I have the Chelan 140 and I love love love it. Tracks like a dream. So agile and maneuverable. Took it on the Colorado around Horseshoe Bend, Az lakes, and the salt river. As a woman I can totally handle the set up, weight, and transport. I took 2 years to decide which kayak to go with. Lots of rentals to try and this has been my favorite. The fin can be difficult, the screw is small but once it’s set up it’s great. I’d buy again! I’ve even camped with my Chelan. Held my gear perfectly. I got a few bungee carabiners to help hold stuff.
Colleen, I feel better now as I'm taking a loooong time making up my mind but not two years! Funny. Your paddling is the same as mine -- same areas. I'm glad to hear you like the 140!
@dvlgrlasu I have the chelan 120 (awesome awesome kayak) and agree about the fin I know somewhere down the road I’m going to lose that screw. I picked up one of the aqua glide press in fins for the chelan and not looking back. It’s a bit stick the first time but after a few tries it’s simply pop in and pop out and securely holds during trips
Great review! For those wondering, I have the Chelan 120 and am 5’2”. If I were any bigger or wanted to bring any significant gear (fishing gear or lite camping gear) I would definitely consider the CHELAN 140 OR Chelan 155. The 120 is awesome and lightweight and great for just a simple day paddle, but bigger people or extended needs would do better with the 140 or the 155, IMO
With the scupper drains we found you need them all opened and be on moving water. In that condition water flows out nicely and the deck stays dry. As soon as you find yourself on still, flat water, water will rise to the deck level as you show in your video. Essentially you would only ever open them when you're expecting rapids or waves to swamp your boat.
I have a Blackfoot 130 and use it for everything including running class 3(highest I've ran so far) rapids, and yes I completely second what you just said, and yes AG seemed to have designed them intentionally like this, it also kinda makes you one with the rapids and although the water can fill up a bit, it Will only fill up so much. Yesterday I actually just completed removed the scuppers all together. The Blackfoot has 2 'modes', Fishing or touring in High position seat with the scuppers closed, and Whitewater mode with scuppers open, low seat position, and thigh straps(there's a reason AG sells thigh straps specifically for the Blackfoot and Chelan models). Yesterday was my first time capsizing ever that was my own doing, but I kinda knew ahead of time that I was going to flip because of the rapids I was running and because of my approach. We also have the Blackfoot SUPs that we use the AG frame seat in high position, and we also use those for running class 3, and although I've gotten REALLY close to capsizing, I still have yet to get thrown off of it, however my son has, but it's obviously super easy to get back on top of:)
I have a similar kayak and the "deflector shields" helps to keep any water collecting on the front and rear decks from entering the cockpit area.. great video:)
I have had two of their older “Klickitat” models for several years. I believe it was the predecessor to their McKenzie model. Love them. Use them on flat water and Class III. So versatile.
The timing of this video is impeccable, just started doing some inflatable research since I’ll be in an apartment for a couple more years. Curious to see some of the fishing inflatables too like the Blackfoot 130 or the NRS Pike. Awesome video!
The Blackfoot is just like a beefed up Chelan - bigger tubes and slightly wider. Slower and a heavier but even more stable on the water. If you install Chelan's seats in it then it's a pretty good tandem. Two fishing seats make it a bit cramped. It's a great kayak and if you want to rig it for fishing then you have plenty of space and mounting plates.
FYI Aquaglide makes a nice eclectic pump. (Should have bought one!) check out this link if you’re in need of one. www.aquaglide.com/product/accelerator-hp-12v-22-pump/
Thanks Bobby. Ended up having a ton of fun in this thing. I also took it camping this week and hiked it into a presitine Sierra Lake. I may be coming a bit of an inflatbale guy!
It would be interesting to know if you could use a sail on it on large areas of open water. You could use the the locating bracket you showed us in the floor in front of the seat where the fishing pole attachment goes. It could be a sail board sail I guess.
Dan great review and I love the kayak. My problem is that I'm 6'4" and 255 lbs. I took the kayak out a few times but the bow always seemed too high out of the flat water. Am I just too big for this boat?
Great review! I'd love to see you review the Advanced Elements Expedition Elite. I've owned one for about a year now, I've been veery impressed with how it handles strong wind and heavy chop. Performs just as well as most hardshell recreationals IMO, better then some even.
