I am looking to get one of these boats and would like to hear how they compare??

Thanks

I am pretty sure that the general concensus is that the Burn is the better river runner and creeker. The peaked deck and stern and increased rocker profile contribute to this. A lot more people paddle the Burn on Class V+ than the Diesel. What exactly are you looking for? Both boats are probaly pretty comparable up to Class V.

I am more of a IV boater. What about for wave surfing, would they be bout the same for that as well?

The Burn and Diesel are very different boats. I have owned both (I still paddle the Burn). The Diesel is a decent basic river runner. I doubt wavesport would ever say so, but now especially with the addition of the Habitat to their line up, I think the Diesel will become much more of learning boat. If you are boating class IV, I think you will be dissappointed with the Diesel. Despite the semi planing nature of the hull and moderate edges it doesnt really dig in and edge well at all. It rolls easy, but has a slightly whimpy stern that tends to get stood up in holes. The Burn on the other hand edges great, holds a line, surfs OK (for a long, high volume boat), and is quite stable in confusing water and plowing through holes. My only objection to the Burn is the outfitting. The Diesel fit me really well, whereas the Burn required much more modification, especially to take up the extra space below the rather small thigh hooks. I actually use a Jackson Happy Seat bag to push my thighs up tighter into the hooks and give me a snug fit. Go with the Burn (or consider a Habitat). Just my

I have a diesel, I got if for big water river running. I've been very happy with it. It's very solid, able to take a hit and surfs like a dream. I agree that the Burn is probably better for creeking, but if you're looking for something that can handle class IV river running and surfs, the diesel is a great choice. As mentioned, it was super easy to outfit.

I agree that the Diesel is good river runner, but my own experience with both boats has led me to believe that the Burn performs better in rough water (not just creeking) and even surfing. Then again, lets be honest, neither the Burn or the Diesel surf great. They are both too long and have too much volume. Neither is designed to allow the bow or stern to slice under the water. While this is an advantage is rough water, if you intend to use the boat for moves other than say flat spinning, you want to be able to to get the ends down. This of coarse is the fundamental difference between a creek boat on one extreme and a super small playboat on the other. If you really want a boat that surfs well then you should consider a river-play style. There are many options including the
Jackson Fun series, the Wavesport EZG, the Dagger Prescription, etc. All of these handle well enough to run most class IV and will surf much better than the Burn or Diesel. One other option is the Pyranha Ammo which has a deck like a creek boat with a flat hard edged bottom like a play boat. I have an Ammo, and although I like the boat, it is a bit of a jack of all trades and master of none. When surfing / playing I would rather be in my playboat and when running longer / bigger rivers or creeking I generally prefer my Burn. If you are set on either the Diesel or the Burn you really should paddle both.

Maybe this is just a skill issue for me, I have gotten worked trying to run bigger water in my fun? So I could have more fun surfing. Maybe thats what the Ammo and the new JK Hero are about, better play opportunities on rivers that intermediate boaters would be hesatant to go down in a play boat.

The ammo seems more river then play?? The new Hero has alot of volume. Do you think it will be very playful?

I just need to get better?? and all boat s will be great!

Either boat will be more stable then your fun (I paddled a 2Fun for a couple years). Keep trying to play on smaller features in your fun, so you can build the skills to use on bigger features. Getting worked happens, so get used to it. If you want, get a bigger boat to run the stuff you're just not comfortable with running in your Fun. Once you start playing and surfing more your confindence and boat control will improve and you'll be more willing to take your fun on more difficult/bigger rivers. I like surfing my diesel, it catches big waves on the fly really well, but I'm not going to take it to the local play spot, it would be a lot of work to get it to do much more then front surf.

Personally I would go for the Burn, far comfier handles better empty or with kit and will get down what ever you are going to paddle. I found the diesel 65 ok empty but with any kit in the back tail squirts galore, oh I'm 75kgs and the bigger one wasnt much better.