Dagger Nomad L (Newmad) Review

For 2 years I paddled a Nomad 8.5 and loved it. It was forgiving, predictable, and boofed like a dream. I'm 6'2" and 220 lbs so I always felt the boat was a bit small for me. It was fine for day trips, but not big enough for a big guy like me on self-support overnight trips.

For years there were rumors about Dagger redesigning the Nomad in 3 sizes and I waited patiently. It never came so I started paddling the bigger Mamba 8.6 and the XL Burn.

The rumors finally came true and yesterday I had a chance to paddle the new bigger Nomad (aka "Newmad"). Getting back in this boat was like being with an old friend again. This is a Nomad for bigger dudes. Dagger says they improved it with more speed and "optimized rocker" but there is no question that this is the bigger Nomad I was hoping for.

Getting back in this boat was like being with an old friend again. This is a Nomad for bigger dudes.

The Pros

My favorite thing about this boat is how forgiving it is. If you've paddled a Nomad before you know exactly what I'm talking about. At times it feels like cheating. Here's a list of other things that make this boat great.

There are no sharp lines so it doesn't "catch an edge"

The big bulbous bow resurfaces quickly

It turns quickly

It boofs effortlessly

The Cons

The only thing I don't like is that it's so forgiving that after paddling it for a while your skills get dull. Here are a few more cons.

It doesn't hold a line as well as boats like the Mamba

It's not as fast as the Mamba

It's not great for surfing

To recap this is a larger version of the classic Nomad 8.5 that will make big guys happy. I'll get one as soon as I can sell my XL Burn.

Thank you to the Kayak Shed for letting me use the demo boat.

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