I'm a beginner and just bought a Z3. I only paddled it once so far and that was on flat water. Love the review because it reinforces the reasons, I boat this boat. Looking to spend a lot in the seat this summer.
I bought my zen 3 four months ago and have been bombing around in it all winter, I LOVE this boat, even if you’re skill level Is moderate, the boat more then makes up the rest so you feel super confident on rough water!
I paddled my new Zen 3.0 for the first time on a recent Plateau overnighter. It was incredibly stable, comfortable with easy adjustability (love the updated outfitting), punched holes very well and had plenty of volume for my overnight gear! It will be my go-to for overnight trips and higher volume creeks. I agree with you about some disconnect from the flow because it is so stable, etc. I would’ve purchased a Code over the Zen 3.0 if not for availability. Awesome review as always! Keep ‘em coming! 🤘🛶
I bought this boat because I’m new to whitewater and it does look after you if your skill level isn’t quite there yet. Maybe in the future, as I develop some skills, I’ll move on to something a bit friskier but for where I’m at now it’s my potato of choice. Thanks Wade.👍
"most stable boat ever and its a tank" -- that is EXACTLY how I describe my Zen3. I take it down class 3 with bigger, bouncier water. But I want another boat to compliment it on easier runs for more performance and better surfing. Thinking about a Scorch. Took an Ozone out on the fish pond and flipped it because I was too big for the Ozone. Want to also use the Scorch as a small wave ocean surfer too. I would take the Scorch down class 2 or 2+ and hit the surf waves on the way down. Any other boats that would do well with the above? I don't want a half slice and go down every rapid popping wheelies. Also, used to paddle a Mamba and the Zen3 is way more stable in the swirlies, at least for me. Also paddles in a straighter line too.
Good point. I am a 30+ year part time boater who likes 2+ (3) water. I got to that level and never wanted to go higher. I did some 3+ that was actually more like 4 and it scared the crap out of me, even though I made it with only an occasional flip but got up with a combat roll. Different skill levels will have different experiences with the same boat. Also, keep in mind that flat water kayakers won't even paddle white water, no matter how easy. And then there is the IK crowd, who physically can't paddle a hardshell. (or they are just to scared to be upside down) So the kayak industry needs to keep making boats for the weenies that the pros hate. I have seen newbies move up to better boats and harder water, but more of them just quit the sport @@WadeHarrison
I paddled the large when they first came to the uk. I was super stable, confortable and easy to roll. I was paddling fairly low water stuff and it got a bit boring. I could imagine it being more at home in big water but personally I would want more rocker.
I've paddled the original Zen. Didn't like it much. Haven't had a chance to sit in one since then. But it sounds interesting for a lazy day relaxing paddle.
DUUUUUUDE! Awesome video Wade. So I’m looking at The Code and Z3 and was wondering what the comparison of the two are. Like which would be better for hauling overnight gear and which would be best for bigger more volume rivers?
Wadd I just got one. Thing is I'm 6'4" and 250lbs. I had to have the volume. But fit me so far so good. Kind of in there with what you said. Over all it'll get me there with a smile. Not the bomb, but good.
Hey Wade...you look like you lift weights. What exercises do you recommend for kayaking? I'm concerned about my shoulders getting injured. Maybe you can do a "Wade's Kayak Workout" video!!!
I use resistance bands I rarely use weights anymore my workouts are nothing special trail running and resistance bands for chest back and I have a kettle bell I use time to time for lifts
All I heard was, "It is a potato", I got to try a friends, it is a great all rounder, AKA SUV boat.I think it gets a bad wrap, but then I see alot of them, makes me think, It is not my style of boat, but then I am semi or displacement hull paddler. question, guy you paddling with, he seems familiar, who is it?
Yeah I think the boat does get somewhat of a bad rap because it’s so ugly up in the bow And the guy that I was with is Boyd he has CZcams channel called send school
Thanks for great review! I'm looking for a kayak for a 70 year old that will just take care of him down a rapid and is as forgiving as it gets (especially stable when leaning back). Jackson is hard to get a hold of in Norway. What would be your tip picks for that Wade?
Yeah this one or dagger code 2 top boats from just taking care of you floating down river might look at the wavesport Phoenix it’s pretty wide has a rail on it not as forgiving as the zen or code but I’m sure it’s available in Norway
Thanks for yet another insightful review! I was super happy to hear your thoughts ont the Z3. I was wondering how you compare the Z3 with the Scorch and how they differ, and in which scenarios you would pick one over the other.
