Intex Explorer K2 Kayak Set Review
Kayaking is a delightful way to get some exercise while enjoying the beauty of nature. Recreational kayaking is a relaxed way to have a water adventure and the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak is perfectly suitable for that.
About The Product
The Intex Explorer K2 Kayak is an inflatable recreational kayak which can seat two adults. It is part of Intex’s Sport series and is perfect for kayaking on lakes or easy rivers.
The kayak is lightweight and can be easily be transported to go and explore the waters. It is perfect for both beginners starting out and for intermediate kayakers.
Main Features
The Intex Explorer K2 is a sturdy, inflatable kayak which is designed to be steered easily. It is lightweight and quick to assemble. The kayak has a cockpit design and a low profile, making it perfect for recreational kayaking.
It is made from heavy duty, puncture resistant vinyl and features two separate air chambers. It can easily be inflated or deflated with the included Intex high-output pump and has a Boston valve on either side.
Because of the two separate air chambers the kayak will remain floating in the event of a puncture. The chambers are situated in the main hull and the floor of the kayak.
The inflatable I-beam floor provides comfort and added rigidity.
The Intex Explorer K2 is very visible with its bright yellow color and this is an added safety benefit since you can easily be seen.
It features a removable skeg which provides directional stability. The two inflatable seats include backrests and they are adjustable and comfortable. There is a grab line and grab handle at both the rear and the front of the boat.
Included in the box is a carry bag, two 86” aluminum paddles, with the Intex high output manual pump and a repair kit.
Quick Summary
What We Like
There are so many positive things to say about the Intex Explorer K2. Firstly, it’s a great kayak for beginners since it is easy to assemble with everything you need included.
Another advantage, especially for beginners, is that the kayak is difficult to be capsized without intent. If it does overturn, its light weight allows you to easily put it back in the upright position.
Users have reported that re-entering the kayak is easy and that it doesn’t flip easily while doing it. This is good to know when you are in the middle of the lake and need to get back in after a swim.
A great safety benefit is the bright yellow color, since kayakers can easily be missed on the waters because of their low profile in the water.
The luminous yellow contrast of the kayak against the water helps you to be more visible to those on land which could help a lot if you run into trouble. It is US Coast guard approved, which offers added peace of mind.
The Intex Explorer K2 is quite spacious for an inflatable kayak and has enough space for both adults to sit comfortably. At the rear is extra cargo space for food, water, equipment etc. which also makes it suitable for fishing.
Weight wise the Explorer K2 is very light for an inflatable kayak, weighing only 30 lbs.
Something kayakers have mentioned is that the removable seats make it possible for the paddlers to sit on the inflated floor facing each other in the event that you want to stop and drift on a summer’s day.
Affordability is the Intex Explorer’s huge positive, and you would struggle to find a better value for money kayak on the market in this price class.
What We Don’t Like
While most users are satisfied with this kayak some have reported minor issues.
The paddles seem to be one of the biggest complaints. They are apparently not very sturdy and also not adjustable. The plastic connectors on the paddles also doesn’t seem that durable.
Some are critical about the black cockpit and bottom of the boat, since black absorbs more heat, which means the air in the kayak could expand. This might cause the kayak to be predisposed to over inflation which can cause tears or slow punctures. It might have been better to keep the yellow exterior color on the inside as well.
Kayakers have reported that although the skeg is removable it is not advisable to take it off since it makes steering extremely difficult. Many users have reported that the skeg was lost on their maiden voyage with the kayak. Some have advised to drill a hole in the skeg and tie it with a fishing line to your boat, so you would be able to find it in the event of it falling off.
The Explorer K2 can be used by just one person, but you would need to add extra cargo for more weight, otherwise you are very susceptible to the wind and tracking would be difficult.
Even though it is made from sturdy material it remains an inflatable kayak and small tears or slow punctures is not always avoidable. Therefore, this is not the kayak to take with you when riding rapids or exploring the open ocean. Keep this in mind if you are a more adventurous kayaker.
Buying Advice
The Intex Explorer K2 is currently available online for less than 100 USD on Amazon. This is an extremely good price for a first kayak. Make sure to buy from a site like Amazon rather than sites that you are not familiar with, since secure payment options and good after care service is essential when shopping online.
Conclusion
The Intex Explorer K2 is a two-person kayak designed for you and a partner to be able to relax and enjoy yourself in the great outdoors. It is lightweight, sturdy, very affordable and user friendly, which will make your kayaking experience all the more pleasant.
This is a great kayak for families, newbies to the kayaking world or even intermediate kayakers looking for a portable kayak that takes up minimal storage space.
Go try one out today and have a new adventure.