Putting an Itiwit x500 through its paces, user review test

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  • Опубліковано 23 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 106

  • @AirOnTheWater
    @AirOnTheWater 7 місяців тому +8

    Hey David, just noted that this vid has reached 7,000+ views in just a month or so. Shows how appreciated the content is and the knowledge behind it! Nicely done 🙂

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  7 місяців тому +3

      Thanks Patrik, it certainly shows the interest in the remarkable x500.

  • @THE-RIVER-RAT
    @THE-RIVER-RAT 8 місяців тому +5

    Great video David and great to see you're enjoying the boat, like your idea with them foam blocks at the side of the seat...
    I never had a chance to roll it as the spray skirt wasn't a tight fit and I couldn't find a decent one that fit, but obviously you did.
    Yes as you said in the video she's pretty easy to get back into from the back.
    So funny you saying you wanted this boat for your Scotland trip. As I did not want to take the x500 to Scotland and that's why I wanted the PakAyaK.

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  8 місяців тому +1

      Hi George, the Pakayak is more robust but I couldn't justify the cost when I already have a plastic kayak. I only intend taking short trips, don't need to carry camping gear and a puncture wouldn't be a disaster. For me the x500 is exactly right.

    • @THE-RIVER-RAT
      @THE-RIVER-RAT 8 місяців тому

      @@davidpoots8362 I see my friend, and can't wait to see your video of you in Scotland.

  • @AirOnTheWater
    @AirOnTheWater 8 місяців тому +3

    Truly excellent video, David! Really interesting to see how your modifications and skill allow for this level of management of the boat. Thanks for sharing (and also nice to see you skin-on-frame kayak up close - it's a beauty)!

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  8 місяців тому +2

      Thanks Patrik, the x500 is close to perfect. I'm very pleased to find it is more than capable of handling rough water.

    • @AirOnTheWater
      @AirOnTheWater 8 місяців тому +1

      @@davidpoots8362 I find it can be pushed to the side by side waves and "jump" a lot in shorter chop of some size, but it can all be handled with adjustments with the paddle or edging. I've been impressed every time I've out on more challenging waters as to what it's capable of, even if it would be easier to cut through the waves with a fast sea kayak.

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  8 місяців тому +2

      Patrik you definitely have put in the miles, all I can say is on that short test, when compared to a sea kayak, the x500 performed very well

    • @AirOnTheWater
      @AirOnTheWater 8 місяців тому

      @@davidpoots8362 It's really nice for many of us, I think, to hear this from you as a seasoned sea kayaker 😎 There are a lot of preconceptions about what an inflatable kayak can and cannot do, and sometimes these are correct, but the X500 turns things upside down a bit.

    • @engineeronabicycle178
      @engineeronabicycle178 6 місяців тому

      @@AirOnTheWater i come to the same conclusion; especially when a motorboat is overtaking you, their bow wave can be a bit tricky due to the angle. Havent had it out to sea yet, only on calm flat water (Biesbosch national park) and a small river with a lot of motor boat traffic. In fact last thursday i was the only non-motorised vessel on the river Stichtse Vecht that i saw.

  • @danerik.westerlind
    @danerik.westerlind 8 місяців тому +1

    Wow, great review, so nice to see you with all you experience test this kayak and give your opinion!🙌 Tips, add these words in title, user review test.🤗

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  8 місяців тому +1

      Thanks Danerik, I will do that. I've been having fun with the boat and feel confident it will cope with exploring exposed coastline.

  • @florenceor.9002
    @florenceor.9002 4 місяці тому +1

    Hello David, I own the same boat and I take it often since it is easy to carry around, more than my fancy kayak in fiber materials.... But unlike the other kayak, I could not roll with it, for the reason you explained ...So now will make the same adjustments with the pads and the belt, I hope it will do 😊 thank you for sharing !

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  4 місяці тому +1

      Thanks, that's why I bought my x500. The hip pads made a huge difference and I happily paddle it in rough water. Hopefully I won't need to roll in an emergency. Please let me know if it works for you

  • @KayakTropical
    @KayakTropical 8 місяців тому +1

    Nice viddeo, thanks for sharing!
    Nice hacks you have done to your River Rat 2.

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  8 місяців тому +1

      Experimenting has been fun, I think the hip pads make the biggest difference to handling.