Z3 on Creeky runs with a lot of quick must make boofs scorch on bigger volume runs with big volume drops and holes to punch I like the scorch way better then the Z3 so i would choose it on anything really and the Code would be the next choice
Very different I think it’s a improvement over the older mambas it’s right there with the Code but I liked the code a lot better The hybrid hull and the bow and tail rocker puts the code over this one to me anyway but this is still a solid boat for everything
It’s very flat in the hull and on this river is not got a lot of big drops I did run the single drop and it hits flat very easily so anything getting over 25’ i would really try to keep that bow down
The one I paddled in Chile was actually flatter than the one in this video. Some slight crown was added to the hull in the production boats that followed (I had the very first one off the line). That said, I found boofing ledges and drops less forgiving and made sure to stomp them, but had no issue with stern taps. On the big drops in Chile, Demshitz for example, I had super soft landings. It's been handling big waterfalls quite well actually.
😂 your not wrong thats why we see him Antix everything or Nirvana he paddled this boat very little from what I seen then it popped up for sale little while back this was totally not his style of kayak
I'm a beginner and just bought a Z3. I only paddled it once so far and that was on flat water. Love the review because it reinforces the reasons, I boat this boat. Looking to spend a lot in the seat this summer.
That’s awesome let me know what you think when get it on rivers I like hearing the feedback
Where do you live in Oregon?@@tysonsmudfossiladventures3468
I bought my zen 3 four months ago and have been bombing around in it all winter, I LOVE this boat, even if you’re skill level Is moderate, the boat more then makes up the rest so you feel super confident on rough water!
Yes so true thanks for feedback
I paddled my new Zen 3.0 for the first time on a recent Plateau overnighter. It was incredibly stable, comfortable with easy adjustability (love the updated outfitting), punched holes very well and had plenty of volume for my overnight gear! It will be my go-to for overnight trips and higher volume creeks. I agree with you about some disconnect from the flow because it is so stable, etc. I would’ve purchased a Code over the Zen 3.0 if not for availability.
Awesome review as always! Keep ‘em coming! 🤘🛶
Great feedback wolf
I bought this boat because I’m new to whitewater and it does look after you if your skill level isn’t quite there yet. Maybe in the future, as I develop some skills, I’ll move on to something a bit friskier but for where I’m at now it’s my potato of choice. Thanks Wade.👍
Just get aggressive with it and I think it’s well rounded kayak
"most stable boat ever and its a tank" -- that is EXACTLY how I describe my Zen3. I take it down class 3 with bigger, bouncier water.
But I want another boat to compliment it on easier runs for more performance and better surfing. Thinking about a Scorch. Took an Ozone out on the fish pond and flipped it because I was too big for the Ozone.
Want to also use the Scorch as a small wave ocean surfer too. I would take the Scorch down class 2 or 2+ and hit the surf waves on the way down. Any other boats that would do well with the above? I don't want a half slice and go down every rapid popping wheelies.
Also, used to paddle a Mamba and the Zen3 is way more stable in the swirlies, at least for me. Also paddles in a straighter line too.
Yes for sure and thanks for the feedback always like hearing what others think of these boats
Good point. I am a 30+ year part time boater who likes 2+ (3) water. I got to that level and never wanted to go higher. I did some 3+ that was actually more like 4 and it scared the crap out of me, even though I made it with only an occasional flip but got up with a combat roll. Different skill levels will have different experiences with the same boat.
Also, keep in mind that flat water kayakers won't even paddle white water, no matter how easy. And then there is the IK crowd, who physically can't paddle a hardshell. (or they are just to scared to be upside down)
So the kayak industry needs to keep making boats for the weenies that the pros hate.
I have seen newbies move up to better boats and harder water, but more of them just quit the sport @@WadeHarrison
I paddled the large when they first came to the uk. I was super stable, confortable and easy to roll. I was paddling fairly low water stuff and it got a bit boring. I could imagine it being more at home in big water but personally I would want more rocker.
I agree I’m a rocker lover at this point kinda hard to go back
It’s obvious the stability comes from the color.
😂
Hahaha just the tip the rest was green
I've paddled the original Zen. Didn't like it much. Haven't had a chance to sit in one since then. But it sounds interesting for a lazy day relaxing paddle.
I also paddled the first zen they are so drastically different
Good review, I've been considering this or the Code, so funny that you compared them at the end.
I like the code over this one but this one still pretty good all round
DUUUUUUDE! Awesome video Wade. So I’m looking at The Code and Z3 and was wondering what the comparison of the two are. Like which would be better for hauling overnight gear and which would be best for bigger more volume rivers?
