We’ve been through a couple of boats that were a little bit out of a typical person’s price range. Especially for those of you who are just starting out in the kayak world. We totally understand that investing up to 4k on a kayak may seem like an outrage. Today, however, we got to test out a great bargain of a product.

This kayak basically has all of the features that many of the top of the line expensive kayaks due at a third of the price. You can imagine our excitement when we came across it. We were actually looking for a kayak that we could recommend to new users. Since most people tend to start out buying boats only based on their low price. When they get them out into the water though, these boats’ performance ends up really frustrating people.

Ultimately steering potential lifetime kayakers away from this great pass time. We hope that this boat will cultivate the passion for being out on the water.

About The Product

The boat in question is the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 Kayak. Much to our surprise, there were multiple great reviews all over the web. We were surprised because we were not that familiar with the brand when we got it. This is a 12-foot boat which means it actually competes directly with the Hobie Mirage boats and the hurricane skimmer line.

It has a good hull design that allows you to flow decently in the water. When it comes to paddling in a straight line, you won’t have a problem. Stability isn’t one of its strongest suits, but that also depends on how choppy the water is and how well you can distribute your weight around in the boat. The adjustable seat may be what wins a lot of people over. You can fit just as comfortable if you are 5 feet tall or 6 feet 5 inches tall. Weight is also not a major issue.

It can hold a passenger that weighs over 250 pounds. Also regarding its weight, it is only around 50 pounds so most people can handle it alone. Making it easier to transport in and out of the water. Not crazy about the number of add-ons this kayaks offers, but it does come with two great hatches to keep your belongings dry. Overall a simple boat that anyone could potentially get good fun out of.

A Quick Summary

What We Like

There are plenty of things to like on this boat. The ability to adjust the seat and other features so that you are perfectly comfortable gives it a major plus. The storage systems are also pretty good. The two hatches are strategically placed so that you can put items you need easy access to in the front. As well as a very large dry storage hatchet in the back where you can carry a lot of different items.

The thigh and knee padding on this boat is something we feel often gets overlooked. One of the first issues a person encounters on cheap kayaks is the fact that your legs and arms may constantly be rubbing against the kayak itself. It only takes a couple of times for you to develop bumps, bruises, cuts and even blisters on a hot day!

That fact, that this can be avoided on this boat may bring a lot more people into kayaking! Like we said before overall it is a very good boat, but it does have specific features that may cause you to encounter some problems.

What We Do Not Like

We generally feel that this kayak had a lot more potential and kind of fell short in some areas for no apparent reason. This is not a fishing boat, but it very well could be if they had just placed to rod holders on the sides. You could argue that you could place the rod in the cup holder, but they just don’t seem deep enough for us to feel comfortable doing so.

This makes the kayak totally a one trick pony and that really bothered us. Like we mentioned, in the beginning, this is a kayak that is not as stable as it could be. It’s still not likely that you are easily going to fall out, but sometimes it tends to lean a little to one side. Which make paddling a tougher task at times. Not to mention it makes novice riders feel insecure at times.

This might just take a little getting used to, but it also may scare people into not using or buying. The seat is great, but sometimes the material gets too hot! This won’t be an issue for everybody, but just had to point it out!

Where To Buy

When you are new to buying these products it is perfectly normal to have certain doubts about what product to buy and how to buy. When it comes to Wilderness systems products like the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 Kayak you can check it out in many showrooms across the country. If you want to sit on this kayak before you buy just find the dealer nearest for you.

That way you can go into the buying process with a little more experience than just reading online reviews. If you are confident that this is the boat, you want to buy don’t hesitate to add to your Amazon cart and get it in a couple of days. Even with the shipping costs, you will still pay a very decent price for a boat of this caliber.

Conclusion

There are some issues with this boat, but they are mainly add ons. That you could make the argument should not be included in a boat within this price range. That doesn’t mean that it is not a good boat as is. If you are looking to buy a mid range boat to upgrade from a cheap inflatable version or even a kids kayak this is a great option. Especially since you won’t have to break the bank to get it!

We have taken a look at a lot of kayaks and given them a ride for a while. Then voiced our different opinions in these reviews. From the comments and emails, we’ve been getting people want to know why we tend to be lighter when criticizing certain kayaks. Yet harder on other kayaks which are outright better boats than others we praised. The reality is that we try to grade each kayak within its own unique context.

 

Obviously, a better made more expensive kayak will have a far better overall performance than a cheap inflatable option. In spite of this, we might give it a lower grade because it underperformed when compared to kayaks in the same price range or even market. With that in mind, we want to take a look at a kayak that at least on paper looks like a great value pick.

It can handle calm up to mildly choppy waters. It is light and being sold at a great price!

