Spade Slick
$2,249.00
With every new boat we design, Spade try to find the missing link in our lineup. We’re very excited to see where the Slick will fit in, as it’s already the fifth half-slice Spade is releasing. For those wondering how it differs from the others, here are some facts and thoughts:
Despite its length of 275 cm, the Slick is probably our most agile boat yet. With a width of 69 cm, it’s only slightly narrower than the Full House, but with lowered edges to give it an even more stable platform. Combined with its high bow rocker and optimized rocker break, it’s extremely playful and handles all obstacles with ease.
Although it may seem similar to the Joker, the two boats couldn’t be more different. The Joker is fast and holds a straight line like no other boat. The Slick, on the other hand, with its wide bow, rides high and pivots left and right like a champ. The Slick is definitely one of the most entertaining ways to paddle both technical creeks and big water.
The sleek stern is inspired by the Barracuda, but with around 300 liters of volume, the Slick is clearly well-suited for harder whitewater too.
The core idea was to combine elements of the Barracuda and the Full House and create the perfect kayak from both.
Side note: We’re often asked what the ideal paddler weight is for our different models. For the Slick, the answer is once again: “Don’t look at the numbers—just try it for yourself.” Spade had paddlers from 65 to 120 kg test the prototype. All had different experiences; all had a great time. Best to try the Slick yourself—you might be surprised.
Length: 275cm
Width: 79cm
Volume: 300L
Paddler Weight: 132- 264lbs
Spade Outfitting
We know better than most that outfitting is perhaps the most important aspect of a kayak. This interface between you and the hull is integral to your control and feedback while on the water and cannot be underestimated. Our ergonomically focused outfitting has been specially designed for long days on the water without adding excess weight to the kayak.Key to this is the integrated seat-rail-tower combination that gives you optimal control over your setup. The thigh braces, hip pads, backrest, and seat pad have all been tried and tested to make sure they are ready for tireless days on the water. The central pillar supports the cockpit in high-pressure situations such as pins or over drops. It can also be used as a step-out pillar for safe exits in whitewater.
| Colour | Aquamarine, Lime Green, Blue, Yellow, Red, Purple, Yellow-Purple, Aquamarine-Purple |
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1 review for Spade Slick
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Brent –
I would mention, in writing this review, that I am a Spade Kayaks brand ambassador.
The Slick is an incredible addition to the 9′ half-slice segment. Half-slices are my favorite style of kayak – serious and playful river running, goofing around on the tail, surfing, boofing…they just do so many things in one package. I’ve owned and enjoyed many different half-slices in the mid 7′ to 9′ range, and I feel the Slick , more than any other I’ve paddled, bridges the gap between the silly fun of the compact slices and the confidence-inspiring speed and stability of the the 9 footers. It has a very planted feel when side floating or just sitting in flow courtesy of its excellent initial stability, and the bow rocker and secondary stability make it extremely competent for charging and boofing. The edges have great bite for jet-ferrying, but also contribute to a loose hull on a wave or foam pile, making it easy to play with. The stern, which has plenty of rocker to stay out of the way in squirrely water, is also very easy to engage, making it fun to wave boof and stall or squirt. Apart from the stability giving you confidence to try new lines and moves, the top-deck shape lends itself to a very smooth, quick roll. A lot of big water oriented half-slices tend to have a flattened top deck to accommodate the width of the hull. Spade has found a great middle-ground to offer both without compromising performance. Given the stability, control, and the ease of rolling, I’m confident in saying this boat would be as good a beginner option as it is is an absolute weapon for more accomplished paddlers. The only knock I would place against it as a true beginner boat is the lack of a drain hole – 79 gallons is a lot of water if you need to empty it a lot ;-).
The outfitting is extremely comfortable. You sit high, so if you prefer being low in the boat, you can removed the padding from the seat. The seat and track system give the boat a very solid, stiff feel, and gives you great connection. The thigh hooks are molded in and very solid. The bar for the foot bulkhead can be a bit touchy if you need to shorten for a shorter leg length – your want to do that at home and not be fighting it at the river because you’ll need to bend it some. The plastic is on the soft side of the spectrum – it will bend and absorb impacts rather than creasing and cracking. That said, it will probably pick up river rash quickly.
I’m 6’2, 210lbs with size 12’s. I fit in this boat perfectly with my full creeking shoes. The knee height is perfect for me – a happy medium between Jackson and Pyranha, for a point of reference.