Gear Review: Pyranha Ripper Small Stout 2 Whitewater Kayak
Value Rating: 9
Durability Rating: 9
Overall Rating: 9
Location of Test: White Salmon River
Duration of Test: 3 Days
Product Name: Ripper Small Stout 2 Kayak
Product Brand: Pyranha
Best Use: Whitewater Kayaking
The Full Review:
It's official! I have spent time in all three Pyranha Rippers, and I fit in all of them! The Ripper small is my most recent experience and it was quite a joy! Pictured here is me going of Husum Falls on the White Salmon River.
The official weight limit for the Ripper small is 88lbs-165lbs. I found this boat to be noticeably narrower than the medium and large sized Ripper, but a heck of a lot easier to stern squirt. I also found it to be the most fun for surfing waves. For my size, I'd say it would be more of a capable play boat, but for someone from 100lbs to 150lbs, this could be an awesome river runner. I could see really enjoying slalom moves in a kayak like this as well as downriver play. And just like the rest of them, that extra bow rocker keeps you up and over holes like a champ.
As is standard on all of Pyranha Kayaks boats, the "stout 2" outfitting has made for a more comfortable fit. It gives extra padding in the knees and a bit more of a locked in feel for the thighs. The other thing is that I’ve seen a lot less broken Pyranha boats recently, so I's day their plastic has been greatly improved. You can also order their boat with a thicker hull for extra durability.
The Good:
Fast!
Great bow rocker
Sharp edges
Low volume stern
Quality company
Comfy outfitting
The Bad:
Narrow
The Bottom Line:
All in all, I'd give this boat a 5 out of 5. That is because most boats they make for a smaller person lack the volume and design to take on challenging whitewater. This small ripper is fully capable and ready for the right captain to take it for a rip. Endless surfs, squirts, splats, and boofs to be had on all sorts of rivers. Come try one out!
The Full Review:
It's official! I have spent time in all three Pyranha Rippers, and I fit in all of them! The Ripper small is my most recent experience and it was quite a joy! Pictured here is me going of Husum Falls on the White Salmon River.
The official weight limit for the Ripper small is 88lbs-165lbs. I found this boat to be noticeably narrower than the medium and large sized Ripper, but a heck of a lot easier to stern squirt. I also found it to be the most fun for surfing waves. For my size, I'd say it would be more of a capable play boat, but for someone from 100lbs to 150lbs, this could be an awesome river runner. I could see really enjoying slalom moves in a kayak like this as well as downriver play. And just like the rest of them, that extra bow rocker keeps you up and over holes like a champ.
As is standard on all of Pyranha Kayaks boats, the "stout 2" outfitting has made for a more comfortable fit. It gives extra padding in the knees and a bit more of a locked in feel for the thighs. The other thing is that I’ve seen a lot less broken Pyranha boats recently, so I's day their plastic has been greatly improved. You can also order their boat with a thicker hull for extra durability.
The Good:
Fast!
Great bow rocker
Sharp edges
Low volume stern
Quality company
Comfy outfitting
The Bad:
Narrow
The Bottom Line:
All in all, I'd give this boat a 5 out of 5. That is because most boats they make for a smaller person lack the volume and design to take on challenging whitewater. This small ripper is fully capable and ready for the right captain to take it for a rip. Endless surfs, squirts, splats, and boofs to be had on all sorts of rivers. Come try one out!