Struggling with RMX 86 — looking for maneuverable creek boat (Flow vs Machno vs Code vs ?)
Hey all — looking for some advice from folks who’ve paddled a range of newish creekers, especially in tighter / low-volume terrain.
I’m currently in a LiquidLogic RMX 86 and not loving it. It feels really like it’s on rails, and I find it hard to make quick adjustments when I’m slightly off line. On tighter New England creeks, I feel like I get committed to a line and then can’t easily correct.
I’ve also gotten feedback recently that I’m sometimes a bit back seat / reactive instead of driving, which is fair — especially on unfamiliar runs. But I also feel like the RMX isn’t helping, because when I do try to drive it, I worry about over-committing and getting even more off line.
So I’m trying to find a boat that:
Is more maneuverable / easier to pivot
Lets me correct things late without a fight
Still has enough forgiveness to help me build confidence on class IV and occasional V
Doesn’t feel huge or “swallow me” volume-wise
Context:
Paddling mostly New England low-volume creeks / technical runs
Class IV boater with occasional V when I’m feeling solid
5’7”, ~170 lbs
Have an Antix 2 which I like and was my first new boat 6 years ago — after a long hiatus from the river (starting a family / work / life). Used to instruct and prior boats were a Dagger GT and LL Huck.
Prefer something that feels connected / manageable, not like I’m sitting deep in a big tub
Boats I’ve tried / considered:
RMX 86 (current):
Fast and tracks well, but feels hard to turn and too committed. Good on ‘bigger’ water like spring EBP. Fine on the Wells. Don’t like it on the Upper Pemi, Hancock Branch, and similar.
Pyranha ReactR M (demo at the Dryway):
Liked that it was looser, but it felt wide and I sat pretty deep. Demo outfitting was loose, so hard to tell how much was fit vs design. Maybe the small?
Currently considering:
Jackson Flow
Pyranha Machno (if I can find one used)
Dagger Code
Curious about Waka boats (OG / Manu) too
What I’m trying to figure out:
Which of these will feel most maneuverable and intuitive in tighter creeks
Which will help me actually drive the boat more confidently, not less
Whether I should lean toward:
forgiving, confidence-focused creeker (Machno / Code)
vs something a bit looser / smaller feeling (Flow / Waka)
Would love input from anyone who has:
Switched out of an RMX or similar “tracky” boat
Paddled these in tight, low-volume creeks
Strong thoughts on Flow vs Machno vs Code (or Waka options)
Also open to other suggestions I’m not thinking of.
Appreciate any thoughts — especially on how these boats actually feel on the water.