Best Box Store Kayak Value in 2022
Вставка
- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- This year we decided to kick off the kayak buying season with a trip to our local Box Store to see what they had to offer. It came as no surprise to see that many of the prices had made a big jump due to the current inflation our economy is facing. With that said we did find a few good buys, as well as a few things that maybe we should avoid. I hope you found this video helpful. We'll be back next week with a review of the Blade 120.
=========================================
Thank for joining us today
Please do not forget to subscribe and drop us a like!
=========================================
For more information head over to www.headwatersk...
Facebook / headwaterskayak
Instagram www.instagram....
=========================================
Ready to Get on the Water? Use our Affiliate Links to Purchase:
FeelFree Kayaks: www.feelfreeus...
3Waters Kayaks: www.3waterskay...
Jonny Boats: jonnyboats.com...
Seastream Kayaks: www.seastreamk...
Looking forward to your review of the blade 120. I was inches from buying it last week when I got a good price on a boreal Baltic 120. My “dream” kayak is the Aventura 125 (feel free) which are hard to find. The day after I ordered my Baltic, ffeelfree emailed that the 110s and 125s are available for order. But the deal on the Baltic (at REI) is so good, I’m sticking with it. Hope I don’t regret my decision!
In other news, my daughter loved your review on the blade 97, and can’t live without it. She’s already named the orange one Freddie. She doesn’t know I bought it already. Just need to sneak it home in my Honda Civic. Wish me luck!
Good luck! Sounds like your about to have a great summer.
went kayaking for the very first time yesterday, was on some cheap rental, but i came across your channel and have been binge watching these videos as i browse to buy a kayak.
vibe!
Same! My wife and I fell in love yesterday with kayaking through the springs here in Florida. Been watching this channel ever since!
Did you get one yet?
Same 😂
Hi Dan, I was just about to pull the trigger on the Blade 120 when I saw this video, I’m going to wait to see what you think, then make the decision! Thanks for all the great videos. I just got into kayaking last year, with a Ocean Kayak Prowler, and looking for a second kayak for my family to come along.The blade was the candidate. Can’t wait to see your review!
Awesome. Filming it this week. Hope to have it out next week.
Thanks so much. Had to be one of the best reviews for anything I've seen. Great knowledge, and insight to share.
Paddled a Perception tandem13.5, tracked well and was a nice paddle, it only had one seat on the rental but now I know what a sit inside feels like, big difference. The prices are way high with inflation, thanks for the video.
I’ve wanted to get some kayaks for a couple years. My work has kept me busy. I finally got a Tamarak on sale after Thanksgiving 2023. I would use it for playing in lakes and fishing. I paid $150 for it. I am thinking of getting 3-4 more kayaks for the family. I need a good hauling solution for that.
I just bough a Blade 120. Basically I'm brand new to paddlesports all together. I am 6'3" 245 lbs so I wanted a twelve foot for relatively cheap. I ended up paying $470ish in Jan '23.
Hi Dan! Looking forward to your review of the Blade 120, but have you had a chance yet to paddle it and gain first impressions? I'm seriously considering buying it, based on your opinion that its design is very close to the Pungo. I love Wilderness Systems, used to have a 2001 Ride 13 footer, but I can't currently justify spending that kind of money on a 2nd kayak. Thanks for all the great work, your videos make me homesick for California paddling, especially the Cosumnes and other parts of the delta!
Sorry, got a little behind on responding to comments, but the full review is up here if you haven't seen it already: ua-cam.com/video/mB4LWf4Dtsc/v-deo.html
I’d like to see you do a review of the new version Perception Tribe sit-on top kayak. I’m thinking about purchasing one. Thanks.
The Tribe is well made and paddles better than any of the stuff we looked at here at Dicks. They typically are sold through Indies. Also they are easy to find as rentals if you looks around.
Just bought a cheap lifetime kayak because the local Ace was clearing them out for a couple hundred bucks. Been really interested in getting into kayak fishing as a way to get off the local lakes that get so crowded in the height of summer. Essentially no investment on my end and an easy way to check it out, and if I like it, let me get an idea of what I want in a “good” boat to upgrade to. I have a background in paddling, but not kayaking (expedition canoeing), so I know I’m going to like being back in a silent sport. Been enjoying and appreciating your videos.
