5 Kayaks Under $300 Reviewed: Are They Worth It?
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- Опубліковано 21 вер 2024
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Our 2024 $300 and under review is now live! Check it out ua-cam.com/video/ZfgJNHvcOr0/v-deo.htmlsi=-iwO3qNFp3iUrMEe
Some people can only afford 200 and 300 dollar boats. So your video is a service.
Oxxnarr D'flame thank you so much. The pleasure is mine. I enjoy seeing this sport grow and reach new people.
If you do a quick search on the Internet you can find plenty of high quality used boats for the same price. They will last longer than the cheap box store ones you get. Also, NEVER listen to the salesman when they tell you they are rated "up to class 3" Get the right gear and the right training before you put those deathtraps on whitewater.
I was actually already planning to go pick up that Field & Stream Blade tomorrow so I was really pleased to watch this video and see that you ranked it the best.
@@xsubdude99 that's a great tip. And now that I'm looking for my third, and my wife's second kayak, buying used is a great idea, but when we statted, you never would have gotten us to buy used.
Helped me a ton, I had to hike 4miles yesterday to a fishing spot. For sure need a kayak
I like the fact that you don't bash the box store boats and actually encourage them as an introduction boat.
Thanx for the share.
One of the early small inexpensive recreational kayaks was the Kiwi. All of the major manufacturer reps dismissed it as a toy at first, then said at least it was getting people started in kayaks. After they had some experience people who got started in them would want to "move up to a real kayak." The Kiwi became quite popular. All the manufacturers eventually came out with a clone. One manufacturer even copied the name but spelled it differently. For a lot of people, a small, inexpensive, lightweight kayak that is suitable for quiet water was all they wanted. I used to work at a kayak shop. I've had lots of different kayaks. At our summer cabin on a lake in Minnesota we have a couple of small, cheap, plastic kayaks in our fleet. They get used a lot. My wife will often take one out along with a ultralight carbon paddle that cost almost double what the kayak cost. 😂😆😂
Fun fact that Kiwi is what got me started almost 30 years ago! Perfect example of why the kayak is less important than the experience.
@@noyopacific Funny actually how many times the cheaper stuff gets you in. When I started gold prospecting it was with a $10 pan and $5 shovel, it was enough to get me hooked. Now I have some pretty decent equipment, I wouldn't have got if I hadn't started from the beginning.
Although for kayaks I most likely will just get a cheapish one, its more something for side fun, unless I can find one that can handle shallow rivers.
@@noyopacific I had 2 Kiwi's quite a few years ago. Had a ball with them.
I completely agree. What a logical mature business man
"He didn't have all the answers but he didn't pretend like he did either" I can respect that.
Great review, really helped me to pick out a entry-level kayak at the age of 81,
Which did you choose?
Yes. Which one did you get?
Killing it for 81!
If you close your eyes, it sounds like Kevin Costner is talking about kayaks. 👍
Omg! It does!!!! Lol! 🤣
Kinda looks like him too tbh
I can here it.
I got to meet Costner one night on the set of Yellowstone. And by "meet" I mean we were shooting a scene on a set of bleachers for a rodeo and the director gave us all well heard instructions. And basically it boiled down to, "ok folks listen here. This is our job. I don't care if you're a fan of Costner and neither does he. Everyone will be professional. Everybody will do as told. Theres a lot of people behind the camera watching everyone of you. We see everything you do. All the officers you see here are not for the show. Break any of these rules or even look suspicious, you will be immediately removed. The contact you all signed, included giving us permission to take legal action against you without hesitation. Understand? Now everyone will shut the fuck up."
Then Costner came to his place and I was about 3 rows up and 10 feet to the side. When he sat down, I noticed a new scent of cologne that was not there before. And thats the story of how I got to meet Kevin god damn Costner.
Nice guy 🤣🤣
True, I think he also sounds like both Tom Hanks and Nicolas Cage.
“you don’t wanna paddle these boats further out than you wanna swim back” lol
Comments like this is why I got sit on tops. I seen a guy try and roll one and pretty much sank it.
Thanks for not being a snob and giving an honest opinion. If I lived on your side of the country I would be a customer.
Right? He has my vote too! I would be a patron of his no question 👍🏻
I'm considering driving to his side of the country just to be a customer...
Dude, you spoke so honestly. A persons first kayak shop probably won’t be yours.
