I have this kayak for over a year now, used like 7 times, had 0 problems with it and I paddle in the heat of AZ.. impressive durability,cargo weight and stability. Also,it comes with an extra square cushion than you can put underneath the seat so you can seat higher. Recommended.
I’ve taken this kayak through 100+ miles of class 2 rivers with no issues yet. Just upgraded to a hard seat and better paddle. Recently took it on a 20 mile kayak camping trip and it was great. I’m only 5’ 10” though and could imagine it being cramped for taller people.
Indeed, infest in a better seat + paddle. Then you have a great kayak for the price. Also works fine in waving waters (more fun 😊). Wish I had that nice backpack with it. Mine came in a simple carrying bag (Netherlands).
The tandem version setup for a single paddler is the way to go with this one. Tracks much better and is faster. It's a decent first kayak for someone with limited space.
Thank you for this reply. I am 6'3" almost 6'4" and 230lbs and have been agonizing on this K1 or the two-seat version of the same thing. It would be my first kayak and I am just looking to mess around and maybe do a little fishing on my camping trips nothing serious
I have used this kajak for 3 years now and i love it! I rarely deflate it, i just keep it filled with air and strap it to my car roof or behind my bicycle on a kajak cart. Im suprised it's still going strong since i just payed 150 bucks for it!
I own the same inflatable and I love it and have had zero trouble with it! I can pump it up with included pump very easily, I just sit down to use pump and it takes less than 10 minutes to fully inflate! Dont dis that pump it works perfectly! Im at weight limit and its so awesome, and I use the booster which makes it feel like heaven for hours of paddling! Now remember youre too big for this boat!!!
I bought the K2 version over a month ago and have used it 4 times on a lake as well as slow and even mild rivers. First the carrying capacity is very underreported. We "overload" my K2 with 2 adults as well as our gear every time without a problem. Second is the distance covered and comfort, you should really inflate the seat using the pump and not your mouth. A lot of people apparently don't know that the pump fits the seat valve too. This should make the seat firmer and nicer. Also, over tighten the backstrap and make sure it is flat in order to get decent back support. Using this we paddle for 5 hours straight and cover 25km or 16 miles no problem. It is a workout though and that's how we like to use it. The K2 version using the large fin also tracks much better than what is shown here. It still won't win a race, but it is not a wobble fest either. with the small fin or without a fin it is a different story though. As for durability I've had zero problems and I did use it in shallow waters where it scraped against rocks no problem. I am thinking of adding a second PVC layer on the bottom and just glue it in place, as I do use it a lot on a shallow river nearby and would like additional protection. Final tip is to get a microfiber towel and dry it after each ride before deflating it using the pump and packing it.
I have 3 of these, 2 singles and 1 double. The double is over 13" long , that one would have been better for you to review. Stability is number 1 tracking 0. Loaded down with gear spring river , mountain fork river, Buffalo River. I feel more confident in inflatables that i won't turn over. Low budget fun , worth every penny.
Mine was $145 and I love it. I weigh 230 and it hasn't been an issue using it. Its been durable and convenient (keep it in the trunk) and really easy to inflate (about 5 minutes with rechargeable pump). After 2 years I don't feel a need to upgrade from this kayak, but I do recommend a different seat and paddle. I don't get tired paddling, but the included seat hurt my back after a day on the river...
Love your reviews Ken, as ever. Not for me by any means but good to see you testing this end of the market. I was pleased to see an introductory inflatable with a half decent foot brace, too. I've bought mid-range inflatables whose designers just don't seem to understand the importance of a solid brace.
i've now pumped it up and it's holding air. hopefully i'll get it out this weekend. if it works for the summer, i'll likely upgrade. looks like a great way to try out kayaking.
This is good to see - your review of one of the most popular inflatable kayaks out there! I got very close to getting the two-seater last year when they sold it to below RON1K. I guess I did not get it for two main reasons: - it looked like I was too light for it; - it did not seem to track much (but what would keep me from adding a couple of skegs?). The inflating time is not really an issue. I use a pump all the time - heck, I have even inflated boats by blowing directly into them. I see using a pump as part of the whole going-out exercise. An electric pump, for instance, would turn everything into something silly, such as driving to the gym and back. There are, nonetheless, a few small problems with this kayak; they turn it into a great boat for the occasional paddler. It's not a paddling experience, it's an outdoor moment: very well put! Looking forward to your next pick!
