip revealed it to be a positive mix of two boats.
23
Jan
Taking the ReactR to the Zambezi
Packing up my gear for the seventh time to head to one of my favourite rivers in the world—the Zambezi—I paused and wondered whether taking the ReactR was the right choice…
09
Jan
Why Pyranha?
It is ironic that when I decided to make the switch to Pyranha, it was almost entirely for one kayak…
06
Jan
First thoughts in the Pyranha Firecracker 242
Having finished my summer internship, the first thing I wanted to do when getting back to university was to go paddling. I’d bought an ex-demo Firecracker 242 over the holiday with the internship money and was incredibly eager to take it out during Freshers’ week…
14
Aug
Helectron on the Thames Valley Waves
Early in the season, at the start of November, I made the switch to the Helectron, and I’d be safe to say it made the season even more enjoyable.
01
Aug
Ripper 2: The Workhorse
So, there’s a range of playful river boats available in the Pyranha range and in offerings from other companies, almost to the point where it could get confusing. Nine-foot half slice, short half slice, full slice, bulked up half slice (anything with ‘puffy’ as the description), and long slice can all be considered playful riverboats and have their place. Do you need all of them? Probably not…