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Dagger Nomad L (Newmad) Review

Zach / Wednesday, March 2, 2016

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 Pyranha XL Burn.

The new 2016 Dagger Nomad

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

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.

Author

Zach Collier

Zach is an avid whitewater boater who enjoys seeing new rivers for the first time. He's also the owner of Northwest Rafting Company, a river outfitter that offers trips in the Pacific Northwest and a few select international destinations.

Connect with Zach: 

  • Instagram
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  • @zcollier
 
 

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Disclaimer: River conditions, obstacles, and rapids can vary for a variety of reasons. Please combine this general information with good judgment and your own river reading skills.


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