I owned sun dolphin, and pelicans before I stepped into a pro shop and picked up a couple Loons.
I love your attitude about being okay selling people on buying from Dick's because you know its best for the activity and people will grow into what you offer. I bought my first bike from Walmart and 2nd one from my local bike shop.
Plus, people who don't like Dick's can find the same products elsewhere. It's a quality review video.
Excellent and seemingly unbiased review. Very rare to see. Thank you for taking your time to make this. Very useful for someone like me who is just starting out.
"These are close to shore boats. You don't want to paddle out farther than you can swim back." Terrific info for entry into kayaking! Thanks for the honest reviews. Love the passion he has for kayaking and sincerity of getting others into the sport. Smart salesman. Exactly the info I needed.
See imma still take mind to a lil island on a lake though
I love the honesty on this man and thank you for acknowledging that the average first time kayak owner isn't going to sink north of $1,000 to see if they enjoy the sport.
I have been Kayaking/Canoeing for about 60 years. I am 79 now and still actively Kayak fishing.
I have 5 top quality kayaks at present (too many but I use most of them). I do both fresh and salt water
so I need variety. I like your video but I think you missed an important point, at my age I want a light kayak
as it is easier to cartop (load/unload/carry), You need to mention weight. These kayaks are all
fairly light and the Mustang (the best one in my opinion) weighs about 36/39 LBS, a great weight for older
Kayakers to handle.
Bravo to you!
That's why i got the mustang too! 10 lbs makes a big difference.
@Charles As a complete beginner, is it more difficult to learn kayaking in a small river? Unfortunately I can't swim, so I am afraid of going into a big, deep lake, but we have a slow flowing, shallow, narrow river here and I feel it would be safer to try there. What is your opinion?
I had 0 kayaks before I started watching your videos, now I got 3. All lifetime cheapies, but definitely ready to get a pedal for me soon. Thanks for the videos and inspiration.
What's a good beginner kayak for calm waters
@@meancheeto you need to provide more info. Why you kayak and such. Sit inside are lighter and more efficient. Sit on top are safe if you might fall out(heavier though). Longer is faster, width equals stability. Perception outlaw very stable but very slow. Secondary stability may make some people feel “tippy” but it locks in on the edge and you would fall out mostly if your head goes over the edge trying to reach for something. (Above are generalizations and there will be exceptions to rules). I have a hobie compass now.
I started Kayaking in 1959 in all kinds of different aquatic environments. My son is a certified insructor. From my experience you do a great realistic presentation!
I appreciate how you are not bad mouthing kayaks because they are cheap and sold in box stores. Makes me want to buy one from you instead. Thanks for the video!
@@georgedechant1409 I know this is a few years old, but i'd figured I'd give my input in case someone reads it. I bought the pelican mustang a few days ago from Dick's and bought a "universal foam strap car top carrier" for $25 at Meijers. 2 foam rectangles, 2 nylon straps with cam buckles, and two ropes. You can probably jerry rig yourself something similar for cheaper. I'm able to safely load the pelican onto the roof of my vw jetta
@@ChristopherTheBanana thank you!!!
Reviews like these are golden. It is rare to find someone who provides intelligent and unbiased information. Thank you!!!!!
Just started looking into a starter kayak cuz of quarantine, this is just the review I needed.
ditto
Same here. I just bought one just need a roof rack and my life jacket.
Same! I just bought a tandem sit on top :)
Just bought the mustang today and love it! Can’t wait to go on more trips. Thanks!!!
We bought four yeast year based on this video. Dicks runs a great sale on them too.
I really appreciate this review as someone who’s literally barely starting to kayak- hearing this review from a seasoned kayaker is better than receiving it from a salesmen/woman thank you so much !
I purchased a Pelican Bandit after watching your review. I am a smaller paddler with not much experience. The Bandit has been perfect for me. It's easy to handle and tracks well, and I feel completely stable in it. I just finished a 9-mile trip in it, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Thanks for your review. It was very helpful.
Thanks to your video I picked up a Pelican Mustang 100X today for $250. It's my first kayak and I'll be taking it out this labor day weekend!
Let us know how you like it ..
hey man how is that kayak working out for you? im considering getting one myself. what type of bodies of water do you travel on?
