2020 Dagger Zydeco 9.0 Kayak Review

This is a Kayak Review of my 2020 Dagger Zydeco 9.0 Recreational Kayak after owning and using for about 45 days. Excuse the poor audio and the dude using a pneumatic drill in the background!
I live minutes from a great local lake in OKC and got tired of my old cheap recreational kayaks and having to always strap them down to the roof of my car which took so much time and effort. I own several 10ft kayaks and used to own several 8ft kayaks as well, but got rid of the 8-footers because they either would not track well or were too unstable. And the 10-footers I own will not fit inside my vehicle. I wanted a better performing boat in a shorter platform and took a look at the Zydeco 9.0 after a friend bought the Zydeco 11.0 and I saw how easy it accelerated and performed for being a recreation kayak. I took a look at the 9.0 and told the salesperson if it fit in my car, it was mine. Well, she picked it up loaded it right inside my Hyundai Tucson with ease. I actually go Kayaking much more now that I am able to load the kayak right inside the vehicle, along with my gear, and be on the road to the lake within minutes. That was my initial reason for buying this shorter boat, but it has quickly become my favorite kayak for its comfort and performance. Bottom line is that I was so impressed with the build quality and performance of my Dagger Zydeco 9.0 so much that I ordered the the Dagger Stratos 15.5L performance touring kayak for when I want to go on longer trips with more gear and cover more distance.
My Recommendation: Thumbs Up and a Definite BUY !

[@boviac]

I just got one for Christmas, it about 2 years old. I just used it in a pool just to try it out as we live in SoCal. It does track well. And I'm excited to try it in some rivers and just for fun. I agree with getting at least a front skirt and some float bags.

[@Scifisarah]

I have one of these ordered and am hoping to find a second one to try to cram both inside our Chrysler Town & Country and still fit 4 humans inside. We were able to do it with two 8.5 Lifetime Hydros kayaks, but I hate the kayaks. We put our 14 foot Perception Carolinas on top, so I am hoping two of these will be good for the kids so we can all go kayaking together in one vehicle.

[@Jarhead1313]

What about class 1 and class 2 white water? I'm wanting a crossover yak.

[@Rockerrobin]

My brother has one he has done up to class 2/3 in it no skirt or float bags though I highly recommend it. Its slow vs 12 footers even 10s he only fell in once but he was messing around. I recommend finding used in good condition but I understand wanting new and warranties.