X stands for crossing the English Channel, away from the strict Greenland-inspired, rigid-skeg-controlled British tradition to the more laissez-faire, relaxed attitude of the French and their large-proportioned folding kayaks with big rudders: The Dagger Euro-X is an imaginative hybrid that unashamedly tacks a rudder and some extra volume on a boat with visible Greenland ancestry.
X is for extra-large. This is a deep boat for larger paddlers and multi-day trips; storage space is ample. With a light load, the Euro-X promises a dry ride, bobbing above the waves like a message bottle on the Dead Sea.
Despite its high-riding feel, the X is well balanced in wind, showing little weathercocking in a mild crosswind. In stronger cross or rear quartering winds, the rudder becomes a nice energy saver (the rest of the time, it sits in a groove on the back deck to prevent the foot pedals from being overly mushy).
X is for excellent performance. We were favourably surprised to discover that the Euro-X has a spirit that belies her size. Nothing fancy here—just a standard shallow-V, soft-chine hull—yet turning performance is as nimble as a hard-chine boat while the long waterline and minimal rocker provide good speed.
Moderate initial stability makes it easy to put the X on edge to carve an outside turn or execute other advanced manoeuvres like a bow-draw turn. High secondary stability offers a clear point of resistance when trying to edge the boat steeply. This combination makes the X pleasingly easy to tilt for controlling direction in surf and to recover when you lose your balance—excellent for intermediate paddlers developing confidence on edge.
X marks a cross-purpose design for the generously proportioned and indecisive. It strikes a great balance between sportiness and high volume, between traits of the large, comfortable ruddered cruisers of Europe and North America and the lively Greenland-inspired boats of the Brits.
The Euro-X is an enjoyable value-priced boat. It’s almost perfect for larger paddlers looking for an affordable expedition vehicle or rock-resistant ocean playboat.
X-CELLENT BACK SUPPORT
The gel-padded bucket seat extends forward to cradle the thighs and holds a water bottle. The wide seat’s built-in hip support can be padded out to suit smaller buns. The mid-height back support is a reasonable compromise between the needs of back-deck rollers and laid back boomers.
THE X COMES WITH A HEX
An included hex wrench adjusts the padded plastic thigh braces in almost every direction, allowing just about any large paddler to get a grip. Dagger spares no adjustment options for the backband: there are two straps for macro adjustments and two ratchets for micro tweaks.
X IS FOR ACCESSORIES
Cool “X-cessories” include a locking bar behind the seat, comfy rubberized grippy handles, moulded GPS and compass recesses, and a smooth, easy-to-reach rudder control beside the cockpit. The packing convenience of a large oval hatch is sacrificed for the security and deck space afforded by the small round bow hatch.
SPECS
length: 16 ft 8 in (5 m)
width: 23.5 in (59 cm)
weight: 65 lbs (29.5 kg)
max load: 400 lbs (181 kg)
cockpit: 35 x 18.5 in (89 x 47 cm)
MSRP: $1999 CD, 1675 USD