Gear Review: Dagger Katana Crossover Kayak
Value Rating: 10
Durability Rating: 9
Overall Rating: 9
Location of Test: Rogue River
Duration of Test: 3 Days
Product Name: Katana
Product Brand: Dagger
Best Use: Multi-day whitewater trips
Sizes: 9.7 & 10.4
The Full Review:
The Dagger Katana is a crossover boat that can be used in flatwater and whitewater. On my trip down the Rogue River, I experienced both of those. The reason I picked the Katana for my trip was the large about of storage in the stern that other whitewater boats do not offer. The second feature that made this kayak attractive to me was the drop down skeg to keep me tracking straight on the flatwater. The skeg worked great and really came in handy when faced with an afternoon headwind on our paddle out. Another awesome feature is the Dagger Contour Ergo Outfitting in the boat. This truly is the most comfortable outfitting in the industry hands down. The thigh lifter and comfortable backband provide all-day comfort.
I paddled this boat for a couple days through whitewater and it took care of me really well. I used it in some class 4 rapids and it did great at maneuvering and punching holes. I must say if you are going to do a long trip in this boat I would highly suggest using the removable bulkhead to store some of your gear. Because if you pack the stern with all the weight it will paddle differently. The hatch on the back stayed relatively dry, and it stayed on with no issues. (Even stuff in the hatch you want to have in dry bags) The back hatch offers easy access to your gear. I was in the bigger of the 2 sizes which I would recommend for any size paddler because of the extra storage. Also, it being a 10-foot boat provided good speed and tracking.
The Good
-Comfortable
-Durable
-Lots of storage
-Skeg for tracking
-Handles hard whitewater and flat water
-Dagger has a 3-year warranty
-Financing available in store (Next Adventure)
-Rolls easy
-Easy access hatch
The Bad:
-Back hatch could be more secure
-Can be sluggish if packed down a lot in the stern
The Bottom Line:
This is a crossover boat which means it does a variety of different things well. This also means it doesn't excel at any one thing. But if you want one kayak for multiple types of water or do plenty of overnight trips this is the boat for you. Its extremely comfortable and can handle hard whitewater as well as long stretches of flat water. I will absolutely be paddling the Katana again.
The Full Review:
The Dagger Katana is a crossover boat that can be used in flatwater and whitewater. On my trip down the Rogue River, I experienced both of those. The reason I picked the Katana for my trip was the large about of storage in the stern that other whitewater boats do not offer. The second feature that made this kayak attractive to me was the drop down skeg to keep me tracking straight on the flatwater. The skeg worked great and really came in handy when faced with an afternoon headwind on our paddle out. Another awesome feature is the Dagger Contour Ergo Outfitting in the boat. This truly is the most comfortable outfitting in the industry hands down. The thigh lifter and comfortable backband provide all-day comfort.
I paddled this boat for a couple days through whitewater and it took care of me really well. I used it in some class 4 rapids and it did great at maneuvering and punching holes. I must say if you are going to do a long trip in this boat I would highly suggest using the removable bulkhead to store some of your gear. Because if you pack the stern with all the weight it will paddle differently. The hatch on the back stayed relatively dry, and it stayed on with no issues. (Even stuff in the hatch you want to have in dry bags) The back hatch offers easy access to your gear. I was in the bigger of the 2 sizes which I would recommend for any size paddler because of the extra storage. Also, it being a 10-foot boat provided good speed and tracking.
The Good
-Comfortable
-Durable
-Lots of storage
-Skeg for tracking
-Handles hard whitewater and flat water
-Dagger has a 3-year warranty
-Financing available in store (Next Adventure)
-Rolls easy
-Easy access hatch
The Bad:
-Back hatch could be more secure
-Can be sluggish if packed down a lot in the stern
The Bottom Line:
This is a crossover boat which means it does a variety of different things well. This also means it doesn't excel at any one thing. But if you want one kayak for multiple types of water or do plenty of overnight trips this is the boat for you. Its extremely comfortable and can handle hard whitewater as well as long stretches of flat water. I will absolutely be paddling the Katana again.