I know im a little late to the party here, but you asked for thoughts, and im here bored at work, so... I was fortunate enough to demo an 85 last week. Its a weird boat, if you spend too much time trying to analyze how it paddles you can convince yourself you dont like it, but if you turn that off and just go paddle everything clicks. I found that it was far more playful than a large ripper 2, and while the outfitting is minimal, I think tossing in some thigh hookers would totally transform how it fits. The hull was super loose, and always "doing something", but I really appreciated how the catch point of the sidewalls seemed to be in front of my hips instead of behind like the ripper 2 feels, made reacting to a strange change in current or 360s not only a breeze but fun as hell once I got use to it (which took about 30 minutes at staging eddy of play to feel out). It stern load boofs super stable compared to most boats ive paddled, and im assuming it has to do with the concave deck surface centering the pressure vs moving it towards the outsides. The weird 90 degree edges seem to help it track a little more like a ripper 2 vs a firecracker, but without a hard rail they do not catch on rocks which is super nice. It cant hold a candle to the r2l in speed, but its certainly faster than a firecracker 242 which is painfully slow. Its the first boat ive been in where I felt confident enough to not only go toss myself in the middle of flipper, but even try to do some 360s (unsuccessfully, but it was fun to watch) Ill be grabbing one in the next couple of weeks, but my main concern is the durability of the plastic as ive seen a disproportional about of cracked lettmann boats in the wild. Time will tell in that regards. Any idea if my TK bolts from my pyranha boats will cross over to this? I may not paddle like a pro, but I try to look like one... ;)
Nice detailed breakdown. I have seen few of the Lettmanns over the years and this is the best Whitewater kayak they have ever done that’s for sure. I think they should do a few tweaks for 2023 and keep it going.
No, the antix was made to play first I would say this is made to run the river first. The tail is pretty easy to get down but it definitely lags behind the antix in surfing and general hole play etc.
Great design, very average outfitting. Paddling my 85 for the last 5 months. Seat moves around from side to side and forwards and backwards, foot braces have only one screw each side so are constantly moving, knee braces are basic. Pillars are insecure. It would be an excellent boat if they sorted the outfitting.
I know im a little late to the party here, but you asked for thoughts, and im here bored at work, so... I was fortunate enough to demo an 85 last week. Its a weird boat, if you spend too much time trying to analyze how it paddles you can convince yourself you dont like it, but if you turn that off and just go paddle everything clicks. I found that it was far more playful than a large ripper 2, and while the outfitting is minimal, I think tossing in some thigh hookers would totally transform how it fits.
The hull was super loose, and always "doing something", but I really appreciated how the catch point of the sidewalls seemed to be in front of my hips instead of behind like the ripper 2 feels, made reacting to a strange change in current or 360s not only a breeze but fun as hell once I got use to it (which took about 30 minutes at staging eddy of play to feel out). It stern load boofs super stable compared to most boats ive paddled, and im assuming it has to do with the concave deck surface centering the pressure vs moving it towards the outsides. The weird 90 degree edges seem to help it track a little more like a ripper 2 vs a firecracker, but without a hard rail they do not catch on rocks which is super nice. It cant hold a candle to the r2l in speed, but its certainly faster than a firecracker 242 which is painfully slow. Its the first boat ive been in where I felt confident enough to not only go toss myself in the middle of flipper, but even try to do some 360s (unsuccessfully, but it was fun to watch)
Ill be grabbing one in the next couple of weeks, but my main concern is the durability of the plastic as ive seen a disproportional about of cracked lettmann boats in the wild. Time will tell in that regards.
Any idea if my TK bolts from my pyranha boats will cross over to this? I may not paddle like a pro, but I try to look like one... ;)
appreciate the feedback. It’s been awhile but from what I can remember I agree with these statements. Enjoy the boat !!
Nice detailed breakdown.
I have seen few of the Lettmanns over the years and this is the best Whitewater kayak they have ever done that’s for sure. I think they should do a few tweaks for 2023 and keep it going.
heck yea, glad we got to paddle these!
Dude that intro was awesome!! Loved the review. I wish more companies would do color designs like Lettman.
Thanks buddy appreciate the feedback
Great review, I am river runner myself👍
Link to seller?
@@FeWolf thanks man, www.splattypus.com/
Is it similar to the Antix as far as playability goes?
No, the antix was made to play first I would say this is made to run the river first. The tail is pretty easy to get down but it definitely lags behind the antix in surfing and general hole play etc.
Thorough review and excellent videography/editing! That pink and blue sure is sexy 🥵
Thanks man, appreciate the kind words. Yes its a good lookin boat! lovin it!
Great design, very average outfitting. Paddling my 85 for the last 5 months. Seat moves around from side to side and forwards and backwards, foot braces have only one screw each side so are constantly moving, knee braces are basic. Pillars are insecure. It would be an excellent boat if they sorted the outfitting.
Don’t disagree with you on that