I have both of the pelican kayaks mentioned in the video and his review is spot-on. They’re comfortable, sturdy, and perfect for putzin’ around on calm waters near shore. I recommend them to ANYONE who asks about cheap ‘yaks
I have a Pelican Mustang as well and usually float on my local river that is mostly calm has very few rapids. I recommend it to anyone who is wanting to go on calm waters.
Where did you get it? I only see them for $350-$400
I love water... Know ZERO about kayaks... Rented a cabin that had kayaks for use... Within the next week as a family we have purchased SIX sit on kayaks. 2 tandem, one 8 ft and 3 10ft. I am absolutely thrilled! All under 300 (thanks walmart-lol) all but one are lifetime, ones a pelican. Its a learning process. This made me feel better about the sit on choice and I look forward to more videos of yours! Thanks for the info. I don't ever see crazy water in my future but more relaxing. Thank you again!
Next video "I return 5 kayaks to Dicks Sporting goods"
HAhahaha! Still have more testing to do. I want to compare them to premium kayaks and show people the differences between cheap and quality kayaks.
@@HeadwatersKayak
THEN they get returned.
Yep
Since he told them what he was doing, as long as the video isn't "These things suck, never buy from Dicks" I think they take that deal and smile about it
Nice new channel for me to watch who is a local.
I live in Shasta county as well.
The pink Pelican is awesome, have used it myself dozens of times on Class 1 rivers and small lakes (not a kayak for open ocean or even bigger lakes like Lake Michigan). Completely agree about the extra comfort, especially the knee pads. And it's light enough for this li'l lady to drag around. I'm 115 lbs and I have no issues draining it on my own.
Hey. Good stuff. Fair and well organized. My friends are kayak snobs and were giving me advice all over the map. I delayed buying a kayak because of this. Now I feel empowered to just do it with a starter kayak and then upgrade when I have some time under my belt.
I've been wanting to get into kayaks for years, but couldnt find this kind of quality information to help me get started. thank you! I have a few thousand to spend, but will be buying a few kayaks. This helped me a lot.
Prices are about $200 higher for each of these kayaks now in December 2021!
Crazy how much inflation and demand has driven up prices in the kayak world.
@@HeadwatersKayak Several similar ones are on sale🙃🙃 *right now*🙃🙃 in a Dick's Flash Sale for $130.
No sh$t! I can't believe the difference in price.
Yeah, i was just looking at this lol. I was like, wow i spent 200 on a sit on top from tractor supply but now it seems like i got a good deal
400 now
I was hoping you were gonna do the lifetime lancer from walmart. I got it on sale for 175 and modded it to my specs with scotty accessories. Im happy with it. But you are dead on, this is my first kayak. My next kayak will be from headwaters. I met you at the ISE show in january and you didnt even try to sell me a yak just told me what cool stuff you had going on. I appriciate your level of professionalism. Keep it up
@@mojobudgiekayakfishing yea i love mine just wanted a pro yakers take on it. I did hella research before going with it
Very inspirational for this little old lady who's tired of sitting on the couch all day!! Thank you!!
Me too!
I went kayaking once & I have been in love with it. Getting ready to buy my first kayak!
You mention some design characteristics that make a difference. In future videos show us the undersides and what is good so we can look for the same specs.
Yes please, a video on hull shape would be huge.
Seconded. Possibly suggestions on kayaks/hull for different types of water as well. IE. A small lake, like in this video, or a larger lake, or rivers.
@Neil - Third! Great video @Headwaters I just would love to even see more too :)
“If I’m inspiring you to get out on the water”, ...you have succeeded dude, and Thank You, I was going to pick up one of the less expensive types, but now I will splurge and get a real nice Kayak, thanks again!
I think my favorite part of your vids, Dan, is that you’re always enthusing "just get out there and paddle for the fun of it." That’s really what it’s all about, no matter if you’re in a $180 boat or an $1,800 one. Plus your instructional pieces are awesome. Good on ya, mate!
My buddy told me he was going to go kayaking for the first time alone tomorrow. I've been wanting to get into the hobby, but there were so many options. It's 3 hours from when we're suppose to meet up, and I just made my purchase. Thanks for the video, can't wait to go out later.
And thanks for not shaming us new people who ended up going to a big box store, with a limited budget.
I just bought the mustang and this review absolutely reinforced my choice. Thank you SO much for such an honest informative review. Watching this was just such a great experience and this coming from a person who has the attention span of a gold fish this was more than beneficial, informative it was just awesome I watched from beginning to end thank you!!!!