@@PaddleTV, I actually got a raft - an Intex Mariner 3 - before considering this one (and did 2,220 km in one single go on it, too). I am still tempted by a kayak, though, and lean very much towards an Elling Kardinal K370 (which also happens to be Ukrainian). By the way, have you ever reviewed such a boat type?
I like this boat and think you are dead on with your assessment about just being on the water and it not a true paddling boat. I'm an avid photographer so the stability and portability are huge assets for me. All for the right price too!
We just bought a used K2 for $150. I absolutely agree with you that this is a "gateway" kayak. I bought it specifically to see if kayak fishing would be something I would enjoy, knowing it isn't going to be the best possible option. I just couldn't justify spending over $1000 for something and risk not enjoying it.
This inflatable has been on my 'Maybe List' for a very long time. Thanks for the thorough review. I'd love a video on your favorite places to paddle in Oregon, or anywhere else really!
I am addicted to watching inflatable, foldable and modular kayak reviews. Hope to see a review of Gumotex Rush 1 and Pakboats Quest 150 here some day. Would also love to see Nortik kayaks Argo, Navigator and Scubi. Triton Advanced Ladoga 1 is another interesting one. These are hybrids, mostly skin on frame like the Trak but they do have minor inflatable elements. Not sure that all of these would be acquirable in North America though. I know only that Gumotex and Pakboats are available over there, not sure about the rest. Gumotex goes by Innova in North America. There is also Nautiraid in France (they seriously have some next level kayaks, they have the only portable Greenland kayak from what I could find). Point 65's Mercury and finally the Natseq in Germany. These are modular kayaks similar to the Pakayak. The kayaks that I mention are pretty much as close to hardshell as you can get without it being hardshell. They are also all very expensive.
my gate way kayak was an Ozark trail fishing kayak(AKA sun dolphin) from walmart! not at all what it should of been, but still fun to paddle around in! now i have two crescent kayaks but have not tried them yet, got them in late fall so went right in to storage. so dyeing to get out on the water !
The 165 person limit is because of butt sag, not overall displacement. Yes this will support 225lbs of payload...but a larger person overstressed the inflated raft floor. Stick a hard seat in it that spreads out the weight (foam boogie boards are great for that) and you have no problems at 200lbs. My wife has a Sterns mild whitewater inflate kayak and I just stick a boogie board floor in there when I use it. It gets you out on the water easier and cheaply. A non kayaker can use it immediately with no real training.
Oh always ride with self stick tube patches in a ziplock baby in your pocket. A tiny hole can be patched in seconds before you lose air. Slime SCABS (peel and stick patches for bicycle tires) are perfect.
I have had a sevylor quickpak k1 for several years and almost bought one of these intex models as a spare inflatable kayak. I’m glad I ordered another sevylor instead of this after seeing your review. The only complaint with the sevylor is that the paddle really was a piece of garbage and broke on the third trip down the river. Even a $40 two piece paddle is a major improvement over the ones provided with these cheap kayaks.
I couldn't agree more. The next big step up in paddles is a carbon shaft paddle. Here's the one I would recommend (under $200) bit.ly/41VdlND It ain't cheap, but it would be a very noticeable difference.
I have the excursion k2 and when the plastic that holds the seat chambers together broke the seat actually got comfortable and kind of supported my back a bit
Hey Ken, the problem with inflatable kayaks is they get small holes over time just from folding them and putting away. Even my Sea Eagle 380 that I take good care of and wash and dry after every paddle has a few small holes that leak so slow you wouldn’t notice until two days later. I noticed the holes while washing with soap and saw a bit of bubbling. It would be better to store them inflated but that defeats a primary purpose of an inflatable
You can fix some holes on inflatables. If the holes are on the seams it's a little more tricky. A simple solution is 'Tear Aid'. I think you'd need Type B for use on 'vinyls'.
