I haven't had my (original) AE Advanced Frame out in years since I've moved to a bigger city. I'm thinking about getting back into it. Back in the day I purchased the backbone (before the dropstitch floor was available). It did make a nice improvement. For the shorter kayak, has anyone moved from this to the Dropstitch? I was thinking it would be nice for getting in / out of the kayak (I assume you can stand in the kayak with it installed). I understand it may be a bit slower and proned to drifting than the BB (tho only marginally so). I'm curious to hear from those who have used both in the 10.5 version.
I should add - since moving to a bigger city, the one option I do have for kayaking is the White River (it's actually very dark brown) within Indianapolis. In the summer the river can be extremely shallow in areas. I tend to drag the hull in spots with the BB installed (tho it doesn't appear to cause any damange, just light scuffs). Would the Dropstitch be more likely to clear these spots? How much 'less boat' actually gets submerged?
I also see some users do the 'non recommended' method of using both upgrades, tho I'd think this might make the shorter 10.5 version a bit 'tilty'.
10.5 - Considering BB to Dropstitch
Moderator: JCOOLEY
Room for feet?
Can anyone comment on the drop stitch floor and whether or not that leaves room for your feet if you are 6 feet tall?
My friend who's 6'4 with size 14 feet has only tried the regular floor with Backbone. Rather than paddling straight-legged, he flexes his knees slightly so that his feet aren't pointing straight up and touching the deck.
He doesn't think his size 14 shoes are all that big, but they're big enough that I can fit both of my feet into one of his shoes. Our paddle group jokes that just one of his shoes would make a fine playboat for me to paddle in whitewater!
He doesn't think his size 14 shoes are all that big, but they're big enough that I can fit both of my feet into one of his shoes. Our paddle group jokes that just one of his shoes would make a fine playboat for me to paddle in whitewater!