I live in Montreal but this man could sell me snow. Really honest and straight to the point.
Montreal ???, hope you don't fall in the water !!! With all the raw sewage Montreal dumps in the water!!! Yuck !, Uruck 🤭😡🤢🤮🤮🤬🤮🤕😰
Would any of these be appropriate in Montreal?
Loved this video, finally someone that can explain the difference. I was completely lost with choosing a kayak. Now I can get one and have confidence in my choice. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!
I can wait to get on the water.
I bought the Field and Stream Blade on this recommendation, and it really is a nice paddling kayak! It does need one easy fix, and that is the foot braces need new bolts. The foot brace fell off just carrying it to the car, but I was already aware of this problem and was not concerned. They used super short wood type screws going into the foot braces, and they barely catch any threads into the plastic. I simply got some bolts and drilled the foot brace holes to the same size hole as those in the hull. I used a rubber sided washer and ran flat headed bolts with nylock nuts on the inside. The braces will never come loose now. I also zip tied pipe insulation around the forward edge of the cockpit, and it is way more comfy on the knees when you lock your legs in a brace. I also use a simple kayak pad on the seat. Can now paddle for hours in comfort. The boat is very stable, and my girlfriend, who is a bit cautious on the water, is totally comfortable with big boat wakes. Yet the boat paddles and glides very well and is really easy to hold a very nice speed. Great little boat!
Where did you get it? I can't find one anywhere now.
Hi.
What size did you get. I'm 2022 they have 3 options (80,97,120) and none of them looks exactly as the one in the review.
@@ivani8511 ours are 9 ft 6 in long. Or 114 inches. Maybe it would be named a 120, as manufacturers love to round things off.
@@traceevans827 At Dicks Sporting Goods
@@twowheelsdown2002 ok. Thanks
One of the best UA-cam videos I’ve ever seen. Honest, professional information. You’re helping people get into the sport. People will still go to a kayak-specific shop when they want to upgrade. Thank you!
I've been doing soooo much research - buying kayaks for me, wife, and two tweenager kids ..... your knowledge, advice, and input have been invaluable with making a decision. I can't say thank you enough for helping our family get into kayaking !!!!
Can you cover how to safely travel with the boat on a car? A lot of people don't understand the cost of carrying the boat also.
Jackson R definitely. When I started out, I didn’t realize how much it would cost for a good rack. There are a lot of “hidden” costs when you buy a kayak.
I used my husband’s pickup, then bought my son’s suburban for 1000$ and can fit 2 kayaks in the back .
Transportation is the biggest roadblock for us getting kayaks.
@@jasonr1993 agreed! As a female solo kayaker, I got an inflatable 'kayak' to start from Wal-Mart. I was afraid of lifting a kayak as big as me into my car, so I had to find an alternative ☺
@@jasonr1993 Handi rack works really well having D rings all across the inflated rack and is easy to secure both the racks and the boats. I put 2 kayaks on mine many many times and never had problems, the inflatable nature of the racks actually helps keep anything from being damaged, acting like suspension for the boats. Being able to roll them up and keep them in the included carry bag in the trunk is great
THIS video renewed my long time interest in kayaking, and thanks to you, I went out and finally got one! Got out on the water 5 times so far, can't wait to plan more trips! Thank you very much for this video. This is the reason I keep watching youtube, valuable content like this :)
I'm the rec kayaker, looking for a little more thrill on the water. If I lived near your store, I would not hesitate to come there or send my family there. Fantastic video! Great wisdom.
Gotta be tough to remain objective when reviewing boats like these after being used to higher end kayaks, but you were fair and even-handed in the reviews...good vid, great job!
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!
This video was exactly what I needed. I've been interested in Kayaking for a long time. I've gone a few times with rentals but I'm finally ready to take the plunge and buy my own so I can explore as long as I want without a time limit. I was already looking at the Pelican trailblazer but I wanted to see someone who knows their stuff talk about it. I'm sold! Thanks for the awesome video.
We bought the mustang's to get our feet wet so to speak ( wife and I) we love the intro its allowed. Like you said to find if the love is there. I will be upgrading for more rapid/fishing/camping etc then i will go to a more acceptable dealer like yourself. Thanks!
Oh my goodness this video could not have found me at a better time! I was looking at buying my first kayak and this video inspired me!
