I'm considering upgrading the rudder control of my kayak. I've got an old Necky Looksha IV in poly. The standard rudder control is not great.
One has to move the entire peg to steer the rudder. Given that I'm usually only using the rudder when things get windy and rough, losing my connection with the cockpit as I operate the rudder is a disadvantage that almost negates the benefit of a rudder. In moderate waves it makes me feel uncomfortable and not especially confident.
Additionally, if I'm engaging the rudder for prolonged use I start feeling it in my hips. I'm relatively young, but as I've yet to figure out an alternative, continue to get older every day. As such, I don't imagine this hip pain will suddenly stat to improve. On longer days where I use the rudder on the second half of a paddle and my legs are already a bit stiff this discomfort is crossing from annoying into painful.
I've been looking into the SeaLect Adjustable footbraces with rudder control. These look good enough. The track is shorter than that already installed, so I'll have to plug at least one hole. The track might also need to mount a bit lower.
I also had a chance to look at a Smart Track Toe Pilot foot control. This has a fixed lower portion with a toe section which moves. Seems like a bit nicer design, but I've heard some people commenting on needing to bring a bunch of spare parts for it. The one I looked at seemed pretty decent though, so I'm not sure how much credence to put into that.
Anyone have opinions on these or other options? I have read through some older posts where people fabricated custom foot brace/controls and it seems a bit more involved than I really want to be.
One has to move the entire peg to steer the rudder. Given that I'm usually only using the rudder when things get windy and rough, losing my connection with the cockpit as I operate the rudder is a disadvantage that almost negates the benefit of a rudder. In moderate waves it makes me feel uncomfortable and not especially confident.
Additionally, if I'm engaging the rudder for prolonged use I start feeling it in my hips. I'm relatively young, but as I've yet to figure out an alternative, continue to get older every day. As such, I don't imagine this hip pain will suddenly stat to improve. On longer days where I use the rudder on the second half of a paddle and my legs are already a bit stiff this discomfort is crossing from annoying into painful.
I've been looking into the SeaLect Adjustable footbraces with rudder control. These look good enough. The track is shorter than that already installed, so I'll have to plug at least one hole. The track might also need to mount a bit lower.
I also had a chance to look at a Smart Track Toe Pilot foot control. This has a fixed lower portion with a toe section which moves. Seems like a bit nicer design, but I've heard some people commenting on needing to bring a bunch of spare parts for it. The one I looked at seemed pretty decent though, so I'm not sure how much credence to put into that.
Anyone have opinions on these or other options? I have read through some older posts where people fabricated custom foot brace/controls and it seems a bit more involved than I really want to be.