  • @BarndtTom
    @BarndtTom 8 місяців тому

    Thanks for this video. It makes me confident that it’s a good idea to try rolls with my own.

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  8 місяців тому +1

      The x500 can be rolled and re-entry is easy. Rolling is a hobby on it's own and it's been fun modifying the inflatable boat just so I can.

    • @BarndtTom
      @BarndtTom 8 місяців тому

      @@davidpoots8362I successfully managed several re-entries already. Even with the V1. But I will have to make the modifications before trying to roll it.

  • @robp4037
    @robp4037 Місяць тому

    Good to see this kayak being used in a range of moves. I'm keen to find something that will pack down into a small yacht but want something sea worthy and fun, as a seasoned sea paddler. At 6'5 I may be on the edge of height for it but keen to try it, and hopeful. Some great tips in this thanks.

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  Місяць тому

      It's a great wee kayak and very capable, but prone to leaks. It probably wouldn't suit a very tall person. Maybe the Pakayak?

  • @Selkian
    @Selkian 8 місяців тому +2

    It would be better to rig a lap belt as used in a wave ski with a quick release buckle and pull toggle ball. I used something similar when I first got into surfskis to enable thigh control and rolling in an open cockpit. I added neoprene to the 2” webbing for comfort where it connects to the thighs.

  • @UdoLieb-f2f
    @UdoLieb-f2f 3 місяці тому

    Thank´s a lot for this reslly interesting video. I had problems to curl me up with the Itiwit. Then I also construct with expanded polystyrene left and right side panel sections. Best idea ever. Hugs to you.

  • @lincolndave1966able
    @lincolndave1966able 2 місяці тому

    Due to storage space restrictions both at home and with my vehicle (campervan with solar, roof vents, wifi ariel etc, not to mention it's over 8ft high), I have concluded that this kayak would be the best compromise/solution. It's currently out of stock at decathlon as the V3 has now been released. It's good to see an experienced person such as yourself put it through its paces and that you were impressed. I think your level of experience counters some of the issues other reviewers seem to report negatively about ie, stability and rolling ability. I'm guessing if those reviewers were more skilled, the issues they report wouldn't be issues. On the strength of your review I will pull the trigger on this kayak just as soon as decathlon restock, presumably with the V3 version. Cheers.

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  2 місяці тому +1

      Thanks, that's exactly why I bought one BUT do be prepared to patch leaks as they will happen. Despite that it's a great wee kayak.

  • @6yjjk
    @6yjjk 8 місяців тому +1

    Very interesting indeed. I've noticed an annoying tendency for my X500's seat to pop off its mounting points and float, whereupon the whole thing can pop out, which is a right pain in the backside to fix from in the water. Those big blocks of foam look like they should prevent that.

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  8 місяців тому +2

      Yes, that wasn't why I fitted the blocks, but they do keep the seat secure under the cockpit rim

  • @richgibson4549
    @richgibson4549 3 місяці тому

    For thigh bracing, consider D rings towards your feet, have straps running from your current D rings along the inside, have these a little loose and get your knees and thighs up behind these. Our Jumbo alpine (made by Zodiac) white water kayak is set up like this and it’s amazing how tight you can keep with it.

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  3 місяці тому

      I have used that type of strap on a sit on top, they are good but tend to slip off when you relax, that might not work with a spray deck.

  • @marchaywood9378
    @marchaywood9378 3 місяці тому

    Such a helpful review, thank you and safe paddling :)

  • @KKBG
    @KKBG 8 місяців тому

    great video. in future i hope to see a review for Advanced Elements Airfusion Evo . I speculate you will like it even more. Greetings from Dublin

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  8 місяців тому +1

      I have looked for an advanced elements fusion but they are never available. Patrik from air on the water has reviewed it.

  • @PHILMO16
    @PHILMO16 4 місяці тому

    Since this year there has been a V3 whose modifications mainly concern reinforcements in certain places which were determined to be "fragile" on the V2 such as for example the chamber behind the seat back or the keel.(I do not have the complete list of reinforcements)

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  4 місяці тому

      Yes but sadly the V3 appears to be a sticking plaster instead of upgrading the material to make the boat robust

  • @chrossbone
    @chrossbone 7 місяців тому

    Thanks for testing the boat for o fus all that are interested in it.
    One idea about the strap: maybe you could use something with a quick-release system like the strap on whitewater personal floating devices that hold very reliably but are completely released with one tug on the very visible cord even if the person using it is panicking a little... Then you could maybe tie in a bit tighter to support rolling and bracing more and still fell save enough and confident that you could get out in case you need to...