Hey Dan, thanks for your kyacking videos. I am a 75 year old widow, who just started kyacking 2 years ago. I kyack in fair weather and still water. I bought a SeaFlo 8.8 sit on top, because it has a wheel in the keel to help me transport. I learned my strokes and safety ips from your videos and am loving my time on the water thanks to you.. Keep your videos coming!
I remember watching this video before buying my first kayak. I ended up with an angler version of the Pelican Mustang. It got me on the water and introduced me to kayaking. Now a few years later instead of shopping at Academy Sports, I went to a local independent paddling shop. The owner helped me pick out a kayak to fit me and my paddling style and came home with a Crescent Lite Tackle. In a month or so I have already spent more hours in the LT than I did in the Pelican in 3 or so years. Budget kayaks definitely have their place, and just like you said, independent shops shouldn’t bash on them. You helped me pick my first kayak, and now my second kayak. Both were great recommendations. Loving my Lite Tackle! Keep up the good work, and thank you!
Thanks for your honesty. I've been kayaking by renting and borrowing from friends. I found this video very informative and useful. I plan to buy one of my own for under 200. Thanks again.
Looking at getting my first kayak, this was the first review I've seen so far and I greatly appreciated it
Those paddling noises are DELICIOUS!
I am almost 74 and tried kayaking for the first time this past weekend and had a blast. Thank you for this introduction video so I can learn more about what type of kayak I should consider buying.
I’ve had a field and stream blade for two years and take it out a ton. Bring it on all of the finger lakes and I’ve also taken it out on Lake Ontario. My wife has the Swifty. It’s a great kayak. I’ve got two gripes with it - one is that it has no lip for a skirt, and two is that because of the lack of lip, in rougher waters it will take in water over the bow.
I’m pretty short so it fits me like a glove. Everything he has said is 100% accurate. My wife’s swifty sits more on top of the water, is a bit more tippy, but breaks waves way better than the blade does. It’s also a good deal lighter.
My husband and I are looking for our first kayaks. Thank you so much for this video! You pointed out so many things that we would not have thought to consider. Can't wait to pick some out and get on the water 😃
I'm broke with a 3 year old son and my fondest memories were on a boat, we may have to get into this..
Matt, the boats are inexpensive. That doesn't matter if you still don't have the $. Check craigslist/facebook , hopefully you can find something you can afford and make some memories with your son. Good luck
Used versions of most of these can be found on Craigslist around 100. They go quick but check garage sales and online listings. Facebook, Craigslist, Letgo, Offer Up, ect
Or go rental, $20/hour with life vests.
Dude... my son and I loved and built soooooo many fond memories on our 1975 16ft sailboat, cost isn't important. Just get out there, my son is almost 11 now and wish we would have gotten out more often. I'm thinking kayak is a great idea too.
Thank you SO much! Definitely did inspire me...did a LL Bean Discovery School two weeks ago (my first kayak experience) and fell in love with the sport...now just trying to learn as much as possible, and this was terrific. Appreciate that you recognize a "hacker" like me will start on the low end of the price point - very common sense approach. I'm in Eastern PA, but if I ever find myself in your neck of the woods, will thank you in person!
I've purchased a 10' Pelican Mustang and can't wait to start my kayaking adventures! I'll watch as many of your videos as possible to learn; you are very informative.
I’ve always loved being out on the water. Canoeing never was that great for me, but when I found kayaking I was mesmerized. I’ve been trying to find a good kayak to begin with. But you helped to narrow down my criteria. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for this video. I recently kayaked at my Dads lake house and am now interested in getting my own but budget is a huge issue. I was looking for a review of the Field and Stream Blade and yours was the only one I found. I am glad you ranked it so high and being only 5’3 I think this may the perfect starter kayak for me. Like you mentioned I can at least get out on the water and see how much I enjoy kayaking without having to sink a ton of money into something I may not use long term.
This video helped me a lot! Taking your recommendations to heart. I can definitely tell you're in it for the sport and not for profits. My purchase options were 100% guided by your commentary. thank you sir.
Jon Marr glad you found it helpful.
