David Horkan | Kayaking Ireland | davidhorkankayaking.com

Roman Kayaks Dynamic Evo K1 - review

1/10/2022

 
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I have been paddling my Roman kayaks Dynamic Evo for just over 12 months now and feel in  good position to review it. Its the kayak I paddled to win the 2022 Devizes to Westminster kayak 3 day 170km marathon. 

The first thing that you notice about this K1 is its striking looks. The hull shape is completley different to all the other major brands and popular K1's. The only other K1 that has this shape it the Kayak Centre Spectra.
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Snap shot:
Pro's -
  • Stability is excellent for a fast K1
  • Build quality is excellent
  • Fittings are excellent 
  • Looks amazing 
  • Turns very tight 
  • Good direction and control on the wash
Con's -
  • Weight- I would prefer if it was a little lighter for a marathon K1(I havent weighed it but it feels heavier than 8kg) * Have have since change the footrest to a full plate pedal system and the kayak now weighs 8kg race ready. 
  • No watch holder. I think it would be great if boats came with these fitted as standard.

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Roman Kayaks Dynamic review
The hull is a V shape that becomes flat at the stern. This shape makes the Dynamic have 2 characteristics that I like -stability and good wash riding.
This was reason I bought this boat and I did buy it!, so I have zero incentive to make a biased review.

Stability: The Dynamic Evo offers great stability. 3/10 on the scale. I am super comfortable in it while I paddle in cold choppy or wavy water. The Evo gives a lot of confidence and that in turn allows you to paddle harder.

Wash riding: I haven't raced the Evo much but in training it sits on a wave very well and doesn't move around too much. Which is essential for marathon racing.
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Bow design: The bow is excellent for not catching weeds and if it does it is only takes a little bounce to clear it. During the 2022 Devizes to Westminster this was notable when racing along side Nelo Quottro which is very difficult to clear of weeds. 

Build Quality: The build quality of Roman Kayaks is fantastic. The craftsmanship is clearly evident and the attention to detail too. I really like the foot rest as its rock solid and can accommodate two pull bars and hell plate. Also the fittings are standard so you can change between other brands like Nelo. I have an Elio seat in my as I have used it for several years and like it. The clear carbon finish on my K1 is amazing and a real eye catcher.  

Speed and handling: The Dynamic Evo is a fast boat. It is put to great use by Swede Joakim Lindberg at senior world championship level. He is regularly at the point end of the main group and has posted solo 10km time trials of 39 minutes in the Evo! 
The boat turns very well and is probably the best turning K1 I have paddled. 
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Super strong footrest with double pull bar
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V shaped hull through the bow
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Flat hull at the stern
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1 Comment
Tim McCarthy
3/12/2023 11:38:01 am

Thanks for the review, these boats are very popular here in Spain. I’m new to K1 paddling, a friend has recommended I try one of these. Though a wobble factor of three, still sounds tippy to me. Kind regards, Tim

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