So, first impressions. Damn the colour is bright! I opted for the rasta colours which is a big change from the light red while and blue of my old allstar. Check out the pics bellow for a comparison.
Photos by Simon Thorne
So onto the full review. Outfitting the boat was relatively easy as with most Jackson Kayak boats. It is the SL version so comes with a foam seat and foam footblock rather than the happy feet and sweet cheeks. Personally I prefer the more basic SL outfitting but I think it is personal preference. Like all Jacksons, the Rockstar has the sure-lock backband system that is held in place by string.
The backband system is the first point that I would like to go into detail about. With previous Jackson Kayak boats I have found the backband comfortable but sometimes a bit of work to get right. For example, in my 2010 allstar the string occasionally slipped from the cleats when newish and the backband slipped back under my bum while looping. This could easily be fixed with a little bit of DIY but for those of us who are bad with our hands it's hardly ideal. The rockstar though has been improved. Though there seemed to be no changes to the string, it is yet to slip and more importantly the back band is attacked to the boat in a new and much improved way. This new attachment method has raised the backband and prevents it from sliding under you when you lean right back. One problem with higher backbands is that they can prevent movement and occasionally cause back pain or injury. However, the Rockstar back band does not prevent movement and does not cause any back pain. The new system is a huge improvement on what was already a decent bit of outfitting.
There isn't a lot to say about the foot block but its basically a foam block with layers that can be removed. I can't comment on it as I don't use any foot block or footbag.
The hip pads in the SL outfitting are slightly different to those in the Elite boats. They are said to have more 'hook' and are made out of a different material. They seem to work okay but I have found a few flaws. The first flaw is that I struggle to get enough foam into the sleeves on the pads. The next flaw is that the strap to tighten the pads and keep them in place is very hard to use and doesn't seem to do a very good job. To solve this I have used strips of Velcro to keep them in place. They now work perfectly.
Space on the inside is always a bit of an issue for me and the main problem I had with the 2010 allstar. I loved my allstar and had no problems with the way it performed. The main reason that I swapped for the rockstar is the space. There seems to be much more space in the front and thus doesn't knacker my ankles like my allstar did - BIG BROWNIE POINTS FROM ME. However, like all playboats, my toes still hurt after a while of paddling.
Performance... Looking at the more boxy shape, increased volume and shorter length I was expecting this boat to be difficult to flat water carthweel (my worst move). In my opinion I think that the Rockstar is easier to carthweel than the 2010 allstar! The bow seems to go through with less effort and the stern feels much more balanced. However, I have spoken to other people who feel differently and think that the 2010 allstar is better for cartwheel moves. Maybe it depends on paddler weight?
Down river and general paddling. After reading some reviews on the Rockstar I was expecting a white knuckle ride and a beating on every eddy line until I got used to the boat. With the harsher rails, shorter length and raised seat everything was pointing towards a very unfriendly boat. Is this the case? Not really, it is more difficult and more aggressive than the 2010 model but it's in no means uncontrollable.
In a hole the boat feels very different to the old style. It becomes imediatly apparent that this boat needs to be paddled and not just sat in. The slightest bit of flow coming through the hole and it wants to spin. The boat is incredibly loose and spins like a dream, however it does lack the super stable side surfing platform that the 2010 shape had. Loops and Space Godzillas? Huge, every time. The extra volume and shorter lenght is very noticeable. Though you have to think a bit more about keeping your moves straight and plugging well, this boat really does send you high.
Photo by Simon Thorne
Cartwheels in the hole are just like on the flat; easy, balances and controlled. Mc Nastys are my latest move. Though I only ever got 2 in the old shape I can feel the difference. With the Rockstar it's important that you drive the boat down and hold onto the blade for as long as possible during the spin.
Unfortunately I have little experience on waves and haven't been able to get the Rockstar on a wave yet, however I have heard that it lives up to the Jackson hype. Is faster, goes bigger and grinds down the wave in a nice smooth fashion.
Unexpected discoveries... Flat water loops seem more difficult in this boat. My theory for this is that a) the boat is slightly less stable in a bow stall. And b) the extra volume in the stern makes it harder to end the move on the flat. Also, the rasta colour shows the scratches up really badly.
Conclusion - The Rockstar is a fantastic boat. Moves go bigger, better, faster ect. It's more user friendly than I expected and has more room for us bigger paddlers. However, if you're just learning to loop or just starting to paddle a playboat I think that the 2010 allstar will look after you a bit more and aid your progression better. Once you've got you're loops nailed and you're ready to fly - the Rockstar is your ticket.
Chris Thorne
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