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Gnarvana, Scorch, Code: Head-to-head Creek Boat Comparison

Name: Pyranha Scorch Medium Kayak
Brand: Pyranha
SKU: 1SCOMS2-CB
Price: 2275.0 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Author: Simon Coward

If you’re on the lookout for the ultimate creek boat this year, you’ve likely come accross the Pyranha Scorch, the Jackson Gnarvana, and the Dagger Code—three of our best selling models.

Before we get into a head-to-head comparison of these top creek boats, note that this isn’t a specs-driven analysis; it’ll be focused on personal experiences, suitability, and on-water observations. We took them on the water to test them out for ourselves, here's what we found.

Each boat brings its own unique flair to the highly rockered, short water line river running series. Pyranha opts for sharp edges and sleek lines, Jackson leans toward a rounded aesthetic, and Dagger opts for a sleek-looking design and includes its industry-leading outfitting. Let's dive into the finer details.

THE PYRANHA Scorch

IMPRESSIVE TRACKING AND QUICK ACCELERATION

First up, we have the Pyranha Scorch. The Scorch feels like the best option for advanced paddlers who spend a bunch of time in their creek boat. It tracks impressively, skips out of drops with ease, and accelerates quickly when needed.

It's penchant for tracking at speed–especially through boils and confused water– makes it the top choice for big water paddling. However, less experienced paddlers should note that turning can be challenging without advanced techniques and edge control.

It's also worth noting that the Scorch retains the distinct Pyranha feel, characterized by its unique edges and side walls. Our extensive experience in education and retail has shown us that some people love this feel, while others really don't.

$2,275.00

Shipping calculated at checkout.

The Pyranha‚ Scorch medium is a fast, maneuverable, high performance creek boat and aggressive river runner. The hybrid rocker profile with the progressive bow rocker being combines to create a bot that is efficient on the move, planning over even the burliest of features, whilst the stern kick-rocker gets the back edge of the boat out of your way on the lip of drops and ensures you skip out over whatever lies in wait below The medium Pyranha Scorch threads the fine balance of length and edge which allow it to carry speed and maintain precise lines, even in boily, unpredictable water. The generous but carefully tailored volume keeps you on top of the water and gives you the capacity to carry all your essentials without blocking your paddle strokes.

This is the boat for dry-hair days on local creeks, dialling in moves and lines, and packing those lessons up‚ and taking them to your favorite rivers and creeks. The Pyranha Scorch lineup is equally suitable for those pushing into the intermediate realm to those running the worlds hardest whitewater.

Features

Full Sized Grab Handles
Cut off Stern Edge
Tapered Stern Volume
Stern Kick Rocker
Sharp, Full Length Pyranha Style Rails
Bow rocker with Wave Deflectors
Stout 2 Outfitting

Specifications

Sizes	S	M	L
Length	259cm / 8' 6"	267cm / 8' 10"	279cm / 9' 1"
Width	62cm / 24.5"	63cm / 25"	65cm / 25.5"
External Cockpit Length	95cm / 37.5"	95cm / 37.5"	95cm / 37.5"
External Cockpit Width	49cm / 19"	49cm / 19"	49cm / 19"
Volume	265l / 70(us)gal	310l / 82(us)gal	340l / 90(us)gal
Hatch Volume	‚	‚	‚
Weight	21kg / 46lb	23kg / 50lb	24.5kg / 54lb
Optimum Paddler Weight	40-70kg / 88-165lb	65-90kg / 145-200lb	80-115kg / 175-255lb

Video

Colour

Cotinga Blue

Rosella Red

Custom

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THE JACKSON GNARVANA

UNMATCHED MANEUVERABILITY AND FORGIVENESS

Next up, is the Jackson Gnarvana. As a middle-aged paddler who spends more time teaching than personal paddling, finding a creek boat that matched my skill level while providing a safety net was crucial. The Jackson Gnarvana strikes that perfect balance. Despite my initial skepticism towards Jackson creek boats, the Gnarvana has won me over. It feels like an oversized half-slice, boasting excellent control and effortless edging. The bulbous (and kind-of-funny-looking) bow makes boofing and keeping the nose up so simple. This makes it a top choice for small creeks, in fact, it's my favorite creek boat to date.

