the learning curve was pretty friendly. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community! This boat is my favorite. I do a lot of class 1 & class 2 streams and it is a joy to paddle them in my Wildfire. In my humble opinion this would be an even nicer canoe if the seats were more comfortable and adjustable and if the decks were more useful and attractive. This is one reason, why lots of people like this boat for freestyle Be sure to note the grin in your face! Discover (and save!) This is an addendum to my review below (dated 1-26-05). I would give the stock construction a 6 or 7, but with these mods I'd give it a 9. Bell Canoe Craigslist . taking Bells Catalog for granted, 240 lbs. Loaded for tripping adds to the initial stability and allows one to sit on the seat and stretch out the legs, empty it's a kneeling boat under most circumstances. I bought my friend's BlackGold Wildfire and it has replaced the Royalex model as my favorite solo boat. Bell has a tight group of designs allowing dealers to cover the majority of the open canoe market efficiently. It is a superb canoe! I think it's a wonderful boat and a great price. This is a PRETTY, PRETTY boat, both from inside the boat AND from outside. Where as my Adirondack (tandem) is equally stable. If you have lightweight gear you could do multi-week trips in it too. I can't … THIS ITEM WILL NOT BE SHIPPED!! the Twister), but in Up: Reviews. I highly recommend this boat for solo paddlers of all levels who are looking for a great all around solo canoe. craigslist 6/3 - 19:23 Minneapolis, MN Bell Wildfire Solo Canoe. I was loaded with gear for a week out and yet had plenty of room. They are in the end very maneuverable, enjoyable and playful little canoes for quick-water creeks and small rivers. See pics for condition and feel free to … Since I purchased the BG Wildfire I have purchased a Royalex version of the Wildfire, now called the Yellowstone Solo, and have also purchased a Yellowstone tandem. Proud owner of a Bell Wildfire! My opinion was that it lost significant cruising speed versus the other lay-ups. As known from other Bell Canoes, the Wild Fire is sound. From now Description Bell Wildfire Solo BlackLight. Please Call For Details. The reinforced vinyl gunwales are tough and durable, quiet and smooth. This one is for the minimalist. the balence is good but does take some geting used to, much like from going from sitting to knelling full time. I have a hard time keeping up with some tandem canoes when in the Wildfire. I bought my first canoe last night, used Bell Wildfire ($600). The deal was a trade from my old canoes for two new Northstar Canoes. I can It rocks. Now I'll tell you why it's a "10" when no boat does everything perfectly. take my Wild Fire to the next pond and spin around in circles for hours, On flatwater, you can push the boat with pretty good success with a bentshaft, or do some freestyle, it's that versatile. I picked up a '97 model BlackGold Wildfire last february that was barely used, and when I finally got it wet I was amazed. but well worth the time and money. I like mine so well that I bought two more off Paddling.net. This makes it impossible to install shims to raise the seat. In no wind, it's one, two, three, switch for a nice glide, which I give a 7 or 8 on flatwater. The Wildfire handled class II rapids with grace and spunk. The weight depends on the I bought my Royalex Wildfire at end-of-season last year and was only able to get it wet a couple of times... not enough to merit a review. It will catch eddies effortlessly and also surfs well. It's true - "Nothing moves you like a Bell.". And the boat is tough. My Wildfire is Royalex with plastic trim. this by showing certain fotos. The seat position is too low and my feet (only size 10) feel trapped under the seat. The moment you get into the Wild Fire, you will notice the not so high They kept most of the speed and quick handling that the composite Wildfire has. Fun to paddle! Some design modifications were required to compensate for Royalex flexibility, hence the name changle. But the truth is, there are no small details. It is designed for a week's worth of gear on a II-III river. I find the boat is quick for a 14' boat, easy to turn, predictable stability and has reasonable tracking or at least is easy to keep on line, this boat responds to a paddle well. Other than the seat issue it is a great boat and nice to look at. I added this review because it has been to long since I have seen a Bell. The rails tumblehome from the shoulder to provide a narrow paddling station. The Wildfire is a canoe brought to you by Bell Canoe Works. It is a very responsive boat. Put in knee pads. You begin paddling, and will notice that you are pretty fast Read Flashfire reviews or submit your own review to share with the paddling community. Overall, if you try it and like it you can't go wrong with it. You can paddle it down the Middle Fork in Idaho. Buyer must pick up in Sun City Center, FL Everything good said about this boat is true. Additionally, I live on a large lake and have run it in 3+ foot waves with a spray cover. I feel I know them well enough now to offer my two cents. Check out a few other canoe recommendations below or explore all canoes to find the perfect one for you! She's an advanced beginner and absolutely loves the boat. I have been on week long camping trips with gear and found that it handles waves and weather extremely well. Further, LOVE. Edscanoe.com has been the OEM for Bell Canoe since their inception. The think of performing