LiquidLogic Remix XP9 - In Depth Crossover Kayak Review
May 19th, 2011 by Admin 1
Liquid Logic Remix XP9
Hybrid/Crossover Kayak built for white water and flat water.
Main Review
I’ve owned the LiquidLogic Remix XP9 for about a month or so and bought it after doing a good bit of research on the fairly new concept of the crossover kayak or hybrid kayak. From what I understand, the true crossover didn’t come about until around 2009 or so. I have run it about 5-6 times so far, nothing to technical, places like the Cartecay River, the Etowah River, and the Toccoa River and haven’t been disappointed at this point. I was looking for a white-water/flat-water kayak that could be used for weekend kayak/camping trips requiring cargo space for plenty of gear as well as a kayak that could handle running white-water on III-IV Class rapids.
I looked at 3-4 crossovers that are basically the only real competitors and after careful deliberation went with the LiquidLogic based on some of my findings.
Here are some of the others within this crossover category I was considering:
I bought my kayak from Nantahala Outdoor Center during their season opener demo day. I didn’t want to pay for shipping and they are only a few hours away so we took a drive up to North Carolina. When I arrived I was still not entirely sold on a particular kayak. I was impressed at what I’ve read in the reviews about the Pyranha Fusion (small) but didn’t have any personal experience with it. The outfitting on the Fusion was nice, it has a little more cargo room available than the XP9 and it rolls a little easier. Its also a bit faster since its slightly more narrow than the XP9. With that said, I was impressed with the quality of the XP bow to stern.
Positives
- One of the things that sold me was that the XP uses ABS Plastic which is what they use on their white-water kayaks and it is probably one of the more punishment ready kayaks out there.
- The Bad Ass Outfitting is, without much argument, the best in the industry.
- It is said that the materials used are supposedly more resistant to fading especially the yellow models.
- The two channels on the bottom of the boat and the drop down skeg allow for surprisingly good tracking for a boat this length and width. Also, the skeg has two features I liked.
- The Remix skeg operates with a handle to the right of the cockpit that is very accessible and swivels forward to deploy the skeg and backward to raise it. The Pyranha has a skeg for tracking as well but is designed w/ a pull string that may eventually break from abuse or just getting wet all the time etc… Not a big deal but I liked the LL design better.
- The skeg on the Remix is spring loaded so if you forget its down and hit a rock it will automatically raise rather than break or bend rendering the skeg useless. I believe the Fusion skeg locks in place.
- The Remix deck rigging / bulkheads are designed with a thick foam material and the front can be removed running all the way from the bow back to the front edge of the cockpit. This design seems to be more substantial than some of the others I looked at.
The Downsides
- Although the stern hatch is very easy to get to the plastic latch in the very back is not a great design in my opinion and mine already broke. You can most likely find straps that could be installed should this happen but don’t feel it would be necessary had it been designed a little better. With that said, even with it broken it still hasn’t caused a leakage problem yet with doing anything which is a good thing.
- The skeg wire in the XP10 is out of the way in the storage compartment while the XP9’s runs in the center of the opening. The size of the boat most likely limits where it could be run but its a small issue if you are concerned more about cargo space.
Recommendations: For larger paddlers looking for a crossover I would recommend the LiquidLogic Remix XP10. If you are looking for a stable larger white-water kayak that still has a good bit of room for gear the next step from the XP9 by LL is the LiquidLogic Remix 69.
Specs
Length: 9 ft 3 in / 282 cm
Width: 26 in / 66cm
Cockpit Dimensions: Length - 36 in / 91 cm Width - 21 in / 54.5 cm
Rocker: Bow - 11 in / 28 cm Stern 9 in / 23 cm
Volume: 73 Gal / 276 L
Total Weight: 46 lbs / 21 kg
Maximum Capacity: 220 lbs / 100 kg
Hull Material: ABS Plastic
Stern Hatch Dimensions: 3000 cu in
Stern Hatch Cover Material: Hard Plastic
Skeg: Yes
Skeg Design : Spring Loaded
Outfitting: Bad Ass Outfitting
Related Accessories
- The High Seat Back can be added to Remix XP 9’s or Remix XP 10’s to provide additional back support during all your expeditions. (Available through LiquidLogicKayaks) Recommended when not using a skirt and for long trips down flat rivers, lakes etc..