@@alexbrame5012 How much of a difference does it make to go up to the razorlite, with drop-stitched hull (not just bottom)? Seems like that actually rides higher and may have more of a problem with wind than the Chelan.
Awesome review! I was wondering about the inflatables. Will you be doing any on the tandem styles? I think the end blooper is my fav part of it all! 🤣🤣
For solo kayaker would you recommend the Chelan 140 or Chelan 120? I’m 5’9 and 190lbs. I found a good offer for each, so I’m kind of stuck on which one I should actually get.
I’m 5’2” using the Chelan120. It’s is great for a fun day paddle, but for anyone bigger , if the weight of the kayak is not a huge consideration, you should look at the chelan 140 or the Chelan 155. For me, the weight of the kayak was top priority so I had to choose the 120. It’s an awesome kayak, but not as much storage as I think some people might like, especially if into fishing or bringing a decent sized cooler. I also tested out the Bote Zeppelin 10, which was pretty cool and seemed to have decent storage< but waaaay too heavy for me.
Did miss how much it cost? Great job. I send your videos of under 300 and under 500 dollar kayaks to my nephew and he bought one you liked. I’m next. Nice channel.
my kayak got a pin hole sized hole sitting in the bag. I've used it 4 times only on open water in tampa bay then found the hole yesterday. Patch didn't adhere well enough. Just be careful what you all buy my friends. Happy paddling.
@@StoneE4 Yes, or when you know you're going to get lots of water inside from rain or waves. It can take on a fair amount of water with them closed and you won't notice it with the raised drop stitch floor.
Can you use an inflatable for recreational ocean kayaking? Staying close to shore, calm water etc. Just starting out so curious as an inflatable is so much easier to transport.
Yes people do. I see an divers on the coast using inflatables. The only thing is when the wind picks up you’re at a huge disadvantage compared to a hard ahell
@@HeadwatersKayak Would definitely check out whether the particular kayak is rated for ocean use or not before buying. I've seen videos where people are out in open ocean on a Intex Challenger K1, which is probably the lowest-end inflatable out there and definitely *not* designed for any kind of chop or rapids, much less actual surf - not advisable.
Gave up inflatable kayak: need to clean it and taking air out, put it in the car all wet.back home: put air back, proper cleaning, find space to dry, then dry it, and then fold it. Imagine with 4 of them. Man, too much fuff.
Oliver, not to mention they don’t fold and go back in the bag all that easy either. Especially if you have on with a hard keel. Then add on to the storage. Even one will take the entire bottom of a coat closet. We have two and I had the bright idea that they could be stored in my garage or storage shed only to find out if you live where it gets hot you can’t. I guess the glue breaks down over time in heat. If you do live in a cooler climate and it’s in any kind of storage area keep it in a plastic storage container. Mice etc will chew through the bag and destroy it in no time. I still have 2 inflatables. One a sea eagle 393 and I can’t recall the other. Not sure how long I’ll stay this route. Theres a lot more to them than just inflate go, deflate and go home.
There are some drawbacks for sure and I appreciate you sharing your experience. However I’ve use my inflatable so many times this summer and it’s been a perfect tool for the job. There’s been times where I wouldn’t of brought a kayak but because of the inflatable I had an amazing experience on the water.
@@HeadwatersKayak The issue falls in that no one tells you, company or in reviews, any of these issues. IE, you buy it as a space saver, going to store 2 of them in your garage. However no one tells you they have to be stored at room temperature. No one explains how much more work there is to cleaning, drying and packing them etc. When your spending over a grand a piece I think that’s something that should be openly shared. Your very good at doing these videos so I’d like to offer you a task. Review a sea Eagle Razor light 393rl. At the end complete the video with you cleaning drying and getting it back in the bag. No cheating by having a company rep train you.
Yeah aquaglide does have better self bailing designs but I haven’t used them, the McKenzie is the one I woulda bought had I known better at the time but hey, I truly love my deschutes 145, for multi day with mostly class1 or less, it’s fkn bombproof! 600 lb weight limit, I’d love to try a sea eagle or another good kayak but aquaglide is top tier in my opinion, an opinion based on 85% yt reviews and 15% personal experience but… greay video, i think I was here before lol
Ummm- this is entirely different from the book instructions. Sides no more than 2psi. Floor no more than 1psi. Remove this or know you will damage viewers kayaks who follow this
I think you're looking at a different kayak model - the manual for the Chelan says 3/6 psi pretty clearly. Having made the mistake of underinflating a drop stitch floor before, doing only 1 PSI for a floor designed for 6 would almost be a safety hazard to have so little pressure in it.