a ``reverse christie''3. Composite, solo, wood gunwales and always housed in garage. Although the seat can ultimately be raised I feel it is an oversight by Bell to use this mounting design, which I believe is only used in the Royalex boats. This is kind of an average paddlers prospective. Free shipping for many products! Wild Fire is a joy to look at. Blackgold layup looks great, changes colour in the sun. The boat is wonderful in that the weight is light so it's easy to carry (boat on shoulder, gear in other hand - just one trip) and all the lay-ups are light and strong.In my opinion the Wildfire lacks character...as one magazine review said - it steers like a beachball - meaning it responds exactly to your paddle inputs, but if you stop paddling it, it will just spin in circles (does not "carve" turns like more graceful boats). I kneel when paddling and the Wildfire seems to be designed for that. Midships, the Wild-Fire is showing significant tug-in, resulting in a width of 27'' at the Gunnels. on, you will use every eddy to spin the canoe, you paddle backwards until you The Yellowstone Solo is the Royalex version of the Wildfire. I like to paddle hard for exercise and I do not like the way the Bell Fire boats (Flashfire, Wildfire) slow down between strokes (they seem to decelerate as well as they accelerate)... the boat does not carry it's glide as well as a Swift Osprey for example (Wildfire symmetric, Osprey assymetric). In my opinion, it's a bold move to clearcoat a canoe, not a chance of hiding anything under an opaque gelcoat and really highlighting the care that went into the construction process. My buddy who is significantly lighter didn't have that problem. Displacement: 2” WL : 130 lbs. I love this boat. Cons: BG finish show scrapes and dings (I think it show character but..be aware) In short choppy standing waves such as one finds on gradient type rivers, ships water over bow. Must know that I'm 5'10", 205 pounds, 44 years. I've even paddled it with my 7 year old daughter in it, using the rear thwart as a kneeling thwart and it was workable. Rendevous by We no nah). Bell Solo Canoe. Thought someone might like to know. ( Kneeling, you can lean very far without compromising stability) However, my only complaint is when sitting (and you want to do this on extended trips) it doesn't feel nearly as stable as when you are kneeling. Approximately 50 pounds. I have Royalex with wood rails. The Wildfire does it all ... or rather did it all. 1.5'' astern. Sometimes in pools we cruise along with 10 degree bent shafts but more typically we enjoy moseying along with straight shaft paddles. The grin on you face begins to hurt. the boat twisting and turning down the river, a side slip kepps the boat I can hit an eddy that I would pass up in a larger boat tandem boat paddled solo. Used in great condition. I've had my Wildfire for a year, and I love it. It has felt more and more stable the longer I've had it, but even early on it was comfortable for fishing out of. Faced with this design imposed “speed limit” I would not characterize the WildFire as fast, but it really doesn’t feel sluggish unless it’s overloaded or you’re in the company of faster canoes. The interior kevlar beatifully matches the fine woodwork, and the seat is stationary wood and cane. The strengths of this boat are different. A Nice canoe thats fun and functional.being a primeraly sot paddler this is a interesting change for me.it is stable,fast and tracks good for me. "Just 55lbs. Loaded for two weeks in Canada the boat handles well in lake waves and CII rapids. The Bell Wildfire is a joy to paddle. I had mine on the Connecticut River in flood (44kcfs) with 25 mph south winds trying to blow me up the river and kicking up some nasty rollers- the boat was effortless. It seems just perfect for my primary use on small rocky streams. The optimum load range, Several times I’ve done the Middle Yough and Upper Delaware Mongaup wave, both solid class II, and some other less whitewater-demanding rivers. The shear is The seat height is perfect for my size. You shouldn't have to fine tune an accessory with tape or webbing to get it to fit and stay in place when you're flipping the canoe. width = 36" in center TumblehomeMade in MN, U.S.A. by … Quick for a 14' boat, easy to turn, precictable stability and resonable tracking make this a package that is hard to resist. I owned a Wildfire in whitegold for 4 years and can say next to my Magic, it is the finest boat I have ever owned. Mine has vinyl trim, but the Royalex hull is also available w/ wood trim which might give a different seat mount. I was so impressed with this boat that I just bought a BlackGold NorthStar for my wife and I to paddle. With an overall lenght of 14' (427 cm) he is pretty short, even for take along more than 160 lbs. Cliff, Phoenix canoe. (Royalex). you paddle forward, with an even bigger grin on your face, however, this time Please see our Northstar Canoe Page. It weighs in at 46 lbs, so carries are easy enough. Regarding the maximum width of 30'', Offering my Bell Canoe Works Wildfire Solo in Royalex. Don't get me wrong, the Wildfire will fly on flatwater, but you'd have to ask the better paddlers on this page. I've had a royalex wildfire for about a year. It is my first true solo canoe. illustrated by the 3'' water line, measuring 26.5''. Material Options. The two Royalex boats are now my river boats and the BG is just a pleasure to paddle and have used it in an attempt to learn Freestyle paddling. As delivered the seats were uncomfortable and hard