About The Product

The boat we are referring to is the Dagger Kayaks Zydeco 9.0 Kayak. This is one of the considered small boats produced by Dagger Kayaks. It is a sit on kayak that is perfect for all types of users including beginners. Some experienced riders have been known to use this kayak in whitewater. This is a true testament to the kayak’s stability and maneuverability. As well, as its durability. What experienced riders usually like from this kayak is that it is extremely light, so it is easy to carry around solo as well as put in or on a car for transport. The cockpit design is great it is just right so that you can comfortably fit without sacrificing overall performance. To be honest, though bigger people will probably tend to go towards the twelve-foot option. That is not necessarily something negative it is better to have a tighter fit than a one size fits all!

A Quick Summary

What We Like

Honestly, there is a lot to like about this boat! The first thing that we noticed was that it is really made from quality materials that will allow the boat to last longer. With some other boats, you really need to take great care of the hull going as far as to having to fully dry it out quickly after every use. The reason behind this is that cheap plastic materials rot easily especially in salt water!

This boat is a tough and durable option. We loved the design most of us are not the tallest people you will ever meet so we fit perfectly into the boat. We were able to maneuver it with ease and felt very safe and stable in the water. It is totally more of an adventure boat so it has way less storage space than a fishing boat would, but it has enough room for you to take the essential tools and foods in dry storage compartments.

The fact that you can also use it in virtually all types of water is also a major plus, but it has one key component missing that would put it over the edge, which we will get to shortly.

Overall it is a great boat for the price! You can get the same or at times better performance from this boat that is priced around 450 dollars than other kayaks like… Hobie. That will typically be priced over 1,000 dollars per boat!

 

What We Do Not Like

We were really fishing when trying to come up with things we didn’t like about this boat. Most of the features are pretty well rounded, but there are two aspects that could have been done better. Number one it doesn’t come with safety straps to be able to provide better support in whitewater. We know that actually this boat is supposedly not meant for those extreme conditions.

At least, that is what Dagger says. So if it is not being advertised as whitewater kayak we can put to much blame on it for not coming with safety straps. When we first came across this second issue we really couldn’t believe it. The problem is the paddle is just not as reliable and comfortable as you would expect. Sure this is an easy fix, just grab one you are comfortable with. It just seems strange that after putting so much effort into the boat you would disregard something like this!

Where To Buy

This is really one of the boats you would have not any problem if you just got it to go from a drive-thru or ordered it online. It is that good in our book! Amazon though does charge a 60 dollar shipping cost for this kayak. So if you have a dealer near you may be, the best option is to ahead and visit their store.

Not only will you be saving 60 dollars, but will be able to experience the product first hand before you buy, and potentially have any doubts you have answered. The good thing though is that it doesn’t come with many little pieces that would easily be lost in shipping and make assembly possible. So even if you decide to go the online route, you probably won’t have assembly issues.

Conclusion

The Dagger Kayaks Zydeco 9.0 Kayak might just be a real-life example of an absolute value product. You can get a lot out of this boat at a very low price, literally! This is a boat that if you pick it up as an outright beginner or novice paddler you are going to be able to continue using it for years to come.

Plus, you will get a chance to experience what real kayaking is about from the first time you get out into the water. So many times we have seen people go for cheaper options when starting out, and they end up not staying in kayaking because they were not impressed by their first experience. In this case, you will be essentially feeling the same things that professional, and skilled riders feel from the first time out. Take a chance on this boat it’s worth it!

When going through the process of buying virtually anything you are probably going to come across certain brands that are household industry names. Some companies have made a name for themselves for having high-quality products others are known for being cheap. What we can’t ignore though is that there are plenty of advantages to buying from strong established companies that have a wide variety of products that you just can’t get from startups or custom made products.

Especially when it comes to things like cars, tools, or in this case boats! When it comes to whitewater kayaks, you really need to find a brand you can trust with your life, literally! This makes the buying process all the more complicated. Add to that you may end up visiting many stores online and in person until you find that specific boat you are looking for.

Today we will specifically be taking a look at the Dagger Mamba 8.1 Kayak, but we want to highlight the entire Dagger line. Boats sometimes vary in the slightest things from one model to the other, but even the slightest things can make a world of a difference.

About The Product

The Dagger Mamba 8.1 Kayak is an 8.1-foot boat specially made to get you through some of the roughest waters on the planet. That is why the guys at dagger have made it very light and maneuverable. It only weighs 47 pounds which is something that will benefit you in and out of the water. It has multiple features that serve as both safety and comfort assets to help you out in the water. It has adjustable thigh braces that really a must in whitewater.