So, I'm watching a video on isups and I see this in the suggestions. Am I looking for a kayak? Nope. I have 5 kayaks right now and my main paddling is playboating/whitewater up in Canada. But I also have light touring, fishing and recreational kayaks and my wife paddles recreational flatwater on calm lakes. So, why am I commenting? Well, originally, I just wanted to see if the Perception Swifty 9.5 was still available. But, I have to say this is one of the best videos I've seen on getting someone into a sport. This guy hits the nail on the head and it's something I tell a lot of people curious about kayaking- get something relatively cheap that isn't too heavy. Just getting out on the water in a comfortable, safe accessible manner is the start whether you end up liking it or not. As for the Perception Swifty 9.5, we bought one about 15 years ago. This one didn't have the storage compartment in the back or any bungees. But, bang for the buck, best kayak I ever bought. I have been out a kilometer on Lake Huron with 2 foot chop steel lining for lake trout in this old version of the Swifty with a skirt and knees tucked under cockpit sides so I could roll it if necessary. Thing was stable. Dragged it around so much we wore a hole in it- I welded it up and it's still going. Leave it out locked to a tree at a lake near us year round- under 2-3 feet of snow in the winter with temps down to -30 to -40 F at times. It's my wife's go to kayak because it is simple and light and easy to throw around. Doesn't look like the one you reviewed. Anyways, that's my two cents. Great video that actually tries to get people into paddling!
ken jarecki thanks so much Ken! You get the mission. Growing the Paddlesports tie instead of trying to split it. If people get into and fall in love, there will always be a place for pro shops like Headwaters. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Literally the first vid I looked at as I rented a kayak yesterday and think it might be a thing for me. This was a PERFECT review for me! Simple. Honest. Unbiased. And most of all EDUCATIONAL!!! Great job!
Man I really respect this attitude for business. I recently got a truck and thought a kayak was in order since it would be so much easier to haul.
Naturally I'm looking in the $300 range and this is incredibly helpful. Your attitude on not trying to pitch beginners into a $800 kayak is a wise one. If I do really like it and decide to take that next step, I will definitely look into your company and it's offerings for the completely transparent information you provide.
A lot of people are too focused on making a quick buck but the way you're presenting your company builds loyalty. Well done sir, much respect. Snobbery tends to drive people away from sports and you seem far from a snob.
Wow the price difference pre-covid
Seriously.
it’s so sad lmao
I watched this video last night and went to Dicks today to buy the Blade. It's $70 more and no longer has foot braces..
😯 Oh my. No sales like they used to have every year, either. ☹
i went to Dicks as well, crazy prices, the Pelican Mustang was $389 now. I got lucky and looked on facebook marketplace and a guy had just put one for sale less than an hour before for $225 with a paddle! I got it. sweet. this is a great video for beginners.
So today my wife finally talked me into going kayaking I’m 6’7 about 290 conservatively🥴I used her boat I bought her for Mother’s Day two years ago !!! Well it’s a pelican was pretty nervous at first seat was too small and I kept thinking I was going to flip over but I fell in love today with the whole kayaking experience and I just watched this video and I’m even more inspired because of your true honesty so thank you 🙏 would love some recommendations on a better seat and possibly better kayak even though I may still need to just get used to it
I was impressed that you didn't bash the cheaper boats and gave a informative review. I had always wanted to get into Kayaking however the boats that I felt like I needed were over $1000 so I have postponed making a purchase since I would be buying boats for me and my wife. Now I can consider getting a cheaper boat and purchasing the needed equipment without spending too much money. Later I can upgrade without the additional expense of the equipment like life vest and paddles. Thanks for taking the time to post and I have subscribed to watch additional videos.
Remember, too, that you can always resell them for not much less than you pay for them. Or keep them as loaners or give them away and make someone's summer. I have two 17' wood kayaks and people always compliment them, but what do I recommend for starting? One of these cheap, nearly indestructible, no-maintenance, comfortable plastic boats every time. Yeah, they're not ocean boats or whitewater or what have you, but those aren't good places for beginners, anyway, and a lot of people are quite content to just paddle gently on calm water on calm days and never want more.
Wow. 5 years ago, I bought the same Blade 9 as my first kayak because of this video. I still have it, and take it out on The Mississippi every weekend. At 5'4 and about 250, my short fat ass has never had an issue. The only time I've tipped, was when I was leaned too far cutting a blue heron free that got tangled in a bank pole catfishing line.
Thank you so much for this honest review. We purchased 2 Pelican Mustangs for our entry into Kayaking and love them! We wish your shop was closer to help us with our next purchase. Thank you fir inspiring us to get on the water.
Decent, fair review. Could have addressed skirts and storage on each boat. I was surprised at the pricing. Absolutely the right approach for people just getting in to paddling.
