Thanks!

I really can’t compare Mamba 8.1 to the Karma, because I haven’t tried it yet. But I can try to clear up my thoughts on it. If I had tried both Mambas some years ago, I would have, without a doubt, decided for a smaller one. Back then I loved the ability to always correct the lines and to be able to boof without an effort. Over the years I have learned that having more volume, which keeps me on top of features, gives me more control and predictability on hardest white water, then does the ability to turn fast and boof without even taking a stroke (I’m just characterizing the manoeuvrability of some small creek boats). My paddling style has changed for sure since those times, but I have never been so confident on hard white water as I am now. I did this review with class 5 and more in mind and so do I enjoy a variety of boats on easier white water. I know many kayakers who used to creek in play boats and wouldn’t even think about doing it today. If you enjoy smaller fast boats, you’ll probably like the medium Mamba. But you really shouldn’t make a decision based solely on a review. Most contemporary WV kayaks are great and just take a bit of a different approach to mastering them. I would strongly recommend you to try the boats yourself before deciding.

And to answer the feet brace question… Dagger still uses the steel braces + foam. Jackson’s solution might really be the safest, though I haven’t ever had a hit with it. And I hope I never will

Let me know if you need more info. Best wishes,

Andraž

I’m deciding between a Mamba 8.1 and a Karma M. You said the 8.1 felt too small? That sounded a bit strange for me, as Dagger’s specs put it as 150-220lbs, and I with my 180lbs (80kg) should be smack in the middle, so I was considering 8.1. Could you please elaborate, in which ways did it feel too small?

I’ve always paddled Jacksons – I think I ran that Soca stretch in a Jackson Fun a few years ago, albeit at a lower level than on the video. I recently had a fairly high vertical pin in my Hero, and Jackson’s foam feel support plus the dynamic rope sure I didn’t feel a thing even as the front end of the boat got caved in. How does Mamba do in such cases – do they have steel braces for feet support?

Thanks!
Alex