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  7 місяців тому

      Absolutely, I plan to do something with a simple quick release.

    • @northernadventurer160
      @northernadventurer160 5 місяців тому

      @@davidpoots8362 Keep us posted on that

  • @Breizhjean22
    @Breizhjean22 7 місяців тому

    Thanks for the vidéo. I have been looking at the itiwit x500 2 place version and thanks to Google, your vidéo popped up on the screen. With a price of 1250 euros new, i’m obviously keen to buy with as much knowledge as possible. The handling of the bigger version is bound to be différent but i can see the quality is there. At 528cms, it’s a bit of a long one.
    I have little expérience with kayaks but a lot with boats and the sea and the objective is to have something secure and reliable to explore the islands around northern Brittany. I think your vidéo has convinced me that it’s a good buy. The alternative is to buy two 1 place x500 but with the two place, i can go out and i’ve got the place to put my fishing rods😊

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  7 місяців тому

      Thanks, yes at this price, even though they do need maintenance, the x500 is a good buy. I have a two person kayak, but only use it occasionally. Most of the time it is more fun to have two 1 person kayaks. Brittany has a great coast to explore, please carry rescue gear and a phone and stay safe.

    • @Breizhjean22
      @Breizhjean22 7 місяців тому

      @@davidpoots8362 Thanks yes, the law here is that to go beyond 300m as far as 2 nautical miles, you need to have the specified équipement required by law.....and specified lengths of the kayak etc to be in conformity....and most certainly à phone. Just subscribed.....will no doubt learn from your vidéos. Thankyou.

    • @laurentvenet2758
      @laurentvenet2758 7 місяців тому +1

      @@Breizhjean22hi David. On the French decathlon site and some other countries sometimes the x500 two person is discounted at 800 euros so don’t rush too quickly on buying yours and monitor after the price drop which may occur again.

  • @krzysztofgrasssnake
    @krzysztofgrasssnake 7 місяців тому

    Wow I love you greenlad kayak. Magnificent!!!!!

  • @Hiking.and.mountains
    @Hiking.and.mountains 6 місяців тому

    Thanks for the video! Thinking of buying one so it was very helpful to watch 👌🏼 liked & subscribed.

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  6 місяців тому

      Glad you found it useful. The x500 is a Marmite boat, love it or hate it. I actually enjoy it's flaws and quirks.

  • @VoltiSubitoVideo
    @VoltiSubitoVideo 5 місяців тому

    closed cell foam... genius!!!! thank you!

  • @stephenboylandroad
    @stephenboylandroad 8 місяців тому

    Great review, every day is a school! Ever thought about treatment for your collecting habit! 😂

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  8 місяців тому

      Sssshh, I don't let J into the garage anymore :)

  • @denisgilbert1283
    @denisgilbert1283 7 місяців тому

    Excellent, really useful, thanks David

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  7 місяців тому

      Just my thoughts on the boat, glad you found it useful

  • @thelearnerdriver7703
    @thelearnerdriver7703 4 місяці тому

    Very instructive. Thank you !

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  4 місяці тому

      Thanks, I find my x500 great to paddle, just wish it were more robust.

  • @lrosenbergmd
    @lrosenbergmd 6 місяців тому

    David - thanks for posting the video. I'm interested in an inflatable for travel, and because I'm getting too old to put a rigid kayak on my car's roof rack. Could you comment on the maintenance in terms of cleaning and drying the boat after use. Thanks.

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  6 місяців тому +1

      The PVC material wipes clean. Drying is simply a matter of using a sponge to empty out any water and leaving it inflated to dry outdoors (unless it's raining). I usually need to pack it damp and let it dry thoroughly at home. It's much easier to dry than inflatables with tubes inside fabric sleeves.
      You will need some patch material and PVC glue, like Stormsure.

    • @lrosenbergmd
      @lrosenbergmd 6 місяців тому

      @@davidpoots8362 Thanks. Just what I'm looking for.

  • @rca808rca808
    @rca808rca808 7 місяців тому

    Pyranha thigh braces as used on the surfjet sit on top would be ideal here. They just attach to d rings on the side of the boat.

