Medium Flirt Review:
After paddling for just two years, I have already found THE playboat for me. The Fluid Flirt is, hands down, one of the best playboats on the market today. At first, I had a lot of trouble finding a boat that fit my needs. Tall, slim people typically have trouble fitting into boats that accommodate their length and weight at the same time. That is, until now. At 6’1” and 170 lbs., with a size 12 shoe, I have room to spare in this boat. There is plenty of foot room and my feet and legs don’t go numb as they did in other boats I’ve tried! This boat is the perfect size for me to be in comfortably and still have enough weight to throw it down.
The outfitting in the Fluid Flirt is ingenious. It is super comfortable and easy to adjust. The thigh braces are rigid, the backband is comfortable without hitting any bad pressure points, and yet my hips are held firmly in place. I have added a footbag for my feet to fill out a little bit of room, which was a great addition to an already amazing playboat.
I think the best feature of the Flirt is how the volume is so well balanced. Most boats have too much volume around the knees and legs and none behind you, causing you to flop over when throwing ends. But not this boat. The extra volume right behind the seat ensures perfect balance when cartwheeling. The edges of this boat carve like a demon, and the hull is so loose I tend to get dizzy when spinning in a hole. My moves would never have progressed so quickly if I wasn’t in the seat of the Fluid Flirt.
Large Solo Expedition Review:
When it came time to purchase a creekboat, I didn’t even try any other brand. I knew Fluid would have the best boat for me, and I was right. The Large Solo Expedition model is the perfect balance between speed and maneuverability. This boat tracks like a cruise missile, boofs like you are on a magic carpet, and resurfaces like a dolphin coming up for air. You can be confident that this boat will not let you down in big water or in tight technical environments. With what little water we have had this summer in the MidAtlantic, my river ability has still progressed beyond my expectations, and it’s all because of the Solo. It is very stable on edge and rolls with ease. This creeker carves into an eddy with attitude…so much so that I almost get whiplash.
The new outfitting in the Solo is a tremendous upgrade. The hull is stiffer and the hip pads no longer shift around. The new, upgraded thigh braces are bigger and more rigid than before. Again, Fluid’s backband is the best on the market.
I strongly recommend the Expedition model. First, you no longer need floatation in the stern. Second, it provides a great cooler for refreshments at the takeout (your friends will thank you for getting this boat). Lastly, you don’t need to pack your stinky gear in your car…just throw it in the storage compartment!
If you want a boat with the perfect balance of speed and turning ability this is the creeker for you
Great Job Fluid!
~Gif Zafred
