Can anybody assist me on the difference between these two canoes, from what I see the only thing is the rocker. The Bell wildfire has 2.5 rocker in both the bow and the stern, and the Yellowstone has 2.5 rocker in bow and 1.5 rocker in stern. All other shear heights and widths are the same. Thinking of this for solo purchase primarily for BWCA travel, what do you think? Was told that with the Wildfire a J-stroke was needed to keep straight tracking, and a hut 1 2 3 stroke wouldn't be very efficient. While on the other hand with the Yellowstone it would travel faster and straighter with either stroke, and be much more efficient in the water. Probably looking at Blackgold or Kevlar. I was told or read it somewhere before that this was the favorite solo canoe of Cliff Jacobson, has anybody else heard that. With the Bell canoes I noticed That most of the tripping canoes solo or tandem have 1" of less rocker in the stern than the bow, would that make canoe more efficient traveling straight with a hut stroke. Any help always appreciated.

All of Bells newer designs seem to have differential rocker(more in front than back) for turning and tracking. Sounds like they just re-rockered the Wildfire for the Solo Yellow. I heard it paddles great.

cedarboy

Do you think the new Yellowstone Solo, would be better than the Wildfire on BWCA trips, possibly trying to achieve a little more speed.

Franzenrp-speed in the BW can be helpful but sometime overrated. Let me give you an example.

Let's say you have a slow solo canoe that you need to work to get to 3 mph, but you can travel at 3 mph in it. Most any solo canoe you can get going that fast. Your partner has a solo that can travel at 3.5 mph which is quite a bit faster. (Actually 17% faster)

Most BW lakes have paddle distances of 2-4 miles with some longer and many shorter. For this example lets say it is a 3 mile lake.

Your canoe will take 1 hour to paddle the entire lake, your partner will take 52 minutes. He gets there 8 minutes before you-not a lot but significant. I can make up that time easily on portages-but I actually doubt I would need to as I am not in a hurry when I am up there anyway.

In the example of the Yellowstone and the Wildfire you will not see .5 mph difference as the two canoes are so similar. I would think the wildfire might be a touch faster but you are probably talking so little it would be hard to notice.

My recommendation is to see if there is a way you can paddle both canoes on the same day under the same conditions with a typical BW load for you. This will be the best way for you to decide which canoe is right for you. With the specs so close-I am not sure the difference will be extreme-it may come down to which canoe speaks to you more on that day.

Good Luck-if you have never paddled a solo canoe before you will feel a little nervous with the stability. They can also be tricky to get used to getting in and out of.

When you get into a solo canoe for the first time follow this process:

1) Grab the canoe across both gunwales in front of where you will sit or kneel.

2) Place one foot in the canoe while the other is still on land, rock or other surface.

3) Steady yourself and the canoe before going onto step 4.

4) Swing your rear into position and sit down while you foot remains on land or rock-do not move that foot from land until you are fully seated!!! At this point your hands are still on the gunwales. This is the point most tip-overs occur while loading as people get into a solo the same way they do a tandem and the canoe flips.

5) Be sure you feel steady before swinging the other foot into the canoe allowing excess water and debris off your boot before bringing it into the canoe. Once your foot is inside the canoe grab your paddle (which you put in the canoe before getting into it) and paddle away.

If you follow this process you should get into the canoe without getting wet.

Good Luck and have fun with your new solo.

My recommendation for the first time you get in a solo is have your PFD on, just in case you get wet. I know from experience.

Bogwalker, sound advice and wisdom I'll take and learn from !

I will add use your PFD each and every time. Doesnt matter how good a swimmer you are when you are get knocked in the head(falling out)and are out of it. Most drownings happen because people hit their head and get knocked out. I guess now that I have a family the PFD thing is more important than ever. Lets be safe out there. Besides the new ones arent like the old head chokers we grew up with, I use the pockets in mine for all my small stuff like a gear vest,sunscreen,sunglasses,compass etc... Lets be safe out there.

cedarboy