Description
Key Technical Features
- HexShell Deck Cover – made of 600 denier hex ripstop polyester for durability, puncture-resistance, and protection from the elements
- Drop-stitch Floor – provides durability, rigidity, and optimal performance
- Seals 2.5 Spray Skirt Compatible – optional accessory spray skirt helps keep the elements out during cold or adverse conditions
- Lightweight Packable Design – weighs only 28-pounds and includes a duffle-style storage bag for effortless transportation and storage
Key User Features
- Core 2.0 Quick Release Seat – offer a thick padded seat cushion and breathable high backrest
- Adjustable Foot Rest – for comfort and paddling efficiency
- Quick Release Weedless Fin – for increased tracking
- Paddle Keepers – located on both sides offer hands-free access when not paddling
- Velcro Adjustment Strips – allow for personalized custom seat positions
- Zip Storage – under the deck in bow and stern for extra gear storage and quick access
- Molded Plastic Carry Handles – on bow and stern for comfortable carrying or lifting
- Deck Cargo Bungee – on bow offers secure storage of extra gear
- Cockpit Drain – opens easily to drain any water from the boat
- Boston Valves – provide quick inflation and deflation
- PA (Polyamide) Nylon D-rings – provide secure attachment for seat and extra gear
Kev –
TL;DR This kayak is extremely stable on the water, has a decent amount of room for storage, and is fast enough for an inflatable kayak.
Now onto the full length review… Firstly, I purchased this kayak from Aquaglide’s website. I bought this kayak as an upgrade from my super cheap inflatable kayak (I’m sure you can guess which one I’m talking about). I was looking for a vessel that was stable, fast, durable, portable, and had enough room for multi-day trips. After many days of extensive research I ended up deciding on this kayak for multiple reasons: Its included drop stitch floor, ease of setup, paddle holders, rear storage hatch, upper deck bungee storage and the foam cushioned seat. I found that other branded kayaks with similar features typically ran a bit more expensive which is what ultimately led me to this decision.
Performance-wise this kayak was impressive. The drop-stitch floor is wickedly stable. It reminds me of a SUP and if necessary one could easily stand up on this kayak’s high pressure floor. I have attached a trip summary from a recent outing which highlights the avg. speed and pace that I was able to achieve. I have only been paddling since the beginning of this summer so I would consider myself a beginner, but after learning basic technique you can really get this thing to move. This kayak tracks well when proper paddling technique is applied, but you will still notice slight movement with hard paddling. Overall, for an inflatable kayak there isn’t much more I could ask for when it comes to performance.
Durability. I have taken this kayak out 6 times this past month and I haven’t noticed any signs of failure or damage that could lead to failure in the future. I have been extra cautious in and out of the water, but I have had a few accidents in which it was scraped by rocks without any sign of damage. I would like to say that my kayak was shipped with markings similar to another review here (small scuffs and scratches), but after inspection I determined they would not be problematic and were merely cosmetic blemishes. Overall, the material that this kayak is made of makes me feel confident in the water and honestly that’s all that matters.
Setup. I have had the chance to use other competitors inflatable kayaks and I can easily say that this kayak is much more straightforward and easy to setup. With only three main chambers there isn’t much to it. I will say that the HR valve for the floor takes some finesse to remove the adapter after inflation. It still takes me a couple tries to remove the floor adapter without leaving the HR valve open causing the floor to depressurize. Even so, setup takes me roughly 5-10 minutes.
Overall, this kayak is everything that I could want in a portable package.