Baja

I'm 5'7 and this kayak is fast compared to others. waves aren't much issue. the drawback is that sharp turns aren't as easy and the rudder distracts you from paddling. It is also quite heavy to transport and perhaps made for those who want a workout. but all in all it is an excellent buy for long distance travel

I'm 34 & have been paddling 15 of them. I have owned all dagger boats because all other boats I tried did not compare. 3 months ago I bought 2 dagger bajas. His & hers. I regret it cause my girl outruns me in sprints. I am very impressed with these boats. We paddled the Guadalupe @ 1000 cfs & other than a little water getting in the compartments they handled great in the heavy rapids. I am 6ft 200lbs & fit comfortably. My 18ft woodstrip kayak does not keep up with the speed of these boats. Hope this rambling review helps you if you are undecided on the purchase of a baja.

I owned a Baja in 2002-3, enjoyed it and moved up to longer lighter boats--I paddled it again in Feb 2006. I liked the boat B4 selling it and still like it 1. It tracks well and has decent speed for its length. 2. It has good primary & secondary stability 3. It has a nice low cockpit for easy Eskimo rolling. 4. It turns quickly with the rudder and even faster leaned. 5. The plastic construction gives you an "I don't care what I go over" attitude.

But 1. the rudder won't maintain itself--it requires some kind of lube. Also, one of the rudder fittings did snag my pants. 2. it's plastic construction makes it heavy & difficult for lone paddlers to cartop. 3. The seatback can fold forward and impede rescues.

Because it's most important qualities make it a great paddle, I give it a 9.

I’m actually on a quest to replace this kayak. But, having acquired a smaller, more nimble boat (Sonoma 13.5), I have new appreciation for the Baja. The Baja is incredibly stable for 23 inches wide. Even though I’ve tired of loading/transporting the 55+ lbs of poly boat for frequent, short outings, it’s still the one I take when I really want to stay dry. With the rudder, paddling is pretty relaxed in moderate lake chop/swells. And, it handles well in nasty 2-3 foot water, too. Speed could be better. In three seasons, the seat and fit of the Baja have never been right for me. If I was going to keep it, I’d get a different seat, and would add thigh braces, which, I think, some Bajas had as standard equipment. But, the problem that can’t be solved is the cramped foot room. I’m 5’ 9” male, 140 lbs., size 9.5 shoes.

This is my first ever kayak- and my first summer using it, and I must say it has provided hours of happy paddling! I don't know all the technical stuff yet, but I can paddle it comfortably, and more importantly I can get on top my Ford Escape alone! It has allowed me to see more of the shores of northern Lake Michigan then ever before.

I like the Baja a lot, the number rating is in the middle because it doesn't mean anything without knowing the paddlers preferences. It's an excellent kayak for classes, it likes to sit flat to the water with just enough arch to lean. The low back deck is great for learning rescues, the windage is low overall. The displacement is in the medium range so it's not too big or long for 120lb paddlers. The rubber rear hatch can't handle too much weight without bending in a LOT so I'd be careful if the person was in the higher weight range and intended rough water use/rescues. The integral rudder is a good idea and works but requires some care and knowledge of its construction so it continues to work, the release handle might get used as a grab handle(gone) or the catch in the mechanism might break and require a specific replacement part. It doesn't have pronounced thigh braces but for most folks that's not noticable. If there were aftermarket braces I'd get them installed should one want to roll or enter rough water.

This is my first kayak. I've paddled many Daggers, Perceptions and even Eddyline- and the Baja was a real stand out. I'm a petite female- but find the 53 lbs and 15 foot 6" easy relatively easy to handle on my own. The Baja tracks well, is not prone to funkiness in the wind and handles a chop like a much larger boat. And the integral rudder rocks. I ordered a Baja 2 weeks ago. My only gripes are small hatchcovers and having to take whatever color I get. Paddle on.

Nice boat for the small to mid-sized paddler, but the hatches leak real bad on the one I have.

Nice touring boat with good stability. Let me know what you think.