Love your attitude. It's about getting out and enjoying life and nature. One of the hardest things for a newcomer to any sport or hobby is that elitist attitude that seems to always linger at certain spots/shops. It can be very intimidating for a lot of people and can push people away from the sport altogether. Experienced and pro people often forget this fact or just don't care. Keep up the great videos.
Thank you so much for sharing an honest review of the "cheaper" boats. My wife and I were inspired to get kayaks and get out on the lake! We're beginners, so we don't want to break the bank, but wanted to know what we were getting into. You made it very clear the pros and cons of each boat and helped us break into the kayaking world. Again, thank you!!
My wife and I have been watching your videos because we want to get into kayaking and we love your honesty and sincerity even though you are reviewing other kayaks that you don’t sell. Makes us wish we lived in CALIFORNIA
Thanks so much for the honest review. As a 67 year old retired firefighter who wants to get into kayaking, I learned a ton!
Thanks for this, really helpful - even though here in Australia the brands may be different, the pros and cons of sit-in versus sit-on are still important considerations for me, I want more speed but need to consider safety for my 10 yr old. I took his sit-on out recently, was like paddling a bathtub 😁 Love your lakes, too - we have beautiful places here but crocs are a problem!
Appreciate the video, I have been thinking about getting a kayak, this has been very informative/inspirational. Can't wait to get a boat and get out on the water !
Thanks, I was able to get 2 of these with quarantine; it’s great to get out. My mom has been wanting to start kayaking for years but with 1,000s to get started. She didn’t want to invest not knowing how it would work out for her. Your video got us out on the water (got us 2 for mother’s day) thanks so much!
Thanks for making this video. We love in Minnesota. Our family started off with Index K2 inflatables 2 years ago. This spring, we wanted to get hard shell kayaks. But, with COVID, we could find any till September. We started off with a Perception Swifty. My wife noticed it tracked a bit to one direction. Then we remembered watching this video. After rewatching this video, we ended up getting 3 Mustangs. My wife and kids love the Mustangs. Because I'm 6', I live the size of the cabin the Swifty has so I use that one. Our oldest daughter like taking the bag out of the Mustang and use that space as a fish live well for fishing.
Thanks for all the video you put out.
We have our Kayaks stored for the winter. Can't wait for the next Kayaking season.
If anyone is curious about kayak storage in a 2 car garage. We put 2 kayaks on wall brackets. Then we have 2 harnesses mounted to the ceiling that lift/lower the kayaks down
Love the honesty and your ability to be objective and understanding that different people have different needs/expectations of what they think an ideal kayak would be for them.
I have never done kayaking before, I’m right at 5’11, I really like that field and stream for $159.99, and that pelican mustang I like as well, maybe purchasing 3 for myself, wife and daughter, great review
@Addison Hackbarth same everyone of these like the mustang is 350-400
This was so helpful and exactly what I needed since I am new to this sport. Thank you for the honest review. So glad I found your channel!
After watching this video I finally made the decision to purchase the Mustang and did so Sunday! Thanks for the share.
BillieJo Lee right on. Enjoy!
Our Family purchased Kayak for first time.
Sit on Top
10 Foot
Scupper Holes
Spend money on comfort/ good seating and back support
Dry Storage (for personal stuff, trash, lunch...water)
You do not want a bean shape our rounded haul, it spins out takes work to keep straight. I like the exercise, but I don't want to be completely worn out after 5-10 miles.
That's a fantastic review that avoids getting snobby about the boats. I'm with you here; if getting a cheap boat is something that helps get people into kayaking and out enjoying unique places in nature, then good! I'm also really glad to see you call out the dangers of the cheaper boats when it comes to lack of bulkheads, flotation and stuff; it's something the sales people will never mention, yet critical to know. The only thing I'd try to add for folks is don't buy the cheapest paddle! A decent enough paddle can be had for around $100 USD, and those cheap aluminium-shaft things with overly-flexible plastic ends are so bad they can ruin a paddle experience. Several times now I ran into people who were really having trouble paddling and it was simply using a horrible paddle that was heavy and couldn't put any power down.
Yet another great vid from Headwaters. Thanks, Dan!
Loved the video, thanks for mentioning the float bags. Bought a blade on a whim and glad to hear it was a solid buy. Love to see beginner kayak videos.
