Fun Runner 70

I really love my fun runner. Great beginner whitewater boat. Rolls like a dream. Carves into eddies nicely. It's a river runner, not a blunt nose play boat. Has very nice speed for boring flat stretches. Great green wave surfer.

A more agile and playful Zen? A faster Fun? Both could describe its positioning. It will out-carve the Zen and definitely lay down some play moves that the latter won't. However, it gives away speed and, with a low volume stern, is vulnerable to unintended enders. That also diminishes its ability to punch holes, along with a bow that will submarine, subject to the paddler's weight and seat position. The trim for play moves doesn't serve you well for running the rough stuff.

It isn't as flickable or as loose as the Fun. But, attainments are much easier. Slip out of a surf and you still have a fighting chance of paddling back onto the wave.

It's extremely lightweight. That is a plus to many but some prefer a kayak that will take a beating. The seat position is easy to adjust. The boat has the usual Jackson outfitting; that is, light, simple and can be repaired in the field. The seat and forward bulkhead (footrest) are secured by cords, which are prone to stretching.

I'm not wild about the color combos. The latest models appear to all be fitted with a GoPro camera mount on the deck, whether you want it or not. Jackson used to brag that they don't put any unnecessary holes in their hulls. Now they're selling you out with this.

Bottom line is that you have an agile and fun ride. But, you might be able to achieve close to the same results without the grabby tail by going down a size with another river runner.