That’s a deal! Stoked your getting out and enjoying it.
I'm watching your video while loading up my new Yukon 116. It's a nice upgrade from my Pelican.
That’s funny. Multitasking.
yes,.
They were stocked! Great video with so much great info!
Thx guys.
Honestly, in that price range, I will buy a used older generation Cobra or Ocean Kayak. Probably will paddle a lot better, and because already second hand will not lose much in regards to resale value.
I agree with buying a quality used kayak and getting more bang for your $$.
Dang paid 450 for the hook 10.5 a couple years ago... 8 percent inflation my ass nice video
Yes 8% is not true in the kayak world. More like 20-30%
Dan, thank you for the periodic kayak reviews. Are there any kayaks you've recommended in this video that have good floatation? If they capsize will they float?
The sit on tops all float if flipped. None of the sit insides have floatation. I’m doing a budget Vs Name brand video and will highlight this amongst other differences when buying box store kayaks.
Like he had mentioned, sit inside kayaks will fill up with water if tipped because they are mostly closed besides where you sit. Sit-on kayaks are much better to combat this because of the obvious open space that allows no water to get in and sink it.
Love the video. Would be awesome to see a review of any Hoodoo kayak. I've been interested in their brand since they are so young (est. 2019) and their Impulse 105 and 120 look incredible for the price point.
I can't speak to the pedal kayaks but my other half and I were NOT impressed with their regular sit on tops. Seats were ridiculously cheap and impossible to get situated in and the kayaks themselves were VERY unstable feeling.
Probably won’t mess with them; they’re just ordering boats off alibaba and putting a logo on them. Generally kayaks from alibaba are made as cheaply as possible and warp, crack, and fail really easily. I’ve seen other brands pop up with this exact business model before and it’s usually not a good product for the money. Some of these should look familiar: m.alibaba.com/trade/search?SearchText=fishing%20kayak&from=header&
Thank you for the response. I went with a Hobie PA14 instead and am loving every second on the water with it. @@HeadwatersKayak
You skipped over my pelican sot. lol Inflation is ridic! I got my kayak for $150 hahahaha B4 the pandemic. Price gouging is off the charts.
Yeah inflation has raised the prices a bunch. I have one of the 10 foot pelican pioneer fishing kayaks I bought last year for $470. I think its almost $100 more this year. I thought about maybe upgrading this year but the prices have gone up so much I decided to just stick with what I have. The seat is very comfortable and it paddles fine for the smaller lakes I fish. Its also holding up really well. So for me spending a bunch of extra money just wasnt worth it.
We all need to be smart with our $$ right now. It’s a jungle out there.
So I just watched you video buying the Field & Stream Blade 120. You said you were going straight out to test, but don't see a video. Did you make one? If not,tell me you review of it. I'm. Very interested in getting that one, its cheaper than the LL Bean Manatee Deluxe I'm currently lookin at getting.
It's the next video in this series. ua-cam.com/video/mB4LWf4Dtsc/v-deo.html
Thoughts on Field & Stream Axe 100 angler? Looking to get my first kayak and take it on calm lakes and rivers.
Thoughts on the perception sound 10.5
I just bought a pelican sentinel 100xp. But I can't find any decent reviews on it on UA-cam.
If you're ever on the east coast, come check out Gone Bananas in Massachusetts.
Will do!
The 5 under 300 you did a while ago was with the blade 80 or 120? Thanks!
Walmart has some inflatable kayaks from $90-$140, i'd love to see a review on one of those or hear your thoughts if you've had any experience with those.
I’ve got one I need to try out. Bought it off Amazon. Impex inflatable
I have a serious question. I just bought my daughter a F and S Blade kayak. How best can I make it buoyant for her? I see inflatables for the front and back. Since there are no sealed bulkheads, I am wondering about diy answers. Can I fill the space behind the seat with pool noodles, enough to float the rear? Can I use an expandable foam like great stuff in front? Can I epoxy buoyancy foam around the inside? Anything more permanent than inflatables? A video on how to place inflatables would be nice. Thanks.
Look Noodles work great. Also kayak float bags. NRS makes some, but they can be found on Amazon as well.