Bigger volume rivers and loaded with gear Z3 all round river running with ability to blast over everything go Code
Wadd I just got one. Thing is I'm 6'4" and 250lbs. I had to have the volume. But fit me so far so good. Kind of in there with what you said. Over all it'll get me there with a smile. Not the bomb, but good.
Yeah that volume will definitely take care of you a lot thanks for the feedback
Hey Wade...you look like you lift weights. What exercises do you recommend for kayaking? I'm concerned about my shoulders getting injured. Maybe you can do a "Wade's Kayak Workout" video!!!
I use resistance bands I rarely use weights anymore my workouts are nothing special trail running and resistance bands for chest back and I have a kettle bell I use time to time for lifts
You were having a Zen moment … solid review
I do have zen moments at times yes
I'll stick with my Nirvana, but it's good to hear some comparison to what many consider a bland and slow boat.
You can’t go wrong with the Nirvana it’s a great boat I paddled one a lot
@@WadeHarrison I'm loving it so far as my primary boat. Hope to see you on the river some time.
All I heard was, "It is a potato", I got to try a friends, it is a great all rounder, AKA SUV boat.I think it gets a bad wrap, but then I see alot of them, makes me think, It is not my style of boat, but then I am semi or displacement hull paddler. question, guy you paddling with, he seems familiar, who is it?
Yeah I think the boat does get somewhat of a bad rap because it’s so ugly up in the bow
And the guy that I was with is Boyd he has CZcams channel called
send school
Great review. Thank you
Thanks
Thanks for great review! I'm looking for a kayak for a 70 year old that will just take care of him down a rapid and is as forgiving as it gets (especially stable when leaning back). Jackson is hard to get a hold of in Norway. What would be your tip picks for that Wade?
Yeah this one or dagger code 2 top boats from just taking care of you floating down river might look at the wavesport Phoenix it’s pretty wide has a rail on it not as forgiving as the zen or code but I’m sure it’s available in Norway
@@WadeHarrison Thanks Wade! I'll have a look into them
Very helpful! Thanks for taking the time. AVA Brian
Yeah buddy glad I could help
Thanks for yet another insightful review! I was super happy to hear your thoughts ont the Z3. I was wondering how you compare the Z3 with the Scorch and how they differ, and in which scenarios you would pick one over the other.
Z3 on Creeky runs with a lot of quick must make boofs
scorch on bigger volume runs with big volume drops and holes to punch I like the scorch way better then the Z3 so i would choose it on anything really and the Code would be the next choice
Please excuse such a dumb question, but what class rapids are these? Thank you.
Class 3 and 4ish
@@WadeHarrison Thank you!
You say it’s very stable and then it doesn’t want to roll over so let me ask you this, what’s it like actually rolling back up when you do roll?
I rolled it at the end of the video it’s not the easiest to get back around on that volume
@@WadeHarrison Yeah I just caught that, I guess I asked that question a little prematurely lol.
Hey Wade, How would you compare the Z3 to the Machno? Thanks man.
Z3 handles better in all types of whitewater in my opinion the machno great on steep creeks but get pushed around in the flow
@@WadeHarrison 👍
How would you compare it to a Mamba?
Very different I think it’s a improvement over the older mambas it’s right there with the Code but I liked the code a lot better
The hybrid hull and the bow and tail rocker puts the code over this one to me anyway but this is still a solid boat for everything
How does it come off bigger drops? With such a flat hull an all
It’s very flat in the hull and on this river is not got a lot of big drops I did run the single drop and it hits flat very easily so anything getting over 25’ i would really try to keep that bow down
The one I paddled in Chile was actually flatter than the one in this video. Some slight crown was added to the hull in the production boats that followed (I had the very first one off the line). That said, I found boofing ledges and drops less forgiving and made sure to stomp them, but had no issue with stern taps. On the big drops in Chile, Demshitz for example, I had super soft landings. It's been handling big waterfalls quite well actually.
@@CleanLineKayaking thanks!
@@WadeHarrison thanks for the reply
But can you stern squirt it?
😂 maybe if fill it full of water
Not even dane can make this kayak look good lmao
😂 your not wrong thats why we see him Antix everything or Nirvana he paddled this boat very little from what I seen then it popped up for sale little while back this was totally not his style of kayak
Dane paddling this boat is like a Nascar driver - driving a Geo Metro. Its a lot like the short school bus that I drive for a living.