Dagger Impulse vs Esquif Vertige

[Steve in Idaho]

Anyone know how they compare? I have the Vertige. There's an Impulse for sale near me. Looks to be a little less heavy. What else?

 

[eckilson]

Haven't paddled a Vertige, but my first whitewater boat back in 2005 was an Impluse. It was known as a beginner boat and as a bit of a barge. I replaced mine with a Dagger Encore after a couple of years, and have since passed the Impluse on to a friend. It's comparable to an Mohawk XL-13. Other than big guys, most people moved on to 12' boats like the Outrage, Rival or Probe.

Here's my favorite picture in that old Impulse - February 2008 on the Shepaug River in CT. I was in the water seconds after this picture was taken, but I looked good when it mattered.



These old boats are having a bit of a come back - I'm starting to see more of them - especially XL-13s. Here two XL-13s on the river last week.

https://flic.kr/p/2s1TMej

Just curious - what are they asking for the Impluse?

 

[ABT]

I have not not paddled the Vertige but have paddled the Impulse and Eric’s comment about it being a bit of a barge is spot on in my opinion. I believe the Vertige has a reputation as a much better boat.

I somehow happened upon a ridiculous deal early last year and picked up both an Impulse and a Caption in good condition for $125 each (with bags!). Didn’t take long for me to sell the Impulse as I was not impressed with it, but I’ve kept the Caption. I know several people with Mohawk Probes and XL’s and I think they are better than the Impulse as well.

 

[dutchlennart]

I would only buy if it was the only thing that i could buy to get me on the river. You have a nice fleet. I can not see many thongs the impulse can do better then the vertige.

 

[Steve in Idaho]

Thanks for all the replies.

Just curious - what are they asking for the Impluse?

It's squarely in "anything that floats" territory - $150 with bags. That catches my attention, but so does "barge", as a negative.

 

[eckilson]

Don't get me wrong, its a good boat. It is exactly what it was designed to be - an entry to intermediate level whitewater boat. Not a great playboat, but for someone interested more in river running it would be fine.

 

[Steve in Idaho]

Don't get me wrong, its a good boat. It is exactly what it was designed to be - an entry to intermediate level whitewater boat. Not a great playboat, but for someone interested more in river running it would be fine.

Pretty much how I describe the Vertige. Think I'll try to talk someone else into this Impulse. I know a couple of guys who need a river runner. I'm happy with the Vertige, and should stick with it as long as I can lift it - or until one of Kaz's creations comes within range.

 

[Dirigo]

Canoes do not not make paddler. The paddler makes the canoe.

I know Quebecois that paddle the Impulse on the Taureau- a class V steep creek…

Build your paddling skills. Onside, offside, draws, cross draws, pry and many more. Be confident with your canoe roll.

Warm water is just around the bend!

Dirigo