Reviews for V10 Sport Kayak by Epic Kayaks, Inc.
Rated: 9.9/10
Based On: 10 Reviews
As reported by other reviewers, the secondary stability is unmatched. As to the width of the cockpit, that's repairable. I bought a glue on type outrigger canoe seat pad, cut it in half and glued one half to each side of the upper part of the cockpit.... a perfect fit and it improved my stability ability tremendously.
I recently purchased the kick up rudder option because I paddle around the reefs out here, and after breaking of my third rudder (and holing the hull in the process) I decided to change to the kick up rudder. Be advised, the incredible stability of the stock V10S goes away with this option. I thought I was back on my old TwoGood. My first outing with the kick up rudder almost did me in - I went out onto the ocean off Kailua, on a choppy windy day and about 3/4 mile off shore lost my balance when turning back for shore. The rear mounted kick up rudder made it so I couldn't stay upright, during the remount. It completely changed the personality of my Epic. Luckily, a Cobra Tandem happened by, and with the two paddlers holding my boat steady, I was able to remount and stay upright.
I'm going to try reinstalling the stock rudder, and for fun..... I'll link it to the kick up rudder. With two rudders linked, the stability and turning efficiency should be awesome.
Bottom line. I highly recommend the Epic V10 Sport.
I'm 59 years old and 180 lbs. I was very hesitant buying the Sport as all of my previous kayak's have been at least 22 inches wide. I have been paddling the Epic 18X which I still truly enjoy, so choosing an Epic came naturally when buying the V-10.
The 1st time that I got on it I was very concerned about the stability. Not only was I pleasantly surprised with the initial stability, the secondary stability was even better.
It gets to speed easily, and glides very well. Its such a fun kayak that I cannot wait for my next outing! I bought it in the ultra lay-up and it weighs 26 1/2 lbs on my very accurate scales.
I would highly recommend this product! The only complaint I have is that I wish it had a day hatch...
I've owned a V10S for 4 years. I love this surf ski. I'm balance challenged, so I had a learning curve that lasted about a year. I've seen other more athletic guys get in and paddle without problems right away. I still swim every once in a while when I challenge myself in big conditions.
In our surf ski group, several paddlers who have V12s still paddle their V10Sports in big conditions. It's a great kayak.
I wanted to try a surfski in 2007 after kayaking for a year and a half with my Nordkapp. After extensive research, I chose the Epic V10-Sport with the blue stripe on the side. I knew that I had to capsize a lot in my learning curve but how long? Fortunately I read an article by David Mocke, one of the top surfski paddler in the world, that 5-8 hours of paddling time is all that it takes. So I paddled at the Berkeley Aquatic Park which has a waist deep water. I also recorded my paddling time each session. And on about the 7th hour of total paddling time, I was ready for the Oakland Estuaries.
Paddling the V10-S was addicting. The re-mount was doable unlike with my kayak which is very difficult and time consuming. I ended up just using the surfski every Saturday. Poor Nordkapp.
The only complaint I heard from others with the V10-Sport is the wide cockpit. I tried all kinds of side padding and nothing seem to work the way I like it. But then there is the NRS hip pads (available in most kayak stores) that were in my parts bin that I tried. That one worked!
As a whole, the V10-Sport design and function is excellent. The cockpit layout is better than most and very comfortable. I wish I had the horse power to take full advantage of the V10-Sport capabilities. Definitely an enjoyable experience for me.
I tested out the V10 Sport for only about forty-five minutes, in calm conditions. I was looking for a boat that would allow me to use leg drive. I found that with at least some leg drive and the accompanied greater rotation, I could attain more speed. Not that speed is everything, unless you make your living racing kayaks!! I like most, don't!
My sea kayak is very restrictive in terms of allowing leg drive. Not all sea kayaks are restrictive for this, but many are due to the thigh braces and fit, which don't get me wrong has advantages for rolling and control in rough water, etc.. I thought I would give the new Epic 18X sea kayak and V10 Sport surfski a try, since both allow for leg drive. I found the 18X to be about the same in terms of speed and efficiency as my current sea kayak. The V10 Sport was faster and more efficient than my sea kayak. The V10 Sport was very comfortable in terms of seating arrangement. I could get a great close paddle catch and leg drive. The stability was less than my sea kayak which is 17'7"x 22." However the stability was much better than anything I've been in with similar speed. For me, the V10 Sport may be the best kayak I've been in!!!
The V10 Sport offers much of the speed of the V10 with added stability.
First off I have only been paddling now for about 4 months so please consider this a newbie's review. Prior to the sport I paddled a Ocean Kayak Sprinter. It was my goal to transition from the Sprinter to a ski. When I felt I had outgrown the Sprinter I bought the V10 Sport. I have the fiberglass version and it is a pleasure to lift. I cannot imagine how light the other layups are.
The V10 Sport was not easy too learn. Even though the Sprinter was narrow I think I picked up some poor paddling technique with it. My first few outings on the Sport were difficult. I was falling constantly and felt uncomfortable. Eventually I got used to the boat and am much more comfortable with it. The boat is fast and light. It glides well. This thing slices through head on waves like a hot knife through butter.
Great boat! As my forward stroke continues to improve so does the performance of this fine craft.