The seat is also adjustable so that riders of many different sizes can be seated comfortably. The creek seat style is a big step in comfort in our book. Most of these sit in kayaks are difficult to get accustomed too because the seating is usually not that comfortable. That is not the case here, though. On the contrary the seat really opens the door for a rider to use this kayak for longer periods of time in different types of conditions.

A Quick Summary

What We Like

One of the main concerns that riders into whitewater kayaks have is safety. This boat really was made having the riders safety in mind every step of the way. The pads, the adjustable seat and the straps are all great assets. That fact that all of these are adjustable means that it might take a while for you to find the most comfortable position on the boat.

This shouldn’t go down as something bad, though. It is one of the best boats for transitioning from slow rivers to whitewater kayaking. Because of its maneuverability and the comfort and safety levels, it is capable of providing. The fact that you can potentially ride this boat on different types of waters makes it a great buy regardless of your riding experience.

The initial investment may be a little steep for some, but this boat will give you fun experiences for years to come! Durability, stability, and maneuverability are three things we love on a boat, and this one has them all!

What We Do Not Like

This may sound like a bit of a contradiction because we know that we said we liked this boat’s overall versatility. Specifically the fact that you can potentially ride it out in all sorts of waters. The thing is you can ride it an all sorts of waters, but there is just not enough storage room on the boat in our opinion to enjoy other types of kayaking.

You won’t be able to hold things like bait and even if you are out in rapids there are not that many compartments to keep your things dry. There is essentially a dry compartment behind the seat, but it doesn’t keep things constantly dry. If you flip or get a lot of water on your boat for any other reason all your things at risk of getting wet or worse.

Staying on the storage topic, you could potentially adapt a paddle holding feature on the boat. It this come with that feature standard though, so we can also shave a couple of points off for that. In spite of this, we still consider it a very good boat.

Where To Buy

Like we had previously talked about this boat has many adjustable features. This is a great asset, but finding the most comfortable position to paddle out on can take some time. That is why we recommend that you visit authorized Dagger dealerships before you buy. If you are committed to finding the right boat, the best thing to do is put in the right amount of work.

It may take a little more time while shopping, but if you end with the boat that you are going to ride for the next couple of years it will probably be worth it. Rather than just buying the first one you see in the showroom. In the end, good research saves money. If you are keen on buying online though then we suggest you go through all of the boat’s features very carefully.

Especially if you happen to be a bigger person. You don’t want to buy a boat, and then realize you don’t actually fit in it.

Conclusion

Dagger kayaks are mostly very good boats. The only real issue is that you really have to be sure what kind of activity you are most likely going to be doing while out on the water. If you are mostly into whitewater kayaking, we strongly recommend Dagger boats as an option to consider. Their boats are mostly very safe and durable. You never want to go out into whitewater with a boat that is not built to handle the pounding this type of riding takes on boats!

All throughout these reviews if typically find ourselves loving versatile products. Something that you can pick up on virtually any given day, and be happy with literally. This is especially true when it comes to kayaks. Not every day out on the water is the same because it really depends on where you are that particular day. The type of paddling you are going to be doing can really vary.

Some boats are great for specific activities like fishing, but would not be at all suitable for whitewater. If you are exclusively into fishing, it might not be a big deal, however, as we said some boats you just can’t take everywhere even if you are going to have a normal day because the water conditions may vary.

 

Most of the time on this site we recommend crossover kayaks as the middle ground and one of the best buys out there. Since you can easily go from fishing to running a little bit stronger currents. In this case, though we are going to be looking at a river runner type kayak. These boats can handle tough rapid conditions, have great stability, but are still comfortable enough to ride in calmer conditions.

These boats can handle tough rapid conditions, have great stability, but are still comfortable enough to ride in calmer conditions.

About The Product

The particular kayak in question today is the Pyranha Machno Kayak. This is a river running kayak that comes in 3 different sizes, so it is very versatile in that way. Which means to you could pick a longer or shorter version based on what the main activity you are going to do on the water is. Also, you can see which one fits your personal comfort level better. That is why we are putting it almost on the fringe of being a crossover kayak.

The longest version is essentially a high-performance crossover that is hard to find. Speed is one of the first things you notice about this kayak. The odd thing is that overall it isn’t the fastest kayak out there. What you are actually feeling is great acceleration! You can reach top speed with as low as three paddles according to some experts. This is a great feature because a lot of times when running rapids or riding waves acceleration is more important than overall speed. You can catch a certain line on the fly quickly.

Allowing you to make better decisions on the fly means you won’t have to have your line all thought up before you actually get there. It ultimately is even better for safety reasons! Hit the holes and waves you want to hit and miss those you want to avoid.

