I posted this in the canoe forum as well, but I am wondering if anyone has had a chance to paddle the new Bell Magic. Specs look the same as the old one; anyone tried one yet?

bhouse46 is on a trip with one now. he will be at fall wingnight.

quote kanoes: "bhouse46 is on a trip with one now. he will be at fall wingnight."

Thanks, Jan! I hope to make it later on Saturday-need to do a run to Rogers to pick up some stuff for my new school.

i hope to finally meet ya.

Ditto

Sorry I missed you at wingnight. I have had the new magic long enough to be sure I love it. I had some concerns as posted earlier but was reassured they were likely vacuum mold lines. Being cautious I contacted Ted Bell and he agreed to take a look and did a thorough look over while I was in the BWCA paddling a northwind with my son.
Ted was awesome. Cordial and very helpful in showing us the molds, the materials, the process he uses and talked about some upcoming changes that will reduce the folds. He assured me the layup on the Blacklite is more durable than the prior kevlite and calmed any concerns I may have had about babying the boat.
I paddled kayaks for the last 15 years and once comfortable in the magic I think it handles better and paddles better than some of the kayaks I have paddled. Tracking is true, even in cross wind/waves and it rides the waves quite well.
Any other questions feel free to contact me.

Thanks, Ben. I might shoot you an email.