Riot Boats

[Cha0sSt0rm]

Hey, I'm currently looking at boats, and I know that I will get loads of replies saying 'test it, thats the only way'... But I have a few questions regarding the Riot Thunder:

1) Why is Brookbank selling the Thunder for £216 below RRP? Its £499 *new* on BB but £715 RRP. --- I have heard that PeakUK are moving their warehouse?

1.5) The boats aren't cheap because they are from a bad batch of plastic? I know Riot had a problem in the past with plastic?

2) How well rated is the outfitting on Riot boats? The description makes the rescue points / handles sound similar to the handles that Jackson use or the ones on the C30 outfitting from Pyranha.

3) Is the Thunder a good boat for UK rivers - not too 'creeky', not too much of a bathtub or barge but big enough volume to keep reasonably well surfaced? And if not a good boat (it hardly ever gets mentioned...) what boat would you guys recommend, bearing in mind im looking at the R.T since it is £200 less than RRP

4) How much foot-room / leg room is in the boat? I can fit in a small Z.One - but only just, and easily fit into a medium karnali.

[stiffy]

I just sold a Riot Magnum 72. They had been selling at around £560 ish last year. Can't think why though. Magnum was very well thought out and felt 'bombproof'. Cost should be on a par with rivals, really. If the Thunder is the same quality as the Magnum, grab yourself a bargain.

[Cha0sSt0rm]

I just sold a Riot Magnum 72. They had been selling at around £560 ish last year. Can't think why though. Magnum was very well thought out and felt 'bombproof'. Cost should be on a par with rivals, really. If the Thunder is the same quality as the Magnum, grab yourself a bargain.

That was my thoughts too. Can't find any Magnums for sale though, and I've looked. I'm aware I could probably find a second hand one but I'd prefer new, since it gives me the warranty and I know exactly what the boat has been through.

Warranty is a good plan since I've managed to 'break' 2 club boats... a Z.One Rapid Spec carry handle is not a good pin rescue point. And a Pyhrana Team H:3 -- double thickness plastic now has a 4 inch split in the side, but it leaked badly by lunchtime on the first day of paddling so I reckon 'twas already broken.

[Andrew Battye]

I just sold a Riot Magnum 72. They had been selling at around £560 ish last year. Can't think why though. Magnum was very well thought out and felt 'bombproof'. Cost should be on a par with rivals, really. If the Thunder is the same quality as the Magnum, grab yourself a bargain.

That was my thoughts too. Can't find any Magnums for sale though, and I've looked. I'm aware I could probably find a second hand one but I'd prefer new, since it gives me the warranty and I know exactly what the boat has been through.

Warranty is a good plan since I've managed to 'break' 2 club boats... a Z.One Rapid Spec carry handle is not a good pin rescue point. And a Pyhrana Team H:3 -- double thickness plastic now has a 4 inch split in the side, but it leaked badly by lunchtime on the first day of paddling so I reckon 'twas already broken.

The Peak shop has a new Magnum 72 for £535, altthough it's the same price as their ex-demo ones which seems a bit strange. Might be worth a look though.
http://www.peakshop.co.uk/Peak_Kayak_Canoe_Shop_Nottingham/SALE_kayaks_and_kit..html

[Cha0sSt0rm]

I just sold a Riot Magnum 72. They had been selling at around £560 ish last year. Can't think why though. Magnum was very well thought out and felt 'bombproof'. Cost should be on a par with rivals, really. If the Thunder is the same quality as the Magnum, grab yourself a bargain.

That was my thoughts too. Can't find any Magnums for sale though, and I've looked. I'm aware I could probably find a second hand one but I'd prefer new, since it gives me the warranty and I know exactly what the boat has been through.

Warranty is a good plan since I've managed to 'break' 2 club boats... a Z.One Rapid Spec carry handle is not a good pin rescue point. And a Pyhrana Team H:3 -- double thickness plastic now has a 4 inch split in the side, but it leaked badly by lunchtime on the first day of paddling so I reckon 'twas already broken.

The Peak shop has a new Magnum 72 for £535, altthough it's the same price as their ex-demo ones which seems a bit strange. Might be worth a look though.
http://www.peakshop.co.uk/Peak_Kayak_Canoe_Shop_Nottingham/SALE_kayaks_and_kit..html

OOH :) Now that's tempting.

[SimonMW]

The Magnums did used to be a higher price, but came down recently. As far as I am aware, although peak and other shops have them listed, there are no more Magnums left anywhere. And also as far as I am aware there are no plans to import any more. A great shame.

[purelandexpeditions.com]

Riot have a new UK importer. Its wwc in Wales, I believe. We have some arriving for our hire fleet.

[purelandexpeditions.com]

Riot have a new UK importer. Its wwc in Wales, I believe. We have some arriving for our hire fleet.

Sorry should read 'I believe they have stock'

[SimonMW]

Do you know if they are still the great price they used to be, or have they gone up considerably?

