Dagger's Katana has just earned another feather to put in it's cap. Having already been named "The Do Everything Kayak" by Backpacker Magazine this year, the crossover boat has also won the coveted "Gear of the Year" award by Outside Magazine. Read the press release below:
GREENVILLE, S.C. (April 10, 2014) – Dagger’s new Katana™ crossover kayak this week was awarded the prestigious Outside Magazine 2014 Gear of the Year award in the kayak category for its versatility, maneuverability, stability, and overall comfort.
Outside testers write that the Katana is “a fun and truly versatile crossover kayak that’s as adept in whitewater as it is in flat-water,” making it an effective boat for just about every type of kayaker, from beginners looking for a stable ride that will inspire confidence, to seasoned paddlers needing extra storage space for self-support or multi-day kayaking adventures.
“After testing the Katana for months in lakes as well as rivers ranging from Class I - IV, we decided that this was the most balanced whitewater crossover boat we've ever paddled,” said Outside Executive Editor Sam Moulton. “Dagger nails it with the Katana. It’s nimble in whitewater and comfortable in the flats and has plenty of intelligent design details without being overbuilt.”
Outside’s editors gave the Katana’s stability a 5/5 rating and its maneuverability a 4/5 rating, stating that it was “plenty maneuverable for eddy hopping in Class III rapids” and that “beginners will appreciate the Katana’s primary stability, which inspires confidence in whitewater.”
Dagger’s market-leading design team wanted to create a boat that is ideal for any type of kayak exploration, from flat-water day trips to whitewater expeditions, and the multi-water Katana is the fruit of their labor. Efficient on the flats without compromising agility in whitewater, Dagger’s new crossover offers outstanding stability, forgiveness, all-day comfort, and plenty of storage.
“The Katana combines the greatest qualities of both whitewater and touring kayaks,” said Mark “Snowy” Robertson, lead designer for Dagger. “We set out to create the best multi-water kayak possible, and we are incredibly proud of this innovative design, so receiving the Outside Gear of the Year Award is a tremendous honor for our entire team.”
