Bren discusses the challenges of choosing a Pyranha half-slice kayak. Weighing 73kg, he prefers the Large Ripper for its versatility and confidence, while the Firecracker 242 boosts his motivation.
Category Archive: Tests and Reviews
Feedback on kayaks from around the world
20
Feb
19
Feb
Pyranha Scorch X.
…the X absolutely soars if you put a big stroke in, gliding out straight after. The Scorch’s skip is a highlight of the boat, a feeling you look forward to.
05
Oct
Sal’s Firecracker 232 Review
I had space for one kayak only. I’d not long had my new Firecracker 232, and I was desperate to get her on some moving water and have a proper play. However, I’d also agreed to coach river skills at the #ShePaddles Festival. Would it be irresponsible to try and teach river skills in a playboat?
14
Jul
Firecracker vs. Ripper 2
Usually, I don’t get used to a boat quickly, but I had no problem getting used to the small Firecracker, from being able to throw big loops in it on the Dee, to technical and bigger gradients on the Wnion.
03
Apr
Firecracker goes to Turkey!
The Firecracker had me excited from the beginning, but it still took me a while to understand what the design is capable of and what its limitations are. On a highwater, spontaneous Turkey trip, I found out exactly what I could do with it…
22
Nov
Ingredients for an Epic Weekend: Skook, Starfish, Sea Salt, Sunshine, and the Ripper 2 Small
My first impressions of the new and improved Ripper is that Pyranha really crushed this design. It is infinitely easier to stern squirt, carves on waves because it doesn’t get locked into a line, loves to lay big treat boofs, and zooms out of features like a dart.
07
Oct
Small Ripper 2 is Here!
We’ve patiently waited, watching all our medium and large pals ripping it up and having all the fun, but now it’s our turn to see what the fuss is about. The wait is finally over for us shorties, because the small Ripper 2 has landed!
15
Jun
A Perfect Union
Initially, I got the Ozone to spice up my local runs when heading out between work stints. The more I have paddled it, the more I realise what an all-around capable boat it is. I’ve taken it down respectable continuous Grade 4, ran leadership provider orientations from it, and spent a lot of time recklessly vertical. I felt as though it was time to allow it to show how versatile it is.
07
May
A Few Words on the Ripper 2
After 22 days on the water, how does Bren Orton think the Ripper 2 compares to the original?
21
Mar
10 Years Later; I Wouldn’t Change a Thing
When I was 10 years old, the Pyranha Jed came out. I wanted this kayak so bad, and I begged my parents to get this boat for me! When Christmas rolled around in 2012, I look under the tree and there was a Pyranha Jed with my name on it. Ten years later, I am …