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.