*Covid enters the chat* All these kayaks are now $500 kayaks :D
yes between $300 and $500 in my area.........pacific nw
@@davidappleby7214 It's getting colder so you can scoop one for the next season pretty cheap.
The Mustang 100x he recommended ($280) is now $349 here in PA (2/2021)
@@thecurrys806 try to scalp one off of all the people who realized they're not gonna have time to yak this summer 👍
$ 350 for the Mustang here in ohio/KENTUCKY AREA
Your rationale is spot on---im a newbie looking to buy an inexpensive kayak to see how much I really enjoy the activity as a personal hobby and not just occasional recreational. I've stumbled on a few videos of yours and I really appreciate the transparency and safety Convo.
I will not start at more than $300 and it is so nice to get the opinion of someone who knows what they’re talking about without trying to sell me something more expensive. Thank you so much. Great review!
Glad this helped. Happy paddlin!
If only our politicians had this much class, honesty and integrity. New subscriber from Victoria Canada eh!
kinezo1961 welcome! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
Alright that's it! I decided I'm getting a pick up truck, kayaks & fishing rods for this summer 2021! F covid-19 i'll just distance and have fun on lakes 😎 Thanks for inspiring me lol
Do it!
Just came across your videos and wanted to say THANK YOU! Wish I would have seen this before. I picked up my first kayak this summer, a Pelican Mustang 10'. Like you said in this video, great features. I encourage a dry bag for anything in the zipper bag as it gets soaked with a little of no effort. The padded cushions for the knees actually slide to adjust for different height or foot placement.
Have you reviewed or made recommendations for float bags? Thanks again for helping the kayak community.
Mel Grills yes recommendations in description.
Thank you, So much. I'm in Australia. Not my first time out...but the 2 granddaughters 7 & 9 yrs just had their first experience with sit on top Kayaks, the other day at Lakes Entrance. (Thank you Venture out!!) And fell in love. So here I am, looking for info to get back in the water, safely for camping away, from technology and came across your video. I learned a lot in 28 minutes. You're welcome at our fire sir, if ever you come to Australia. Cheers.
I just bought the Pelican Mustang 100x because of this review. I'm looking forward to warmer weather so I can go out to my favorite spot and enjoy it...
That’s awesome. Enjoy your summer.
I own the Mustang 100x as well, and I'm really enjoying it!
Been wanting to get into this for a long time. Seems like the perfect time and this review will get me on the water for sure !
i was like "wtf why doesn't he have a mask in a store" bc i low key forgot life existed before covid😂😂😂
Same 😂
Perpetual Pimp It really is though bud. Take driving for example, I imagine you’d be none too pleased if I sped down a residential street and risked rear ending you. Public health is a public responsibility, wearing a mask is basic human decency akin to not waving a loaded gun towards your friends or speeding
@@o_o474 If you so fervently believe that wearing a mask is the "decent" thing to do, why didn't you wear one before Covid? Hundreds of potentially deadly pathogens have existed for quite some time now, yet you probably went on about your life, carefree to the fact that you may have unwittingly caused the death of someone because you exposed them to some foreign virus. How selfish of you. Perhaps you didn't know masks existed, but now that you do, my recommendation is that you forevermore wear a piece of cloth over your face. Even after the Covid pandemic ends. It matters not that most cloth masks do little to stop the spread of airborne pathogens, wearing your mask will make you... decent.
YOU make me laughing a lot ,Haha! ...We all are USED to see people wearing masks
@@o_o474 mask do not protect you unless you have the kind medical people use. We are being used as chumps.
Your reviews pushed me to purchase my first fishing kayak the big fish 105. Keep up the good work man.
Also this video was perfect as the next purchase is for my wife and she was eyeballing the pelican.
Dredknot 89 same here. Got my big fish 105 last year. Love it
The Pelican is not bad at all. If I was smaller that Blade would be my boat of choice.
I also just ordered the big fish 105 after watching the under $1000 video.
quadriderkyle you won’t regret it.
That’s awesome! 2019 top 10 video was shot this AM. Coming soon!!!
Thanks for the realistic and honest assessment. Getting into (or thinking of getting into) a new sport can be intimidating, especially in a consumer culture that plays on the fear of not having the "best" equipment. For many (most?) people -given their likely use, kayaks like these are sufficient and maybe even ideal. Not everyone is looking to "progress." Your assessment is especially meaningful as the owner of a kayak shop. Thanks for posting this video!