Hey all. Ok, I am very new to kayaking. I had a class on the Coosa River (class 1&2's) a few weekends ago and I really want a boat. We learned in Jackson Fun's. I was in a 4Fun...very uncomfortable for some reason, maybe just me, probably the ridiculous footbag.

Anyways, my instructors were doing all kinds of stalls and front flips and stuff like that and I'd like to be able to do that kind of thing one day. So, the guy in charge of the class is selling the old Daggers he has for $200, but I'm not sure what model they are. I do know that they are about 6 years old. However my specific instructor is selling his Riot Astro 54, a Riot Flair 57 both $400, maybe a LiquidLogic Vision 56 and possibly a Riot Thunder...not sure the price for those yet. He doesn't own any of those boats...its too complicated to explain but they are for sale. Anyways, since the Astro and the Flair are for sure buyable...which is the best bet? I am 5'7\" about 175...apparently a great size for most boats(so the instructor says). I'd rather buy a play boat now than have to buy another later on..so i figured this was a deal i couldn't pass up.

I have done a little research and the Flair is supposed to carve better because of the longer rockers and the Astro is more bouncy and spinable. The flair looks a little more beat up than the Astro. I have sat in both, but not paddled and compared to the Funs, they are like Lazy-Boys, although the Flair felt a little big. I was told by numerous people to go ahead and buy one of them because they are great deals and I would probably outgrow the Daggers or Funs if I wanted to do tricks.

Id like a decent river-running/play boat.

What do I do?

Thanks:pray:

For what it is worth I'm 5'10 qnd 180lb and have a astro 54 I think its the best boat on the market thats why I bought it Really you need to paddle as many as you can to make up your own mind. We are all different have fun choosing its a hard call and no one can make it for you.


Marty