Prankster Review

Performance:

Hole: At my weight (220) The Prankster is way more retentive than the Trickster and is at least as retentive if not more so than the Glide was. In a hole the Prankster gives you a very smooth transition from one edge to the other during splitwheels or when changing direction during fast spins. I thought that the Glide was a little difficult to change directions in, it seemed that when you started throwing ends to your left, you would get stuck on that edge and would have to continue going in that direction, The Prankster/Trickster aren't like that, it is almost as easy to splitwheel as it is to continue cartwheeling in the same direction. The ends are very slicy and easy to throw under you and it is very stable to surf,

Wave: The Prankster is very loose, more so than the Glide or Trickster for us bigger guys. A little harder to blunt than the Trickster but much easier than the Glide and easier than the Slice. It is super fast while surfing and flatspins are really easy.

Flatwater: I am able to get 6 ends regularly in my prankster and long F.T.R's / Bow Stalls are possible. Once again flatwater stuff is a little harder in the Prankster than in the Trickster but easier than the Glide/Slice.

Comfort:

I found the Prankster to be super comfortable! I added footbumps to my Tricksterw/ a heat gun but I can sit comfortably in the Prankster with Booties on. When you look at the two side by side you can tell very little difference in the two but when you sit in both, you see that there is a world of difference. LOTS of footroom. Also the lack of a bow wall makes the boat quite comfortably and I can actually cross my legs indian style if I want. The backband is super sweet and the addition of a drink holder is nice.

River Running:

The Prankster is less of a park and play than the Trickster and more of a river runner. In the Trickster, one end is on the surface and the other about 1/4" under while in the Prankster I have each end at least 1/2-1" out of the water. I took both boats down the U. Gauley and had a much more enjoyable day in the Prankster. It was still a little pushy but enjoyable. Not quite the River Runner as the Glide but close. The Trickster/Prankster is less edgy than the Glide/Slice which makes them much easier to run down river. Also easy to brace/roll which is definately a + in my opinion. I wouldn't recommend it as a river runner on anything harder than class IV unless you are 1) Very Good 2) quite familiar with the river.

All in all, The Prankster is definately a fun boat and should keep you leaning new moves and perfection old ones for quite some time. Check one out if you can and if you feel like coming to the Russell Fork you are welcome to hop into mine.