Jackson Kayak Zen Review by Ben Morton | Feb 6, 2014 | 2015 Zen, Whitewater | 2 comments Jackson Kayak’s Zen As a full time kayak instructor/guide I spend roughly 250 or more days a year in a kayak. When I look for a kayak to spend that kind of time in I’m looking for characteristics like safety, comfort/adjustability, space, and a kayak that’s fun to paddle. Looking for a boat with all of these characteristics has led me to the Jackson Zen. One of the Zen’s safety features that I’m particularly impressed with is the “Boat Armor”. The “Boat Armor” is the internal frame of the kayak. The new Zen’s “Boat Armor” has been beefed up with an improved U-Channel that keeps the front wall in place and reinforces the hull. I also really like the grab handles on the Jackson Zen. The shape, diameter, and plastic over steel design is ideal for towing swimmers, carrying the kayaks, and tying the kayaks on trailers and vehicles. It’s important that I’m in a kayak that I can be comfortable in when I’m out on the water teaching on class I-II or guiding on class IV-V. The Zen stands alone when it comes to comfort and adjustability. The “Sure-Lock Back Band” and “Uni-Shock Bulkhead” are both extremely easy to adjust quickly and are very comfortable. The foam seat is very comfortable to sit on all day and the seat is adjusted easily forwards and backwards on the seat track with one single thumbscrew. The Zen’s hip pad adjustability is also extremely convenient and quick. To add hip pads you simply lift up the hip pad and add a foam shim into the rear neoprene sleeve then place the hip pad back onto the Velcro of the seat in the most comfortable position for you. The Zen comes in three different sizes: the 55, 65, and 75. Weighing roughly 150 lbs. I typically use the 65 or 75. When I’m guiding or instructing I usually carry a lot of gear: breakdown paddle, first-aid kit, pin/rescue kit, throw rope, extra food/water, and sometimes a hypothermia kit. I’ve been really impressed with the ease of access and the amount of space in the back of the Zen. I have no issues fitting all of my essential gear in the back of the Zen. The Zen is fast, easy to maneuver, stable, predictable, surfs really well, and is an all around really fun kayak to paddle. Additionally, for the same reasons I love paddling the Zen I also put my students/guests in the Zen. Whether you’re learning to kayak on class I-II or an advanced kayaker pushing yourself on class IV-V, you’ll love the Jackson Zen. Ben Morton ACA Instructor/Instructor Trainer Kayak, Canoe, SUP, River Safety & Rescue 2 Comments Stephen on February 6, 2014 at 5:10 am Have you had people 230# and up in the Zen 75? How does it handle at the upper end of the weight spectrum? Reply Alpha on November 1, 2014 at 5:21 am While not exactly what you’re asking, I’m 177, and paddled a zen 65 a lot this spring and summer. I’m right at the top end of the recommended weight range (180). Edges grab a bit easier if you don’t pay attention, it doesn’t spin as quickly and it tends to go through everything rather than over it. On the other hand, it feels faster both in a straight line and edge to edge, so it feels sportier than the 75 for me, which is why I picked it. I had no trouble on class 4 creeks and big water, even with being heavy. 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
Stephen on February 6, 2014 at 5:10 am Have you had people 230# and up in the Zen 75? How does it handle at the upper end of the weight spectrum? Reply
Alpha on November 1, 2014 at 5:21 am While not exactly what you’re asking, I’m 177, and paddled a zen 65 a lot this spring and summer. I’m right at the top end of the recommended weight range (180). Edges grab a bit easier if you don’t pay attention, it doesn’t spin as quickly and it tends to go through everything rather than over it. On the other hand, it feels faster both in a straight line and edge to edge, so it feels sportier than the 75 for me, which is why I picked it. I had no trouble on class 4 creeks and big water, even with being heavy. Reply
