Boat & Sail

Builder · Premium · Easley, South Carolina

Dagger

South Carolina premium whitewater kayak builder, 1988-founded. Owned by Confluence Outdoor. Whitewater playboats and creek boats.

Dagger whitewater kayak on the river
Founded
1988
Headquarters
Easley, South Carolina
Ownership
Confluence Outdoor
Tier
Premium
Website
dagger.com

Dagger is the premium whitewater kayak builder under Confluence Outdoor, founded in 1988. The brand specializes in whitewater playboats and creek boats. Production stays at the Easley, South Carolina facility, shared with Perception and Wilderness Systems.

The brand argument is whitewater-specific kayak design. Dagger competes with Pyranha and Jackson Kayak on the whitewater segment.

Lineup

Current platforms.

Model breakdown

Each platform, what it does and where it falls short.

Dagger Whitewater playboats (Mamba / Phantom / Code)

The whitewater lineup spans playboats (river-feature surfing) and creek boats (steep-river running).

Things we like

  • · Whitewater-specific hull design at segment top
  • · Confluence Outdoor parts pipeline

Things we don't

  • · Whitewater segment is niche
  • · Hardware longevity in saltwater service does not apply (whitewater is fresh-water)

Buyer's guide

The Dagger story and what to know on the used market.

Origin and ownership

Dagger was founded in 1988 in Tennessee. The brand built around whitewater-specific kayak design.

Confluence Outdoor acquired Dagger and consolidated production at the Easley, South Carolina facility.

Design philosophy

Dagger uses rotomolded polyethylene construction. Hull design is whitewater-specific (not for flat-water touring or fishing).

Multiple shape categories for different whitewater disciplines.

Used-market notes and known issues

Whitewater kayaks require whitewater-specific paddler skill and gear.

Confluence Outdoor parts pipeline supports nationwide service.

Used whitewater kayaks should be inspected for hull-impact damage from rocks.

Build year matters for outfitting standards on the playboat lineup.

Resale

Dagger holds resale at the whitewater kayak segment average. Three-year depreciation runs 25 to 35 percent.

Where Dagger fits

Buyers cross-shop Dagger against Pyranha, Jackson Kayak, and LiquidLogic on the whitewater segment. The argument is heritage whitewater-specific design.

FAQ

Frequently asked.

What is whitewater kayaking?
Paddling in moving water, usually rivers with rapids. Different segment from flat-water touring, recreational, and fishing kayaks. Requires whitewater-specific skill, gear, and kayaks.
Where are Daggers built?
Easley, South Carolina. Confluence Outdoor facility.

Compare

Categories Dagger fits.

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