Posted by jas on July 21, 2002 at 08:44:05:
In Reply to: Jas: Pro Explorer from Malibu Kayaks posted by Bobh on July 21, 2002 at 01:46:24:
I've been using my Pro Explorer more than my Scuppers since I got one. It's like a new toy to me. I use to fish from a Malibu II, but haven't used this type of "platform" for fishing in a few years. It isn't as fast as the Scupper Pro. It also takes a stroke or two before the kayak
gets going. Though once you get that initial stroke or two off, you've gained enough momentum to really charge when you need to. I love punching my Scupper through the surf when launching. It hauls butt. Though the Pro Explorer doesn't get out through the surf as quickly as the Scupper, coming in (landing) through the surf zone is usually a better experience. The Pro Explorer is very stable and extremely difficult to tip (not sure how to tip it, I've tried). The Scupper will nose dive (pearl) on just about any size beach break if you try to ride a wave vertically
or straight down it. You have to learn how to ride waves sideways while sticking a paddle blade into the wave on the side closest to you. I've taken the Pro Explorer through a couple of small waves. The Pro stayed on top of the small waves nicely. It didn't want to pearl, though that could change on the larger/steeper waves, I still would try to time the surf so I don't have to deal w/ the waves all together; but stuff happens, lol.
The Scupper Pro tends to feel a bit unstable or tends to wobble a bit until you gain some experience paddling one, especially if you're new to kayaking or were use to a wider more stable kayak. Though once you get use to the Scupper (it doesn't take that long), you don't notice much of a difference. Though the deck space on the Pro Explorer is so much greater than the Scupper Pro. Stowing equipment is much easier on the Pro Explorer as well. Holds more gear. It's also a lot easier to get the gear in and out of the front hatch.
The only time I would ever compare the 2 is in this case. Where someone is deciding upon purchasing one kayak and is stuck wondering which one. These kayaks are in different categories. The Pro Explorer is in the Drifter, Scrambler XT, Tandems, Cobra Fish N Dives and Cobra Navigators, etc; The Scupper TW is more
considered a fishing/diving "touring" kayak. How far will you usually be paddling?
If you're going over a few miles, I would go w/ the Scupper.
You'll have to make the call if you want a thinner, longer kayak that is better for longer distances or a shorter wider one that has more open
deck space, more storage space and more stability. Both the kayaks have their trade offs since they are totally different. I wouldn't want to make this decision. If price is a factor, the Pro Explorer "bare bones" version is under $400 and comes w/ a lifetime warranty. The Scupper Pro runs a couple of hundred more and comes w/ a one year. Though keep in mind that the Pro Explorer is a new kayak out on the market. It's not as test proven as the Scupper TW. Though I've now fished from it 4 or 5 times and am pleased w/ the way it's held up so far. I'm good to my kayaks. We'll see how she holds up for the next couple of years. So far so good.
If you scroll down a bit, you can check another long post about my experience the first couple of times I test drove it. Post title is self explanatory "The All New Pro Explorer"...It's easy to find.
Good luck... .I don't think you'll go wrong with either kayak. It's just a matter of trade offs when it comes to their attributes. Try to take the Scupper out for a test drive if you can.
jas-
: Jas, I am thinking of getting a Pro Explorer and wonder what your thoughts are on the boat after using yours some more. Do you find you are using it or your scupper pro and what determines your choice? Is there much difference in speed or ease of use in waves?
: I tried one and they certainly are dry, stable, and seem to track well. It didnt seem to be as fast as Scupper Pro nor did it have any way to mount a rudder. Seemed closer to drifter than anything.
: I will be fishing and diving from it and will be launching through the surf occasionally. Im new to Cal coast and yaks so dont really know what it will be like or have a good basis for comparison. Any thoughts appreciated!
: Also unable to get any specs on boat. Do you have len, width and weight?