Waka Skuxx v. Jackson Antix 3.0 (M)

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Waka is known for making state-of-the-art creek boats like the OG and the Stoke. They have recently entered the half-slice market with the fast-selling Waka Skuxx. While this newest half-slice is all the rage, how does it compare to other models?

For example, how does the Waka Skuxx compare to the highly anticipated Jackson Antix 3.0? We recently spoke with local paddler and long-time industry insider Dave Farkas for a side-by-side comparison of the two kayaks. He walked us through everything from basic specs to how volume distribution changes performance and which boat he prefers.

Specs

To start, the Skuxx and the medium Antix 3.0 have very similar specs. Each boat is eight feet long, a "really great length for maintaining speed, but also playability." The Skuxx has three more gallons of volume and a larger paddler-weight range, while the Antix 3.0 comes in three sizes to accommodate a large range of paddlers.

Waka Skuxx

Medium Antix 3.0

Stern Comparison

Although both are half-slices, the sterns offer some of the biggest differences between the two boats. The Skuxx carries width throughout the stern and "has a wider tail back here." On the other hand, the Antix is narrower in the stern and has a "more tapered tail."

The Skuxx has more stern rocker than the Antix 3.0. The greater width and increased stern rocker of the Skuxx give it more capability and skippiness in big water or stouter runs. Where the narrower, lower stern of the Antix means the tail is somewhat more playful.

Both sterns are playful and give the paddler ample opportunity for stern squirts, tallies, and pirouettes, although the wider tail of the Skuxx makes it a little more difficult.

Bow Comparison

The bow rocker between these two boats is very similar, though the volume distribution is slightly different. The Antix 3.0 "doesn't have as much vertical volume." In other words, some of the Skuxx's extra two gallons show up in a taller and bigger bow.

The increased bow volume of the Skuxx again makes it better for pushier runs. According to Dave, the Skuxx bow "feels basically like my creek boat." Plus, the more upright volume distribution means a paddler's knees are "a little bit more upright."

Hulls and Chines

The hulls and chines on these boats are very similar. Both kayaks have flat hulls, hard edges, and a double-rail system. The Antix 3.0 borrows its hull and chine design from the Rockstar V, a favorite playboat among many paddlers.

In comparison, the Skuxx hull and chine design is inspired by the Steeze and Stoke rather than a playboat. Despite those subtle differences, both boats are "loose, super loose on waves," carve, and flat spin like a dream.

Outfitting

Both the Skuxx and the Antix 3.0 use their brand's standard outfitting. The Waka has built-in aggressive thigh hooks, wing nuts for the bulkhead, and a ratchet system for the backband. The Jackson has its standard rope-and-cleat system for the backband and bulkhead, and a single wingnut to move the seat.

Outfitting preferences are subjective. However, the more "plug and play style of outfitting" in the Jackson Antix makes it easier to adjust for varying conditions, runs, or paddlers.

Final Thoughts

The Waka Skuxx and the medium Jackson Antix 3.0 are more similar than they are different. Although the Skuxx's volume distribution, width, and stern rocker make it a little better for stout runs and bigger water. Even so, they're both small half-slices that are "incredibly maneuverable," "loose on waves," and "amazing river runners."

Dave can't deny that the Skuxx is his favorite. The bow volume and comfort level, the classic Waka boofability, and the way it has "helped [him] unlock a few things in his kayaking," make it hard to compete with.