Gear Review: Pyranha 9R Whitewater Kayak
Value Rating: 9
Durability Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 9
Location of Test: PNW rivers
Duration of Test: 6 months
Product Name: 9R
Product Brand: Pyranha
Best Use: Whitewater, Creekin' and River Running
The Full Review:
The Pyranha 9R is a boat the revolutionized modern creek boats and made them what they are today. You will see endless videos of some of the best kayaks in the world using the 9R as their weapon of choice for some of the most challenging rivers. The 9R is fast. This is a great advantage when you want to blast through features on the river to avoid being bogged down by a hole. It's also just super fun. The next thing the defines the 9R is the sharp edges. This makes for quick edge transitions and snaps you in and out of eddies rather than mushing into them. It’s fun and super "zippy".
The high bow rocker and slight stern rocker is another thing that sets this boat apart. This boat can boof with no trouble at all, and the fact that you’re going a bit faster than other boats really helps you get out and over drops. And once you hit the water you get the classic 9R "skip". The edges lock-in and the banana-shaped planning hull has only one way to shoot you... and that’s out! It’s a really great feeling. I've got lots of good stuff to say about the 9R. The only thing I don't like is that it’s for someone who weighs 175lbs and under. For those bigger than that, don't worry grab a 9R2!
The Bottom Line:
The 9R belongs in the whitewater hall of fame without a doubt. It's a great design that translates to a really fun ride on the river. If you like going fast, having sharp edges, and skipping out of drops....the 9R will treat you right!
The Full Review:
The Pyranha 9R is a boat the revolutionized modern creek boats and made them what they are today. You will see endless videos of some of the best kayaks in the world using the 9R as their weapon of choice for some of the most challenging rivers. The 9R is fast. This is a great advantage when you want to blast through features on the river to avoid being bogged down by a hole. It's also just super fun. The next thing the defines the 9R is the sharp edges. This makes for quick edge transitions and snaps you in and out of eddies rather than mushing into them. It’s fun and super "zippy".
The high bow rocker and slight stern rocker is another thing that sets this boat apart. This boat can boof with no trouble at all, and the fact that you’re going a bit faster than other boats really helps you get out and over drops. And once you hit the water you get the classic 9R "skip". The edges lock-in and the banana-shaped planning hull has only one way to shoot you... and that’s out! It’s a really great feeling. I've got lots of good stuff to say about the 9R. The only thing I don't like is that it’s for someone who weighs 175lbs and under. For those bigger than that, don't worry grab a 9R2!
The Bottom Line:
The 9R belongs in the whitewater hall of fame without a doubt. It's a great design that translates to a really fun ride on the river. If you like going fast, having sharp edges, and skipping out of drops....the 9R will treat you right!