In big water, though, the Gnarvana might find itself more easily pushed around compared to the Scorch and the Code. Its wider hips mean that without proper outfitting, it could feel a bit challenging to maintain control. However, once properly outfitted, this issue is quickly resolved.

$2,322.00 $2,099.00 Save $223.00

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Jackson Kayak's Gnarvana takes our favorite features of the top selling Nirvana and adds a whole new level of performance.
The highest rockered bow, significant stern rocker, and a wider center point, to ensure that you feel high, dry and stable. The float and rocker profile make this creek boat incredibly easy to maneuver.

‚

Features

High Rockered Profile
Carrying Strap for Easier Transportation
Jackson Kayak's Bees Knees Thigh Hook System (Patented) for increased contact and control in the thigh brace area. LEARN MORE
Jackson Kayak's Uni-Shock Bulkhead System (Patented) the highest shock absorbing system on the market. LEARN MORE
Jackson Kayak's Sure-Lock Backband System (Patented) the lightest, most user-friendly system that can be adjusted anywhere‚ LEARN MORE
Jackson Kayak's Warranty Program. LEARN MORE
Available in three sizes Small, Medium, and Large

Designed for

Anyone looking to go downstream with confidence. Designed as our core creek boat, the Gnarvana excels in every river environment.

Specifications

‚ Length 8'10"
Width 27.25"
Height 14.25"
Volume 91 Gallon
Weight 48 lbs
Optimal Paddler Weight‚ 140 - 200‚ lbs

Video

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Colour

Northern Lights

Cotton Candy

Torch

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THE DAGGER CODE

THE ULTIMATE ALL-ROUND CREEK BOAT FOR ADVANCED PADDLERS

Last up, the Dagger Code. The Dagger Code Medium is a fresh take on the iconic Mamba creek/river-running kayaks series. It features a planing hull, a wide stern profile for enhanced stability, and a high-rise bow rocker.

As a prominent choice in our teaching program, the Dagger Code has proven itself as an almost unflippable companion for intermediate paddlers. I have witnessed the Code plow through daunting features with student paddlers half expecting to flip, but against all odds, staying upright.

The Code's predictability and reliability make it a go-to option and the ultimate all-round creek boat for advanced paddlers.

$2,149.00 $1,827.00 Save $322.00

Shipping calculated at checkout.

The Dagger Code Large is a fresh take on the iconic Mamba series of creek/river-running kayaks. Featuring a planning hull, wide stern profile for enhanced stability, and high-rise bow rocker, the Code provides excellent performance. Paired with the Contour Ergo Creek outfitting--the most adjustable and comfortable outfitting available--you will have a safe and comfortable ride. With the Vertical Step Out pillar design, the Dagger Code Large Kayak is the ideal kayak for conquering your local river! The AQ Outdoors team have been both trusted Dagger users and retailers for over 20 years!

Features

High-Rise bow rocker design keeps your bow moving up and over features
Semi-Planing hull provides precise response and stability
Contour Ergo Creek outfitting for ultimate comfort and safety
Available in 3 sizes: SM, MD, LG

Specifications

LENGTH:‚ 9' 2" / 279 CM	WIDTH:‚ 27" / 69 CM
BOAT WEIGHT:‚ 52 LBS. / 24 KG	COCKPIT LENGTH:‚ 34" / 86 CM
COCKPIT WIDTH:‚ 19" / 48 CM	VOLUME:‚ 97 GAL / 367 L
PADDLER WEIGHT:‚ 180 - 260 LBS. / 82 - 118 KG