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Epic V10 Gen 4 Review
Van Douglas (posted on Gorge Small Boats Group on Facebook)
May 27, 2023
(See also Surfski Tables - in the review column for the V10 Gen 4 there are some good discussions and comparisons to other skis like the Vega Flex)
Epic V10 Gen 4 Review
I had the chance to paddle the new Epic V10 Gen 4 last weekend before the first Vortex race. Thanks Kenny Howell for setting this up!
Over the years I have been a big fan of the V10. I raced a Gen 2 in many of the PNWORCA races. It has been a staple for advanced intermediate padders the world over since its inception in 2005. It is the SUV of surfskis, doing everything well!
What’s new in this iteration? It’s a bit shorter at 20ft. The foot-plate adjustment has been improved to accommodate paddlers with long legs, which is great news for tall padders! They have also added some very soft chines to the hull that help increase the secondary stability. I really noticed this in the waves. They have also added more rocker, increasing its already good surfing capabilities.
You’ll also notice how effortlessly and efficiently it slices through the water with the new bow, which is the same bow from the V12. On my test I did not get a chance to paddle it in proper big downwind conditions, but it does seem to allow the bow to surface a little quicker in the waves I was on. There’s plenty of volume forward of cockpit and at my 165 lb weight, I feel like it would take a lot to pearl it.
The hump has been lowered from the Gen 3 version, which seems to be the new trend with a lot of surfski manufacturers. This does take some getting used to if you have been paddling with a higher hump ski since it affects how you set the footplate distance.
The Epic bailer is flawless. I feel like this is one of the best designs in the industry for versatility, construction, and ease of use.
Overall, the cockpit was comfortable. It helps facilitate an upright paddling position and there was no pressure on the coccyx, that small knobby bone at the base of your spine. And although the bucket was a bit roomy for me. I wasn’t sloshing around in it, and I think bigger paddlers will really like the fit overall.
And lastly, the hull just forward of the cockpit has more of a streamlined shape with slightly lower rails at the cockpit and the bow and stern handles have been removed, which completely eliminates that annoying spray in the face from the bow handle when riding big waves.
I would definitely recommend paddling one, especially if you have been a fan of this classic surfski over the years. Check them out here -
