Robson Charger Test Report
"Brand New for Creek Performance" promises Robson on their website.
… And you better believe it. Even upon the first glance the layout and
workmanship will catch your eye. The easily adjustable seat, the lower leg braces,
the gaskets behind every screw and the off-the-shelf outfitting kit. And all
that for a list price of 899 Euro.
The large volume and the short length combine to make the Charger seem plump
and that it will be very sluggish on the water. But, when you take a closer
look, the charger is actually small and high. It has a round form in front and
back while the middle is flat bottom with definite edges.
Our test paddle revealed though, that the Charger is anything but plump, and
sluggish. The Charger is fast, easy to turn, and yet still capable of holding
a line. Depending on seat fitting, you can really bring out the desired paddling
characteristics. This is also the only real drawback that I came across with
this boat. The cockpit is, at least for larger paddlers, located too far back.
It doesn't help that the competing creek boats also share this problem with
the Charger.
Get your seat dialed in though and it is GAME ON. Despite the relatively heavy
21kg, the boat is still easy to handle. The Charger accelerates quickly, follows
precise lines, and resurfaces well after holes and drops.
Making this boat both at home on the steep creeks as well as in the swift cataracts.
The boats only dislike is low water. With the well defined edges, the boat
is more likely to follow the texture of the rocks rather than the current. The
volume of the Charger is also not just there for the buoyancy. The extra space
allows plenty of room for gear. A 1200 Pelicase can, if necessary, be packed
away on edge. On one trip there was even 60m of rope, the Pelicase, throw bag,
and rescue kit with paddle hooks, carabineers, webbing, and pulleys stowed away!
The large volume is also great for the leg room, with my 190cm height and 46
shoe size it is not easy to find a boot that fits; especially one with a center
beam. Proof again that Robson concentrated on the little details as well. The
center beam is cut out underneath the foot braces, rather than above like many
other boats. This enables your heels to slide together under the beam, making
more room for bigger feet.
All in All, the Charger is a felicitous boat, freeing you to find your calling….Creeking,
that is, of course!
Test Report and Photos: Alex Meindl ,
Armin Auer
Specifications:
Length: 252cm
Width: 65cm
Height: 35cm
Volume: 320l
Weight: 21kg
Cockpit: 92x45cm
Extras: Logic Pro Seat
Material: PE superlinear
English Translation: Jason LeGore
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