Old Town Canoes and Kayaks is relaunching an old favorite—after 20 years the Loon has recieved a redesign. Foremost in the Loon’s design is comfort—it’s easy to paddle and cozy to sit inside. “Even beginners feel comfortable,” says Old Town’s marketing manager, Luke LaBree.
New sizes available
The Loon is offered in small, medium and large with lengths of 10’6″, 12″ and 12’6″ respectively. The smaller options features a more fitted cockpit, while the large size will be comfortable for even men taller than six feet, without pressing against their shins. Old Town has also added a click-seal hatch in the stern to hold day tripping essentials.
The redesigned Loon features the supportive mesh ACS2 seating system, which is ultra-comfortable and easy to adjust even on the water. The seat can also raise the thighs up, and features a longer seat length, minimizing pressure points on the hamstring.
Focus on value-adds
In addition to thigh pads, foot pegs and an integrated bottle holder, the Loon also puts electronics in the front seat. Its removeable work deck (which features cubbys and an integrated gear track) can lock in place and offers a pre-installed USB connector—perfect for paddlers who want to hook up GPS units, GoPros, iPhones or speakers.
Though the Loon’s legacy attracts paddlers of all ages, LaBree says its a younger and urban audience who the new design is being aimed at; paddlers interested in getting out on the water for a few hours at a time, instead of for weeks at a time.
Despite its makeover, performance has remained at the heart of the design, according to LaBree. “People expect the performance,” he says, “we’re looking to add even more value.”
Stay tuned for Outdoor Retailer coverage and get the scoop on new products for 2016 from August 5 to 8.