I have the Chelan 140 and I love love love it. Tracks like a dream. So agile and maneuverable. Took it on the Colorado around Horseshoe Bend, Az lakes, and the salt river. As a woman I can totally handle the set up, weight, and transport. I took 2 years to decide which kayak to go with. Lots of rentals to try and this has been my favorite. The fin can be difficult, the screw is small but once it’s set up it’s great. I’d buy again! I’ve even camped with my Chelan. Held my gear perfectly. I got a few bungee carabiners to help hold stuff.
Man you’re getting your use out of it!
Colleen, I feel better now as I'm taking a loooong time making up my mind but not two years! Funny. Your paddling is the same as mine -- same areas. I'm glad to hear you like the 140!
@dvlgrlasu I have the chelan 120 (awesome awesome kayak) and agree about the fin
I know somewhere down the road I’m going to lose that screw. I picked up one of the aqua glide press in fins for the chelan and not looking back.
It’s a bit stick the first time but after a few tries it’s simply pop in and pop out and securely holds during trips
Great review! For those wondering, I have the Chelan 120 and am 5’2”. If I were any bigger or wanted to bring any significant gear (fishing gear or lite camping gear) I would definitely consider the CHELAN 140 OR Chelan 155.
The 120 is awesome and lightweight and great for just a simple day paddle, but bigger people or extended needs would do better with the 140 or the 155, IMO
With the scupper drains we found you need them all opened and be on moving water. In that condition water flows out nicely and the deck stays dry. As soon as you find yourself on still, flat water, water will rise to the deck level as you show in your video. Essentially you would only ever open them when you're expecting rapids or waves to swamp your boat.
Thanks for the feedback. Always good to hear from people with more experience with the product. I appreciate you being part of the community.
I have a Blackfoot 130 and use it for everything including running class 3(highest I've ran so far) rapids, and yes I completely second what you just said, and yes AG seemed to have designed them intentionally like this, it also kinda makes you one with the rapids and although the water can fill up a bit, it Will only fill up so much. Yesterday I actually just completed removed the scuppers all together. The Blackfoot has 2 'modes', Fishing or touring in High position seat with the scuppers closed, and Whitewater mode with scuppers open, low seat position, and thigh straps(there's a reason AG sells thigh straps specifically for the Blackfoot and Chelan models). Yesterday was my first time capsizing ever that was my own doing, but I kinda knew ahead of time that I was going to flip because of the rapids I was running and because of my approach. We also have the Blackfoot SUPs that we use the AG frame seat in high position, and we also use those for running class 3, and although I've gotten REALLY close to capsizing, I still have yet to get thrown off of it, however my son has, but it's obviously super easy to get back on top of:)
Love your videos and your honesty on your reviews.
Thank you for your hard work and helping people make a better disicion on thier purchase.
Always happy to share my honest opinions.
Wow, terrific review. Content very informative and you are so fun to watch. Love the vibe and energy you have.
I have a similar kayak and the "deflector shields" helps to keep any water collecting on the front and rear decks from entering the cockpit area.. great video:)
I noticed watching the footage back, how well the front deflector worked when splashing through the waves. Check out 11:47
I have had two of their older “Klickitat” models for several years. I believe it was the predecessor to their McKenzie model.
Love them. Use them on flat water and Class III. So versatile.
Awesome feedback thanks for the comment
Awesome!
Some folk are looking for the ease of storage & transport - I appreciate the review
The timing of this video is impeccable, just started doing some inflatable research since I’ll be in an apartment for a couple more years. Curious to see some of the fishing inflatables too like the Blackfoot 130 or the NRS Pike.
Awesome video!
I'd love to do that comparison. I'll be featuring more and more inflatables on our channel. Having a ton of fun in them.
I find the Pike to be so much harder to fold up than an Aquaglide. I'd much rather deal with the Aquaglide.
