New Jackson Kayak Outfitting Review by Joe Keck | Dec 17, 2012 | Whitewater | 4 comments I just received my brand spankin’ slick new Karma Large. There are lots of great reviews discussing the amazing stability and speed, but I wanted to mention the new outfitting. For comparison, I have my old Villain. Of note, both the Karmas and new Villains come with the improved outfitting. The basic lay-out has remained the same, which keeps the outfitting extremely adjustable, simple and repairable if necessary. All of the compressible aspects of the ‘Boat Armor’ bulkhead are intact, which is invaluable in the event of a piton (speaking from vast experience). I love the rope cleats and in all my years of boating with Jackson, I have never had one unexpectedly release. Jackson boats remain the driest on the market since there are no holes drilled through the hull. The major change is the removal of the mid-line support beam. In its place is a bulkhead tract. The seat screws into the tract, removing the slippage that could occur in the old design. The tract also snugly accommodates a water bottle and throw rope, which is something that could not be said for the prior outfitting. Simple changes, but vastly improved creature comforts. I’ll be seeing you soon with some photos from the PacNW! Joe 4 Comments Hiking Diva on December 18, 2012 at 6:30 pm I wish you guys would have more padded thigh brace like Fluid… Only reason why I don’t paddle a Jackson. Reply Clay Wright on December 23, 2012 at 12:42 am Thanks for sharing! We’re getting a lot of that lately, not sure how we will respond but I appreciate you expressing your opinion in a way we can hear it and react. All the best! Clay Reply scott alexander on December 19, 2012 at 10:12 am How do the thigh braces adjust? I’m used to a bazooka/mamba which has a slotted hole to adjust the angle of the thigh brace, though it doesn’t look like there is a slot in the jackson? Reply Stephen Wright on December 19, 2012 at 2:37 pm Scott, Our boats have the “thigh brace” incorporated into the shape of the deck. There’s then a huge pad that covers a wide area–large enough to cover anyone’s knee position. This locks you in effectively without the need for another plastic component. Stephen Reply Submit a Comment Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Email * Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ
Hiking Diva on December 18, 2012 at 6:30 pm I wish you guys would have more padded thigh brace like Fluid… Only reason why I don’t paddle a Jackson. Reply
Clay Wright on December 23, 2012 at 12:42 am Thanks for sharing! We’re getting a lot of that lately, not sure how we will respond but I appreciate you expressing your opinion in a way we can hear it and react. All the best! Clay Reply
scott alexander on December 19, 2012 at 10:12 am How do the thigh braces adjust? I’m used to a bazooka/mamba which has a slotted hole to adjust the angle of the thigh brace, though it doesn’t look like there is a slot in the jackson? Reply
Stephen Wright on December 19, 2012 at 2:37 pm Scott, Our boats have the “thigh brace” incorporated into the shape of the deck. There’s then a huge pad that covers a wide area–large enough to cover anyone’s knee position. This locks you in effectively without the need for another plastic component. Stephen Reply