I have two sundolphin and they are good for what I use them for but I have never used anything else so I have a limited experience but for around 200. At Wal-marts they good for cheap
They work, but I find them to be unstable for many folks. We see lots of capsized sun dolphins leaving the dock at our boathouse. The Tamarack is my favorite Walmart Kayak.
@@HeadwatersKayak I use mine for small Missouri rivers I have not tried them on lakes so that might be the big difference mine are 10' but once I get more river and lake time under my belt I will probably want something better
Dan,
Do you have a basis for an opinion on the Origami Paddler?
Dick's has a great selection, but Walmart not so much. I was lucky to find a Lifetime Tamarack 103 Pro for $379 at a local Walmart, but they are not available at any other Walmart within a 100 miles of me, or online.
Love these videos. Am curious your thoughts on the Sun Dolphin Boss 12SS, also sold under the name Ozark Trail 12ft Pro Angler (Ozark Trail at Walmart). As a 5 ft 9in, 220 lb guy who wants to fish I like the 500lb capacity even if it isn't a good cruiser.
Yes they are stable. Kinda cheaply made is my only gripe
@@HeadwatersKayak good to know
Any reviews of the perception kayaks? Like perception access 11.5? I'm looking for my first kayak and I like how it's all one piece, not much that can fail or break. If not the perception, any recs for something similar?
I’ve never used that particular kayak, but in general Perception makes some well build budget boats. Feelfree Kayaks also does a nice job bridging the gap between cheap box store kayaks and expensive kayaks.
@@HeadwatersKayak oh those look good! Thanks for the rec!
Looking at getting a Jackson Bite kayak.
Just not a lot of reviews on it out there.
I have one video that compares it to a Crescent Lite Tackle. It was an OK boat, but there is better product out there.
surprised by your vibe comment. that's a low-end skip jack but I'm in love with my yellow fin 100 ..also have seaghost 110 by Vibe.
I use to be a dealer for many years. The plastic on their cheaper kayaks is garbage. The sea ghost are ether made at a different factory in china, or they just use better plastic. But the Skipjacks and yellowfins were always cracking on us.
@@HeadwatersKayak I'm sure that's why sea ghost weighs 80+ 🤣
Dan, another great video. Interesting to see what the big box stores as I have not found shop like yours in Northern VA. I'm a relatively big guy, 6 foot 270 lbs, would the lifetime teton pro 116 fishing kayak work for me? It would be for fishing on small to mid size lakes. Specs says it's rated to about 330 lbs would that be enough. Other choices would be the ascend but heaed good and bad about. Other suggestions? Thanks
Recommend you try out Appomattox down in Farmville.. its a bit of a drive from Nova but worth it. They let you test a kayak for $50 on the actual river before you buy and if you chose it you get that $50 as a credit to the purchase price. It definitely makes a difference if you have body considerations (I'm 5 ft tall so for me it was testing things to make sure adult size was manageable at the weight I needed which is "plus size" when adding 80 lbs of dog passengers
Hi Dan. New to your channel and kayaking. My husband and I are both looking to purchase our first set of kayaks. We've rented them in the past and really enjoyed the time on the water. I have watched your budget kayak videos and I am still honestly not sure which one would be best for me. Initially I was all about the sit in, but now after watching videos I'm thinking about sit on. We are looking at kayaks for dual purpose. We want for kayaking around out local lakes here in Northern CA and then also for some fishing. I was going to go with the Blade 97 since I am only 5' and weigh 130, but didn't like the idea of not being able to get back in the kayak if it tips, which I am sure will happen at some point. Hence I am now leaning towards a sit on top kayak. However, I don't want to spend more than $550 for a kayak. I would like primary and secondary stability, easy to paddle and not a lot of swaying when paddling That is why I was going to go with the Blade, but again I think I might need a sit on top. Could you give me a recommendation please for a sit on top that would move through the water like the Blade, but give that extra safety of a sit on top for re-entering the kayak? Thanks Dan. Hoping to go to Dicks or other local box shop this weekend to purchase.
have you ever dealt with the ascend 12t sit on kayaks ? we have 2 of them and love to fish from them . not real fast but they are very stable .
