EPIC 18X Sport Edition - Review
Epic 18XS
18X Sport Expedition – Review by Huon Witt – Australia
I have recently received a new 18X Sport in the Expedition layup. The design of the kayak is quite abstract compared to what is considered the "norm" among the seakayaking community in Tasmania. One experienced (i.e. traditional) paddler called it a fast, but pretend sea kayak (after all, it doesn't look like what the Eskimos used to paddle hundreds of years ago!) But the reality was no one could deny that the construction, weight and ingenuity far exceeded everyone's expectations! The boat demands attention.
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F
lat Water
What became very apparent on glassy flat-water was the boats amazing tracking ability, and effortless glide between power strokes. It has a motion flywheel effect. Acceleration is not like lightning due to its weight, but it far exceeds that of any normal sea kayaks, and the cruising speed is astounding. Doing record distances in this craft is very desirable! Stability was a perfect balance for flat-water cruising and confidence in heavy surf. I was extremely impressed to find that there was zero twitchiness, far less than some of the big fat seakayaks. With and without the rudder it was very easy to steer using counter edging. The firmness and the instant direct tight steering is by far my favorite feature of this boat, and the self adjusting pedals are fantastic. I have no problems keeping up with the V10 at training pace, and can hold my own for a short sprint against the V10 in the 18X Sport.
Open Water
Where the boat really shines I think, is in heavy swell. I was paddling with six other brands of well known sea kayaks, and it was outstandingly apparent to all of us that the efficiency of the 18XS was incredible, as it was slicing through the waves; and the easy distance this kayak was putting between itself and the rest of the pack, at just an easy long distance cruising pace, was simply impressive. The 18XS was very slippery surfing down waves, and the rudder made contact with the water at all times. Effortless seakayaking! I cannot wish for a better seat, and the back brace has not been necessary for me at all, but a nice feature for some.
Deck lids were watertight and the dayhatch lid, with its hinging side, allows for easy one handed access of equipment. These features, and the hatch cover lever locks , were commented on by all who examined the kayak - intensely.
They 18XS rolls very well and I love the flat rear deck, which works very well for a self rescue.
This kayak is something to be proud of, and a decade advanced over everything else that is common to seakayaking in Australia. Epic Kayaks should be very proud.
Thanks!
Huon Witt – Australia
