The following is the official press release about the new carbon Rock Star
Just in time for the competition season, Jackson Kayak introduces a carbon/Kevlar version of its new generation freestyle playboat, the Rock Star.
Jackson Kayak founder and president Eric “EJ” Jackson compared the new carbon/Kevlar edition of the fast-selling new freestyle playboat to a high-performance automobile brand.
“The plastic Rock Star series will be the Porsche of its class; carbon/Kevlar takes it to Formula 1 performance levels,” Jackson said. “Expect to see even more “Huge” bonuses when the carbon/Kevlar is in play.”
“Imagine putting a 10-pound weight into your kayak and going playboating, then take it out. This is what every paddler will feel immediately,” Jackson said. “The ease of initiating moves is noticeable the first time you try it due to less swing weight. The rigid hull stays true to the design in any situation and shines on big waves for massive take-offs.”
Jackson touted the new 9.5 Kg Carbon Rock Star as an engineering masterpiece, using carbon, Kevlar, foam core, advanced techniques and top-notch craftsmanship to construct each part. “The seams are well done on both the inside and outside and the cockpit rim is a piece of art in itself,” Jackson said.
The outfitting of the carbon Rock Star feels just like a plastic Rock Star, including the Sure-lock backband system, Happy Feet and hip pads. The seat is made with a three-inch thick mini-cell foam and foam wedges that are glued in place to custom fit each paddler. Sweet Cheeks 200 goes on top of that to create a bucket seat that is unrivaled in comfort and control while being super lightweight.
The enhanced performance may not be for everyone. The lightweight materials are more expensive to manufacture, more than doubling the price of the kayak from $1199 for crosslink plastic elite models ($1049 for superlinear) to $2800 USD. Like all carbon/fiber hulls – from America’s Cup yachts to Sprint canoes and slalom kayaks – the lighter weight material does make the boat more vulnerable to damage especially in shallow, rocky whitewater.
“Hit a rock and you risk breaking it; hit enough rocks and you WILL break it,” Jackson warned. Repair is possible with epoxy and any type of Kevlar, fiberglass, or carbon fiber, but Jackson advises to keep the boat off the rocks.
Carbon/Kevlar Rock Stars are available for ordering through any of Jackson Kayak’s US and Canadian dealers and foreign distributors, or by contacting Eric Jackson via email, Eric at JacksonKayak dot com. Delivery times will vary. Mediums are shipping now, small and large sizes will ship in six weeks. A dealer locator can be found on the company website.
Founded in 2003, family owned and operated Jackson Kayak is passionate about paddlesports and committed to helping boaters of all ages, size and skill excel. The global leader in whitewater boats, Jackson Kayak also proudly designs and produces rec/touring and fishing kayaks from its manufacturing facility in Tennessee.