Choosing an inflatable kayak. What promo videos don't talk about
Вставка
- Опубліковано 7 чер 2020
- This video is meant for people interested in purchasing an inflatable kayak.
Index:
0:37 Inflatable vs hardshell
3:06 Inflatable kayak categorization
5:40 Brands
6:48 Common story of a novice paddler
8:00 Drying your kayak
10:13 Category 1 kayaks
12:25 Category 2 kayaks
12:48 Self-bailing technology
13:46 Category 3 kayaks
14:04 Kayak camping
14:38 Dropstitch technology
15:58 Is a high end kayak worth the money?
16:57 Double vs. tandem
17:56 SUPs vs kayaks - (Stand up paddle boards)
P.S. I want to be clear about Cat2 boats - I do personally have a prejudice against them because of the drying issue, but if that does not bother you they can be a great choice! - Спорт
With so many worthless influencer videos out there, this is a breath of fresh air. Thanks for the candid review and the value it brings due to your experience. Much appreciated!
Never have I trusted someone so much so quickly!
I have some ocean front property to sell you cheap! Its in the Mojave Desert....but it will be ocean front soon...trust me.
It’s the accent and the kayaks. You can’t not trust someone with so many kayaks.
Also, heed his warning about women who may only be interested in you for your kayak. They are everywhere.
The best 20 minutes I've spent on Inflatable Kayaks, EVER...🛶 Than You!
it's quite possible that this is the best video I've ever watched on UA-cam. No "cliffhanger" BS, funny, informative, straight to the point. THANK YOU.
Dude, can you please review every single aspect of life?
I love your comment.
Next review would be the pump or paddle
this is literally what's on my mind right now.
hahahaha
the analogies pretty hilarious, but super spot on.
Chris, I live with this man and lemme tell you - yes, he can review every single aspect of life. 😂
Oh my god.. so true
This was the single most useful review I found when I started to investigate inflatable kayaks!!!!
I agree!
me 2.. ten best video for beginners
50 years of paddling hard boats [the latest an 18' carbon rocket] and now shopping for an inflatable, thanks for the concise evaluation. The best toy is the one you use the most.
Make sure if you're going to be on flat water to get a skeg. Otherwise straight tracking is a pain.
Edit: they make after market skegs that can be attached the same as a patch.
I’ve seen good reviews, bad reviews and everything in between but this is EXCEPTIONAL! Thank you so much for putting in the effort to cover everything a beginner like me wants and needs to know. I’m going to try a Category 1 Intex for me and my beloved. If we get on well and use it often I’ll upgrade to a Category 3. Many Thanks from the UK.
I just cannot belive what I watch. AT LAST some one in internet talks things usefull not ballox around his own ego, trying to prove he know much talking a lot about nothing.
This video is 100% legit and 200% informative. Thank you J.
Agreed! Hubby and I are just now looking to buy a double.
This was really informative. I will have to go back , watch again and review with a notepad!
Absolutely
This video is so exceptionally done it encouraged me to make my first real youtube comment. Fantastic advice, saved me from making the Category II error right off the bat. The drying issue is a deal breaker. This should be the first video anyone watches that is thinking of buying an inflatable kayak. You rock Jack!
The plus side of a fabric over bladder (air tubes) is durability/protection, especially on floors and when taking a dog along (nails). Other plus is that in the event of a blown or ripped tube, the bladder is easily replaceable (unzip and replace) vs a kayak without replaceable tube, it's game over and into the dumpster. Love Advanced Element kayaks for this design. The other one I own is the Aire Sawtooth as it has a built in pressure relief valve for protection, built like a tank, but it's a more wet ride with lots of scuppers, but certainly a well respected hybrid touring/white water kayak. Lots of good info here Jack! Well done.
Yes, great video.
@@gloppy101 Does the development of the drop stitch type of construction sort of work against the Adv Element type kayak these days? From what i have been reading it sort of looks like it to me, but i really have no experience with inflatables so just wondering.
LOL..Category II is a term he made up. Fabric over bladders offer extra protection against punctures and if one is damaged beyond repair, the chamber is replaceable vs the whole kayak being tossed in the recycling bin on non replaceable tubes/chambers. Dry time of a kayak is subjective due to temps and how well one towel dries the kayak. There's a reason why white water kayaks like Aire and NRS use fabric over the tubes..it's protection. One never hears a white water paddler whine about dry time as it's a non issue.
Same here. I was about to buy the same cat 2 kayak. Thank you!
Jack, we cannot thank you enough for this informative video! When researching inflatable kayaks a couple of years ago it was easy to get mired down in marketing-speak. You cut through all that, and provide experiential advice from someone who has familiarity with all types.
