That second hammer hit (first with he blacksmithing hammer) was an impressive camera flip trick. Takes a good deal of faith to that to your boat! Go Bear!
Thanks for the explanation on all of the layups with this and your previous video. My wife and I have been talking about moving from our Royalex boats and going with a composite boat. These videos have been very helpful!
Firstly Bear, thank you very much for making these videos. Tons of great information in these. Thoroughly enjoying your casual and honest presentation of said information as well. Top notch. Secondly, I’m fairly certain the B16 in this video is currently strung up in my garage. Which has me a bit star struck to say the least. Thanks for not whacking it with a hammer in the video. Although maybe that could be an IXP christening marketing strategy? Again thanks for the videos. Much appreciated here.
Was thinking of getting that combo myself. I used to have an early Black gold Bell Magic and loved that but moved to an area with lots of rivers with seasonal rapids that flow into large lakes. I lost the magic and a Necky Kayak in a tornado so been without a canoe for a few years recovering from that. Don't want to give up too much efficiency but need a tougher boat with more rocker, but not too much as I have the skills to turn and don't want give up too much tracking,, for river travel. Not an expert but experienced, maybe a little rusty. The magic really spoiled me Is your application similar? I tried a Merlin when I bought the magic but of course the magic won that time and I weigh a bit more than I did then, I'm 6'6", 240#
Is that Fairy dust basalt? I noticed Swift ads that to their mix, I also saw a video by a Chicago distributor of Northstar mention Northstar IXP contained Basalt, is that the case. Mostly curious and was wondering how rock got into the mix until you mentioned fairy dust which made me think it might be rock dust mixed in to stiffen up the internal Innegra llayers
IXP is a co-weave of Innegra and Basalt. Innegra has the fascinating properties, so we've chosen not to highlight the Basalt. The fairy dust is added to the resin to give it the greater flex that IXP allows.
I have a starlight Phoenix with some large impacts. I love running rivers and should have bought an IXP boat. Could my Phoenix be sanded down and an IXP layer(s) be added to the exterior hull?
Missed your messages, sorry for the delay in responding. I'm afraid it' not possible to change a StarLite hull into an IXP. Best option is to sell the StarLite, if you're committed to running rivers, and buy an IXP.
How many layers are in your IXP laminating schedule that you dont have to core? Flex compared to your foam core laminates? Many thanks, your canoes look like great craftsmanship. Do you have dealers in Florida?
Has the number of layers changed over time, I read in a 2014 blog that the solos had 9 layers of Innegra and one of aramid.. Of course this "info" didn't come directly from Northstar so it could be misinformation. Just wondering what the composition of used canoes might be if different from newer ones. Are the layers different depending on the model?
How does the cost of IXP compare to the other Laminates? I've only seen a couple of models price in IXP and they seemed about the same ore slightly more than straight Kevlar, is that generally the case, Was thinking about a northwind solo mostly but maybe a polaris
IXP is the same price as StarLite. MSRPs are listed on the website here: northstarcanoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Compare-w-pricing-4-20-22-1.pdf Like everything in this wacky economic environment, subject to change without notice.
I noticed a video where an older gentleman with an IXP Phoenix had a "ruby" colored boat. the video mentioned it was a custom finish, is that commonly available or just for special employees Haha. The blacklite is nice looking on its own but the IXP is kinda ugly,(not big on gray) though it might just take some getting used to. Are custom colors available and if so what colors and about much extra is that. Also is the internal skid plate composed of extra layers of laminate or is there more to it? That would certainly make the nose more impact resistant though maybe the IXP is impact resistant on its own LOL. Anyway didn't see that listed on the site although I did eventually find the Pricing pdf. Sorry if these seem like dumb questions
We can put a Ruby or Emerald outer layer on either an IXP or a StarLite (not a BlackLite). We don't promote it, because we feel like it's only a good choice for photographers. Ruby and Emerald are polyester cloth, which adds color, but doesn't add strength or abrasion resistance. Thus for a $150 upcharge you've essentially added 4-8lbs to the canoe for no functional benefit. It's just like gel coat, no good reason to add it. In short, we spend a ton of effort working to keep the weights low (even on IXP), and so adding a bunch of lbs back just to make a pretty color seems foolish. As to the gray of IXP - you'd be surprised, it does grow on you - the pattern is a more complex than you initially think. Internal skids are kevlar felt which has better abrasion resistance than woven kevlar.
