$995

by M. Anders, B. Broudy & G. Schaffer

Shana Novak

When our veteran paddlers looked at the Axiom, the first thing they noticed was its likeness to the RPM, one of the best-loved boats from kayaking's heyday, in the mid-nineties. Just like its predecessor, the Axiom is easy to roll, quick to accelerate, highly maneuverable, and great for eddy-hopping. The molded-foam cockpit was the most comfortable of any boat we tested. Though Dagger designed the Axiom with beginners in mind, our testers found its stern somewhat slicy and a bit too squirrelly and unpredictable for most newbies (unless they like stern squirts). Instead, this kayak seems to be a better choice for intermediate river runners looking to improve on basic playboating skills. 6'9"–9', 39–78 gallons; dagger.com

• Learning Curve: Kayaks
• Latest Advances: Kayaks
• Essentials: Paddling
• Kayaks Explained

2009 Summer Buyer's Guide Kayaks Reviews

Emotion Kayaks Temptation Killer Value	$579
Dagger Axiom	$995
Liquid Logic Remix XP	$979
P&H Scorpio	$1995
Old Town Vapor 12xt	$659
Wilderness Systems Zephyr 155 ST Limited Edition	$5000
Hobie i9s	$1549

2008 Summer Buyer's Guide Kayaks Reviews

KayakPro Nemo Gear of the Year	$3700
Wavesport Fuse Killer Value	$925
Valley Sea Kayaks Avocet LV	$3250
Pyranha Everest	$1160
Innova Helios I	$850
Liquid Logic Remix	$1050
Eskimo Speedo	$1000
Delta Sport 17	$2450
Wilderness Systems Tarpon Ultralite	$1575
Riot Thunder	$1100

2007 Buyer's Guide Kayaks Reviews

Jackson Kayak Fun Gear of the Year	$995
Emotion Bliss Killer Value	$449
Delta 18.5 Expedition	$2400
Dagger Agent	$925
Prijon Cruiser	$849
Old Town Dirigo Tandem Plus	$1099
Wave Sport Habitat	$1000
Pakboat Puffin Swift	$940
Liquidlogic Ronin	$1049
Eskimo Topo Duo	$1650
Current Designs Willow	$2799

2006 Buyer's Guide Kayaks Reviews

Wave Sport Project (45, 52, and 62 gal) Gear of the Year	$999
Dagger RX 6.7 and 6.9 Killer Value	$899
Riot Astro 54	$999
Riot Brittany	$1399
LiquidLogic Jefe	$1099
Necky Looksha V	$1619
Perception Rhythm 14	$1600
Wilderness Systems Tsunami 125	$1025

2005 Buyer's Guide Kayaks Reviews

Dagger Crazy 88 Gear of the Year	$1150
Necky Crux	$1049
Wave Sport EZG	$999
DragoRossi Fish	$1400

2004 Buyer's Guide Kayaks Reviews

Necky Mission Gear of the Year	$999
Klepper Aerius Quattrov XT	$5972
Perception Carolina Airalite 14.5	$1450
Prijon Fever	$1099
Pyranha I:3	$1129
Dagger Juice 6.9	$1150
Riot Turbo	$1099

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