We chose the Sea Eagle Explorer 380X and it has brought us great joy and fantastic wildlife viewing as we paddle rivers and lakes in the Midwest. We get a real kick out of folding it up and driving home or back to the campsite.
For a couple of seniors who have occasional limitations biking and hiking this portable watercraft has opened up new opportunities to engage with the outdoors.
About the category 1 tracking issue. Use two or three inflatable water jerrycans, and just fill them to the brim with the water your paddling on. Put those in the kayak foreband aft, this will help you to keep a more steady course.
I came to learn about inflatable kayaks, didn't expect to get dating advice :)
You are welcome :-)
Hahahahaha
@@inneradventures You should make loads more videos dude! There's obviously a lot of people interested in your views and reviews.
I'm trying to look at a 2 person kayak at the moment but am getting stuck with the weight limits of these inflatable boats.
I guess with inflatable kayaks, as with dating, it's important to be long and firm and to handle yourselves well when wet.
yeah, and even partner stuff. NO WAY i'm getting in a kayak with my partner after I heard what he said :D
"I've owned about 40 inflatable kayaks" enough said.
I have three and I'm satisfied with all of them. They are Advanced Elements. The oldest one I've had ten yrs and still working well.
We use them several hundred km every year.
I had to rewind that to confirm!
40 thats alot that you said everthing better to buy a Good hard one! :)
Do you know which of this two-person kayaks is easier to dry? The AQUAGLIDE 145 CABRIO or the Advanced Elements Convertible
It's not enough said why have you had so many is it cause you love them or because they are crap?
I have an Intex Challenger K1 and, now that me plus gear is too heavy for it, a K2. I recently took the K2 on a 4-day trip in northern Finland and had so much fun, for $100ish you really can't argue with the bang for the buck.
Tandem versus two singles: Now that I have a second boat, I often paddle with friends. Rather than just taking the K2 for both of us, I always bring the K1 as well. This lets us pull alongside facing each other, put the paddles across both boats, and just drift while we chat, share snacks, etc. I find that more fun than someone trying to look over their shoulder - and it makes looking at a map together actually possible.
Looking to upgrade at some point but can't quite justify the jump to $800+ drop-stitched yet.
I have a K1 and it's one of my favorite boats I've ever owned! I paid less than $100 and liked it so much I got two so I could bring a friend! (I did also get a K2 but haven't had a chance to mess with it much. However my goal with that one is not as a tandem kayak but to rig it for sailing!)
@@4saken404 They really are brilliant boats for the money. And way more fun with a friend :) I finally made the jump to a drop-stitch boat (Itiwit X500) but I still love the Intex.
I'll be interested to hear how you get on with rigging a sail on that K2. My experience with the K2 is that it's far more flexible even than the K1, so anything other than running straight downwind with a typical small kayak sail is likely to get entertaining very quickly, I reckon. Good luck! :)
@@6yjjk I'm just going to put a board along the bottom (inside) for rigidity. Then I'll use that as something to help mount my sail and any kind of leeboard or rudder. The main reason for me wanting something like the K2 is that I can take out the seat and sit against a side wall when I am sailing. More comfortable and also lets me utilize my body weight to keep it from heeling over as much.
I hope one day UA-cam will only allow videos like yours uploaded. So much insightful. Thank you for 20 mins and years of dedication for kayaking.
This video was like listening to a message from my future self warning me that I am about to make the wrong decision about what inflatable kayak to buy. Thanks Jack!
Exactly what i was thinking! Thanks
It was impossible to steer it. Paddle broke at first stroke. Washed it after 5 minutes, packed it and sold it.
www.amazon.com/Sevylor-Rio-1-Person-Fishing-Canoe/dp/B00J0S0JFE?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_5
@@batasablind2559 Don't you just love those alluring promotions in the sales literature? By the way, its currently unavailable, so maybe others have complained too. Time for a re-design?
I just wish I had seen this video before getting married.
Like your comment. You meant getting married to a kayak, it makes sense; to a human, irrelevant.
We had a SeaEagle explorer for 14 years until my boys grew up and moved onto other things. We took it down grade 3 white water, bounced over many barnacle encrusted rocks, landed on rocky shorelines and took it 4 miles out to meet a friend in a small fishing boat off west Cornwall. I have hard shell sea and river kayaks but don't keep them on the roof all the time, the SeaEagle stayed in the back of a series of 4x4s for many years and over 100k miles and we found so many unexpected places to paddle. No damage, no dangerous moments just loads of reliable fun. Do check weather and sea forecasts, do assume they are underestimating what might happen, always take safety comms and take a pump and repair kit on board just in case.
