Dagger Katana Review
--Product Information--
Product Name: Dagger Katana 10.4
Product Brand: Dagger
Best Use: Crossover Kayak
Sizes Available / Specs: 10' 4" Long, 27.5" Wide, Volume 101 Gallons. Paddler Weight: 155-285lbs.
--Test Information--
Location of Test: Wild and Scenic Rogue River
Duration: 3 Days
--Ratings--
Value Rating: 10
Durability Rating: 9
Overall Rating: 10
Full Review: I was able to take this boat on a multi-day kayaking trip down the Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue River. This was a trip that consisted of river canyons with both flatwater and class 4 whitewater. The Katana was a prime choice for a number of reasons, but the key aspects that I'll focus on will be flat-water performance, whitewater performance, and storage qualities.
Crossover boats are made to have a whitewater design, but with added capabilities of flat water performance and storage. The displacement hull allows for easy resurfacing and forgiving chines and edges. This boat feels exactly like you are paddling the world favorite Dagger Nomad, but just a little longer and faster. These added features all this boat to handle low volume creeking and even some high volume Grand Canyon styled runs.
The drop down skeg allowed for supreme flat water paddling in the stretches between rapids by allowing the boat to track in a straight line very well. Once in the constricted canyons, the skeg helped me crush through big and terrible eddy fences that are normally painful to navigate.
Overall this is one of the most versatile boats that I have ever paddled. One could call it the ultimate multi-day whitewater boat!
The Good List:
- Performs in whitewater similar to Dagger Nomad
- Drop down skeg makes flatwater tracking better
- Stern hatch makes for tons of storage