IR Royale spraydeck test report

Immersion Research Royale Test | Author: Janosch Plathner, S2S Pro-Team | Image: Dane Jackson at the OETZ TROPHY 2022

Janosch was kind enough to test the Immersion Research Royale spray deck for us and write us a detailed review. He paddled the spraydeck for 4 years as the only WW spraydeck - all year round, in different conditions and on different boat brands. In the following blog post, he tells us what he found out.

The Royale spraydeck is one of two "Big Rand" spraydecksfrom Immersion Research. "Big edge" means that it has a solid rubber profile edge instead of an elastic bungee. This makes it significantly more resistant to implosion than elastic bungee spraydeck. The only difference between the Royale and the "Lucky Charm" is the aramid fiber (Kevlar) reinforced material on the outside, where the spraydeck rests on the coaming. This should make it somewhat more abrasion-resistant and give it a longer service life.

Immersion Research Royale spraydeck

The design of the spraydeck is simple with few extras. No smoothed neoprene or clips to hold the spraydeck on the PFD . It only has a loop at the front for pulling. The spraydeck cannot be opened with the knees, so it is not suitable for beginners.

The Royale spraydeck has been the best spraydeck for heavy whitewater for many years. Many top whitewater athletes use it. This is because it has proven that it will not open accidentally under any circumstances.

Test report after 4 years of use

Like all Big Rand spraydeck covers, this one is not as tight as bungee spraydeck covers. However, as implosion resistance is more important to me personally and I would rather have a small puddle in the boat after a few hours than an open spraydeck in unfavorable situations, I paddle the Royale spraydeck.

Bisher ist es die Spritzdecke, die am besten am Boot hält, die ich je gepaddelt bin. Der einzige Nachteil ist, meines Erachtens, dass wenn sie trocken oder kalt (<5°C) ist, sehr schwer auf die Luke geht. Speziell wenn der Ärmel nicht so dick ist 😉 wird es manchmal schwer, sie alleine zu schließen. Auch das Öffnen erfordert einen beherzten Zug. Mit den
Knien lässt sich Spritzdecke nicht öffnen. Das gilt speziell für Boote mit relativ langen Luken wie Spade oder Pyranha Kayaks. Bei rundlicheren Luken wie z.B. Waka Kayaks geht das Schließen deutlich leichter. Bei älteren Kajaks und Booten, die eine sehr geringe Süllrandhöhe haben, kann es Schwierigkeiten geben, den Big Rand Gummi in den Süllrand Gap zu bekommen.

The spraydeck is very durable due to the choice of material. In my case, the tapes on the seams came loose after 2 years. However, these can be easily and cheaply reattached by a repair service.

Many top whitewater athletes use IR spraydeckers, like Alec Voorhees here at the OETZ TROPHY 2022.

Conclusion Immersion Research Royale Test

If you mainly paddle in heavy white water and like to paddle in water where you absolutely want to prevent the spraydeck from popping open, the IR "Lucky Charm" or the even more robust "Royale" are the best choice. You will have to make compromises in terms of tightness and comfort when boarding. Other spraydeck covers are more suitable for beginners who may still want to open the spraydeck with their knees or as a daily spraydeck for easy handling.

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