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First Impressions: The Pyranha Helectron

Hey, Tom here from AQ Outdoors, reporting from the beautiful Kananaskis River after a fresh session on the water with the Pyranha Helectron to share my first thoughts on this high-performance playboat. Spoiler alert: it's snappy, sharp, and not for the faint of feet.

Initial Vibes & Paddler Profile

Let’s get the paddler specs out of the way first. This was my first day in a playboat this year, and I’d call myself an intermediate-level playboater with about 20 years of experience in Pyranha boats. So yeah, a little cobweb-dusting going on here.

The Helectron I paddled was the medium size. I’m 5’10” with size 10.5 feet, and I’ll be honest—this boat is a snug fit. There’s plenty of space in the knees and hips, but less so in the foot area. If you’re bigger than me, you might want to size up.

Outfitting: Light, Locked-In & Custom-Friendly

One word: dialed. The new Pyranha outfitting is a major upgrade—lighter than previous models and well thought out. The thigh hooks kept me well locked in, and the foam bulkhead is solid. I’d probably trim a bit of the center pillar foam for heel comfort, but that’s a minor tweak.

I added a couple of seat foam shims to bump up my seat height. That may have impacted my roll a bit, but the boat still felt surprisingly stable and incredibly responsive edge-to-edge.

Hole Performance: Snappy, Buoyant, and a Bit Unforgiving

Let’s talk features. On the Chubby Wave (our go-to for intermediate hole play), the Helectron took some getting used to, but once I found that upright, forward posture, it came alive. Super loose, super snappy, and remarkably retentive.

• Loops: Tons of buoyancy and pop with the included over-thruster.
• Volume: More in the tail than I’m used to, which occasionally bounced me forward on back stabs. Stomp your landings, folks.
• Flat Spins & Cartwheels: Fast, loose, and very responsive, but you’ve got to stay on your game. Lean back or hesitate, and the boat lets you know.

Wave Performance: Speed, Sharpness, and Carve for Days

This is where the Helectron shines. It’s narrow, the hull is stiff, and the edges are sharp. On the face of a wave, this thing flies. Surfing and carving were an absolute blast, and spinning and flat spinning felt intuitive and crisp.

I’m a fan of Pyranha’s plastic—stiff and responsive. You don’t get the flexy feel of Jackson boats, which I appreciate. The downside? Those sharp edges can get dinged and gnarly over time, and yes, you may end up with some river rash from frequent rolls.

Who’s It For?

This is not our first pick of playboat for total beginners. If you’re new to playboating or just want a more forgiving experience, something like the Jackson Rockstar might be a better starting point. That said, if you’re willing to put in the time, the Helectron has serious potential to grow with you.

Intermediate and advanced paddlers looking for high-end hole and wave performance will love it. If you’re into big tricks this boat has the shape and snap to make them happen.

Final Thoughts

I had an absolute blast paddling the Helectron. It’s sharp, fast, and rewards active paddling. I’m stoked to spend more time in this boat and unlock what it can really do.

If you have questions about the Pyranha Helectron or are looking to dial in your next playboat, please swing by our Calgary or Edmonton shops. We’re here to help you find your perfect fit—whether that's for holes, waves, and everything in between.