- Spray Skirt:LiquidLogic Remix XP9 Sprayskirt
- Paddle: Werner Sherpa
- PFD: Kayak Helmets
Recommended Use
White water and/or flat water.
Paddler Skill Level
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Manufacturer Warranty
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Remix XP9 Videos from
Bad Ass Outfitting
Product Description
The outfitting consists of a recyclable DVC (Drains Vents and Cushions) polypropylene material which acts as an air cushion, supporting and releasing potential hot-spots when compressed. The outfitting is easily customized. It provides for easy entry and allows for adjustments of both the form-fitting hip pads, which take seconds to retro fit, and a racheting backband. The Remix XP has a slightly reduced rocker and retractable skeg which when deployed allows for better tracking. With the skeg out of the way it works well on almost all types of whitewater.
Comparison Pricing
Where to Buy
| Store | Product Description | Price |
www.Backcountry.com |
Remix XP9 | $998.95 |
www.noc.com |
Remix XP9 | $999.00 |
www.ems.com |
Remix XP9 | $999.00 |
Note: For more kayaking gear check out our Kayak Gear Shop powered by Backcountry.com who is one of our advertising partners.
Looks sweet! Have fun and watch out for people with guns on the river banks.
Ha, so you heard that story? Yeah, it can get pretty sketchy with the river folk around here!!
Wow, the XP sounds like an impressive craft. I wanna check it out!
I have had my XP9 for 2 years. I am 5′ 10″ 185# and the xp9 fits very well. I have packed it for up to 5 days and 4 nights, although with no room to spare, the boat is very good for camping,,,,,I love it for this reason. I have paddled the Clark Fork, Blackfoot, Sun, and the Dearborn up to class III and IV and it handles the water fine. The seating and outfitting is fabulous making the boat very comfortable. My largest complaint is the rear hatch lid…..it leaks. I have replaced it and it still leaks. The design is poor and it baffles me that LL did not used functional designs similiar to sea kayak rubber hatches that are bombproof. LL needs to come up with a retrofit rubber hatch to fix this flaw. Otherwise, this boat does everything LL claims…..I love it!
I have a pyranha fusion and the skeg is spring loaded. My skeg has impacted numerous logs and rocks while down without incurring any damage. Other than the hatch being tough to open and close(it is completely watertight though), I have no complaints with my fusion. It is definitely worth a closer look if you are considering the remix.
Todd,
Thanks for sharing your valuable insight to this review. Appreciate it. LL sent a replacement hatch but I haven’t put it on yet. I’m guess there is no rush based on what your telling me. It’ll still leak. Oh well, like you said other than that its a great kayak and I usually only have a small amount of water in there after each trip, maybe a half gallon or so tops. Its a shame but I can live with it.
T C,
Thanks for sharing. I was very close to getting the Pyranha Fusion. I love the xp9 but anyone in the market should certainly take a close look at the Pyranha Fusion and make there own choice…
If you have ever had a hard time learning or refreshing your roll, or just want a boat that is the easiest to roll, these XP’s are the easiest. Ive been kayaking and teaching kayak for over 20+ years. There is no other kayak as easy to roll as the XP 9 and 10. I bought mine from oceankayaksales.com and had no problems. The boat is wide and stable but never feels clumsy. Test amount to LL BA outfitting seat, backband and thigh braces…all adjustable and super comfy.
The 9 is best for paddlers from 100 to 220 lbs. its a big boat that fits smaller paddlers, optimal performace is about 120 to 175 lbs. Its wider with moderate rocker, fast at 9′3″ and can hold a ferry better than most kayaks out there. XP can track straight and true on flatwater, and can tackle class 1 to 4 rapids in dry upright style, and can handle almost all the classic multi day trips of the west…and without raft support.
ocs12
Great info! Thanks for contributing to this post. We love hearing from informed readers like yourself so hopefully we all can make educated decisions when buying our gear, especially when it comes to something as big as a kayak.