​Product Features:

What we Like

A lot of things to like about this kayak. Obviously, its versatility is something that really stood out for us since we saw the boat. The great acceleration is the best performance type asset in our book. Add to that the above average maneuverability and you’ve got something special.

The stability is also great, it not only takes speed to get in and out of lines especially in very tough whitewater conditions. It is one of the best options there for people that are trying to get into whitewater kayaking because it will allow you to make that transition from slow river riding to tougher conditions.

While being extremely durable and having the overall performance to match! Which means you won’t have to be buying a new boat every season, or time you want to step your game up!

It is one of the best options there for people that are trying to get into whitewater kayaking because it will allow you to make that transition from slow river riding to tougher conditions. While being extremely durable and having the overall performance to match! Which means you won’t have to be buying a new boat every season, or time you want to step your game up!

What We Do Not Like

Not many things to write home about in this department. One main thing though that we didn’t like is that we did face a comfort issue at first. The seat is adjustable, but getting adjusted is a bit of a hassle. We can’t really put too much emphasis on the issue as a deal breaker or anything like that.

We do however recommend that you take care of this issue before you set out for the water. Whether it be at home or even right in the showroom. Just so that you don’t lose any fun time adjusting things, and you can just grab your Pyranha Machno and head out on the water.

Like we said, it’s no deal breaker, but it is not something that should be taken lightly.

Buying Advice

One of the biggest benefits of this boat is that you have multiple options with regards to size, and we already discussed that the seat may need to be adjusted. Knowing that then we would recommend that you go and find a local dealer and actually go and sit on many boats to see which one fits best. That way once you get it you are all set and don’t have to waste time making adjustments yourself.

Plus the price tag is a little steep for an online purchase in many people’s eyes anyway so head down to a dealer. If you don’t have the luxury to do so you may want to speak directly to the seller before you just hit buy on Amazon so that you know the specifics of the boat that you are getting. As we said the price may be a little steep, but for a quality boat of this magnitude, we’d say that it is fair and reasonable.

Conclusion

The Pyranha Machno is a very versatile kayak that can fit many types of riding styles. Not to mention it is durable and at a reasonable price like we just mentioned. The only reasons that we could find to not recommend at least giving this kayak a look are if you are only into fishing, or are not planning on being in the water a lot.Everything about this kayak is made for people who will be spending a lot of time in the water. If you don’t have that kind of time then that might be a problem. Other than that this is a boat that can be perfectly suited for experts and beginners alike. It will give you great times out on the water while keeping you as safe as possible. Go give its Amazon page a look and find out even more about the Pyranha Machno!

Whitewater kayaking is one of the sports out there where it actually really benefits you to have at least a simple knowledge of basic scientific rules. The guys at Riot Kayaks got their formulas down just right. After all, if something is proven to work, why would you try and fix anything up right? Well, that is mostly true, however, it does not apply to everything.

Sometimes products are just so alike that it is literally impossible for consumers to tell the difference. When this happens things like the price, and brand recognition come into play a lot more in the buying process. A lot of lesser known brands end up being overshadowed by others because of the lack of “it” factor. This in our minds has happened to Riot Kayaks.

Even though they have been around for over 20 years they just can’t seem to step out off Dagger kayaks shadow. Add to that the fact that Dagger has partnered with Red Bull to break the world record for the highest drop on a kayak in history and things get even tougher.

Today we’ll be looking at the Riot Kayaks Magnum 80 Whitewater Creeking Kayak. To see if it’s only bad marketing that is keeping it a little in the shadows!

About The Product

The Riot Kayaks Magnum 80 Whitewater Creeking Kayak is an 8.3 feet long kayak. Like its name suggest it is specifically made for creeking in the toughest places you can imagine. As such it is a boat loaded with safety features.It is equipped with front and rear floatation bags to ensure that the boat will resurface no matter how high the drop is. A security bar inside the cockpit to ensure that you don’t take the direct impact of rocks or other obstacles. Continuing with the security trend, it is equipped with suregrip thigh braces, and a creek foot brace.

There is no doubt that you won’t have to worry about being fully strapped in if you follow instructions correctly. It is not the most agile or maneuverable out there though so we can shave some points off there.

Key Points

What We Like

This boat is almost like a little tank out in the water. You won’t have a problem with almost plowing over anything that gets in your way. It comes loaded with safety features so that also makes it a great boat for beginners. Especially when you are thinking of taking your first whitewater kayaking trip.

There are really very few kayaks out there that can take the beating that this one can take. This also makes it a very durable boat. There are really two main groups of riders that will out right love this boat. Novice riders just getting into whitewater kayaking.