Ur inflatable lasted for 14 years? Wow. I keep getting info about how they last from 5-10 years under proper maintenance and care from the local stores. Your thoughts?
Mine (cheap 30ish € Aldi buy) is just getting up to 18 now, still going strong. Some valves are slowly becoming a bit dodgy but still work reliably enough for my purposes (quick paddle after work, or messing around on holidays). If worst comes to worst its five chambers so even one loosing all air would be inconvenient rather than dangerous
This is brilliant! So, so glad I found this video before any others. THANK YOU!!!!
Thank you for taking the time to go in-depth and share the questions we SHOULD be asking, and letting us know the behind-the-scenes nittty-gritty. Very well done!
Thank You! I've been suffering from a bad case of "analysis paralysis" and you have just cured me. This is the most useful video on UA-cam on the topic of inflatable kayaks.
So glad I could help!
Same here!
I have been using inflatable kayaks for 2 decades on class 1-3 river rapids. I have used all 3 category types, and many of the brands he mentioned. This review is 100% correct. Listen to him and consider his points before buying...i currently have a category 2 (advanced elements). However, if i had the money--i would go category 3 drop stich for sure. And the drying aspect of category 2 is a pain....
I also have an advanced elements, and have had it since, the 90's? Not a single issue, used primarily in the ocean offshore, paddled through the surf, in and out, and...since I always wash the kayak when I get back, (or sometimes the next day.. heheh) the drying thing has been a total non issue. AND, I'm one of those guys who also owns and paddles hard shelled kayaks, but also skinned frame kayaks, one of which is from Russia and is not only the fastest kayak I own, but one of the most structurally sound. (was made for the Russian Spetsnaz, can carry god knows how much weight, and is just short of 22 ft long. When packed, it is like a full sized military duffel and is easily transportable, whether by foot, car or plane. If you want pure performance and convenience, I might advise one of the rotomolded boats which are not expensive, very strong, and frankly, if you're not strong enough to load it onto a roof rack, ...., 'floating down rivers' in a tube or raft might be more your thing than kayaking...
Do you think the “ drying issue” mentioned in relation to Cat II has more to do with where you live? Eg in a cold damp V a warmer Mediterranean climate?
Also AE seems to have dropped stitched PVC boats in their range too, so thinking some of the negatives mentioned re AE mught be dependent in “ which model” you choose? 🤔
I love the marriage analogy. If only you'd said "inflatable kayaks are generally very stable, unlike many marriages" lol.
Thank you for a sound, thorough tutorial! Much appreciated! The drying issue is important; thanks for reminding us!
The most useful kayak advice I’ve seen. I wish I had seen 3 months ago. Thank you!
David Unruh what kayak did you end up getting?
@@robdob maybe cheap walmart kayak $50 ?
@@robdoba Intex Excursion Pro. So far so good. The AE Convertible I had was great on the water but was too unwieldy for my 72 year old bones to deal with on land.
Thank you so much for including the drying aspect of owning and inflatable. I was looking for this info everywhere! You made me change my mind about type 2 kayaks, so glad!
I went to a meet up of kayakers yesterday, to ask questions . Today I’m here. These points you are making helps me so much
You need to do more reviews on everything that's out there. Straight to the point and you give the information everyone is searching for ..Every question was answered and more.... Thanks ...
This has been the best 20 minutes of my day. I so stoked on trying out kayaks. Thanks Jack!
I am beyond grateful for your experience, knowledge, and advice! I’m SO GLAD I found your video before making my first Kayak purchase, thank you 👊🏼
You are well prepared before you start, you know your subject matter to the nth degree, and your presentation is tops. An excellent kayaking video, and a model for how to do other informative ones generally. Thank you!
Never thought about drying. Thanks for all the info.
Good advice. Very thorough. Just on time when I'm thinking of buying one
This was the most informative video ever!
Very thorough and well organized by the 3 categories. Extremely helpful!
Also, best video EVER on inflatable kayaks!!! I have had about 10 in my life and you are really helping people who have no idea!! Rock on!!!
my favorite part is the transition at 10:26
Seamless. Like the Sea Eagle.
Having just purchased a Sea Eagle tandem, I'm happy to hear your expert review, and looking forward to our first ride.
A really impressive review. I have some experience myself up to category 2 and have tested many types of kayaks. I have to say I totally agree with almost anything you say. This might be one of the best and objective reviews of all reviews (any topic) I have seen on UA-cam.