The one thing inflatables have over hardshell kayaks is comfort - you can lie down and nap on the water. I did that often when I still paddled an Intex kayak. Now I have a hardshell, way more fun paddling, but no naps anymore in the boat.
I would have agreed 100% with you... but I just tested a hardshell kayak that was designed specifically for napping! :). The Perception Hangtime 11 actually has a built in lounge seat in the stern - with a headrest - and it's comfortable. I did a float trip with it in Northern Alabama a few weeks ago, and it was pretty awesome. :)
@@PaddleTV I just looked it up; it looks really comfortable and it is quite affordable. I hope you're doing a review on that - I am looking forward to it!
Mine died after 3 years. Ongoing issues with leaks/tears in area in seam around floorboards which are made out out thinner material. Finally tore while kayaking St Lawrence luckily happened on return trip and near launch area as kayak started taking on water. Had to paddle like a madman to get to shore. Would always use extra seat pad to put less pressure on flimsy floorboard.
I have the k2, says 400lbs, ive had 500 in it with the bottom ending up with a hole so only the 2 sides were inflated and still managed to paddle about a kilometer back to shore no problem.
This is the first video to clarify the 165/220 lbs thing. I have been comparing this to the 2 person version on amazon wondering what to buy because I am just a beginner looking for something basic for camping and I am almost 6'4" and 230lbs
I am considering this Kayak for casual use with my Dog. This Kayak is really confusing me for the 220lb weight limit. It is the same length, width and thickness as similar cheaper 2 person Intex products that are rated for 400lbs. This Kayak claims tougher 3 ply material and "pro" level and I am at a loss as to why it's weight range is so low. With my dog and gear I could be loading up to 250 lbs. How critical is this weight limit. For example the Intex 2 person Dakota is of similar size and vinyl (vs 3 layer PVC) the same size within a few inches and rated for 400lbs! What gives?
Thanks for all your review and insight on everything paddling. As part of your reviews perhaps you could give us a scale of say 1 to 5 for each of your categories of stability, comfort etc. This way it would make comparing them against other direct competition a little easier. I know you have spent lots of time with the Pakayak, Would you still recommend for a portable unit given the cost?
Thanks Kevin. I have thought about ranking things on a scale.. I'll have to think that over again. You've got the wheels turning... :) Yes, I would definitely still recommend the Pakayak - for the right person. I'm a real fan of that kayak and loved using it in Dominica. It is an amazing portable kayak for people who want paddling performance. Most portable kayaks don't offer the two.
You can do way more than a mile in this boat, and those paddles are for sure not bending like that in the water. This guy is over exaggerating. It's a great boat to purchase as your first one to see if you enjoy being out in the water. I have one and I would definitely recommend it.
I’ve had this kayak for a year now and think it’s great. It’s a step up from the challenger, and yes it’s a gateway kayak. I now own a Aquaglide Chelan 140 but still take the excursion out because it’s smaller sometimes. I’m 180 lbs and find it’s fine. My only question is what year is this one? I bought mine last year and mine has all those attachments PLUS a dash bar thing to attack stuff to (cup holder, fish finder, speaker) did this one you reviews not have that?
Awesome to hear you're still loving it, and even using it instead of the Chelan 140 at times. The size makes sense though... the Chelan 140 is a pretty big kayak in comparison. I don't remember if this kayak came with a dash bar. I bought the kayak this spring from Amazon.
Hi Ken, I'd love to see a review of the Aquaglide Cirrus 110 in the near future. It appears to be a great alternative to the Chelan, if weight is a concern. But, I'm not sure if the value is there because of its less robust construction.
Good news and bad news.... I've got a video coming that compares the new Cirrus to the Chelan and Deschutes... but the Cirrus 110 is a little on the small size for me, and so I'm going to wait for the bigger model to do my thorough test. What I can tell you after assembling and giving the Cirrus 110 a thorough look over is that I was really impressed. Under 15lb!!! Crazy! Yes, you'll have to take care of it a little more than the Chelan, but it still seemed very solid to me. My guess is that it will hold up to use... but not to abuse!
