The New Gen 4 Epic V10 - First Impressions
With a residual soutrherly blowing all arvo, the temptation to take out our brand new Generation 4 Epic V10 won out over an afternoon doing the EK books. Here's Mark's first impressions.
"Whilst it's never a good idea to draw any conclusions about a new surfski or kayak design from an hour out on the ocean, this arvo threw up a mixed set of conditions that at least gave me a chance to put my hand on my heart and give an initial summary of the brand new Gen 4 Epic V10.
Sitting in the bucket you'd swear you were in a V12, such is the tapered bow and the steep rails either side of the footwell.
Gliding over a nasty little side chop however, it was apparent that the ski is miles more stable, while still giving a strong nod to the feel of the V12 (which I would say is the best ski elite-end ski I've ever paddled by some margin).
Out on Bate Bay in some little runs it was nimble, manoeuvrable and skipped onto the waves with a minimum of fuss, I never felt hurried, the ride was predictable and fun. Never underestimate the power stability provides to keep you attacking little bouncy runners...
Swapping back into the V9 with Chris at the end of there paddle you can see that there is now a very discernible step between the V9-10-12; I reckon if you've had your V9 for a year or so now and are wondering what's next, this is definitely a ski to try."
Our demo is rigged up and ready for test paddles! Give us a shout if you'd like to take it for a whirl.