Jeez, I'm definitely re-evaluating. Much gratitude for such am informative, honest and encouragement. Safe travels🤗
Thanks, this was really good. I bought a Sea Eagle PaddleSki several years ago. Really great boat. I looked hard at Advanced Elements, glad I didn’t wind up with one.
Love, love, love my Sea Eagle Razorlite. So glad you agree! Happy Paddling.
I 've been waiting for this video for more than 10 years! Thanks a lot for your excellent work!!!
This is the first time that I saw a complete review about inflatable kayaks. Congratulations! It’s really good! - Sao Paulo - Brazil
This is an excellent review. Thoughtful, useful - worth every minute if you're considering an inflatable kayak of any type!
So many great advices! I've been inflatable kayaking almost 20 years. Still have Innova Sunny tandem, which I took all over the places. Still looks good for another 20 yrs. New Alfonso from Innova looks interesting!
Can't thank you enough for your advice on this. Incredibly helpful. I wish someone would give you a show having adventures and giving tips on camping, boating, and hiking.
Brilliant video, me and my other half have just started looking into getting some inflatable kayaks and this video really broke down the terms and eliminated all the confusion so thanks!
This was the single most useful review I found when I started to investigate inflatable yakkaks!!!!
The details mentioned would have never crossed my mind. Thanks for sparing us the headaches from our ignorance.
This is probably the most useful video I've seen on the subject, thanks. Well done Jack!
This video is great! Sober, thorough, and knowledgeable. Thank you!
The most amazingly useful video ever on inflatable kayaks!
I've just started looking at these watercraft, and have enjoyed your analysis of the wide range available.
The discussion about the number of paddlers onboard was very useful.
Splitting them into 3 categories is brilliant, allowing you and the viewer to grapple with a sensible means of comparison, pointing out the advantages and disadvantages within each class.
well done! We are looking to get one for lakes, thank you for being so informative and in a timely manner. Top job!
This might be the most useful, comprehensive, and fun review on any subject that I’ve watched. Thank you!
Really appreciated your in depth analysis and honesty. So tired of reviews that never say anything negative.And didn't mind your dating advice even though I am 73 and not looking for a date. Was nice to have the human touch. When can we go kayaking together?
Appreciate your insight and it has helped to inform my purchasing decision. I was attracted to the "Cat II" and the drying issue was very much in my mind. The extra cost for the "Cat III" makes since in the long run if used frequently. Thank you for posting this video and sharing your experience.
Great job Jack! I'm looking forward to watching part 2.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and advice on an informative and straightforward way. Cat 3 for me which I have now purchased.
Love that the undervalued social prestige of kayaking is a great test for a relationship! :D
Thank you for this video. I have been feeling very stuck in the rat race of life and really need to get away onto the water. When I have a chance, I love to go hiking and visiting new natural places. Whenever I go hiking somewhere and see a boat dock, or a landing pad in the water, I always wish to go on that journey. Your video has really helped me with my kayaking knowledge, and has really helped me find one for myself within my budget. Thanks for all the advice! Just wanted to let you know you made my decision on which one to get a lot easier. :D Cheers
Brilliant, super helpful video for my husband and I as novice kayakers. Thank you so much!
hi Jack this is a great video, with a single point of review with different categories. Thank you , this video has been a very useful one.
This is the best video I have seen about an introduction to anything. It seems to have the right amount of content and the attention to details are awesome. You are easy to follow, and I needed to watch until the very end. I wasn't expecting your video to pop up on my screen, and I am glad it did. Continue your teaching, sir, you are great! I am on the fence right now about a purchase, but may within a year.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you very much for all the good information! We've had our sea eagle 6 years now and Love it!!!
J Baikoff, you knocked it out of the park!! Thanks for this great tutorial on the three basic types of inflatables. I've had several, and own two at present, yet I learned a lot from your video. Many thanks. Really appreciate it.
I've been researching kayaks for 6 months as I plan to buy one for next summer. This was the MOST helpful over anything I've read. Thank you.
Amazing Review, best I Have watched so far. We have a sea eagle 370 and we struggle a bit with the kayak spinning on longer sea expeditions. Looking to upgrade and your video is so informative.
That was by far one of the most enlightening videos on the topic of inflatable kayaks. Thanks, you helped me a lot!!
Fantastic review! I'm going in for a category 1 after watching this, for my first kayak.
One of the best, accurate, online reviews I''ve watched. Thank you for clear, objectives, accurate, and well-informed perspectives. I'm now ready to make my next kayak purchase!
Addressed all my questions about inflatables!! Great info!!