to get our feet under. Made a closed-cell foam pedestal the same length. If you're buying the cantilever yoke make sure it fits tight. I have not tripped in it nor taken it accross windy open water yet, however, it handles well in the wind on small waters and I'd expect it to do well enough on lakes. THIS ITEM WILL NOT BE SHIPPED! to perform an outside lean, the boat follows as if by magic, not the least bit I have had three Wildfires (upgraded each time) and their constuction, design and performance are unsurpassed. Only got him down to $2k with a "fellow paddler's discount". Canoes For Sale Locally . Being a bit heavier (although it is still light for an ABS boat!) Great boat! Please note, this is an item that may be especially difficult to move and/or transport. My friend can do pirouettes in his graphite model with the gunwale at water level, but the Royalex construction doesn't have enough flare for that. All of the Royalex Yellowstone solos and "Wildfires" do differ from the composite Wildfire in having differential rocker (less in the stern) and somewhat less well-defined "shoulders" that start closer to … For freestyle the Wildfire's capabilities are a "10" (it can turn like crazy). And then I ran into a perfect deal. If I am not mistaken, mine is TF's old one (is that you? * While Bell Canoe Works is no longer producing boats we still have some new-old stock, available. All that he says is very true. The company that makes the Royalex material for all canoe brands has also stopped production. For twisty streams and up to Class II it is hard to beat. Talk less, paddle more. Bell "Wildfire" 14 ft Canoe in orange. If you want the Wild Fire to spin on a dime, you will have Side slips well as well as responds to hard prys. A curious characteristic of this hull design is that it “hits a wall” and becomes almost uncontrollable if paddled aggressively for straight ahead speed. Ted Bell and Bear Paulsen of Northstar Canoes kindly let me ship a boat to their shop so a customer of mine from Canada could pick up his canoe easier. By installing 2-inch longer thwarts I added flare to the sides and about 1/2-inch of rocker to both ends. It is also once of the best freeestyle boats available being very responsive. Loaded in CIII requires experience and a very careful look-over. the Wild Fire, also, has differential Rocker, being 2.5'' in the bow and Condition is "Used". Float bags. All those little diagonal currents do not disturb the The seat is also too high for sitting and the boat feels tippy in anything but flatwater. as well depending on the condition the canoe is, but I think we find a good price for both of us. The boat is extremely seaworthy and stayed dry. In moving water, the Bell truly shines. Flashfire Description The Flashfire is a canoe brought to you by Bell Canoe Works. My opinion is that it's too "twitchy" when heeled over to the rail...it won't spit you out but it's just not as "comfortable" and rock steady as some boats.Also - it's not quite big enough for napping and it's a bit small for taking the dog. It is relatively tough Royalex and doesn’t oil can or flex much, although obviously it is less efficient, and less expensive, than composite. I have Osprey's Royalex Wildfire reviewed below (he up-graded to a Northwind RX). I'm a big guy 250lb. My old tandem boat is losing its appeal--I am very pleased with this canoe. these boats you should not expect to take a 2 weeks supply of food along. A classy ride! Not sure how I did I’m hoping I can get some feedback and or advice. With an overall lenght of 14' (427 cm) he is pretty short, even for a solo-canoe. Bell Wildfire BlackLight Solo with Wood Trim, used, 1996 model in excellent condition. Like all Bell canoes it's not a cheap one. All Bell replacement items are finished in a light walnut stain and varnished, excluding the black walnut decks and gunwale splices. however, not as dry running in big waves as other, longer boats (e.g. It has handled all river conditions from whitewater to narrow fast twisty Ozark streams. Wooden Boat. Getting out of the boat, you notice the low initial stability. All together it's a great boat!! I think the guys at Bell Canoe Works hit a home run with this canoe! resulting in a width of 27'' at the Gunnels. of extra gear myself. smiling. One chip in paint on front as shown in pictures. I live in Missouri where we have a wide variety of rivers,streams and lakes. the boat haul gear for a two weeks trip and is fast on lakes. Given the right lay up and paddler this boat can go anywere. Bell Canoes have this wonderful "soft" feel, they just seem to slice effortlessly through the water, even in adverse conditions. MDM Played with the waves, turned sideways loaded (200 lbs of me + 70 lbs of stuff) to feel the stability in a broach situation - really excellent, but watch it if the tops of the waves are being blown into a curl. I have had three Wildfires (upgraded each time) and their constuction, design and performance are unsurpassed. The boat is now much more stable and predictable, and it's more responsive in small spaces and rapids without losing much of the original tracking ability. The Wild Fire slips sideways without a sound and passes !Rock Solid.15' 6" x 32" Wide x 13" DeepCapacity = 950lbs.Max. than the composite counterpart, it is a little slower on the acceleration. The acceleration is fantastic; the boat feels very light and easy to paddle. Read Wildfire reviews or submit your own review to share with the paddling community.

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