The Blackfoot is just like a beefed up Chelan - bigger tubes and slightly wider. Slower and a heavier but even more stable on the water. If you install Chelan's seats in it then it's a pretty good tandem. Two fishing seats make it a bit cramped. It's a great kayak and if you want to rig it for fishing then you have plenty of space and mounting plates.
Will probably be getting one of these, great review
FYI Aquaglide makes a nice eclectic pump. (Should have bought one!) check out this link if you’re in need of one. www.aquaglide.com/product/accelerator-hp-12v-22-pump/
Yet another great honest review. Love the videos Dan 👊😎 I was hoping to find an inflatable for rivers and creeks in my area. Solid man 👊
Thanks Bobby. Ended up having a ton of fun in this thing. I also took it camping this week and hiked it into a presitine Sierra Lake. I may be coming a bit of an inflatbale guy!
It would be interesting to know if you could use a sail on it on large areas of open water. You could use the the locating bracket you showed us in the floor in front of the seat where the fishing pole attachment goes. It could be a sail board sail I guess.
Great review! Awesome to see new kayaks being checked out. That ending LOL
😂
Dan great review and I love the kayak. My problem is that I'm 6'4" and 255 lbs. I took the kayak out a few times but the bow always seemed too high out of the flat water. Am I just too big for this boat?
You are too big for the 120. The 140 in the center seat position would be a much better choice.
Always like your reviews, thanks
Daaaang Dan fails a headstand? Wild
😅 The times are-a-changin'
Don’t get soft on us lol
Great review! I'd love to see you review the Advanced Elements Expedition Elite. I've owned one for about a year now, I've been veery impressed with how it handles strong wind and heavy chop. Performs just as well as most hardshell recreationals IMO, better then some even.
Sooo funny! He has a great sense of humor and eventually we will get to the review! LOL
Would be interesting to know how this compares to the SeaEagle RazorLite.
Sea Eagle FasTrack is probably a close match. Very sweet boat and in my collection 😁
@@alexbrame5012 How much of a difference does it make to go up to the razorlite, with drop-stitched hull (not just bottom)? Seems like that actually rides higher and may have more of a problem with wind than the Chelan.
Awesome review! I was wondering about the inflatables. Will you be doing any on the tandem styles? I think the end blooper is my fav part of it all! 🤣🤣
Mine too. Seth wanted to leave it out and I made him put it in the ending. My 6th grade humor.
How does the Aquaglide compare to some of the Sea Eagle high end inflatables?
Will you be doing more reviews on inflatable kayaks? Specifically the Blackfoot 130 or 160?
I hope so! We'll see if Aquaglide will send me another one after I was such a cluster in this video. haha.
Thanks for a great review. Really fun to watch!! How do you feel this would be in a bay. eg. Richardsons Bay by Sausalito or Tomales Bay? TIA
Only on a very calm and windless day
For solo kayaker would you recommend the Chelan 140 or Chelan 120? I’m 5’9 and 190lbs. I found a good offer for each, so I’m kind of stuck on which one I should actually get.
I’m 5’2” using the Chelan120. It’s is great for a fun day paddle, but for anyone bigger , if the weight of the kayak is not a huge consideration, you should look at the chelan 140 or the Chelan 155. For me, the weight of the kayak was top priority so I had to choose the 120. It’s an awesome kayak, but not as much storage as I think some people might like, especially if into fishing or bringing a decent sized cooler.
I also tested out the Bote Zeppelin 10, which was pretty cool and seemed to have decent storage< but waaaay too heavy for me.
Do a review on "paddle north" kayaks please..
Sundial Bridge… my backyard 😊
Did miss how much it cost? Great job. I send your videos of under 300 and under 500 dollar kayaks to my nephew and he bought one you liked. I’m next. Nice channel.
I'm sorry I didnt list it. This kayak is $1099 www.aquaglide.com/product/chelan-120/
my kayak got a pin hole sized hole sitting in the bag. I've used it 4 times only on open water in tampa bay then found the hole yesterday. Patch didn't adhere well enough. Just be careful what you all buy my friends. Happy paddling.
Regarding those scuppers... Are they the venturi type that only work while the boat is in forward motion?
No not at all.
@@HeadwatersKayak I guess they're more of a emergency scupper than a convenient bailing scupper, eh?