I have not. We don’t have any Bass Pro Shops near us so I don’t see them around.
The Blade 90 doesn't have a back bulkhead?
Correct
The Holy Grail.... 🤘😎
Looking for reviews on so good Sea kayak's. Like Seward. Not much out here for us more advanced paddlers.
I’d love to get my hands on more Sea Kayaks. Thanks for the Feedback.
We have six in our family. What kayak would you recommend without spending a ton of money??
Tamarack from Walmart. Lifetime Wave kids kayaks. Maybe a double as well.
@Headwaters Kayak Am I the only whos not interested in paddling ? Most your videos are either using paddles or pedal yaks..
I was wondering if theres a yak you can recommend that's with a flat back so I can add an aircooled outboard motor instead of a tapered one ? ( maybe not too pricy )
Im considering maybe 10 - 12ft length.. im not really a fan of paddling and I just want to get to my location sooner to fish.
Looking for your earnest reply.
Thanks
PS. I'm from Philippines
Paddling and pedaling is pretty much our thing. As it is there’s already way more topics to cover than we’ll ever have time to get to, adding motors just gives us another rabbit hole. If a manufacturer sends us a motorized boat to review we’ll do it (like we did with Johnny Boats), but it’s unlikely otherwise.
The only kayak I know if that comes with a transom mount is the Riot Mako 14. Generally the torque from an outboard is too much for the plastic on a kayak, but I have seen people make modifications that basically create a transom mount with the motor hanging over the side of the kayak just behind the seat (I believe Railblaza still makes one), but these are generally intended for trolling motors still as the plastic is the limiting factor.
Try sundolphin bali ss. Kinda wanna see your opinion. Literally the most terrible boat I've ever tried
It’s a turd for sure.
@@HeadwatersKayak yup that was my first kayak. If you do that one that'll prolly be the funniest video you got lol
I haven't been to a Dick's in a while. Surprised to see so much inventory.
The body glove paddle sucks. And I guarantee half the sticker will stay on. The first I bought pulled the pattern off the paddle! But it works though. And I have not broken it.
Thanks for the feedback. I agree that it looked cheap and built to fail.
Do you have an opinion on 8’ kayaks at a decent price, under $500?
8’ kayaks are not worth buying IMO. They push tons of water and are typically very tippy. I see no advantage to them.
You can shuffle the old reviews to their new price in a new video.
Last time I tried to get more Bang for my $. I didn't get a good paddling. I got arrested 😳 ( just kidding)😂
Headwaters Kayak, Dan where is this particular Dick’s Sporting Goods located?
Redding CA
Leatt hat. Do they make kayaking gear also? I just know them from motocross
Haha when I’m not paddling I’m riding and racing MTB. They make great stuff for bikes now.
What kind of info can you give for buying paddles?
Buy a carbon shaft and thank me later. Lighter is better, and a name brand company like Aquabound or Bending Branches is far worth a few extra bucks.
Check out the ascend fs10
Pelicans and lifetime kayaks get holes way to easy in streams and rivers. Will never buy either ever again.
Rotomolded kayaks are made almost entirely of petroleum products. The ridiculously rising price of crude oil is going continue the huge price increases.
It’s not the materials cost that’s driving prices up so much as it is shipping. Getting containers moved around has tripled in some cases, and shipping an individual boat has gotten pretty much out of the question (saw some quotes north of $1,000 at it’s peak just to ship a kayak)
seeing reviews is nice, but you openly admit you only test the boats for a day or two, which pretty much makes your reviews worthless for anyone looking to purchase for actual use.
👍
Thanks for this update! Do you still think the Aventura V2 125 is a value purchase for $829? Thinking about trying to get my hands on one near Chattanooga. If not, any recommendations in that range for a similar kayak?
Yes everything in that price point has jumped up, not just Feelfree. I still feel like the Aventura is a stand out for the $$
@@HeadwatersKayak Thanks for the input! Found the Aventura 125 for $750 at a local shop. Another local shop as the Dagger Axis 12 for $1100. Would you still go for the Aventura or spend a little more for the Axis? These decisions are so hard 😭
Selections in stores are so much better this year! Thanks for all your helpful, insightful, and honest videos.
