After the Rexy, EXO Kayaks once again demonstrates the innovation and design instinct this company possesses. With the Zion series, EXO sets clearly new standards in the whitewater sector. The EXO Zion Slalom S is fast yet still remarkably manoeuvrable. Combining these two qualities is what defines the Zion series.
The Slalom S is a brilliant all-round boat for smaller and lighter paddlers. It has solid safety reserves to take it on heavier whitewater too. At 257 cm, the boat isn't extremely long but is still pretty fast. The bow is noticeably less bulky than, for example, the Waka Goat. The seating position is therefore also somewhat different: the legs are more extended and not as far apart. Because the boat is narrower, it's extremely good on edge and also boofs brilliantly over the stern. A hot tip for anyone looking for a successor to their beloved Axiom! Treat yourself to this rocker :-)
The EXO Zion Slalom S has, for a boat its size, the most pronounced rocker we've ever seen! The boat is practically a semicircle! This leads to several things. Firstly, the bow ALWAYS stays dry. It zooms, pushes and hops over everything in its path. The stern rocker is also impressive — meaning it's rare that you pencil out after bigger boofs. What's also important: due to the banana shape, even small changes in seating position already have a significant effect on handling. We recommend experimenting with the seat position. This is easy to do thanks to the new metal plate with groove. But fore-and-aft weight shifts also transfer well to the boat.
Despite the pronounced stern rocker, the boat can still be undercut and brings loads of playful fun on the river!
Our verdict: an amazing river runner for everyone from about 45–80 kg! Definitely try it out!
Product Details — EXO Zion Slalom S
- Very robust internal outfitting, easy to adjust
- Back strap adjustment via cord pull
- No foam centre pillar at the front — instead a space-saving plastic column (makes an ideal carry handle!)
- Foam centre pillar at the rear
- Centre rail that stiffens the kayak by connecting the centre pillars to the seat
- Adjustable seat position
- Includes seat pad and side hip pads
- 1 handle front, 1 handle rear
- Adjustable footrest
- Made in Italy
Length: 257 cm | Width: 62 cm | Volume: 256 L | Weight: 19 kg | Cockpit size: 78 x 50 cm | Rec. weight: 45 – 80 kg
