About the reviewer First season whitewater kayaker Test environment Downstream river run and whitewater play. Review I've tested the boat once now, but liked it so much I bought it. Another friend has tried the 8.0 a few times and is about to do the same. The great thing about the RPM is that it is easy to roll. The bad thing is it rolls so easily. The Axiom is almost as easy to roll when you want, but has nice edges to keep you up. The edges cut well in flat water and keep the boat pointed much straighter than some similar boats like the Pyranha Z.One. It also edges, braces, and handles much better than the Z.One. The low profile gives it many of the same advantages that made the RPM a legend. The outfitting is very well made, very adjustable and comfortable. The bulkhead is well padded and large enough to fill the bow space well -- no space for pinching toes. I'll leave the evaluation of its ability to hotdog to those with better skills than I. For a novice paddler, this is a great multi-purpose boat. Conclusion The RPM can move over...

About the reviewer First season whitewater kayaker Test environment Downriver run and whitewater play Review I had great hopes for this boat and was especially looking forward to a good competition to the new Dagger Axiom 8.5. I was sorely disappointed. Side by side, the two should be very comparable: similar length and width and hull design, with a bit less volume than the Axiom. The hull was apparently the biggest disappointment as it has a slightly curved bottom with planing edges that just don't cut it. In comparison, it pointed poorly when paddling in flat water, was much more prone to roll, but without good tight edges for bracing. The Z.One is also much more difficult to roll up than the Axiom. In whitewater it felt squirrly and difficult to control. Outfitting was a loser, too. The back brace provided very poor support and sat too low on the back. At my height it almost might as well have not been there. I did all I could to tighten the back strap all the way before pulling forward with the cam straps, but nothing provided much support. The forward bulkhead was much smaller than...