Agreed. It’s nice to see stocked shelves.
I bought a Pelican mustang 100x for $299 at Dick's a few weeks ago. Only pulled the trigger on it because it was marked down for cheaper than I'd seen anything else halfway decent. It's pretty stable but I kind of wish I had bought a sit on top to not worry about swamping it. But then again I like how I can easily maintain a decent speed to get to the fishing spot. Once I figure out how to add some extra flotation to ease my mind I think it will be a fine beginner kayak for me to get into the sport. I bought it to be recreational first and fishing 2nd. Although I caught a good sized 12-13in catfish when I was bass fishing last weekend. Kayak remained stable reeling him in.
I am a subscriber but if you put the word "kayak" in your title, you will attract more viewers who aren't subscribers. You have to feed the YT algorithm beast. 😉
Good call - forgot a couple of words. Fixed!
I finally got my hands on the Bending Branches Navigator paddle, ordered one and it's the best paddle I've ever used. Another great video, I love the information you give us to make decisions on what to buy or avoid.
Thanks for the review Dan. Love the channel. I look forward to your review of the F&S 120. I need a new paddle yak. The Ole Perception Sport, while a nice paddle, needs updating.
Was bummed that the pelican rebel 100xr angler got skipped over, feel like I got a good price at $380
Do you know much about the pelican mist 100xp angler? I’m leaning towards getting it as my first kayak for $450
Dang seeing how cheap these are in these videos are crazy even tho you said they are up priced. I’m 2024 you aren’t paying anything less than 300 for a basic kayak
My first time Kayaking and this Kayak held strong. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkx4k5UrhC3v_Y4hIEaXLGvHcN5a5aBmZNB The water got pretty rough as a speed boat zipped by me, and the Kayak withstood it (I expected to be capsized). The Ores are very easy to put together, the pump worked beautifully. the seats are a bit hard to sit in after a while (I recommend sitting on the floor). after reading the reviews I was very scared it'd get a hole in it, the material is very strong and durable. The Air valve may need a small Phillips head screwdriver to adjust, other than that, it's well worth the money!(update)I've gone Kayaking in 3 Lakes and 2 rivers totaling about 40 miles. the kayak had two holes and they patched easily and no other problems can't wait for kayaking season this year!
I don't care to much about tracking i want a cumfy seat. My budget is 700 for a sit on top for fishing
Where is this?
Which entry sit on kayak do you recommend?
I just got a Pungo 120 and had to do a double take on that Blade. Lol Pungo is awesome. Love it more every time I go out.
Where I paddle, the minimum size is 12 feet (max 20)
Interesting. I’ve never hear of a minimum size. Do you know what that is?
wish i had known about the sun dolphins aka ozark trail angler 10 before i got two but not to bad for starting out
Good to see you !!! facebook got too toxic for me so I dont get to see you much anymore, but after a year in the Crescent LT, the boat is holding up well (still wish it had a cup holder). Hop in the camper, bring the family and come down to the Ozarks. We can fish and explore for weeks.
Preception vs Lifetime vs Vibe. Rate 1-3 for best made/value.
Perception(USA) and high end of basic kayaks, Vibe (China) decent value, but cheap pieces and parts. Lifetime (made in UTAH) cheapest by far and paddle well for the $$ but not built to last like Perception.
I'm curious if you could elaborate on the Vibe comment? I was looking for a first kayak 10ft or less and debated between Moken10 vs YellowFin100. Moken seems better, but are hard to find around here in MN so I went with the YellowFin.
I love the seat on my Perception Pescador Pro 100, Super comfortable. But, I have come to realize that the top half of the seat back frame is in the way of my elbows during the stroke. Find myself paddling winged out.
Please address this, and recommend an accessory seat back .
Is it possible to use a sit on top in winter, say eastern Virginia? Or do you always get some upward leaking from scuppers?
I understand the lack of a deck by design will allow more water over the bow. Just wondering how wet they are.
In smaller sit ins without a back bulkhead, as an educated guess, would cut to fit in that area behind the seat with pool noodles be sufficient enough to function like a bulkhead, to give it enough buoyant to recover in water or does that front foot area, it is just too large, nullifying the noodles?