@@StoneE4 Yes, or when you know you're going to get lots of water inside from rain or waves. It can take on a fair amount of water with them closed and you won't notice it with the raised drop stitch floor.
Can you use an inflatable for recreational ocean kayaking? Staying close to shore, calm water etc.
Just starting out so curious as an inflatable is so much easier to transport.
Yes people do. I see an divers on the coast using inflatables. The only thing is when the wind picks up you’re at a huge disadvantage compared to a hard ahell
@@HeadwatersKayak Would definitely check out whether the particular kayak is rated for ocean use or not before buying. I've seen videos where people are out in open ocean on a Intex Challenger K1, which is probably the lowest-end inflatable out there and definitely *not* designed for any kind of chop or rapids, much less actual surf - not advisable.
Gave up inflatable kayak: need to clean it and taking air out, put it in the car all wet.back home: put air back, proper cleaning, find space to dry, then dry it, and then fold it. Imagine with 4 of them. Man, too much fuff.
Oliver, not to mention they don’t fold and go back in the bag all that easy either. Especially if you have on with a hard keel. Then add on to the storage. Even one will take the entire bottom of a coat closet. We have two and I had the bright idea that they could be stored in my garage or storage shed only to find out if you live where it gets hot you can’t. I guess the glue breaks down over time in heat. If you do live in a cooler climate and it’s in any kind of storage area keep it in a plastic storage container. Mice etc will chew through the bag and destroy it in no time.
I still have 2 inflatables. One a sea eagle 393 and I can’t recall the other. Not sure how long I’ll stay this route. Theres a lot more to them than just inflate go, deflate and go home.
@@Joe-xq1nt bought 3 proper kayak (£30 each)+ 1 free. Not perfect but what a relief!!
There are some drawbacks for sure and I appreciate you sharing your experience. However I’ve use my inflatable so many times this summer and it’s been a perfect tool for the job. There’s been times where I wouldn’t of brought a kayak but because of the inflatable I had an amazing experience on the water.
@@HeadwatersKayak obviously it's nice for 1 man. No question about it. But with a family of 4, it becomes a burden.
@@HeadwatersKayak
The issue falls in that no one tells you, company or in reviews, any of these issues. IE, you buy it as a space saver, going to store 2 of them in your garage. However no one tells you they have to be stored at room temperature. No one explains how much more work there is to cleaning, drying and packing them etc. When your spending over a grand a piece I think that’s something that should be openly shared. Your very good at doing these videos so I’d like to offer you a task. Review a sea Eagle Razor light 393rl. At the end complete the video with you cleaning drying and getting it back in the bag. No cheating by having a company rep train you.
Yeah aquaglide does have better self bailing designs but I haven’t used them, the McKenzie is the one I woulda bought had I known better at the time but hey, I truly love my deschutes 145, for multi day with mostly class1 or less, it’s fkn bombproof! 600 lb weight limit, I’d love to try a sea eagle or another good kayak but aquaglide is top tier in my opinion, an opinion based on 85% yt reviews and 15% personal experience but…
greay video, i think I was here before lol
Do you still have the same opinion now at summer’s end, four months later? How has it been for you?
can you do a review of Bote Zepellin 10 foot kayak?
Yes I'd love to.
Would you all say the 120 would be a tight fit with a 6’ 2” 200 lbs guy ? I’m all legs too 😅
It will work. I prefer the 140 as a solo for my size 6’2” 215
@@HeadwatersKayak sweet ! Thanks for the information!
Blackfoot 130 review please for fishing. Thanks
I’d love for them to send me one. I’d be happy to review it.
will this be easy for a fish to puncture it with their fins?
Not at all
I do wish kayak manufacturers would design a inflatable kayak that tracks straight .
We never deflate ours
No good for ocean
100% not for ocean
Ummm- this is entirely different from the book instructions. Sides no more than 2psi. Floor no more than 1psi. Remove this or know you will damage viewers kayaks who follow this
I think you're looking at a different kayak model - the manual for the Chelan says 3/6 psi pretty clearly. Having made the mistake of underinflating a drop stitch floor before, doing only 1 PSI for a floor designed for 6 would almost be a safety hazard to have so little pressure in it.
It’s 3/6.