Dagger’s new Katana™ crossover kayak this week was awarded the prestigious Outside Magazine 2014 Gear of the Year award in the kayak category for its versatility, maneuverability, stability, and overall comfort. GREENVILLE, S.C. (April 10, 2014) – Dagger’s new Katana™ crossover kayak this week was awarded the prestigious Outside Magazine 2014 Gear of the Year award in the kayak category for its versatility, maneuverability, stability, and overall comfort.

Outside testers write that the Katana is “a fun and truly versatile crossover kayak that’s as adept in whitewater as it is in flat-water,” making it an effective boat for just about every type of kayaker, from beginners looking for a stable ride that will inspire confidence, to seasoned paddlers needing extra storage space for self-support or multi-day kayaking adventures.

“After testing the Katana for months in lakes as well as rivers ranging from Class I - IV, we decided that this was the most balanced whitewater crossover boat we've ever paddled,” said Outside Executive Editor Sam Moulton. “Dagger nails it with the Katana. It’s nimble in whitewater and comfortable in the flats and has plenty of intelligent design details without being overbuilt.”

Outside’s editors gave the Katana’s stability a 5/5 rating and its maneuverability a 4/5 rating, stating that it was “plenty maneuverable for eddy hopping in Class III rapids” and that “beginners will appreciate the Katana’s primary stability, which inspires confidence in whitewater.”

Dagger’s market-leading design team wanted to create a boat that is ideal for any type of kayak exploration, from flat-water day trips to whitewater expeditions, and the multi-water Katana is the fruit of their labor. Efficient on the flats without compromising agility in whitewater, Dagger’s new crossover offers outstanding stability, forgiveness, all-day comfort, and plenty of storage.

“The Katana combines the greatest qualities of both whitewater and touring kayaks,” said Mark “Snowy” Robertson, lead designer for Dagger. “We set out to create the best multi-water kayak possible, and we are incredibly proud of this innovative design, so receiving the Outside Gear of the Year Award is a tremendous honor for our entire team.”

The Dagger Katana is available now at your local retailer for $1,029.

About Dagger:
Dagger doesn’t believe in going half-way, or giving “just enough.” In the world of paddling, Dagger is all in, and has been since 1988. From recreational flat-water kayaks to whitewater boats bound for class V creeking and all water in between, Dagger designs and manufactures premier kayaks for all kayaking styles from Greenville, S.C. From the mountains to the sea, Dagger represents the relentless pursuit of fun. If your soul is also one with the water, join the Dagger Community and check out the kayaks at www.dagger.com.

Dagger · Adventure Technology · Wave Sport · Perception · Harmony · Wilderness Systems · Mad River Canoe· Bomber Gear

About Outside Magazine and Outside Buyer’s Guide
The Outside summer Buyer’s Guide not only highlights the very best in adventure gear, from sports equipment, tools, and gadgets to footwear, outerwear, and sunglasses, but also calls out the best values in each class. This year’s issue contains over a dozen Killer Values in everything from mountain-bike shoes to waterproof cameras. Organized according to sport and activity, the summer Buyer’s Guide is the ultimate resource for product reviews, technology, news, and tips.

Now in its 19th year, our annual summer Buyer’s Guide reaches over 1.4 million frequent gear purchasers. It will be on newsstands all summer, from April 15th through July 30. The iPad version, along with all our other monthly and special issues, will also be available for purchase by May 1, and the expanded digital version, will be on Outsideonline.com May 15th.