[purelandexpeditions.com]

Sadly I don't know the rrp, but I would expect more than the clearance price but perhaps less than a newer boat design. We will be getting Magnums and Thunders to add to our fleet of Everests, Karnalis, Burms and Mamba (we also have retro cool boats like H2, phat and grides).

D

[SimonMW]

(we also have retro cool boats like H2, phat and grides)

And I would hope that Corsica?! :-)

[purelandexpeditions.com]

No the corsica is all mine.

D

[Sayno2playboats]

Brookbank don't have any Riot boats at all in their 2012 catalogue, so is it simply a case of they are no longer a Riot dealer hence the price drop? Pick up the phone and ask them, would be my advice.
Cheers, M

[joules]

The Riot magnum 2012 spec has proven bomber over a dry winter where fellow paddle boats have split - ie upper dart on a scrape level. The plastic scars easily but is so thick (fluid solo style) that it just shrugs off scallops and scuff.

Outfitting has been fine. The hull - well best creeker I have paddled. Makes anything from a grade three run fun due to its agility, ability to surf; front side or spin and boofs a treat hammering stoppers brilliantly. Rolls easily and I have just one gripe. Weight. Oh did I say its fast, has superb stability and I would change mine now if it was driven over by a 44 tonne artic. And for extreme stuff just look at steve fisher and ben brown.

Email Natasha at riot to find out more but last news was they are eyeing up a new importer.

Sorry don't know about the thunder but in the flesh they too look made using plenty oof plastic. On that note riot claim they have used a different plastic on the 2012 boats ( these came out last year) ....not sure what though. Maybe marketing but ref my comments above its plenty strong.

Peak were dumping at I would guess not much above cost at £535 and all went. When I bought mine it was £600 and I was told they would go up in 2012.....then dropping the price :-(

However. Don't let the price put you off. Made in china. Yes. Same as iphone and ipad.

Good luck looking.

Jules

[Tom_Laws]

Have they got better since they first started making them in China? The first lot I saw were dreadful - bobbly plastic, wonky cheap looking graphics and rough patches.

[joules]

No wonky stickers or blobby plastic on mine. Looks ok. Not bad ass fitting or wavesport bling but functional and simples outfitting that's lasted well so far. One I saw had a messy backband elastic routing under the deck rim but not structural. Just a little poor finish but where it's not obvious. Actually a good looking boat. Pity about paddler.

For a (then) new price similar to used 2010 burns I know which I would choose. And yes. I have had a large burn.

It's a very personal thing but I've finally found my go to river boat for winter and occasional warmer paddling.

If you can still get one for £535 snap it up quick. ....

[Cha0sSt0rm]

Thanks for the replies, I emailed PeakUK back on friday asking if they had any Magnums left at the £535 price and haven't heard back yet, but I'll give it a few days before sending another email.

[Cha0sSt0rm]

Sorry to revive this for something seemingly 'useless' but it may help someone.

Brookbank have 1 Riot Thunder 65 left in the country - the smaller one. Apparently Riot no longer make Thunders.

PeakUK Shop have 1 ex-demo Riot Magnum 72 left - again its the smaller of the 2 sizes.

Both of these 'stock - counts' are true as of Monday. I phoned BB and got a reply by email from PeakUK. Unfortunately, I doubt I would fit comfortably in the smaller size boats - a Large Karnali is a comfy fit for me.

[c.blyth]

If you give white water consultancy a call, ( 01267 223555 ) I am sure they will be able to give you the lastest news on what is happening with Riot. Agreed the first few riots since they moved to China may not have been quite the quality we were used to but they now have settled into their new factory and I believe things are running to how they used to be, if not better!
Expect to see lots more riots about very soon!

[Mad_Erik]

Ignore the RRP. Most people are in clubs or other organisations that give 10-15% off the price of a new boat. I don't know anyone who has paid full price for a new boat... ever! I guess they advertise them at that price to compete with your local shop where you would get the discount makes Brookbank more competetive and chances are they have what people want in stock, instead of the little local shop ordering it in.

[joules]

[quoteAgreed the first few riots since they moved to China may not have been quite the quality we were used to but they now have settled into their new factory and I believe things are running to how they used to be, if not better!
][/quote]

Agree...as detailed above mine has been great even though I have given it a right good thrashing at times over winter. Example, with my lack of skill messed a line up through Town falls (Langollen) dropped into a nasty slot against the wall far river right with a loud bang (hit a rock) popped out & on. Result? A smaller than little finger sized scallop on the hull 1.5mm deep... Also, my mates rocker split on the upper dart..My Mag came away bruised but happy..

I think they are probably back to the way the Canadian made ones were...but I am assuming as never had an 'original'.

As mentioned, try pinging Natasha at Riot Kayaks to get the real gen on what is an is not in their portfolio...

Enjoy.

Jules