Dagger Nomad L (Newmad) Review
For 2 years I paddled a Nomad 8.5 and loved it. It was forgiving, predictable, and boofed like a dream. I'm 6'2" and 220 lbs so I always felt the boat was a bit small for me. It was fine for day trips, but not big enough for a big guy like me on self-support overnight trips.
For years there were rumors about Dagger redesigning the Nomad in 3 sizes and I waited patiently. It never came so I started paddling the bigger Mamba 8.6 and the XL Burn.
The new 2016 Dagger Nomad
The rumors finally came true and yesterday I had a chance to paddle the new bigger Nomad (aka "Newmad"). Getting back in this boat was like being with an old friend again. This is a Nomad for bigger dudes. Dagger says they improved it with more speed and "optimized rocker" but there is no question that this is the bigger Nomad I was hoping for.
Side view of the 2016 Dagger Nomad Large
Getting back in this boat was like being with an old friend again. This is a Nomad for bigger dudes.
The Pros
My favorite thing about this boat is how forgiving it is. If you've paddled a Nomad before you know exactly what I'm talking about. At times it feels like cheating. Here's a list of other things that make this boat great.
- There are no sharp lines so it doesn't "catch an edge"
- The big bulbous bow resurfaces quickly
- It turns quickly
- It boofs effortlessly
The Cons
The only thing I don't like is that it's so forgiving that after paddling it for a while your skills get dull. Here are a few more cons.
- It doesn't hold a line as well as boats like the Mamba
- It's not as fast as the Mamba
- It's not great for surfing
To recap this is a larger version of the classic Nomad 8.5 that will make big guys happy. I'll get one as soon as I can sell my XL Burn.
Thank you to the Kayak Shed for letting me use the demo boat.
