As described before, I tested an Xcite Classic built by Plastex in Poland, while at this moment the Xcite is being built in Thailand.
Because some details are changed during this move, I asked Kanoshp.nl to lend me a "modern" Xcite for a day to compare both versions.
Today I went with a Thai's Xcite to Holwerd for a trip to Ameland: Just to experience the changes. For this purpose the conditions of the day were challenging enough: a NW-wind of 5 bft.
Looking at both Xcite's I could only discover differences in deck and cockpit.
Let me describe the changes as I noticed and experienced them:
1. Deck- and deck-layout
The design of the deck is upgraded with double knick-lines in front- and aftdeck. I think this is an improvement. Anyway, I like it.
Next to the front hatch a recess for a Silva compass has been added: It's about time for this more or less standard recess in kayakworld.
2. Compartments
The flexible rubber Kayaksport-hatches are replaced by click-on-hatches (also from Kayaksport). These click-on-hatches are very easy to close: just push in the center of the hatch to close. Today I could not report of any leakage.
The small hatch in front of the cockpit is now recessed in the deck, creating a more or less flat surface next to the cockpit-rim.
Al hatches are tethered with a rope inside the compartments. Be aware, while closing the hatches, that the ropes are tucked inside the compartment, otherwise water can creep in if the rope peeps out under the hatch-rim.
3. The seat and back-rest-band
The seat is completely restyled. The Xcite as produced by Plastex had a undependable adjustable seat AND footrest-PLATE.
The today's Thai's Xcite is much more conventional and has adjustable footrest-rails with small pedals to put you feet on. The seat is not adjustable unless you drill 4 new hole in the seat-walls.
The backrest is changed into a very solid band mounted low in the cockpit.
- My experiences with this seat are:
- The combination of seat and the new backband results in a very comfortable sit, while the new backband also stimulates a more active sit-position. Because the band is mounted low, it offers also quite a lot of body-movement.
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Less positive is that the seat-construction is too flexible: in waves and while edging, the seat moves a bit sideways. This disturbs the control of the kayak. In the Plastex version this could not happen because the seat construction was mounted against the hull-wall. This new Thai's seat should be improved! For instance by mounting hard foam-blocks between the hull-wall and the seat.
- The mounting of the back-restband is very rigid: The same 4 bolts as for the mounting of the seat are used. Although bolts with a rounded head are used, they protrude into the cockpit; so the surface of the seat-wall is not flat anymore. I fear that after some time my drysuit will have some abrasion because of constantly moving along these bolts. This could result in leakage on the long term. So first thing I did was to cover the bolts with a piece of foam to protect my suit.
- The knee- or thigh-grips are also changed. The Plastex grips were more vertical and a bit larger than the Thai's grips. The new grips are a bit smaller an more horizontal. For my knees&legs these new grips resulted in worse and much less natural knee-/leg contact with the boat. Also hurting my kneecaps because of direct contact with the deck. This is a very personal point of course because it depends very much on the individual's legs. So with a bit of foam some improvements can be reached. However: I think it can never be as good as the older version. Loving an ocean cockpit myself I was willing to appreciate/accept the older Plastex-grips as an equivalent for the oceancockpit. These were perfect. But judge yourself.
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Than the footrest. The adjustability is perfect. The small pedals however, despite their nice design, have a curved surface giving a rather high pressure on my feet. After paddling an hour my feet began to hurt because of the concentrated pressure on my foot-soles. I would be happy with larger pedals. But the original Tiderace foot-plate would make me even more happy. That plate was very comfortable, also offering the possibility to change foot-position while paddling. Also more suited to larger foot-sizes. Another disadvantage of these adjustable rail-footrest is the impossibility to mount a foot-operated pump in case your legs are too short to reach the front-bulkhead.
4. Cockpit
The bulkhead just behind the seat is now curved to minimize the amount of water in the cockpit after emptying.