@@PaddleTV, thanks for the reply. I believe you just confirmed my initial assumptions regarding the Cirrus and will be looking forward to your thorough test on on the larger 150 model. I'm keen to know if you think the price point is worth the weight saving. The Chelan is quite robust and I feel is still the better choice. Cheers............
Its kinda narrow. I'm a large guy 6'5 and I'm also pretty heavy. 260. I got the k2 version for two people because I thought it would be bigger in every way, including wider. My butt kind of splits the kyak and creases the center. Its huge though, I can lay down head to toe on it and take a nap in the middle of a lake. My legs are bowed out and I feel like I'm sitting on a kiddy toilet. I'm looking into modding it.
K2 would be better size for you, I got K2 pro for $250 CAN on winter sale, prolly like 180 US or something. Planning to use it as towable with my .. inflatable boat for kids to have fun... Would be nice to see reviews for motorized kaboats for example or motorized kayaks...
The biggest issue with the pump is that it is the only pump that can be used with the boat. It’s a slightly different size than standard fittings. Also you are missing a bar that fits over your feet and stuff can be clamped to.
And more notes- it was a gateway kayak for me. I use my aquaglides more now, it got me out and I can do 3-4 miles in it. I did replace the seat and paddle. I have kept it if friends want to kayak with me.
Oh, I have a video of it set up next to my Aquaglide Deschutes 130, aquaglide chinook 90, and Itiwit 2 person on the Kayak Queen channel- it’s not the greatest, but you can see it next to a few different inflatable kayaks.
Man i have never been so annoyed.... @ 7.10-7.25 you say it's too small for you,,, OK, but you forget to tell us how tall you are so we can make any comparison.... Are you 5'3" or 6'3" ???
I have 2 of theses since 3 years. The bag was utter shit before this new bag. If you don't have the red bags change it asap or put it in hard plastic boxes. Change seats for Eva seats. Don't use any of accessories especialy the rod holder. Rod holders can't hold any rod safely. I have lost a rod because of it. So I suggest to buy a kayak with confortable seat (and better, buy a dropstich kayak) and buy a true fisher EVA box to carry your rods.
Finnaly it's a good value if you want to occasionnaly have acces to lakes and make photos. You don't need an expensive kayak for fishing but maybe a Float tube is more viable than this.
After three years, several punctures and leaks, but have always been careful. Patching worked, but now can’t find the leak, maybe it’s the valve, not sure. After an hour of use, the bottom is 50% depleted.
Absolutely! I started with a 90-degree feather 35 years ago when I learned to whitewater kayak. Over the years I moved down to 60-degress, then 45-degrees, 30-degrees, 15-degrees, and then about 15 years ago I moved to an unfeathered paddle and never looked back. Is it the 'right way'? No. There's no such thing as a 'right way'. I believe people should paddle with whatever feather they're most comfortable with. I moved to an unfeathered paddle when I was competing internationally in whitewater freestyle kayaking, and never saw any reason to move back to a feathered paddle.
@@PaddleTV thank you for the answer. I too go unfeathered (becaus im self taught and in this way i manage to stay dry, with angles i get so wet) but instructors i meet mock me for that. Im curios do u bend the wrists much?
I would imagine its not great in wind....so much above the surface. I have seen other inflatables react poorly on windy days. Wind effect on this craft will be severe...more of a pool toy....to me.
They need to make this in a 1/4 size version for towing extra gear or with a 300ft paracord- crying babies. (😆 I'm kidding! Extra gear is for wussies) Edit- this seems perfect for warm summer river floats on a calm river. You could buy a couple of these for your kids or some friends could easily pick on up and join in a 2 day slow float where the river just takes you along and you're only having to maneuver a bit
best bang for the buck if inflatable kayak is your only option. ive used it for 4 years, about 12 times a year for fishing and its amazing for the value. unfortunately, if you can buy a hard kayak, spend the extra money for that.
Yea ahhh, I’ll pass , under capacity, might be ok for cork’n on a small pond if your a skinny wimp , not made for sharp sticks or fishing hooks, the only thing it’s got going for it is it’s fold ‘n go , wouldn’t waste my money buy a used canoe 🛶
