Nelo models getting confusing

Nelo had had a more or less logical surfski assortment for a while. The model numbers from 510 to 560 were logical, showing the clear differences and categories.
The first confusion was the Vanquish which is supposed to fit between the 550 and the 560 somehow without following the earlier model number sequence.

But this year they really dropped the ball.
They came up with a new model numbering and products while still offering the old ones which made the whole product line very confusing.
They introduced the 62 (why not 620?) a model which was clearly an answer for the critics of their short boat concept.
They also introduced a model called 61. But it seems to be the same as the 62 only 10cm shorter. What is the point of that?
Now they also have a 52 and 54. These completely overlap the old 520 and the 540 models only without the bungee and by using bullet scuppers instead of bailers.
Can anyone see the bigger picture here?

"They also introduced a model called 61. But it seems to be the same as the 62 only 10cm shorter. What is the point of that?"
Lower volume for lighter paddlers?

mrcharly wrote:

"They also introduced a model called 61. But it seems to be the same as the 62 only 10cm shorter. What is the point of that?"
Lower volume for lighter paddlers?

As they offer all their boats in 3 volumes ML, L and XXL it is not the reason.

MMaister wrote:

The first confusion was the Vanquish which is supposed to fit between the 550 and the 560 somehow without following the earlier model number sequence.

They seem to like the name Vanquish -- they've used it also for their flat water kayaks. Something that obviously doesn't reduce the confusion ...

It is hard to conclude anything from their website. Although they traditionally provide the size options MMaister mentioned (ML, L, & XXL), the new models currently only mention a L size option on their website. In addition to the slight differences already cited in this discussion I believe I have notice very slight differences in the hip widths listed for the newer models.

Other than possibly being in the process of replacing the XX0 (520, 540, etc.) skis with the XX (52, 54, etc.) skis I have no idea what they are doing. (Totally baffled)

Any distributors/dealers/owners in the know about some other design differences (dimensions aren't everything) or what Nelo's plan is???

mrcharly wrote:

"They also introduced a model called 61. But it seems to be the same as the 62 only 10cm shorter. What is the point of that?"
Lower volume for lighter paddlers?

The 61 is the same width as the 62, but according to what is on their website is designed to be more stable and better surfing. That is analogous to what they did with the vanquish, which has identical dimensions to the 560, but is more stable and better surfing. I own a vanquish and absolutely love the way it goes downwind. I imagine the 61 will be a very good ski as well.

Agree, it makes zero sense to have 11 skis, also with some models in different sizes.
Looking at the site it looks to me that the models 52, 54, 61, 62 are replacing 520, 540, 550, 560.
and Vanquish was a market test for the new series to ensure "product market fit".

The 500 series also came in L first

With the new price winning 400, we may see a 510-update soon.

Will be fun to see!

(meanwhile I'm very happy with my new v10 4G

But the Vanquish seemingly has nothing to do with the new series. It is built like the old ones with bungee and bailer valve. They might thought that the jump between the 550 & 560 was too big so they made a boat to fill the gap and as they didn`t want to call it 555 they just pulled their all time favourite name " Vanquish" from the pool

Anyway....they really messed up the product line. Actually I am considering to buy a Vanquish, but now I don`t know what is happening with these "old" designs and if they eventually will be replaced in the near future. And there is no explanation from Nelo or their dealers.

Petfus wrote:

Agree, it makes zero sense to have 11 skis

I thought that was aimed at me and the contents of my garage and I started to feel defensive!

I don’t know if the 500 series boats will be retired or if they will still be available. I am lead to believe that Nelo still believes in the advantages of shorter boats, but are trying to accommodate what the market demands with the longer boats. I don’t know if the shorter skis will be fully retired, or if they will still be available.

In my opinion short skis have real benefits. Transport and storage are a breeze of course. And they are exciting to paddle. But the reactivity that makes them fun can also be a downside in certain conditions. There is definitely an adjustment period if you are used to long skis.