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  7 місяців тому

      Interesting thought. I have used similar straps on sit on tops and was able to roll the boat, but they tend to slip off. Not sure how successful that would be with a closed cockpit.

  • @kosmatifizik
    @kosmatifizik 8 місяців тому

    Great video! I am a bit hesitant in strapping myself into a boat like that. Do you think same could be achieved by attaching foam thigh braces?

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  8 місяців тому +1

      I know what you mean, although the thighstrap is loose and I can wriggle out. I have seen someone else using airbags, but I think that was more to help paddling, not rolling. Bottom line, rolling is fun but as long as you can get back in the boat you will be safe.

  • @paulrees-businessmindset
    @paulrees-businessmindset 3 місяці тому

    Hi David, great video, helped so much with my choice of boat purchase my x500 V2 is on its way. My question is, what size where the pieces of foam please, as i wish to do the same my end.

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  3 місяці тому

      Thanks, I dont have them handy to measure but the footprint is the same as the flat section either side of the seat, hope that makes sense. I suggest you also get some grey PVC material and PVC glue because you probably will need them. I bought them from a retailer for RIB powerboats. Hope you enjoy your boat

    • @paulrees-businessmindset
      @paulrees-businessmindset 3 місяці тому

      @@davidpoots8362 if possible, im looking for a rough size of the foam please David, so i can order the foam ready to fit when the boat arrives this week

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  3 місяці тому

      No problem I will measure it at the weekend

    • @paulrees-businessmindset
      @paulrees-businessmindset 3 місяці тому

      @@davidpoots8362 I am sooooo very grateful THANK YOU :)

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  3 місяці тому

      Just back from holiday and measured the foam pads which are 28x13x9 cm

  • @mairnealachamu
    @mairnealachamu 8 місяців тому

    Interesting review. I wonder how durable it is?
    If you cut a corner too tight and clip a rock, will it puncture easily?
    If it does puncture, are there multiple air chambers, or will it totally deflate?

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  8 місяців тому +1

      People who have used them a lot say they bounce off rocks well, but small punctures do happen. Mostly they are let air our slowly and aren't noticeable at the time. There are 3 main chambers so you wouldn't sink.

    • @PHILMO16
      @PHILMO16 4 місяці тому

      @@davidpoots8362 These kayaks are designed in France and are manufactured in accordance with French legislation. Inflatable kayaks authorized to exit a distance of 300m from a shelter must have sufficient buoyancy to reach this shelter point with the largest chamber completely deflated. This is one of the many technical criteria for inflatable kayaks, if they do not meet these standards they are then considered as beach equipment and cannot be used beyond 300m from a shelter.

  • @gileskev
    @gileskev 3 місяці тому

    Hi david could you possibly give me an idea if what skirt will fit rhe x500.
    Ive been unable to find the decathlon skirt in stock & others ive tried just wont fit although recomended

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  3 місяці тому

      Most.spraydecks have thick shockcord and dont fit under the rim. The Yak Zinc Spraydeck (Bigdeck size) has thinner shock cord and fits an x500 really well.

  • @coppershark1973
    @coppershark1973 8 місяців тому

    Hi David, thank you for a very comprehensive look at the X500. I am going to make similar modifications. Where did you get your foam blocks and what size did you buy? Thanks.

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  8 місяців тому +1

      Thanks, I bought the foam on ebay, the block was 30x25x20 cm and was enough for two hip pads. Basically I measured the size of the flat area on the side of the seat and made pads to fit that footprint, which were wide enough to make contact with the side of the boat. I'm sure there are other ways to achieve the same result.

    • @coppershark1973
      @coppershark1973 7 місяців тому

      Genius! I’m going to order the same right now. Thank you for replying. 👍👍😁

  • @mattomeara65
    @mattomeara65 6 місяців тому +1

    Great video, I am looking to buy an Itiwit x500. What is that paddle you are using?

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  6 місяців тому

      They are great wee kayaks, if only reliability were better, but repairs are easy. That's a split Greenland Paddle from Canada. Eastpole paddles sell similar ones in Europe.

  • @stephenpendrigh
    @stephenpendrigh 8 місяців тому

    Very helpful video, thank you! I've tried to roll it inside a pool environment but failed due to the top deck flexing too much. Do you know where I might be able to find the D-rings that were attached to the boat?