@@northstarcanoes2404 makes sense, wouldn't want to sacrifice utility for cosmetics, like a relationship with a good woman it might look better over time because it just works better . I guess I was thinking it was more a matter of simply adding pigment to the resin Anyway I signed up on a waiting list for an IXP Phoenix, seems like I might have to take what I can get within those parameters though I would have liked to get some extras like skid plates, wood trim, etc but apparently there's a long waiting list Thanks for the input, heard you were a great guy from the people at Miami Outfitters
We wrapped one on Ledge Rapid on the San Juan in Utah. After replacing thwarts with sticks and lashing those in, it was paddled for another 5 days. We brought it home, put new rails on it, did a few patches for reinforcements, and sold it.
@@northstarcanoes2404 Epic story! Saw a Eoyalex with foot long gash in the center once. We cut a food barrel in half , and glued it over with 5 minute epoxy.( Always have some in my kit now) Sewed it with snare wire through holes punctured using a hot nail..I doubt the guy sold it afterwards.... 🤣 At that point the main thing is that it can still float you to safety...:-)
Great video Bear! Very helpful! Paddling rivers in a composite canoe has been so joyful! Thanks Northstar!
That second hammer hit (first with he blacksmithing hammer) was an impressive camera flip trick. Takes a good deal of faith to that to your boat! Go Bear!
Great information. From a guy who has lived in a kayak for years this helps me understand the Northstar line better.
Thanks for the explanation on all of the layups with this and your previous video. My wife and I have been talking about moving from our Royalex boats and going with a composite boat. These videos have been very helpful!
Firstly Bear, thank you very much for making these videos. Tons of great information in these. Thoroughly enjoying your casual and honest presentation of said information as well. Top notch.
Secondly, I’m fairly certain the B16 in this video is currently strung up in my garage. Which has me a bit star struck to say the least. Thanks for not whacking it with a hammer in the video. Although maybe that could be an IXP christening marketing strategy? Again thanks for the videos. Much appreciated here.
You're welcome. Guess we missed an opportunity to break it in for you.
Bear, great videos. Love my Northwind Solo IXP...thanks for your recommendation on it.
Was thinking of getting that combo myself. I used to have an early Black gold Bell Magic and loved that but moved to an area with lots of rivers with seasonal rapids that flow into large lakes. I lost the magic and a Necky Kayak in a tornado so been without a canoe for a few years recovering from that. Don't want to give up too much efficiency but need a tougher boat with more rocker, but not too much as I have the skills to turn and don't want give up too much tracking,, for river travel. Not an expert but experienced, maybe a little rusty. The magic really spoiled me
Is your application similar? I tried a Merlin when I bought the magic but of course the magic won that time and I weigh a bit more than I did then, I'm 6'6", 240#
great video, hope to order an IXP canoe one day
Virtual Canoecopia is this weekend if you need some motivation. ;-)
Is that Fairy dust basalt? I noticed Swift ads that to their mix, I also saw a video by a Chicago distributor of Northstar mention Northstar IXP contained Basalt, is that the case. Mostly curious and was wondering how rock got into the mix until you mentioned fairy dust which made me think it might be rock dust mixed in to stiffen up the internal Innegra llayers
IXP is a co-weave of Innegra and Basalt. Innegra has the fascinating properties, so we've chosen not to highlight the Basalt. The fairy dust is added to the resin to give it the greater flex that IXP allows.
