Best playboat I have ever paddled so far. I'v never really got on with playboats as I am very tall and used to be a lot lighter so I would always have to have medium boats and have the seat all the way back. I have since put on a stone and a half and this boat is perfect. I am sitting one notch from the front (but could put it all the way forwards) I can wear any booties i like as long as they are not too chunky and still have room to spare.
It is very balanced and makes cartwheeling on the flat very easy compared to the new superstar. They have increased the stern volume but shortened it so the stern goes down easily as well as the bow. So good on the flat.
In a hole it comes into its own. So much pop! even if you dont try very hard it will still loop properly and easily. I actually accidentally looped it a couple of times without trying.
Cartwheeling seems easier in this boat as it more balanced but im not an authority on cartwheeling as I can only get 2 or 3 ends in a hole.
I have been learning a few new moves and it makes it very easy to learn. Tried back looping and had one within 5 or so goes. McNasties, fonics monkeys are all coming along a lot faster then in my previous few boats. The balance of the boat really does matter, and the extra hight in the seat really aids the moves.
The outfitting really holds you in tight but i might think about replacing the string with some thin prussik cord as I have seen quite a few JK's with the string going or gone.