Whitewater Kayak Comparison: Pyranha Ripper 1.0 Vs. 2.0
In this review I’m going to go over the features of the new and improved Ripper 2.0, as well as talk about some differences compared to the original Ripper.
Right out of the gate I have to say that in many ways the Ripper 2.0 is a completely different boat than the 1.0. There are many folks who didn’t click with the original who are going to be incredibly stoked about the 2.0. There will also be many paddlers begging Pyranha to keep making the original model until the end of time. There may even be others who love them both and would like to justify having both in their quiver.
Let’s start with the Ripper 1.0. This boat made a huge splash in the market when it came out in 2017. The current half slice kayaks out at the time were the Axiom, Braap and the Antix 1.0. What set the Ripper 1.0 apart was its narrow width, sharp edges, and flat planning hull. This made the boat the fastest half slice on the market and a blast to paddle down river. For those patient enough to deal with the learning curve of such narrow boat, you could unleash the utmost precision and performance if controlled with confidence. Many slalom paddlers in need of a plastic boat fell in love with the Ripper 1.0 for that reason. It’s fast, has quick edge to edge transfers, and a sharp tail that could be loaded for boofs and quirts. The low deck height also makes this boat easy to roll just like the RPM.
While that feeling of speed, control, and precision delivers the utmost euphoria, many paddlers just couldn’t get there in the Ripper 1.0. I know plenty of folks who sold their original rippers within months or even weeks of owning them. While I pity them for missing out on what that boat has to offer, I do understand it. The Ripper 1.0 took a paddler who was willing to be challenged by the boat and learn to adapt even if it meant tightening up their paddling technique or dialing it down a class to learn how to master the boat. The truth it though that many folks just don’t want to do that. People want to jump into a boat that can feel confidence inspiring right of the bat. Well that’s where the Ripper 2.0 comes in.
The Ripper 2.0 has more rocker, less volume in the stern, more volume in the knees, softer edges, and slightly more displacement in the hull. I just got off a 4 day trip to the Lochsa River in this boat, and I couldn’t be more delighted with its performance. The extra rocker in the bows makes surfing fun and more accessible. You are much less likely to pearl on a wave in this boat, and has a bit looser feeling when carving which can be fun. The extra rocker also makes plunging through waves and holes a drier experience. Do be careful however! With the lower volume in the stern you are much more likely to be unintentionally braaped coming of of drops and though holes. Overall this is still fun and keeps you on your toes.
As a tall person, the extra room in the knees area made it more comfortable for a long day on the water. (The low deck height and straight leg position was definitely a complaint on the Ripper 1.0) The stern on the Ripper 2.0 is so thin that they can’t fit a drain plug in there, so yes it’s 100% easier to squirt than its predecessor, and possibly easier than any other half slice on the market right now. Overall, this makes the Ripper 2.0 a down river play machine. The fun factor is greatly increased but for different reasons that than original. This boat will be an obvious choice for anyone looking to spice up their local runs and fucus on play and surf rather than running the next hardest rapid. Kudos you Pyrnaha for making yet another amazing boat!