You were expecting a canoe that is both very light and very durable... Esquif has done it!
Esquif made a big splash back in 2015 with the development of T-Formex, the successor to its cousin, the now-defunct Royalex.
Since not all paddlers necessarily need the extreme durability that traditional T-Formex offers, Esquif now presents, for part of its range, canoes in the T-Formex Lite version.
The weight reduction is primarily achieved by optimizing the various layers that make up the T-Formex. The arrangement and shape of the reinforcing layers (stern, bow, bottom, etc.) have been reworked. At the same time, the hardware components have been redesigned to further optimize the weight savings. The result: canoes that are 15 to 20% lighter! A real revolution!
Learn more:
The Esquif canoes in Lite version offer nearly identical durability to those in T-Formex Expé (the name of the other range) and a weight as light as Kevlar/carbon canoes.
For flatwater models, only the Lite version was justified: the Adirondack, Huron 15′, 16′, and 17′ will only be offered in Lite. The Prospectors 15′, 16′, and 17′ and the Miramichi 18′ and 20′ will only be offered in Expé version in 2025.
Finally, the Canyon, Pocket Canyon, and Prospecteur Sport are available in both versions.
Which version should you choose for these?
It all depends on your use:
If you plan on whitewater runs or expeditions where you can’t afford damage? The extreme durability of the T-Formex Expé will meet your needs and give you the confidence to face extreme conditions.
If you plan on solo portages or flatwater use with your children? The lightness of the T-Formex Lite will meet your weight expectations while offering a level of durability superior to anything available on the market.
Refer to the table to make your choice:
Come discover the new Esquif models in T-Formex Lite at the Canoë Diffusion booth at the 2025 Open Canoe Festival!
Canoë Diffusion and Esquif : first sponsors of the Open Canoe Festival.
