Great review, Alex. I had the 96 for a while this spring. I'm 6'2, 210 with size 12's. The volume of that boat was too much - HUGE. I now have the Hot Whip and the RMX86 in the quiver. I'd say you're spot-on with the analogy - the Whip sits low and deep for me given my weight, but it's crazy how much similarities in handling there are in the rapids despite the very different shape and size between the two in the sense that the RMX feels more like a halfslice than a volume creeker. The drainplug can block flow if you stand the boat on end - rock it a little on the outer tips of the tail and it empties easily enough. My experience thus far, the plastic is pretty soft on these new LL's. Finally, the biggest gripe I have with both - the back-band dive - they slip down very easily. On the plus side, I love the handling and speed of the Whip, and it's wicked fun to play around with that tail. The RMX can be a bit of a run-away train for me at times, but I'm a beginner. I do appreciate how you can side-slip to scout with a paddle in the water and then you're at top speed with two good strokes once you've set your line...what happens at the other end of that line has tested my bracing ;-)

Not interested in the boat but always stoked to see the review!! Thanks, Alex! 🎉

Alex, spot on review. i am 5'8" 155 lbs and bought the RMX 86 under the advice that volume is the name of game in creeking. i had a devil of a time in big water venues like the Keenies on the New. in the show room the 76 fit like a glove but went with the prevailing paradigm aforementioned. i had the opportunity to paddle both the 76 and 86 in the same place and day; the 76 offered me way more of inuitive feel and comfort! so volume may be important in creeking but i would say that the balance of volume AND control should be in the calculus! thanks for the review!

I have the RMX 86, it’s super fun but does take a bit to get the hang of. Definitely size up to avoid the boat’s edges grabbing. My RMX takes care of me and seems to excel on high water days

6’ 190#’s. Over the last two years I’ve gone from class 2 paddler to solid 3 and dabble in some 4’s. During that time I went from a Phantom, to a Mamba 8.6, to a Med Code, to a Puffy Steeze and now the RMX-86 for the last two months. Whether it’s due to my skill progression or the boats used, the RMX is by far my favorite to paddle. The outfitting; like all other boats besides Daggers, sucks. Takes stupid time to fiddle with and shim to feel engaged. What’s up w flat seats when your knees need to be higher to engage the thigh braces. Is Dagger the only company that understands the human ergonomics?! The RMX is fast and skips over everything with just a couple strokes. Duh, long waterline. Fantastic secondary stability. To over come that straight as an arrow tendency ya just have to lean it over a bit; and crunch your stomach muscles a bit more than a shorter boat. No big deal. I have not sensed the stern grabbing anymore than the phantom or the puffy Steeze. Perhaps they prepped me for this. I used to hate how the phantom needed to be paddled at a fast speed to keep control or it. I don’t feel like I have to with this RMX. But I’ve also come a long way w understanding and utilizing an active blade for control when descending a rapid. I can slow it down to scout the line and then QUICKLY speed it up to get it where it needs to go, which I’m finding is over the top of most deflective features 😂. You are probably right that it’s not a beginner boat, but it’s definitely easy to roll and brace friendly and would be a great “next” creek or river runner boat. Drain plug; yeah, dumb location, “cork’s itself” it sure does!

_Let's Get It Boys!_ Great video. New subscriber here!

Been paddling the RMX 86 for a couple of months on some IV/V CO creeks and the occasional "big water" river, and I have been curiously awaiting your take. Being on the smaller side of its weight range (155#), I can't say I have found this boat's chines or parting lines to be as grabby as you have. I'm not an expert boater by any means, but so far, this boat seems to provide the right amount of forgiveness versus a demanding nature that has been allowing me to progress so far.

Hi Alex, I am very much looking forward to your Ninja Review!

Awesome review couldn't agree more

Alex: thanks for the review, did you like it better than the Alpha?

Hi Alex, very interesting review! I currently have a 86 on preorder with my local LL dealer, but I just learned it might be some time before the order is made so I got time to think. I’m at 6’1 and 185lbs, currently have a Ripper 2 medium and in the process of changing for a large. I really like the agressive edge profile of the Ripper 2, and am looking for a fast/sporty creeker. I was mostly looking at the medium or large Scorch or the RMX 86. Would you recommend the Scorch over the RMX? If so which size would you recommend? Thanks a lot for putting out thoughtful and balanced reviews!

Would it be worth upgrading from an Alpha75 to the RMX76? Sounds like they’re two different boats based on how you describe it.

Alex, do you prefer the Gnarvana over the RMX?

I hear a lot of negatives about LL’s plastic when it comes to durability compared to companies like zet and pyranha. Any truth to that from your experience?

I am agree. The stern could be more up or could have more volume or another form. Like that i would not buy it.

Yes we love Shane but you better be ready for non intuitive, top heavy, leash grabbing dogs, to your point. I do not have time for that dropping 400 feet per mile in the Smokies.