Jackson Super Hero vs. Pyranha Ammo L

[cnabors]

I am wanting to get a new boat. I am looking at the Pyranha Ammo large or the Jackson Super hero. I am 5' 11" 210 lbs. I will mainly be running class III - IV rivers and mild creek runs. I want something that I can eventually run harder rivers and creeks with. I like the outfitting and bulkhead system on the jackson. The cross link plastic sounds good but don't really know the difference. The ammo sounds like a cool boat as well but it seems like all the reviews i have read are biased because they are written by pyranha paddlers. Any advice would be great.

[Cowper]

I've only paddled these boats for a few minutes each, and it wasn't the same day, so direct comparisons are difficult, but since you haven't gotten other responses I'll throw in my 2 cents.

You're right to be skeptical of internet reviews - many are written by either 1) team paddlers or 2) someone who just got a new boat, and the excitement hasn't worn off yet...

I think both are good boats, and either will do what you want.

Crosslink vs linear - The crosslink is more durable, but can not be repaired easily. Between hull breakage being not too common, and pretty good warrantees by both companies, this would not be a deciding factor for me. Look at how the boat handles and how well you like the outfitting instead.

The Jackson bulkhead - I like it too, because of its shock-absorbing ability, and it is SOOOO easy to adjust, which can allow a loose fit for the "easy" part of your run and a tight fit when you get to the good stuff. BUT - You typically don't see ankle injuries being talked about unless someone is running big waterfalls, like maybe greater than 15'. Less than that, it hurts, you limp for a few hours, but you're good to go the next day. And some report that the "squishy" feeling is not what they like, or complain that they slip and require occassional tightening during the day. Net result of all this - I'd say it is a "plus" for the Jackson, but again not a deciding factor for what you say you're wanting to run.

I recommend you get down to OOO, and at least sit in both boats to see if one is just plain more comfortable for you. Maybe take them to a pool or lake, and see if you like the way one accelerates or turns better, and lean the boats to see how each feels for primary and secondary stability. My guess is that 5 minutes in each boat, even on flatwater, and you may well find you have answered your questions.

[okieboater]

I can comment on the New version of Super Hero.

One of the best all around kayaks I have had over the years. It is an excellent river runner and a good creeker (make that great creeker if you have the skills). If a person could only have one kayak, Super Hero would be a good choice in my opinion.

I am a old school displacement hull type of boater. But the Super Hero has won me over.

I have a Mega Rocker as well. The Mega Rocker is the most forgiving kayak I have ever owned. First creeker I have had that so far has been really kind to me in the gnar. The Mega is a bit slow, does not surf that well for me --- but as a creek boat it just is one of the most forgiving I have ever seen.

The Super Hero does a great job of ferry moves IE like on rails. It surfs like a champ. In my opinion, not as forgiving as the Mega Rocker in the gnar but not bad either.

The rope outfitting system is really good. It still slips a little but it is so easy to adjust

This is one of the few, maybe the only kayak that I have not spent hours working on the outfitting. Only thing I changed was to make a foam holder for the water bottle that fits over the bottom center rod. The JK stock water bottle setup just sucks. (that is the only fault I have found with this boat and it can be fixed with my modification).

The boat goes where you point it, feels and acts a lot like a displacement hull as far as cruising thru gnarly water.

What I enjoy is the foot room is awesome. Since I mostly surf these days it is a ideal play boater for those of us who cannot do the aerial moves many do today.

I cannot comment on the Ammo since I have never been in one. Did have a Burn and it was a great design.

My guess is both boats are good and it is a personal decision.

[Lupe]

Only thing I changed was to make a foam holder for the water bottle that fits over the bottom center rod. The JK stock water bottle setup just sucks. (that is the only fault I have found with this boat and it can be fixed with my modification).

Hey Dave - I wonder if you would mind posting a picture of the water bottle mod you made (or emailing me a pic)? I just got a Rocker and have found that the cleat for the bulkhead rope makes keeping a water bottle in the bungees nearly impossible. The bungees work okay in my 4Fun - but that doesn't have the bulkhead cleat...

PS - I LOVE my 4Fun so much that I didn't think I would like the full displacement hull on the Rocker...but for a big boat that I specifically want for creek-y runs where I want a forgiving boat: I'm loving it. Second run on Richland yesterday in a Rocker, and I couldn't be happier with the boat!

(Sorry I can't comment directly on the original poster's question!)

Thanks!