Version 1.0 11/10/03
Version 1.01 11/12/03
-added a section on trim
-fixed msc. grammatical errors
-added a small copyright note
Intro (everyone has to start somewhere)
All right guys, there is so much controversy on this boat. But as Mr. Baldwin has so often done, he has told people to read between the lines and to keep an open mind. That is one thing that I have continually seen lacking in regards to the S6x, people just write it off without giving its fair chance. I am a college student and avid playboater. I do work in a retail Kayak shop during the summers and get out on the water about 6 days a week. I have tried all of the new boats, all of the 2003's that is. Riot Air 45, Necky chronic/vibe, Pyranha s-6, Kingpin, G-force, T1-3, flip/slick stick. I am 5'9" 135lbs. So that is what I am basing this review on. First off, while trying out these boats, the one that I ended up liking the best was the s-6. My store didn't have the s6x but i have always been a fan of Pyranhas boats and thus took a chance. Hell, if the I love the s6, the s6x will be the shit right?... Ding Ding, we have a winner.
1) Balance
a. When I first got my new, shiny, factory direct, red/orange S6x 185, I was in heaven. I promised myself that I would not scratch it and all of that BS. Ohh well, that came to an end pretty fast. The same afternoon I got it, I outfitted it, (that was kind of a pain, but they give you all the foam you would ever need) and took it down to San Juan hole. Compared to the s6, at least at first, I had trouble throwing the ends down on flat water. I got scared, maybe the boat is too big for me or maybe…. Throwing the ends down is still harder for me to do in the S6x than the s6 but… and this is a big but, It is so much better balanced. Once I did get the technique of throwing my end down, and after I got used to the boats particular balance, I could keep the wheels going longer than in any other boat. Although it feels like bouncing, they are fast, smooth and just plain cool. Anyway, it does take a bit of practice, it took me about 10 hours to really get the balance down, more than a usual boat. I think this is because of the hull shape, it is narrower than most boats, and it has continues rocker. Balance wise, I have to say, it takes time, but once you get it, you can tell that the designers did something right.
b. Trim! In the first version of this review, I completely neglected trim. Here goes, as with all short spud boats these days, there is a huge performance difference when you move your weight forward or backward. This is especially true in the s6x because (I think) the hull shape. The continues rocker allows you to engage a specific part of the boat with much greater finesse than a traditional flat bottom boat. When you put the seat forward, the boat will want to accelerate as more weight is shifted to the bow, and slow down as you put the seat further back. Now this is just the basic principle but really, it changes the whole boats performance. Personally, I like a dead center trim which lets me shift my weight most effectively over the entire boat, but that is just me.
2) The Edges!
a. I hear people complaining that this boat is an edgy boat. NO SHIT SHERLOCK! Jeez, any high performance boat will have edges. GET USED TO THEM. They let you maneuver in the most turbulent of playspots, they let you engage your rocker to get the most bounce. This boat has plenty of Bounce. My god, where loops are near impossible at San Juan in the S6 you can actually get some sick air in the S6x.
3) In a Hole
a. This is what the boat excels at. It likes holes. The munchier, the stickier, the bigger the badder. The only limitation to this boat in a hole is the paddler. I took this to first threat at about 1800 once and man, one time, I got in the hole, threw down my bow at just the right spot and the boat started doing end rotations like nothing else, it was the fastest cartwheel set I have ever seen/done. It loves to hop in first threat and bounce and loop like a god damn mousketeer.
4) In a Wave
a. Sadly this is where the boat gets some points docked off. It is a slower boat, the bigger bow causes more drag, and the whole thing just doesn’t want to accelerate straight down the trough on shallower waves. Steep waves it is pretty good. And because of its carving ability, can move back and forth on a wave deliciously quick. It does get mondo bounce for those super duper blunts, and this is where the bigger bow actually helps. On river waves, this boat rates average.
5) Ocean Surf! (Damn, this is what I am reduced to)
a. Ok, so its not a surf kayak. And its not designed to be a surf kayak. And even if it was, its too slow to be a surf kayak. Im sorry. On little stuff, like 3-5 footers, it can be fun to mess around a bit, to cartwheel with the dolphins, to bowstall with the birds, and to get surfers angry at you. But dude, on a real wave, this boat just does not have the speed. I find myself constantly at the top of a big wave right as it is about the crash. And that is a sucky place to be. Often times, you can fall a good 6-10 feet and smack your nose/hull on the bottom of the sea no problem and if your lucky, you can let the wave curl you then drop you on your head. That hurts like a &*(^)*&. The night after my accident, I toasted vehemently to the deities of oblivion and downed a bottle of Capt. Mo. Good times. If your near the ocean in the fall/winter/spring like me… and you have cash (which I don’t) Buy a real ocean kayak, or take up surfing. I’m considering skin boarding myself.
6) Rapids Yahoo!
a. So the thing about rapids, at least my philosophy is that if someone can do it in a creeker, why can’t it be done in a playboat. Well, I stick to my philosophy. Up to class 4, maybe higher, this boat will treat you just fine if you are an experienced paddler. It is edgy, but you should have gotten used to that pretty quick, the rocker really helps you to punch through big features. The biggest thing you have to worry about is getting sucked back. If that happens, just blast the hole, or cartwheel. Either way is fun.
7) Now, who deserves the privilege, nay! The Honor of getting into this fine piece of plastic?
a. You know what, I was thinking about this. Some of my friends at school asked me if they could take it out for a spin. I said NO. The average Jo just doesn’t realize the skill and knowledge it takes to paddle a kayak. Being able to roll is a given. Some experience may be necessary. BUT! I would not say that this boat is just for those super playboating gods. If you want the highest end boat out there, and you have 1.(A huge ego) 2.(Balls of Steel) 3.(More Experience than Jay Kinkade) 4.(The desire to rapidly increase your skill) This is most definitely the boat for you
8) Damn, almost forgot comfort
a. Ok, so all of you old people out there want a boat that is comfortable and will let your knees and other body parts, ass included, feel like they are in their favorite leather armchair at home. Well, your in luck. Personally, comfort comes second. I find a boat comfortable if it lets me stay in it for more than an hour. The thigh braces are the best you will find anywhere. They give you so much control over the boat without digging into your flesh. The foot block is a good idea as well. For my weight, I have relatively long legs and thus used some of the random sticky foam to cover the plastic foot bloc so I could get the seat slightly forward. With some padding for your heels and some additional padding in key spots. The boat feels like a relaxing sit on a lawnchair. With your legs splayed open of course. Now, the second biggest thing comfort wise for me is that my legs always want to go to sleep. The position the boat forces your legs is the best I have ever used. OMG, I have been known to stay and play in my boat for upwards of 4-5 hours. Its seriously that comfortable.
The Final Say:
If you just want to run rapids and do a little playing on the side don’t go for the S6x. Seriously, you might be in danger of getting your ass handed to you on a plate. My recommendation to you would be a G-Ride or a s6f. I hear the F is supposed to be awesome. I’m looking forward to trying one myself. But, my view is, if your going for a playboat, why not the best right? Who wants a detuned version of anything. If your chill, if you know what the right boat for you is and can accept no substitutes, go for the S6x. It will cause your learning curve to bend backward and will push you to your limits. All I can say is that as far as boats are concerned, it is the best. In many more ways than you might think. Give it a try, a real, serious try, and you will be inspired. Comments/questions/constructive criticism would be appreciated. E-mail me @ rwporte@hotmail.com

Copyright 2003 RWP
-Feel free to use this or reproduce it, just give me some credit… I took time out of my busy drinking schedule to write this!... College... It’s the shit