First impressions of Tiderace Xplore L were simply beautiful and well crafted. Comfortable seat and well designed foot braces. Great thigh braces and clever simple back-band. The boat responds to edging nicely and the skeg tuned out the wind well but the skeg would stick regularly and took patience and effort to lower fully. This boat was difficult to balance on the shoulder as the balancing point is rear of the cockpit. The Xplore was quick to accelerate but would loose speed if it got rough. Steep waves or chop would hit the bow and scrub off speed very quickly unlike any kayak I have ever been in. The hatch covers are inferior to Valley or NDK covers. The hatch covers are difficult to put on and are not secure.
The Xplore primary and secondary stability is very low I paddled this kayak for 3 years but I never really felt comfortable in it. Eating, photography or relieving yourself took much effort and took some of the joy out of paddling. I sold this boat and haven't regretted it.
I give it a 6 out 10.
