Comments for First Looks: Fenn Mako Elite at http://www.surfski.info , comment 0 to 19 out of 19 comments http://www.surfski.info Thu, 20 Nov 2008 01:10:37 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/738/156/#pc_2659 Jefferson, I can't honestly compare the Makos with the Hukis because I haven't logged enough time in the latter ones. As far as the "twitchiness" goes, the Elite does seem to feel a bit more planted on the water - both on waves and on the flats. It is narrower, though, so your balance needs to be centered over a very slightly narrower ski. While this doesn't intuitively make much sense (narrower and more stable), it's kind of like comparing the feel of two skis - one with a slightly higher seat and the other with a slightly lower seat. The higher seat one will feel a bit twitchier. Also, while I haven't measured the seat heights on the 6 and the Elite, they feel about the same to me. It's a tough call whether or not it's worth it to go from a 6 to an Elite if you really like the 6. For me, it was the right decision because the Elite's seat shape fits me better (it keeps you forwards a bit more) and I already had a buyer for my 6. One thing that you could try with your 6 is to tape or glue in some closed cell foam pads onto the inside surface of the sides of the seat - up at the seat rim. Make it so the foam barely touches your sides when you're sitting flat in the ski. What this will do is to both dampen the roll of the ski and allow you to better sense the rolling torque present. For me, it's made both the 6 and the Elite significantly more stable - particularly on squirrelly water. - nell Wed, 06 Aug 2008 04:39:11 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/738/156/#pc_2658 I currently have a HUKI S1X Special and a Mako Elite. I previously owned a Mako 6 and a HUKI S1X. I like both skis and both manufacturers, so rather than submit a long post about what I see as the differences I would rather respond directly. Send me your email address if you would like a longer writeup. mbuck428@aol.com - Mark Buck Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:29:08 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/738/156/#pc_2657 Hi Erik - Great review... I’ve been on a Mako 6 for a while and wouldn’t change too much except for the “twitchiness” I continue to feel in the boat… The Elite looks like it ‘may’ solve my problems. Do you (or anyone) have any comparisons of the Elite with the Huki S1-X (or S1-X Special)? - Jefferson Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:54:28 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/738/156/#pc_2644 I'm about to purchase a new ski. I have been paddling spec skis and K1's for 10 years however for the past two years I have been paddling ocean skis and have never looked back. I currently paddle a carbon Mako6 but I'm about to update. The problem is I can't decide between the following skis, another carbon mako6 or elite, V10 ultra or elite or a carbon red7pro. I'm open to any suggestions about any of the mentioned skis. I would like to hear from other people regarding which of these skis they like or dislike. AS for the V10 elite are they a ski that can be used all the time or is it best to keep them for race days only. - Rob Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:11:16 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/738/156/#pc_2567 I have 4 prolapsed discs and anyone who has this sort of headache will know what's it like. At the age of 51 i'm quite fit but i did my first back injury when i was 28....so i do the swimming thing 3-4 times a week and Yoga twice a week. You can never quite predict when your back is going to flare up. But doing nothing is worse than not having a go. You will simply cease up. I'm very very new to this sport infact i don't own a ski yet and only ever borrowed them but i am getting a 6 which is on order in 2-3 months. I have surfed all my life and been hang gliding for a number of years. My advise to anyone with a bad back is don't be stupid with what you but don't sit on your A.. waiting for wonder cures because they are a long way off. What everyone says about core strength is spot on. Sinjin - Steven D Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:49:56 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/738/156/#pc_2544 Gavin, Since I submitted this article, I've received a couple of emails from good paddlers stating that they felt this "twitchi-ness" or what ever you want to call it. Some feel it and some don't and it's not a big issue, really. But, I found that it improved considerably after I taped in some closed cell foam on the inside edges of the seat bucket, which didn't so much squeeze me, but kind of dampened any roll of the hull in most situations. I think that cockpit fit is pretty individual and it can make or break a ski for a paddler - some like it loose and others need to feel the sides a bit. Glad you're liking the Robberg. Seem to remember that having a pretty narrow seat, but I thought it was a nice ski when I demo'd one. - nell Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:05:13 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/738/156/#pc_2543 Erik, thanks for the review. With reference to the following quotations from your review: "..on the 6, when I'm just about to drop into a wave, that momentary position sometimes feels a bit precarious. You feel a bit perched up high, ready to fall one way or another..", "..or a 6, beam waves or quartering waves seem to lift you up and tilt you left or right a bit..", "...rolls side to side less with your stroke compared to the 6..." I recently sold my Mako 6 (having only ever paddled an XT prior to that, so no experience of a Millenium) mainly because of the feeling of rolling especially