The other group is made up of older experts who need to feel safer in the water. All that being said it really isn’t the best boat in other regards that we will now get to.

What We Do Not Like

First off we want to make it very clear that we actually think this is a very serviceable boat. We are just not totally in love with some of its features. It is just way to bulky out in the water.Sure you can pick it up and carry it wherever you want outside the water inside it makes paddling a little rough. It is great that you can almost run any line out there. It is actually really hard to paddle and get to the lines you want to get to. It doesn’t have great seep, and you really have to work to get it to change direction.

What’s even worse is that it is actually a couple of bucks more expensive than other very similar options out there. Maybe it is not the worst thing in the world for some people. The problem we see with this boat is that it takes a very specific rider to be able to ride it in tough conditions.

By being able to ride we mean ride it well, hitting the spots you want to hit in the water. Not just letting the current take you down stream which is what most other riders are going to have to do.

Buying Advice

We really gave this product a beating both in the water and in our reviews. We really don’t mean to discourage anyone who is looking to buy. We actually believe like we said that it can be a very durable product. With that being said, and like with many of our previous boats we recommend you find a dealer near you.

Actually what we think is the best way to go hear is to make a list of the boats that interest you the most. Regardless of the brand or type. Then you can search where the dealers are in your area. This will save you a ton of time and money and make the shopping process more enjoyable.

We know that what you really want to do is be in the water not in the store. In our opinion being efficient with your research is the fastest way to get you there.

Conclusion

We may have been a little biased with this boat, since we are not the type of rider that this boat suits best. That being said we understand that their plenty of riders out there who would love this boat. That is why we recommend that you do your own research.

We would never want our opinion to potentially keep you from buying a boat that would fit you perfectly. The problem is in our eyes this boat just doesn’t stand up well compared to other options we have tried and loved.

If safety is your main concern, you should really at least have a good look a this boat. The Riot Kayaks Magnum 80 Whitewater Creeking Kayak is one of the boats that would keep your family more at peace when you go out!

A couple of days before we got our hands on this kayak we had looked at its older sibling. A lot of us here were really torn on the boat because we believed it was a decent boat. Yet most of us would never actually buy it because the other options out there where simply better.

The problem was that we thought we may have been biased when grading the Riot Kayaks Magnum 80 Whitewater Creeking Kayak. In our line of work, we can’t fall for any one particular brand. If we do that then these reviews lose all sense of objectivity and therefore amount to nothing. Just when we thought we may need to quit our jobs this next boat came along.

The Riot Kayaks Astro 58 Whitewater Playboating Kayak. Since we got out in the water with this boat we felt exactly what a play boat should feel like. Maneuverability, speed, and even that sense that is like a mixed feeling of thrill and danger. Let’s back up a little bit though and give you all of the technical ins and out on this boat!

About The Product

Everything that makes this boat stand out is in the design. The boat is only 25.7 inches wide. Most of those 25.7 inches are occupied by the cockpit. Which means that you won’t have to be reaching out when you paddle. This is not only a feature that will make you more comfortable, it also increases speed and maneuverability.

The hull design allows for great stability. Even though the boat itself is very thin you won’t flip it easily. It has unity seating system with a floating backrest. As far as safety features go it really does away with a lot of the features that the creeking boat offers.

This allows the boat to be a lot lighter in and out of the water. Overall this is a boat that will allow you to have some good times out in the water. Not to mention the fact that carrying and transporting it is quite easy. Not only the weight but at 6.3 feet in length it can fit in most trucks and vans.

Key Points

What We Like

There are plenty of things to like on this boat. The first thing we noticed was how light it was outside the water. At first, we weren’t sure if that was such a good sign. When we actually got to the water though it was a great advantage. It made the boat easy to maneuver even without the need to paddle. With this boat sometimes all it takes are a couple of hip and torso movements to put you in the right spot. This makes the whole experience a lot less physically demanding. Of course, you can always paddle your way around as well. Especially if you are someone who needs to feel in control at all times.

Staying on what makes it a lot less physically demanding we have to talk about the cockpit. The design allows you to paddle with a more natural stroke. One of the complaints we had with the 8 foot Riot boat was that the farther back you sat the less natural of a paddle stroke you had to make.

We were worried at first also with how stable it might be. To be honest the worries started to fade once we actually got into the water. The hull design actually takes advantage of the size. You rock a lot less than in a lot of other bigger, wider boats. Last but not least we liked the price! It is on sale at a very decent price tag for a boat like this. Quite frankly we can’t understand Riot Kayak’s pricing techniques. In this case, though we believe they worked.

