Rapidfire is pretty straight tracking -
Posted by: Yanoer
on Nov-05-12 2:44 PM (EST)
at least for me with the middle height seat. I paddled Magicpaddler's two days ago and it was pretty difficult for me to heel it much for any sort of quick turn. I wouldn't choose it for what we call twisty streams here in central IL. My Curtis Vagabond, however, is quite maneuverable for river use, but easy to keep straight tracking. BTW, I preferred my paddle set to 215cm when paddling the Rapidfire - longer just seemed too long.
His Bell Rob Roy, which I paddled next, was much more maneuverable, but seemed less efficient when paddled straight with a kayak paddle. The Rob Roy's skin condition was a bit rougher than the Rapidfire, so maybe that accounted for the increased drag at cruising speed.
The Rapidfire seemed much less fun to paddle with the single blade than the Rob Roy.
Both seats were about the same height (additional foam pad on stock Rob Roy seat.
My 48" ZRE bent shaft canoe paddle was a bit long for either of the boats at that seat height.
YMMV