Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

I am looking at both boats and was just looking to input from people who have paddled both or either one.

thanks
eric

They are different boats, that is for sure. From a playboating/performance stand point, the newer one is faster, looser, and just a better boat for both play and river running (IMO). It has a little more volume which means more room for feet and legs. Sit in both if you can as one of them will be more comfortable than the other (which one will be up to your personal style, as knee and feet locations is a little different between each).

Now for practical use, for less aggressive, river running folks, or new to kayaking folks, the differences will be less noticeable. I doubt a newer paddler would tell much difference in them. The Classic will be less expensive if buying new because they are making them out of linier plastic instead of the cross-linked plastic. This will not matter to the average user, as they are not going to abuse it too much but it will lower the resell value down the road. How much ?? not too many used ones get sold around here.

So check them out. Not sure if Ouachita Outdoors in Hot Springs has any classics in stock but could order one, and they get here pretty quick. If on a budget and not looking for super performance the classic will treat you right. If looking for “the best” out of the two, I would save up my pennies and hold out for the new model.

I would say you could not go wrong with either
Scott

Eric:

I've got a 2007 "new style" 4Fun and love it. It's a great boat, very forgiving, and easy to roll. I'll have it at the RV Chapter roll practice session in Ft. Smith next Wednesday (3-11-09) if you'd like to try it out in the pool.

I have found a 4 fun 2005 classic in St. Louis Mo for $300. I am going to Chicago for St. Pats anyway so I can grab it on the way. Good Deal?

eric

this website shows the difference. The weight ranges are different

http://www.coloradokayak.com/Jackson-Ka ... 8Ta38OaN50" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'd go for the new one if you can afford it & find one.

I have a 4 Fun and LOVE it. I've not owned the older design, but have been in one at the pool. While I think the newer design is even better, there aren't that many of the new design on the used market (as you may have discovered). I would agree that if you can find a used one at a price you can swing, go for it...but you could be looking another couple months and might not have any luck. If you do find a used (newer model) one, I'd expect it to probably be more like $500 or higher, not $300. If you don't already have a good helmet, pfd, skirt and paddle, that $$$ difference could go a long way to getting a nicer paddle or other gear. (A crappy paddle with a great boat is still a crappy paddle!)

What's the better boat? The one you can buy and start paddling sooner! Good luck!!!

I appreciate all the input. I am leaning towards the classic due to its lower price tag and wider availability. Even 300 seems like a lot in these times of woe and want. I wander if they will have a breadline or soup kitchen i can paddle up to after I spend my money of a boat. I actually have all the other gear. I got my paddle, werner player, off of jay boyd, he mentioned he was a friend of yours, Lupe.

thanks again for the input

eric

If you get the classic you're getting the cheap linear plastic like my creekboat has, but if you get the normal you get cross link which is significantly better