My problem at 70 the smaller sit ins look appealing, because of the weight, but lacking a bulkhead like the Blade 90, that is a deal breaker.
I sold my Mustang last year cuz I was moving around too much but now that I'm permanently back home n by the beach, I think ima buy another one. I live close to a marina that's fun to paddle through the channels and with all the rain California got, can easily hit rivers n lakes now too
Thought about trailblazer but ya the features are trash for saving $100
I was really hoping you get the axe 120. I have a sit inside and looking for a sit on top for those days that I just want to relax and have a bit more room.
About to buy my first kayak this weekend, im going with the Tucktec folding kayak since I have a miata and have no room for a traditional one.
After going back and watching your videos from 2 or 3 years ago it stings seeing the prices.
On the Dick's website they now have Wilderness systems.
Thankyou I was waiting for your updated video!
Would like to see a review of the pelican covert 120 angler sit on. Kayak.
Perception hilife is a beast for a sup but it works wonderfully on flat calm water and has great sturdy deck for dogs and a built in cooler in the elevated seat. It's not for everyone but I love mine. I would love to see a review of best kayaks for medium to large dog passengers ;-) I had a bitch of a time trying to find a dog friendly kayak that could accommodate both my dogs but be small enough for a girl to hoist onto an suv. Theres a lot of ladies with dog kayaking companions. not too specific a request right ;-)
I get this request a lot!
Just few sit inside kayaks. Dont know why.
Don't think I will be able to afford a kayak for a few years, let alone a carry rack for them. Some day I will have one for fishing.
Just keep saving and it’ll happen. It’s all worth it in the end!
Thoughts on life time yukon?
One vote for a review on the Crank 10. Been curious about the Perception pedal drives since they are much more affordable and you’ve said they make a good quality product, just no where to demo one out here. Hopefully you can get your hands on one!
Fingers crossed 🤞
Our Dicks was picked over. And all the tags were on the wrong kayaks. Insane the price of the Teton went up $100. Bummer. Had tamaracks and sold them. Just bought another tamarack for $300 on sale.
Glad to hear ya found one on sale!
Just bought a pelican from costco with a weight limit of 300lb and im currently 280lb, after watching more videos im a little worried Im too close to the limit. We just plan on hitting some calm lakes…so not sure. Thanks.
It’s probably going to be very tippy. I always use the 2/3 rule. You never want your weight to be more than 2/3 the boats overall capacity.
Do you recommend the Axe 120 or Blade 120? I saw them at Dicks and I know you recommended the 12 footer. So many 10’s there
I’m not familiar with the Axe 120
At 500 hundred plus tax for an entry level Kayak you are better off going used or buying a brand new Pungo that will last for decades. Plus the Pungo will hold value.
And have a way more comfortable seat.
Walmart have some good kayaks for calm waters 170-300 price range.
Good vid by the way mate.
Good to see some prices coming back down at the box stores for sure. Things were getting out of hand for a while there.
Thanks for watching!
Mustang 120 or blade 120 when you get a chance reviewing the blade
Uploading now
Do you have any Dunham's stores in your area? Curious to see your take on their discount kayaks
We don’t have those in Ca
I live on island in eastern Canada you can add 300to350 more on every Kayak
That’s got to be a challenge. But it sounds like you live somewhere very cool and unique.
Thanks as always! Would love to see you review the Getaway as well.
Tryin to get our hands on one..
Aux Québec les kayak Pélican son le double de prix que vous payer ,se qui et très dommage
Tant pis! I just bought one at Walmart for $314. In Oregon USA
Thanks Dan. Inflation is 8-9%, but these prices went way above that from just a few years ago.
Freight is the real killer for kayaks. They are bulky and very expensive to ship.
True inflation is 15% min yoy so the prices are about spot on if old price point was about 300 and only lower if on special.
Any thoughts on the TAHE LP1?
Honestly I’ve never heard of it.
Is the Teton pro worth it over the Teton for 650 vs 330
I’d have a hard time spending $650 on a lifetime when a Feelfree Moken is $769
@@HeadwatersKayak plus 100$ shipping and also i got 10% off the Teton so it would be like 585 plus tax.
All things considered it turns into 870 vs 585