What We Do Not Like

There are plenty of safety features on the boat. This is a good thing don’t get us wrong. The problem we found is that with so many things crammed into a small cockpit it’s hard to fit. Even for people who are not that tall, you have to ride in an awkward position. At least it will seem awkward for people who don’t use play boats on a consistent basis. That is going to be an issue for people who are getting into play boats for the first time. Even if they are shorter than 6 feet. Other than these minor “issues” this is a great boat!

Buying Advice

No offense to the veteran play boater’s out there, but this section is not targeted towards you. Chances are if you are an experienced play boater you’ve already come across this boat and made up your mind about it! The more novice users and especially other kayakers looking to get into playboating hear us out.

Go to a dealership near you and ask if you can sit on this boat. When you do this come appropriately dressed. We don’t mean come in your wetsuit obviously! Wear clothes that take up roughly the same amount of space that you would normally take up on a boat.

Heck, ask to borrow a life jacket. It is absolutely imperative that you find out if you fit in the boat before you buy! It wouldn’t be fair to you or to the guys at Riot if you had a bad experience with this boat due to something like that! This is meant to be a long-term investment keep that in mind!

Conclusion

If you are looking to get into play boats, this is a great option. It is being sold at a decent price and it will no doubt allow you to experience what real playboating is like. If in time you, like each an every kayaker develop your own likings and they differ from what this boat can offer you can always switch it out. At this price range, you at least won’t feel like you were cheated out of a larger sum of money. If you are still intrigued go check out the Riot Kayaks Astro 58 Whitewater Playboating Kayak on its Amazon page or the Riot official site!

If safety is your main concern, you should really at least have a good look a this boat. The Riot Kayaks Magnum 80 Whitewater Creeking Kayak is one of the boats that would keep your family more at peace when you go out!

After a couple days out in tough whitewater conditions, it was nice to come back and relax a little bit. We headed for the beach but since we are total workaholics we took a kayak! It had been a while since we got into a sit on top kayak. This sort of made the whole or deal a more intriguing one.

Plus there is a little bit of a background story with this kayak. Back when we were researching what whitewater kayaks we should do reviews on we found a video. In it a group of seemingly regular people pulled off a couple of stunts we would never advise you to do.

What they specifically did was take a couple of Ocean Kayak Frenzy Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayaks took the seat out and used them in white water. There were a couple of times that we cringed watching the video. Seeing these people really come close to all out disaster.

From what we could though, overall the kayak stood up pretty well to the task. When we got to the beach, we couldn’t wait to rent some and check them out in their natural habitat.

About The Product

Right, when we got in the water with this kayak we understood why they were able to take it into whitewater. Most Ocean Kayaks are built as sort of hybrid boats. They are almost as wide as a fishing kayak if not wider in some cases.

 

Although in this case the boat is labeled as a sit on top it is more of a sit-in with an adjustable seat. The high “walls” on the side of the kayak are designed so that the rider won’t be directly impacted by incoming waves. This makes a great option for kayak surfing in small to medium waves in the ocean.

The only issue with the high walls might be that it does make the boat a little tight in width. People who are accustomed to sit on top kayaks where the boat’s width is not a factor might have problems.

As getting in and out of the kayak is not as easy as it would be on a typical fishing kayak. Plus you may feel a little trapped inside the kayak if you are not accustomed to sit in boats.

Notable Features

What We Liked

Plenty of things to like on this boat. First off we were really surprised that a boat of this size would be this light. It is truly something that stands out! Then while in the water it is really a very versatile boat.

It can handle some reasonable tough currents and medium sized waves in the ocean. That being said we don’t recommend stretching the boat’s limits to the max. Not because the boat can’t handle the rough going, but it isn’t the safest ride. While in very flat water it can actually pick up speed very quickly.

This was also somewhat a surprise. We guess we can trace back and thank its grace in the water to the low weight. It doesn’t take too many strokes to reach full speed either. One of the things that we rarely talk about is the fact that virtually anyone can use it safely. This boat has just that type of “it” factor.

It is light enough that kids won’t have a problem with it in the water. While being stable and even wide enough for parents to feel safe if they let the kids use it. We won’t on Amazon and a lot of people were asking about max capacity. As you can see from the bullet points max capacity is also something it excels at. It’s perfectly capable and long enough to hold an adult and a small child or a dog.

What We Do Not Like

This isn’t an outright critical point against the boat, just something we thought was strange. As we mentioned the boat has an amazing maximum weight capacity for a boat that size. Yet, heavier people have trouble fitting in it because the “seating” area is too narrow. This keeps a lot of bigger people away from this boat.

The second issue has to do with storage. Seriously in 9 feet, they couldn’t fit a dry storage hatch? We’ve seen people adapt one by making adjustments. That makes us raise our eyebrows even more. Wondering why they didn’t put one in standard. As you can see no performance issues. Just a couple of suggestions that could have made it better.

