Roam 11.5

by  Dagger
11' 6"
Length
30"
Width (in)
59
Weight (lb)
$959
MSRP

Roam 11.5 Description

Whether you're a beginner looking to add paddling to your quiver of outdoor activities, you're an expert paddler out for a quick run on your local class 3 river, or you need a platform from which to reach the best climbing, hiking, or fishing in the area, the Roam sit-on-top kayak provides quick and easy access to gear and more freedom, more adventure, and more of the lifestyle you want than any series before.

Roam 11.5 Specs and Features

  • Structure: Rigid / Hard Shell
  • Cockpit Type: Sit on Top / Open Cockpit
  • Seating Configuration: Solo
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
  • Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
  • Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Additional Attributes

  • ConTour Surround
  • Keepers Foot Brace System
  • Bow, Stern Hatches
  • Bungee Deck Rigging
  • Soft Touch Handles; IM Side Handles
  • TruTrak Adjustable Skeg System
  • Thigh Straps
  • Self-Bailing Scupper Holes
  • Mesh Storage Tank Well Bag
  • (2) Two Scupper Plugs
  • Paddle Park

Dagger
Roam 11.5 Reviews

Read reviews for the Roam 11.5 by Dagger as submitted by your fellow paddlers. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community!

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3

I bought this kayak because…

Submitted by: tnave863 on 8/23/2019

I bought this kayak because I wanted to try a SOT and since it claims to handle mild Whitewater, I could use it there some. Overall the boat is fun and easy to paddle. It doesn't track as well as some boats, but then again if it did, it wouldn't be good on WW. It's really heavy, but so are most SOT's. I took it down some class II+ rapids and it did fine for what it is. It is very easy to climb back in after going for a swim (whether on purpose or not). With the skeg down, the tracking is much better.

The negatives I have are: When deployed the skeg makes a lot of noise. The handles at mid-boat are nice for carrying solo, but the two piece plastic can unsnap and pinch your hand. Also, when seated, my thighs push against them when braced and it becomes painful after a few minutes. I will attempt to add padding to them at some point.

4

New concept kayaking

Submitted by: paddler383651 on 8/21/2017

Just purchased this open top model..have traditional kayaks of various style..needed all around easy to get in for kids and adults. Trying it out.it works for kids. Easy entry..not too heavy. My use it was sluggish and did not track well. Used the skeg which helped . The skege rattles in the boat. Noisy. For a basic flat water..it is fine..not sure I would take it on a full day paddle

5

Dagger Roam 11.5 best sit on top I have ever tried.

Submitted by: B_A_Cawthorne on 8/21/2017

The Dagger Roam has the best seat I have ever come across on a sit on kayak which is what sold it to me after trying one. This is my second kayak and I have been kayaking for 5 years now, I have found this kayak very comfortable as I sometimes row 10 to 20 miles in it, I use it on Sea, River and lakes it tracks well especially with the skeg down. I have been out to sea in 6 foot waves and it handles them very well I have not been thrown out of it once as it is very stable, my old kayak used to throw the water up into my face on the sea but the dagger just cuts through it with ease. I would highly recommend this kayak to anybody as the handling and build quality is excellent.

5

Love it!!!

Submitted by: paddler377117 on 7/21/2017

I own five kayaks. This is my favorite! Tracks great, comfortable seat and easy to maneuver. I can spend all day on this yak and my back and legs don't ache. I am using a longer paddle with this yak which may be the reason why my arms are not tired after a full day on the water. Haven't attached the leg/thigh straps though. Highly recommend this kayak.

5

Liking it so far

Submitted by: paddler360443 on 5/12/2017

I just got a new (to me) 2015 Roam 11.5 and got to try it our for the first time. First off, this boat is built solid and right... you can just tell it's all quality materials. The seat is the most comfortable kayak seat I've ever sat in! The Roam is set up for everything from whitewater to flatwater, but admittedly.... most of my time will be spent on a fairly calm river.

The Roam has great storage, seemed very stable, and was fun to paddle. Initially, I had some trouble tracking in the wind... but that might be due to the fact that the boat is rockered so much, that the molded keel in the back literally lifts out of the water (when the boat is just floating on it's own). It did track well when I lowered the built in skeg (which slows it a bit) but I found the sweet spot when I lowered it about halfway and it kept up speed and it tracked great.

Overall I'm very happy with my new kayak, and may even try to find some rapids!

4

This kayak is a great sit on…

Submitted by: paddler236460 on 8/26/2015
This kayak is a great sit on top from Dagger. The first thing you'll probably notice is that it has a skeg. That's the main reason I bought mine, and it's been a great feature to have on almost every trip we've taken with it. The 11.5 is great for taking out on streams and creeks.

The seat is quite nice, and adjusts to fit pretty much anyone that can physically fit in a kayak. It's also quite comfortable. Assembly is only a couple of phillips head screws that you must attach once you purchase the kayak, aside from that it's quite simple to work with the seat and adjust it.

The tracking on this thing is very good. Weathercocking can affect this boat, but proper skeg use should generally eliminate that. The skeg works quite well. While we don't often need to use it, the few times you do need it, you'll be glad it's there.

There is also plenty of storage in the sitting area, the back, and even inside the hull. The scuppers are easy to plug, though it only comes with 2 plugs, so if you want to plug up all 8 holes, you'll have to buy more.

The only things to look out for (especially if you're getting this used) will be the side handles, and the carry handles in the front and back. It would seem that the plastic these parts are made from don't handle temperature changes well, and begin to warp. My front carry handle plastic cover, and my two side handles, have both begun to warp and come loose. They haven't actually come completely separated from the kayak, but they are clearly (and annoyingly) not fitting the shape they are supposed to.

Overall, this is a great 'yak for getting into a wide range of water. The included thigh straps are also pretty nice, though if you're going in rapids, a SOT is probably not going to be your first choice. They claim this boat can handle a class 3, and perhaps it would be a good intro boat for learning to get into rapids, but I did lose my balance and flip over in the surf, something which has never happened to me in a sit-in kayak.

I would recommend this boat, as the only issues I've had with it are extremely minor. It has so many small features that you'll only appreciate once you've experienced paddling it a few times.

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