: I've been paddling a Wavesport EZ-G for pool season, and it's got
: one of the newer ratchet-adjustable backbands, and I really like
: it a lot. I've never paddled a sea kayak with a backband that I
: like, so I've been using a piece of minicell like the setup on
: Betsie Bay kayaks (see link below). I like the ratcheting
: backband setup enough that I did a search today looking for a
: retrofit backband and came across one that I think looks really
: good. I don't need a lot of support, but there are some times
: and some conditions where it would be nice to be able to adjust
: the backband to get more, which I can't do with minicell.

: Has anyone tried the Immersion Research Flex Capacitor?
: http://www.immersionresearch.com/products/accessories/flex-capacitor-backratchet/

: Ease of installation would be nice, but it only has to go in once.
: Comfort is kind of important, but I just need a bit of support
: once-in-a-while, and lastly, what may be a bummer- I have an
: "expedition hatch" in my aft bulkhead like the Betsie
: Bay boats ( http://www.bbkayak.com/features.htm ), so it would
: be nice if the Flex Capacitor flipped up and out of the way
: pretty easily. But- it's not a deal killer. I think I opened the
: hatch once last summer, to be sure the gasket was seated o.k.
: and that the o-rings weren't wearing. It's 100% day boat right
: now.

: Hopefully some of you have tried this! Even if you haven't, input
: would be appreciated. I don't have experience with this type of
: outfitting. For the price, I've got to imagine I'll come out way
: ahead of making another minicell piece if I add in labor. It's
: not exactly a speedy process. I'd rather paddle than carve foam.

: m

Hi Mike,

I've paddled several production boats with ratcheting backbands, not tried that one I don't think. Lose track in the off season. One problem I've found is you need to release all tension on these backbands for the ratchets to release which in a fairly small sea kayak cockpit isn't always all that easy, nothing to it in the huge whitewater boat cockpits. Might check that with your next pool session. The other thing depends if you're paddling in salt water or fresh, not many of the ratchets are salt water friendly, they are afterall designed for whitewater boats, and they tend to corrode in a salt atmosphere if not very carefully washed after every use. Otherwise it should work fine in your boat. You do need to measure the height of the backband you're looking at to insure it'll fit under your skirt.

Bill H.