Submitted by: Sean Kennedy Send Email
09-14-2009
The Illusion by Sterling Kayak (www.sterlingskayak.com/) is one of the most enjoyable kayaks that I have paddled and now own. It tracks straight and is fast yet can also turn on a dime. For its narrow beam, 21.5" it feels extremely stable. I have been in cross wave and the kayak handles it with ease. It has a skeg, but I have never felt that I needed to use it. And the hand carved seat is extremely comfortable.

I had a NDK Explorer. In comparing the two I think the Illusion will give the Explorer a run for its money. The Illusion has been getting high marks from advance paddler for its construction, comfort, and maneuverability. As an intermediate paddler I would recommend this kayak to anyone from beginner to advance. If you have a chance to try one, do so. I think you will be impressed.

If you visit their website, view the video "Warren Williamson Skookumchuck" for amazing footage of the Illusion in conjunction with the Explorer surfing a large fast moving river wave. And I would also recommend checking out (kayaksuccor.wordpress.com/.../sterlings-kayaks-illusion-review-part-1/) for a more in depth review.
Rating: 10 of 10

 

Submitted by: PhilSView Profile Send Email
11-15-2009
I must be one of the first owners of a used Illusion. The seller immediately bought two new ones, with slightly different layouts.

I was looking for a high performance, maneuverable boat that tracked straight, could perform in wind and was not slow. A kick-ass surf and tidal rapids boat, but also good for touring and mellow day trips. I found it.

What it does best: this is a great rolling boat. In conditions, it will do exactly what you want it to do. Mine is the infusion fiberglass, at 43 lbs it is noticeably lighter than most 17 ft fiberglass boats. The large amount of rocker allows you to alter the handling by leaning forwards and backwards, which I am still learning. I have no idea how the Illusion can be so straight tracking and not slow with so much rocker. It accelerates well, though of course this design is not the fastest.

Other reviewers claim the Illusion is stable and suitable for a wide range of paddlers, but I disagree. I do not recommend this performance boat to lower skilled paddlers, they need more stability. This boat is for those like me who are trying to become expert, or those who already are. See the video of Warren at Skook, note the no-paddle, no-arms roll.

The big problem with owning an Illusion is how to deal with all the requests to trade boats. I don't mind loaning it during my lunch, but please understand why I prefer my boat to yours.
Rating: 10 of 10

 

Sterling's Opinion on level of paddler's skill---I personally think the Illusion is stable for all skill level of paddlers--when we have demo days every skill level paddler tries out this kayak and no one has made comments that the Illusion was unstable or too advanced for them.

 

70 Years Young & Having Fun

Dear Sterling,
My name is Jacqui Bostrom. I met you very briefly at a Portland Kayak Demo day last April or May. I was completely taken by your Illusion but couldn't demo it until later. So impressed was I that I bought
your lightest version for my 70th birthday. I know the kayak is designed for kayakers that will do way more then I do. I have however kayaked for about 9 years, I thought my kayak was just fine until I tried the Illusion.I always paddle with people 10-15 years younger then I and have managed to do just fine but with the Illusion I fly ahead and constantly have to wait. One stroke and you are at 4.5 miles a little effort at 6. I was always very nervous in following seas and side seas, now I am not. I can surf the waves while my friends stay close to shore.
I find the handling of your boat phenomenal. It turns so well, the bracing is easy and I imagine should I ever want to roll which I do not that too would be easy.I take an 8 day camping trip to the West or East Coast of Vancouver Island every year with my friends and the only compliant I would have is that the packing for that many days is tight, but who cares. I kayak every week around Portland or Puget Sound and just finished a
river trip that was at the edge of the kind of river a kayak should be on. Unfortunately I cracked the gell coat giving Mike something to do. One does have to be more careful I am afraid.When I decided to buy the Illusion I thought maybe it would be wasted on me given that I am not an open ocean paddler or a
surfer but it has made we into a way better and more secure paddler then I was before. I have so much fun when I go out. Of course it is always fun when you turn 70 to be able to keep up with the 50 year
olds and sometimes surpass them at that. So the point of all this is to tell you what a great boat you designed and to let you that you are never to old to have the best . Thanks for making my paddling days so much fun.
Best,
Jacqui