watch video on youtube »
buying advice
Level Six ACE vs. King Whitewater Spray Skirts: Which is Right for You?
Looking for a new whitewater sprayskirt and eyeing up Level Six? You’re in good company! With their sleek design, eco-friendly materials, and accessible price, the King and Ace sprayskirts are top picks for paddlers looking to upgrade. But with two solid options, how do you know which one’s the perfect fit? Spoiler alert: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It all boils down to your paddling style, strength, and how you plan to use it. So let’s dive in and find out which skirt is your match.
ACE and King Spray Skirts: What They Have in Common
Both the ACE and King spray skirts from Level Six are built for serious whitewater paddling. They’re designed with a “rand,” which makes them more watertight but also a bit tougher to put on compared to a bungee-style skirt. Here are a few standout features they share:
Limestone Neoprene: A Durable and Eco-Friendly Upgrade
Unlike traditional neoprene made from petroleum, both the ACE and King are crafted with limestone-based neoprene. This environmentally sustainable option brings durability advantages, as it won’t dry out over time like petroleum-based neoprene.
Trim-To-Fit Tunnel
Both skirts feature a trim-to-fit tunnel, which is a big plus for paddlers with shorter torsos or those looking to avoid the bunching that can happen under the arms. The durable limestone neoprene allows for easy trimming without fraying or deteriorating.
Also Read: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT WHITEWATER SPRAYSKIRT >
THE LEVEL SIX ACE Spray Skirt: WHAT'S THE DEAL?
The ACE is Level Six’s top-of-the-line whitewater spray skirt, designed with class IV-V paddlers in mind. Here’s what sets it apart:
Extra Stiff Rand for High Implosion Resistance
The ACE’s rand is about 40% stiffer than the King, making it tougher to put on but providing extra implosion resistance in dynamic whitewater. This feature makes it ideal for paddlers who need a reliable seal in challenging conditions.
Kevlar Reinforcements
For added durability, the ACE is reinforced with Kevlar in high-wear areas. This extra protection is especially beneficial for paddlers and instructors performing frequent rescues or boat-to-boat contact, as it helps prevent wear and tear in those key areas.
Sticky Rubber Trim and Interior Grip
Both the top and bottom of the ACE’s trim feature rubber “sticky” material to hold the skirt firmly in place, even after trimming. On the inside, additional sticky rubber helps further reduce implosion risk—a huge benefit when tackling intense rapids.
Also Read: level six sustainability story>
Getting to Know the King Spray Skirt
The King spray skirt is a versatile option designed for class III-IV paddlers and those who prioritize ease of use. Here’s why the King might be your go-to:
Stretchier Rand for Easy On-Off
The King’s rand is much stretchier than the ACE’s, making it significantly easier to put on and take off. If you’re in and out of your boat frequently or don’t need extreme implosion resistance, the King offers a balance of performance and ease of use.
Tex Reinforcement Material
While the King doesn’t feature Kevlar, it does have Tex reinforcement, which is plenty durable for regular paddling use. This material may not be quite as abrasion-resistant as Kevlar, but it holds up well and keeps the skirt in excellent shape, even with frequent use.
ACE vs. King: Which Spray Skirt is Right for You?
To sum it up, both skirts are built with different paddler profiles in mind. Here’s a quick guide:
- ACE: Best for class IV-V paddlers who need high performance and maximum implosion resistance, even if it’s a bit harder to put on.
- King: A more flexible choice, ideal for class III-IV paddlers or instructors who need a reliable yet easy-to-manage spray skirt.
If you’re a paddler who prioritizes implosion resistance in challenging conditions, the ACE is a strong choice. But if you’re frequently getting in and out of your boat or prefer something a little easier to manage, the King might be a better fit.