By Sandblaster
from NYC on 11/15/2009
Pros:
Comfortable, Compact, Easy To Lift, Easy to Paddle, Good storage, Good Tracking, Lightweight for plastic, Secondary stability good, SmartTrack rudder system, Turns well with rudder, Very hard like fiberglass
Cons:
Hard chine sudden dip, Need rudder to turn hard
Best Uses:
Day Trips, Flat Waters, Good for rec, Good for touring, Kayak Camping, Ocean Swells, Rivers, Sea and bay touring
Describe Yourself:
Recreational
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Bought this summer after 5 years in 16' rotomolded polyethylene 60 lb. Sealutions II. The Oracle GTS is a bit tighter fit than the average (wo)man's touring sea kayak, and pretty narrow, but properly designed, all in all, and easy and fun to paddle. I'm 5'6", 145 lb. male, and I just make it under knee braces. I can get my knees up for a break in mid-cockpit, but it's tight, and not made for it, I'm just thin. Unless you know what you're doing, try out a kayak with its approximately depth and dimensions before ordering it. Initial stability is a bit tippy, so probably not ideal for a beginner, but the trade-off is its cutting shape; I got used to it quickly after 5 years in a "tank." It will lean far and recover, but there's a sudden "let-go" point at which she'll flip. (That's "hard chine," I think.) TCS (layered) plastic is super-hard, 10% lighter than standard plastic (so it's 54 lb. vs. 60 lb. or more at 17'), so you get the efficient glide/low drag of fiberglass or composite at half the price, and a little break on the boat's weight to boot, and don't have to worry about scraping and light bumping, like you do with the higher-priced materials. But while the TCS is very scratch- and gouge-resistant, it may be extra-vulnerable to hard-impact/crush damage where it bends sharply, at edges and corners. Its easily-retractable rudder needed only in strong cross-wind or -current. Its SmartTrack rudder system allows you to dig in with your feet on rock-hard anchored pedals and steer with separate rudder pedals - a real plus. Foot pegs adjust easily. Does not turn easily, you have to lean and sweep-stroke properly to swing it. Does not windcock in side-wind nearly as badly as do higher-volume boats. Typical front/back storage; typical slight hatch leakage. Current Designs apparently has dropped this model from its '10 line, and that does concern me. Could be a great boat for a serious paddler on a budget. It rides the seas well and will be great on rivers and lakes -- I'm very happy with mine thus far -- but I'd advise calling the company to find out what's up with the model before purchasing.
