Dagger Axis 12.0

Size, weight, capacity

The Axis 12 is the largest boat in the range and is a lengthy 12’ (366cm) boat, only a foot shorter than some sea kayaks. To ensure the Axis 12 doesn’t skimp on performance, it has been kept to a comfortable 27.5” (70cm) wide, making it stable while still allowing it to track through the water efficiently.

You may expect a boat of this size to be excessively cumbersome and by no means is the Axis 12 the lightest boat you’ll find on the market. At 55lbs (25kg) you will probably want help to load and unload from a vehicle, but it does balance well once on your shoulder and it’s possible to carry this boat on your own, though not too far.

This kayak has a capacity of 350lbs (159kg), plenty of space for the larger paddler and enough equipment to go on an overnight adventure.

Features

The Axis 12 is packed full of features to make your paddling adventure as comfortable and relaxed as possible.

On the rear of the kayak is a spacious, watertight hatch which you can store loads of kit in, perfect for long days out or overnight trips. As well as this, there is bungee storage on the top deck, just behind the paddler, and a mesh bag on the front deck for securing on-the-water accessible equipment.

Inside the cockpit you will be kept relaxed and comfortable by the ConTour CFS-R seating and ConTour padded thigh braces, which optimise control and comfort. The SlideLock XL foot pegs are easy to adjust and not only keep you supported but allow you to power the boat efficiently through the water.

An adjustable skeg is fitted on the rear of the kayak to alter the tracking capabilities on the go, whether you want to be able to spin on the spot to navigate rivers or keep in a straight line as you cruise around open water.

Performance

The Axis 12 is the largest boat in the range and with a waterline almost 12’ long, glides through the water effortlessly. There is enough bow rocker to comfortably navigate through choppy conditions and rivers without digging into the water, but the v-shape retains enough contact with the water to aid tracking.

With a hull shape inspired by white water boats, it’s hardly a surprise that the Axis 12 is easy to turn on the spot as you twist and turn around the slow moving rivers and gentle rapids. When the skeg is down this boat turns into a great tourer, a boat which can cover distance comfortably which has more than enough capacity for an overnight expedition.

Beginners will benefit from the stability of this kayak and how straightforward it is to start paddling in it, while more experienced paddlers can make the most of the features which make this a progressive boat for exploration and long trips.