I have a starlight Phoenix with some large impacts. I love running rivers and should have bought an IXP boat. Could my Phoenix be sanded down and an IXP layer(s) be added to the exterior hull?
Missed your messages, sorry for the delay in responding. I'm afraid it' not possible to change a StarLite hull into an IXP. Best option is to sell the StarLite, if you're committed to running rivers, and buy an IXP.
How many layers are in your IXP laminating schedule that you dont have to core? Flex compared to your foam core laminates? Many thanks, your canoes look like great craftsmanship. Do you have dealers in Florida?
At least 15 layers. No flex in either foam cored or solid cored. We have a dealer near Savannah, so pretty close to FL.
Has the number of layers changed over time, I read in a 2014 blog that the solos had 9 layers of Innegra and one of aramid.. Of course this "info" didn't come directly from Northstar so it could be misinformation. Just wondering what the composition of used canoes might be if different from newer ones. Are the layers different depending on the model?
How does the cost of IXP compare to the other Laminates? I've only seen a couple of models price in IXP and they seemed about the same ore slightly more than straight Kevlar, is that generally the case, Was thinking about a northwind solo mostly but maybe a polaris
IXP is the same price as StarLite. MSRPs are listed on the website here: northstarcanoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Compare-w-pricing-4-20-22-1.pdf
Like everything in this wacky economic environment, subject to change without notice.
I noticed a video where an older gentleman with an IXP Phoenix had a "ruby" colored boat. the video mentioned it was a custom finish, is that commonly available or just for special employees Haha. The blacklite is nice looking on its own but the IXP is kinda ugly,(not big on gray) though it might just take some getting used to. Are custom colors available and if so what colors and about much extra is that. Also is the internal skid plate composed of extra layers of laminate or is there more to it? That would certainly make the nose more impact resistant though maybe the IXP is impact resistant on its own LOL. Anyway didn't see that listed on the site although I did eventually find the Pricing pdf. Sorry if these seem like dumb questions
We can put a Ruby or Emerald outer layer on either an IXP or a StarLite (not a BlackLite). We don't promote it, because we feel like it's only a good choice for photographers. Ruby and Emerald are polyester cloth, which adds color, but doesn't add strength or abrasion resistance. Thus for a $150 upcharge you've essentially added 4-8lbs to the canoe for no functional benefit. It's just like gel coat, no good reason to add it. In short, we spend a ton of effort working to keep the weights low (even on IXP), and so adding a bunch of lbs back just to make a pretty color seems foolish.
As to the gray of IXP - you'd be surprised, it does grow on you - the pattern is a more complex than you initially think.
Internal skids are kevlar felt which has better abrasion resistance than woven kevlar.
@@northstarcanoes2404 makes sense, wouldn't want to sacrifice utility for cosmetics, like a relationship with a good woman it might look better over time because it just works better . I guess I was thinking it was more a matter of simply adding pigment to the resin
Anyway I signed up on a waiting list for an IXP Phoenix, seems like I might have to take what I can get within those parameters though I would have liked to get some extras like skid plates, wood trim, etc but apparently there's a long waiting list
Thanks for the input, heard you were a great guy from the people at Miami Outfitters
will it regain its shape after it has been wrapped around a rock? that's the main reason ppl like them on remote locations..
We wrapped one on Ledge Rapid on the San Juan in Utah. After replacing thwarts with sticks and lashing those in, it was paddled for another 5 days. We brought it home, put new rails on it, did a few patches for reinforcements, and sold it.
@@northstarcanoes2404
Epic story! Saw a Eoyalex with foot long gash in the center once. We cut a food barrel in half , and glued it over with 5 minute epoxy.( Always have some in my kit now)
Sewed it with snare wire through holes punctured using a hot nail..I doubt the guy sold it afterwards.... 🤣
At that point the main thing is that it can still float you to safety...:-)