Buying Advice

This is one of the boats that it is such a safe buy at a price that people are still comfortable spending online. So if you really can’t find a dealer near you, it’s not that big a deal. Look for a trusted seller, preferably Amazon or straight from the factory. Then order it and wait for it to arrive at your door.Usually with products like this that don’t have a lot of little add-ons that can go missing. We recommend you skip the shopping process altogether and buy online. Heck, if you live near the beach go and rent one out like we did. That way you’ll get the first-hand experience you can’t get at the store! Then you can order it online with more confidence.

Conclusion

This is one of the best-rated boats out there. Not only by us but other users that have been kind enough to voice their opinion. That was also one of the reasons that we tried it in the first place. After our research, we too are comfortable giving it a very decent recommendation letter. What it really comes down to with boats is how much fun you are going to be able to have on them.In this case, you’d be getting a boat that is suitable for people of all ages. Plus you can ride it on virtually any given day or site. Like we always say though don’t just take our word for it. Do your research and get out on the water!

It’s not often that we come down real hard on any specific kayak in these reviews. We have no affiliation with any brand and that allows us to remain neutral.

When we came across this next boat though we were really torn. It is made to look like something it essentially is not. To be more specific the boat looks like a whitewater kayak, but even the manufacturer doesn’t recommend it for whitewater use. That for starters just gave us a bad feeling about it.

We first saw this boat when touring one of our favorite kayak stores. The first thing that came to our minds was that this was a product to lure in amateurs. Who could think that they are buying a high-quality product. Let’s take a longer look at the Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Vapor 10 to find out if our suspicions are true.

About The Product

For starters, it has a good aerodynamic design. It is very similar to a top of the line whitewater kayak in that regard. That is why we initially felt that it was trying to deceive customers. At least speed wise it can be up there with the best of them in calm waters. The reason that neither Old Town nor we recommend this boat for tougher use is the hull. It doesn’t provide enough stability in whitewater.This could serve as a good training boat for kids or people who want to start getting into whitewater kayaking. As the look and feel of the boat both in and out of the water is very similar to what you find in a whitewater kayak.

Just remember to stay in calm waters. It comes with an adjustable seat that is very comfortable in prolonged use. The cockpit also screams practice boat. It is a little wider than the typical sit-in kayak cockpit. This allows people who are not used to sit-in boats to start getting a feel for them. Without feeling closed in or anything like that. While getting used to entering a cockpit and feeling comfortable inside the boat.

The kayak originally does not come with rod holders or dry storage compartments. It basically has the compartments in place, though. Many stores offer to adapt this same boat for fishing by opening up rod holes and storage compartments. Which gives the boat a lot more versatility! If the boat is used in the proper circumstances it may end up being a good investment.

Key Points

What We Like

We actually warmed up to the idea of this boat as a training boat. Plus you have the option of adjusting it into a fishing boat later on. Which means you are going to be able to really get a good number of quality hours in the water with it.

The fact that you can get the look and feel of whitewater boat while still in safe territory is a good plus! The very accessible cockpit is also an idea that has grown on us. That way people of all sizes can use the boat comfortably. We usually focus on performance in these reviews, but with this boat, we do have to mention the price.

At $399 it is a great option for people who are just starting out. Few boats are going to give you as good an overall kayaking experience at that price. So it is obviously something we wanted to point out!

What We Do Not Like

Yes, the price is great! Yes, this boat is very versatile as you can convert it into whatever it is you like. The issue we have though is that we see it in many stores and even online and they give you just the price for what is basically an empty shell. All of the accommodations you want on the boat like rod holders are extras.

Which of course you have to pay for. It doesn’t even come with a standard paddle. If you don’t find the right retailer you might end up paying way over market value for this boat. Heck, we repeat the boat doesn’t even come with a paddle! So even though it is a great option for rookie users they can end up being ripped off.

We will never endorse what we believe to be sketchy sales tactics from companies. So this deducts a lot of points from this boat in our book. While we are still on the subject of negatives we should say we don’t love the balance either. This is one of those boats that could just be a whole lot better.

Yet the manufacturers insist on trying to deceive customers with certain aspects of the boat. That really did not sit well with us!

Buying Advice

With this boat, we strongly suggest you don’t skim over this section of the review! For starters, if you buy online keep in mind you will only be getting the boat itself.

The only things included are the carry handles and the seat. The rod holders, storage hatchets, and even the paddle are sold separately. Don’t expect to just unload your shipment directly at the lake and getting in the water. We recommend that you visit a local retailer. That way you can get an estimate of what the real cost of adapting the boat to what you need is.