as I was about to take off on a run- it made me feel unstable and as if I was going to possibly fall out. This definitely limited my confidence in putting in the big strokes to catch the run. When I mentioned this to other paddlers, especially those who love their Mako 6, I was met with uncomprehending blank looks... Anyhow, I feel somewhat validated that someone else experienced something similar. For what it's worth, I'm now on a Robberg Express and very happy. - Gavin Gottschalk Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:38:54 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/738/156/#pc_2539 Erik, Thanks for writing up that excellent review on the Mako Elite. It's one of the most well written and most helpfull I've seen. Hope you do more write up's in the future. - Dave R Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:26:45 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/738/156/#pc_2538 According to one person I know who has knock knees, once your legs are bent (as in a good paddling position) the knock knees are not an issue any more. It would only be an issue if both legs were extended straight at the same time which they wouldn't be when paddling. For reference they paddle a Mako 6. - Dave R Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:21:20 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/738/156/#pc_2537 With a single footwell you can position your feet closer together(and along the boats centerline) than with a double footwell, eliminating boat rock. The hump between the footwell and seat definitely affects leg drive in a ski. It's the main reason I had to rule out a Huki for myself. The hump height and/or location wouldn't allow me to drive with my legs hardly at all. In order to get any drive at all I'd have to adjust the footpedals short and force a very high knee position that I didn't find comfortable at all. The Fenn cockpit was much more suited to my paddling style and comfort. - Dave R Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:18:46 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/738/156/#pc_2536 I don't understand the connection between divided footwell and tilting the boat upon leg drive? Is it a matter of legs touching the divider and/or outside of footwell? I would think having a low hump between the footwell and the seat would help leg drive and hip rotation. One possible negative I see with the single footwell is if one is knock-kneed. It could put the knees too close together and/or put the hips in an awkward position.It would be interesting to survey customer satisfaction with single footwells. - S. Hansen Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:34 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/738/156/#pc_2534 here's a Teeter brand inversion table http://www.sitincomfort.com/inprod.html?src=overture - Txski Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:55:59 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/738/156/#pc_2533 Hi guys, What exactly is a Teether table? Guess I should google it. Had my failed nucleotomy and successfull laminectomy back in '91 and generally speaking, the back has been great since then. When I do get the inevitable occaisional set-back (usually after picking up water-filled skis to put on the roof rack) I`ve found that a short 10 - 15 minute jog works wonders to straighten things out in the lumbar region. Thanks for the other tips guys. Maybe we should start a new `bad backs` thread? - Owen Phillips Sun, 22 Jun 2008 15:23:59 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/738/156/#pc_2532 Hey, great review on the Fenn Elite Erik. Nice job!!! - Txski Sun, 22 Jun 2008 06:56:22 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/738/156/#pc_2531 "low back issues" has the potential to be a long and heated topic, so I put a response on the forum. I'm also predicting that Rob or Alain would do that anyway. - nell Sun, 22 Jun 2008 04:50:58 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/738/156/#pc_2530 Tried the epidural injections but those lasted about as long as an advil. Doc says the only thing they can do is a fusion.....and that aint happening. So like you said, keeping a strong core is a necessity but doing deep long stretches, especially hips flexors, works best for me. Sad to say, but boat time has seemed to make it worse lately. Sadder thing is, I'm a UPS driver and 37 years old. - Txski Sun, 22 Jun 2008 02:00:57 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/738/156/#pc_2529 I wanted to purchase an Elite back in February. However I went for the mako 6 instead as Oceanpaddlesports advised me that I would be somewhere at the end of the order list. Thanks for your review as it validated why I have the Mako 6 instead of the Elite. :D - MFB Sun, 22 Jun 2008 01:52:45 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/738/156/#pc_2528 Hi Eric and Txski, Did you guys undergo a laminectomy for that compressed disc? I had the operation done way back 93 as per my doctor's suggestion. It might have been different if it happened now. How are you guys dealing with the low back pain? My low back issues were relieved when I started running, doing core exercises and yoga poses. Greatest relief was the use of an inversion table. Wife gave me a Teether table for christmas. - MFB Sun, 22 Jun 2008 01:49:57 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/738/156/#pc_2527 Hey Erik, off the subject a bit but just wondering how you've been dealing with your low back issues. I have the same prob and tend to harass anyone else similar while looking for some relief. I paddle the Mako 6, find it very comfy and ergonomic but just the act of taking a stroke often causes a flare up. Is this sport just bad for us???? - Txski Sat, 21 Jun 2008 23:24:43 +0100