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Name: pugetsoundkayaker

Most Recent Reviews

I have 2 NRS Kayak Back Bands installed on both of my kayaks, a Seda Gypsy and a Seda Swift. The NRS back band is constructed well. It is made from quality materials and seems to hold up over time with regular use, and against the elements. The foam cushion is comfortable. The straps and buckles are strong. It does not come with installation instructions. This is understood as kayak seats can vary quite a bit from kayak to kayak, but it also makes installation a lengthier process than one might expect. It does comes with anchoring straps for the rear, but my boats require bungee shock chord anchors due to their construction which needs to be purchased separately if you do not have any extra lying around. The seat back is comfortable enough for me, but I wish it was a little taller in height. Taller individuals might find that it doesn't provide enough support. All things considered, I'm really happy with the NRS Back Band (enough to purchase it twice) and would recommend it to others.

I have owned my 15-foot full Kevlar Seda Gypsy for about 10 years now. I absolutely love this boat. A certain amount of bias might present itself in this review due to the many places I have paddled and the memories that go with those locations, but I will try to exclude such factors and focus on the performance of the boat. Weight: 5/5 - For paddlers who own Kevlar boats, there's almost no turning back in my opinion. There are many spectacular fiberglass boats of course, but there is nothing like the lightweight feel of Kevlar. My estimate is the boat weighs about 40 pounds unloaded (give or take). It's super easy to lift and load onto any vehicle, and even loaded with basic day trip accessories I can still lift the boat without assistance from bank to waterline. The boat carries light over portage distances as well. Fully loaded however, the boat can get quite heavy due to the vast amount of storage area. Tracking: 4/5 - My boat is without rudder or skeg and tracks amazingly well for it's length, width and size, both loaded and unloaded. It still does a commendable job in wind and choppy conditions, but slightly less so thus earning only 4 out of 5 stars. Stability: 5/5 - Both primary and secondary stability are exceptional. I have never once capsized, and the boat performs very well when edging. Chances are compared to more high-performance kayaks, the Gypsy's secondary stability might warrant a 4/5 rating. But it has proved it's higher rating many times over in (sometimes very rough) Pacific Northwest waters. Storage: 5/5 - The front and rear hatches provide an abundance of storage for multi-day trips. So much in fact that the boat gets exceptionally heavy when fully loaded. The older model Gypsy I have does not have a day hatch, but I have never felt I have needed one as there is plenty of room behind the seat for quick access items, and plenty on room on deck for additional accessories as well. Maneuverability: 4/5 - Due to the lightweight nature of the Kevlar, I find this point can turn quite easily in both tight places and while edging. Much of a boat's maneuverability truly depends on the skill of the paddler in my opinion, but the Gypsy would allow even beginning paddlers to turn and change course quickly. It's not perfect though, as I have paddled with many other boats that can out maneuver it. Speed: 4/5 - Once again, the lightweight nature of the Kevlar makes this a super fast boat. Speed is also based on many factors including: boat + paddle + skill + conditions. I have paddled with many friends over the years, some with far better skill than myself, who have a hard time keeping up with my Gypsy. However, I have paddled in and with many other kayaks that can leave this boat in their wake, so 4 out of 5 seems a fair rating on speed. Robustness: 4.5/5 - Kevlar by it's nature is very strong, lightweight, and easily repairable. The boat has taken many hits in its day, but I have never had a puncture or any scuffing down to the Kevlar material. The Gypsy's wider hull makes it more vulnerable to scratches however. Additionally, the yellow color of the Kevlar makes scratches more visible and prominent than many other sea kayaks I have seen or paddled with. But for me every scratch is a memory of the places I have taken this boat. Seda no longer makes the Gypsy model, which I think is unfortunate. It truly is a fantastic boat for all skill levels of paddlers. If you are ever fortunate enough to find one made of Kevlar, don't hesitate to buy it if the price is right and it fits your overall needs. You won't be disappointed. Seda makes outstanding boats across their product line. I love my Gypsy so much that I recently purchased a Seda Swift with a Kevlar hull and fiberglass top. I anticipate an equally impressive performance from that boat as well.