So that when you do get in the water everything fits just right. For some people, the idea of a customizable boat may actually be appealing. Just make sure you are getting a fair price!

Conclusion

This boat can potentially be whatever you want it to be! The problem is if you are a beginner is you may not know what you really want it to be. It comes at a great price, but you will inevitably be charged a couple more because you will at least have to buy a paddle.

Mild kayak users that want to get into whitewater kayaking could really take advantage of this boat. That is who we think this boat fits best! Even then be very careful with where you buy and make sure you know exactly what it is you are getting before you actually pay for it!

The other day we tried out a boat that people were asking us about. We usually stick to higher performance boats, but we understand that sometimes they are a bit expensive.

We have gotten complaints that we don’t have enough boats for beginners. So we literally went on Amazon and looked for the top selling boats that had a cheap price tag on them. We quickly saw a good number of kayaks that people seemed to be flocking to buy!

We ordered the #1 selling touring kayak on Amazon the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10-Foot Sit-in Kayak. We have used a couple of Sun Dolphin products before so even though it was a less expensive option we didn’t expect a bad product. We weren’t wrong in that assessment!

About The Product

The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10-Foot Sit-in Kayak is a very simple boat. You can unwrap it and get right to the water. It comes with an adjustable paddle that can fit a good number of paddling styles. The boat comes with some very comfortable padding actually. It is a little more for show though as you probably won’t want to be using this boat on choppy waters.

It has a high pad at the end of the cockpit to serve as a back rest. It doesn’t come with what we could call a full seat though. So at first it takes a little getting used to. We were not able to take long rides as it became a little uncomfortable. Out on the water though it rides very smoothly.

You won’t need to put too much effort into getting up to full speed. It isn’t the fastest thing out there, but really decent for the price. It is kayaking made easy for beginners which is exactly what it’s supposed to be! We do want to point out though that it really shouldn’t be used in waters with even a mild current. This kayak is exclusively for very calm lake use!

Key Points

What We Like

We liked that the boat is really easy to use. You can get it straight into the water without having to worry a whole lot about any potential issue. At least in the shipping process. Also, you can reach a decent cruising speed without a monumental effort.

It makes the experience of being out on the water a very pleasant one. It does what it is supposed to for a boat in that price range. Don’t expect more or try and get more out of it.

What We Do Not Like

We already warned about using it in anything but extremely calm waters. The problem is that there are a lot of people out there on Youtube and other places comparing it to other higher performing boats. This has nothing to do with the manufacturer or the boat itself.

We want to point it out though because we don’t want you to buy this boat and end up in a difficult situation out there. Again not Sundolphin’s fault at all, but be careful with this boat. Try and stay within swimming distance of the shore. If you end up flipping or falling of the boat for any reason re-entry will be very difficult.

As the boat will be flooded with water and can quickly begin to sink. We could say that this boat is good as long as nothing unexpected ever happens. If something unexpected does happen you better hope you are close to shore. We don’t want to scare anyone away from this boat we just want them to be safe.

Buying Advice

We made the purchase online and got the boat wrapped in basically a huge plastic bag. Since the boat doesn’t have to many add-ons hanging on by a thread we don’t think you will have a problem. As long as you stick to basic colors you can get the boat for around 220 dollars with a paddle! It is one of the lowest prices out there.

Don’t expect a boat like this to last ten years and tackle anything you throw at it. It is a good buy to ride around until you get accustomed to kayaking. In our experience most people get hooked on kayaking especially if they spend long periods of time in the water.

If you live near lakes and things like that. You will probably want to upgrade in a hurry. If you want to step your game up and start riding in tougher waters we again suggest you upgrade to a better boat!

Conclusion

This boat is great for learning and getting a first hand experience into what being out in the water feels like. It won’t be to heavy in or out of the water so that is a definite plus. If you plan on buying this boat for kids we recommend that you never leave them unattended and don’t allow them to wander off to the middle of a deep lake. Keep as close to shore as possible!

At least until you feel very comfortable in your abilities, and you are not anywhere near currents or wakes. This boat is a bike with training wheels escentially. It teaches you how to ride, but sooner or later you are going to have to take them off if you want to get out on tougher terrain! Before we let you go we want to give out a final word of warning with regards to this boat.

There are a lot of people out there that recommend cutting it open to give you more storage room. This is just simply a bad idea. If you adapt your boat in that way it is going to sink if you flip over. Sure if everything goes great you will have more storage room on your boat. All you need though is for one bad day to put yourself in a dangerous situation.

This boat is not meant for thrill rides. It’s better to spend a couple more bucks on a boat with more storage room or one fit to tackle tough water. Than testing your luck pushing this boats limits!