The PaddlerUK magazine December 2015 issue 5 | Page 84

PADDLERUK 84

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Testing,
Pyranha 9R Large
www.pyranha.com
By Phil Carr
www.unsponsored.co.uk

Specs:

Volume:
Length:
Width:
Weight:
Paddler Weight:

I was hooked up with a pre-production
prototype of the new large Pyranha 9R a
few months ago.The boat is essentially
the same as the production model with
the exception of some of the Connect
outfitting.The boat has been paddled
extensively since that time so it is now
time for a full Unsponsored review.
340 litres
272cm
68cm
22.7kg
75-125kg

Now if you were to sit this 9R large (9R L) next
to the already released model it would be very
clear that the 9R L isn’t simply a scaled up
version of its little brother. Almost every area of
the hull has been changed in some way yet they
still have stayed true to the purpose of the
boat, i.e. a fast fun boat that sits under the magic
9ft length.

Pyranha have spent a fair bit of time looking at
the performance of the smaller model and have
significantly changed the profile of the kayak in a
number of key areas to produce this version.
The most noticeable change is the shape of the
stern. The grab handle has been moved to the
very end and the scoop usually associated with
the grab handle has essentially gone. In addition
the drain bung now sits on the side that will
make it easier for paddlers who carry the boat
on their right shoulder to drain. Great for those
who carry their boat on that shoulder.
Other changes at the stern can be seen
including a revised rocker and slight V at the
very rear. The side wall transitions have also
been softened out. It can jus Ё