Dagger Axiom: The Perfect Beginner Boat?

The Dagger Axiom is a whitewater kayak designed by Dagger Kayaks. It is a good boat for beginners, with four different sizes available, making it a good option for families. The Axiom is described as having good speed, manoeuvrability, and playability. However, it is not as stable as some other boats and is therefore more challenging to paddle. It is also less forgiving than modern creek boats, with a tendency to flip if the wrong move is made. Nevertheless, the Dagger Axiom is a good option for those looking for a versatile and fun kayak, whether they are new to the sport or more experienced.

Dagger Axiom's design and performance

Dagger Axiom's design is a revival of the classic river-cruising style with a modern twist. It is a "river cruiser" that sits between the river-running Mamba series and the Agent playboat in the Dagger line-up. The Axiom's bow takes design cues from the Mamba and carries enough volume for a dry and roomy ride, but it's noticeably slimmer than most river runners. The tapered stern lends the boat much of its play potential and is great for slicing into eddylines, pour-overs, and even green water for effortless stern squirts. The long, fast planing hull and continuous rocker profile make it easy to catch and surf even slow, shallow waves.

The Dagger Axiom is ideal for extreme racers due to its hull speed, carving capabilities, superior tracking, and forgiving edges. It is also suitable for Grade 3-4 whitewater with strong deep flows and clean eddy lines. The displacement hull design and sharp edges make for a super fun surf on waves in the river and sea, making it a versatile boat.

The Dagger Axiom is a solid choice for beginners as well as experienced paddlers. Its crisp edges, planing hull, and low-profile stern make it fun to paddle for all skill levels. However, it is not as forgiving as modern creek boats, and the tail grabs water easily, making it prone to flipping if you lean the wrong way.

Dagger Axiom's suitability for beginners

Dagger Axiom is a slicey boat, which means it will have a tendency to get caught in holes, but it is a reasonably decent boat to learn in. It is slightly less forgiving than modern creek boats. The tail grabs water easily, and if you lean the wrong way, the boat wants to flip. It also doesn't resurface in holes as quickly as more modern boats. However, it forces you to use good technique, and it can surf fast waves on the fly.

Dagger Axiom comes in four sizes, and with four sizes to suit both parents and children, Dagger is also hoping to get more families on the water together. The smallest size is quite small, the medium fits most paddlers, and the large is big enough for taller people.

Overall, Dagger Axiom is a good choice for beginners who want to get into whitewater kayaking. It is fast, manoeuvrable, and can be used in a variety of water conditions. However, it is not a good choice for beginners who want to get into flatwater kayaking.

Dagger Axiom's price

The Dagger Axiom is a kayak designed for whitewater rivers and play. It is available in four sizes: 6.9, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0. The Dagger Axiom 6.9 has a retail price of $795, while the other three sizes cost $995. The kayak is considered a good option for beginners due to its novice-friendly design, with lower volume in the rear for better surfing ability and increased bow volume for comfort and control. The Dagger Axiom 8.0 is suitable for small to mid-sized paddlers, while the 8.5 size offers more volume and deck height for mid-to-large-sized paddlers. The 9.0 size provides ample foot room and a comfortable knee position for larger paddlers.

The Dagger Axiom's fast planing hull and full-length rail provide speed and control, with a tapered stern for tail dips. It is also outfitted for maximum control, making it a good choice for those new to kayaking. The kayak's versatility, performance, comfortable fit, and user-friendly design make it a popular option for those seeking a kayak that can do it all.

While the Dagger Axiom is a great choice for beginners, it's important to consider other factors such as fit, weight capacity, and intended use. It's recommended to try out different kayaks or consult with experts to find the most suitable option. Additionally, whitewater kayaking can be challenging for beginners, and it's important to prioritize safety and develop a solid roll before attempting more advanced maneuvers.

Dagger Axiom's size and weight

The Dagger Axiom kayak comes in four sizes: 6.9, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0. The Dagger Axiom 6.9 is the smallest size, measuring 6 ft 9 in (205.7 cm) in length and 22.5 in (57.2 cm) in width, with a weight of 25 lbs (11.3 kg). This kayak is suitable for paddlers weighing between 65-120 lbs (29-54 kg). The Dagger Axiom 8.0 is slightly larger, with a length of 8 ft (243.8 cm) and a width of 24.5 in (62.2 cm). It weighs 34.5 lbs (15.6 kg) and is designed for paddlers weighing between 90-150 lbs (41-68 kg). The Dagger Axiom 8.5 is even larger, measuring 8 ft 6 in (259 cm) in length and 25.5 in (64.8 cm) in width, and weighing 42 lbs (19 kg). This kayak is suitable for paddlers weighing between 130-210 lbs (59-95 kg). Finally, the Dagger Axiom 9.0 is the largest size, with a length of 9 ft (274.3 cm) and a width of 28 in (71.1 cm). It weighs 45 lbs (20.4 kg) and is designed for paddlers weighing between 180-265 lbs (82-120 kg).

The Dagger Axiom's size and weight make it a versatile kayak that can be used in both rivers and ocean surf kayaking. Its narrow bow taper enhances hull speed, while its low volume stern provides snappier turns and good directional control on waves and in cross currents. The Dagger Axiom's design also makes it a good choice for learning and perfecting river rolls, as it has a tendency to "fall" upright once the roll is started. Additionally, its four different sizes ensure that paddlers of various weights and heights can find a suitable kayak.

Dagger Axiom's pros and cons

Dagger Axiom is a kayak designed by Dagger Kayaks. It is a slicey-stern design boat that comes in four different sizes. The kayak is suitable for both beginners and advanced paddlers. Here is a list of pros and cons of the Dagger Axiom:

Pros:

• The Dagger Axiom is a good learning platform for beginners and can also be used for running stout grade 4/5 whitewater.
• It is lightweight, which helps with driving and accelerating the boat.
• The low-volume tail makes it easy to adjust your line on short notice.
• The displacement hull design and sharp edges make for a super fun surf on waves in the river and sea.
• It is easy to get the boat vertical.
• It carves and edges well.
• It is comfortable and easy to carry around.
• It is relatively inexpensive compared to other boats.
• It is super fun to stern squirt.
• It has good speed and manoeuvrability.
• It has good boofing capabilities.
• It is a solid choice for extreme racers.
• It has superior tracking and forgiving edges.
• Dagger Axiom's hull speed and carving capabilities make for very crisp eddy-hopping.

Cons:

• The outfitting is not durable and may break.
• The boat is less forgiving than modern creek boats.
• The tail grabs water easily, and if you lean the wrong way, the boat wants to flip.
• It does not resurface in holes as quickly as more modern boats.
• The boat has an unusual angle that can make it uncomfortable for the hips and knees.
• It is not ideal for flatwater or lake kayaking.

Frequently asked questions