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  8 місяців тому +1

      Thanks, I got them from Amazon, although I had to trim them slightly. www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08TX35S5C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

  • @ivanoutdoors
    @ivanoutdoors 7 місяців тому

    Omg you are a man after my own hart! Just with Sea Kayaks. But that Thy strap makes me nervous. Have you thought about the type used with inflatables like a packraft? Guy like you could install the required D rings, and it would give you real knee braces.. Subscribed

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  7 місяців тому +1

      The strap is certainly not a perfect solution, perhaps because I'm trying to make a small touring kayak into a rough water sea kayak. I have tried those other braces but find they just fall off my thighs. I keep the strap very loose, which gives me support when I need it and let's me exit the boat in a capsize. That's why I tried it when I had friends nearby to do a rescue. It did work but I keep thinking about how to make some foam knee pads, sadly no good ideas yet.

  • @lewismartin4306
    @lewismartin4306 2 місяці тому +1

    One wife and one girlfriend is the perfect number

  • @slickwilly4613
    @slickwilly4613 6 місяців тому

    How does the speed compare to hard shell kayaks? I am thinking of buying this or a Pakayak or a Oru bay ST

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  6 місяців тому

      It's good, on flat water I can cruise at 3.5 knots. 4 knots is possible for a short sprint. It keeps up with sea kayaks very well

  • @CaspCic
    @CaspCic 7 місяців тому

    The problem with this boat is, that due to its price range, it's often sold to beginners, with ads showing it going in open seas and large lakes...
    It's nothing for beginners. It's not as stable as it should be.
    It's fun for experienced paddlers, but I guess, those have even better, more practical boats available.

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  7 місяців тому

      Interesting point, although I would argue all beginners should have training. Kayaking requires skill and knowledge about trip planning, rescues and what equipment to carry. We see far too many poorly prepared paddlers getting into trouble.

  • @engineeronabicycle178
    @engineeronabicycle178 6 місяців тому

    what spray skirt do you use? i tried using one from decathlon but i cant get it to fit somehow

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  6 місяців тому

      You need a big deck spray deck preferably with relatively thin elastic as the cockpit coaming is narrow and it can be difficult to force the elastic under the rim. I have a Yak Zinc which works well

  • @sergio966
    @sergio966 4 місяці тому

    Are there important differences between V1 and V2? Which is better and faster?

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  4 місяці тому +1

      V1 is slightly faster but the v2 is still a quick kayak and much better to paddle.

  • @BrunoFriedrich-l2v
    @BrunoFriedrich-l2v 3 місяці тому

    Respekt!

  • @ROCKDESTROYER.
    @ROCKDESTROYER. 8 місяців тому

    What's that paddle you're using ?

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  8 місяців тому

      It's a split Greenland paddle by Feathercraft. Eastpole paddles also make them. It's v convenient for packing into a bag.

  • @dandee28
    @dandee28 4 місяці тому

    its easier to get in when u kick your back feet to float up

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  4 місяці тому +1

      Definitely want to get your legs and body as high as possible

    • @dandee28
      @dandee28 4 місяці тому

      @davidpoots8362 I have a question, I filled up tubes 2-3 yesterday. The image on the kayak says 3 psi. Does that mean total for both combined or is it 3psi each side tube? The floor wants 5 psi total. My pump won't go any stronger so the side tubes I can only pump about 2.4 psi each and floor I can only fill about 4 psi. For itiwit x100

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  4 місяці тому

      Perhaps you need a high pressure pump because each tube should be at 10psi. That pressure gives the rigidity and excellent performance.

  • @Pedalpedalov-jn8tl
    @Pedalpedalov-jn8tl 6 місяців тому

    Very Bad Kajak. I Sold IT after 2 days

    • @davidpoots8362
      @davidpoots8362  6 місяців тому

      It has many faults, but it is great to paddle

    • @PHILMO16
      @PHILMO16 4 місяці тому

      I have had an X500 for 3 years, I also own many rigid and inflatable kayaks. This boat is not perfect but remains the fastest inflatable kayak. In 2018 I was on the Dordogne Intégrale race where Itiwit had the first X500 K1 and K2 prototypes, all these kayaks came in honorable places. It’s a one-day race with a distance of 130km. ua-cam.com/video/8rUwWwQmftE/v-deo.htmlsi=wLu53ms9Nx6QT1wk