About the reviewer

First season whitewater kayaker

Test environment

Downriver run and whitewater play

Review

I had great hopes for this boat and was especially looking forward to a good competition to the new Dagger Axiom 8.5. I was sorely disappointed. Side by side, the two should be very comparable: similar length and width and hull design, with a bit less volume than the Axiom. The hull was apparently the biggest disappointment as it has a slightly curved bottom with planing edges that just don't cut it. In comparison, it pointed poorly when paddling in flat water, was much more prone to roll, but without good tight edges for bracing. The Z.One is also much more difficult to roll up than the Axiom. In whitewater it felt squirrly and difficult to control.

Outfitting was a loser, too. The back brace provided very poor support and sat too low on the back. At my height it almost might as well have not been there. I did all I could to tighten the back strap all the way before pulling forward with the cam straps, but nothing provided much support. The forward bulkhead was much smaller than the hull at mid-length causing it to bite my toes when smacking a rock.

I never tried the classic Ina.Zone it evolved from, but I hope it was better.

Conclusion

Definitely not a keeper.