Fantastic video thank you. I was unaware of drop stitch canoes, they sound amazing.
Had I seen this earlier I may have gone down a different route. But our folding Nautiraid canoe gets us out on the water and has the advantage of fitting all three of us plus camping gear.
Great, and thorough review. Well done and thank you for this first time Category 1 purchaser. All the best from New Zealand.
As a former satisfied Folbot owner (sadly, the company is now out of business) I started looking into inflatable kayaks with some trepidation. This video is extremely helpful and I also laughed out loud at some of Jack's pointed observations. His anlaysis and observations ring true! And also encourages me at 70+ years to get back on the water. Thank you, Jack for sharing your valuable experience.
I have the Sea Eagle Kayak 370. I bought it seven years ago and have used it over 40 times. It slow, but very stable.
Andy, I still want the Folbot Cooper and sad they are no longer in business. They made some fine kayaks.
I was searching for an inflatable fishing pontoon and ended up here. I wish more reviews were like this. Straight to the point and info to back it up. Thank you good sir.
Wow, this one video is the best intro to inflatable kayaks I have ever seen. Well done and thanks for some good information.
As an older man interested in kayaking for the first time, I found your video very informative and honest. Thanks for taking the time.
Hi, I own a class 2 Sevilor Colorado for 17 years, and it hanged out pretty well, it was quite expensive and I totally agree with you in every aspect. On the market for a new one, and looking at the ones from Decathlon. Thank you so much for the video. Very, very good...
thanks for the video! really helpful for beginners, I didn't even think about drying kayaks (now going to buy one).
Very useful analysis and review. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.
Finally, a review of inflatable kayak's that's actually helpful!
I've owned a Sea Eagle Catamaran Kayak for almost 20 years. It's awesome. It skims very fast along the top of the water. Very easy to inflate and to maneuver and steer. Great presentation.
Really informative video. Thanks for taking the time to put it together as I search for my first inflatable kayak.
REALLY REALLY REALLY Great video. Thanks for the time you took to explain the "undocumented features" of the differing brands and technologies, and for explaining the pitfalls and benefits of the different categories
Advice about drying before putting away!!!! Stellar advice. Makes since why chosing one is SOOO important.
Thanks! I was set on an advanced elements, but as you say, nobody mentioned drying! Sea eagle now looks very appealing even if more expensive.
Great video, you helped me a lot with my decision to purchase the Sea Eagle, it was high on my list but your review helped me finalize the decision. Keep the great videos coming.
Best product and category survey I have seen. Really well done!
I think we had the same first experience with Advanced Elements orange inflatable kayak. Packing was a total pain and it got smelly fast. It was really hard to dry in the Seattle weather. Thank you for your informative video.
Never Even Sat' In a Kayak In My Entire Life' Yet Your Presentation Is So Excellent and Intelligently Complimentary' That Im Genuinely Intrigued In These Atmospheric Flotation Devices ! - and Hoping These Manufacturers See This Great 'Real World Experience Critique' Video To Energize Actual Improvements Through New Technological Innovations! Most Awesome Sir' Thank You! A Clueless New Subscriber🌈
Wow! Just found your channel and the info contained was amazing in the overall knowledge in user experience. Too many times reviews expand on the good points but fail to mention the downsides that can be a deal breaker longer term. Giving us that info can save us money and frustration.
Many thanks for a great review!
I've just started tHinking about getting a kayak so your video is quite handy & very well done. Thank you.
Good work, J. Baikoff. I would just add in addition that two paddlers is necessary for many overnight trips as conditions may require more expedient travel, obviously not the case when each preferably has his or her own kayak. Also, there is the synchronistic element that you touched on-it is quite pleasant to paddle in tandem and it creates a rhythm that compliments the natural environment. I highly recommend it, though it may not be as efficient. And to your point about using it as a litmus test for the suitability of a potential partner-definitely!
Man this is the best video ever, amazing review. You should review more things!
Found this video recently while kayak shopping & wanted to add my thanks. You saved me from the category 2 we were going to purchase because we had no idea about the drying issue. Thanks for making this.
Thank you for making this video it really help me to think about things I have not thought about yet, and as a complete newb i learned a lot!
I love my mans brutal honesty.
Haha, I just came back from Next Adventure here in Portland and looking for more info on inflatable kayaks. So glad to find someone here in Portland with such great info!
Those guys are great. I certainly endorse that store.
@@inneradventures - Great store, for sure, but the inflatable ones they had were way more than I wanted to pay for my first try. And the Intex one I want is sold out everywhere except for sketchy places I found on the internet. So, the search continues.