Stomper vs Nomad vs Solo to replace a Burn... Input?

[Seanpod]

Hey all, Im looking to make a trade/get advice on a new creekboat. I currently have a 2011 Burn (M). I like it when we have our good days, and when they are good the thing is like a sports car, carving super nice, but when we have our bad days I want something with less edge. I am looking and narrowed it down to the Dagger Nomad, Stomper 80, or Fluid Solo as possible boats. Any input on how they differ from the Burn? They all have a semi-displacement hull I believe, but still have a chine for carving. Also, would anyone be interested in trading? I may be willing to trade the Burn for the right boat, or I have a Liquid Logic Biscuit 55 I would trade too.

[Dana691]

Sorry but there's no substitute for just trying the boats out for yourself. I've seen too many people who love one and hate the other...

I think I developed my current love (for a Nomad) by paddling in an RPM for so many years on pretty much everything and then hating the way most creek boats feel (for me.) I loved the RPM because it doesn't feel grabby, has tremendous secondary stability, carves great and is easy to roll. So I was looking for a creeker with a similar feel. The Nomad is the only one that gave me that and it feels easy to switch back and forth. The Burn felt slow, clunky and I found the Fluid to be awkward. (Stomper I never tried.)
I also tried the Habitat (down Wooley creek) and felt like the currents were grabbing the sidewalls and making it less stable.
The Nomad doesn't quite have the secondary stability that the RPM does and I have to roll it more; it doesn't carve as well but then I haven't noticed that any creekers gave me that feel. It boofs fine, rolls fine and feels comfy working through holes. It really felt good immediately unlike many boats that take getting used to. My only serious complaint is that it leaks like a sieve. (I still haven't gotten around to adding sealant to the holes.) Other than poor design on through-hull screwholes (vs Jackson) I think you could also wish for a better plastic such as Prijon that will take more abuse (like Brush Cr).
Hope that helps?

For what its worth I do one extra test on new boats besides just paddling them hard. I do an upstream lean to see whether I get snapped over too easily. I want a boat that is a little forgiving for creeks.

[ianjanoska]

Sean I had the same problem as you. When I paddled my Burn on a day where I was feeling good, the boat rocked. But the second I let my guard down or if I had a bad day, the burn would be a burden and I would get my butt handed to me. So I sold the boat and am now looking into other boats. I paddled the Stomper 80 on a low flow Kyburz and I really liked it. Felt pretty tight size wise (I'm 6' 2" and weight around 165) and I personally like a bigger boat so I am going to try the 90 before I make my decision. Never paddled the Nomad but I would be getting the big one if I went that route and my dad swears by it as do many other boaters out there, and I have never paddled the Solo, but I hear good things about it.

Buy Dana is right. To find a boat that fits your needs perfectly you need to try try try. CCK has a Stomper 80 and 90 demo if you want to try one out, I personally really like the boat and would recommend it if it fits your needs and paddles the way you want it to.

Have you looked into the Karnali or the Hero? They may be worth looking into as well, just not my boat of choice. Good luck on your search!!

[tommypenick]

Have you thought about the Shiva? It's pretty much a Burn with some softer edges, bigger blockier tail, more volume, and more rocker. Still has enough edge to snap into eddies so it doesn't feel like you're paddling an inflatable mattress.

[ianjanoska]

I paddled the Shiva for a few days and I really liked it. But I paddle with a more forward technique and the edges of the Shiva are right behind the seat, causing it to want to be paddled from the stern, something I could not get used to. I'm sure that if I spent more time in the boat I could get used to it but its definitely different

My .02