I have both. I bought the intext for $100 on amazon back in the day. This review is spot on. The sea eagle is a much better kayak and has outlasted the intex. The pool toy valves on the intex are very annoying and the Sea eagle is just much more durable. That being said I did end up buying a sea eagle explorer 300x which is 4 times more expensive but a much better experience than both and its indestructable.
Happy to help! I HIGHLY suggest giving kayaking a shot, unless you don't want to find a fun and healthy new activity to do! :). Seriously though... go for it!
Do it. We bought an Intex Explorer K2 last summer and had a couple of very successful test paddles, so we bought another. We've been out on a few lochs and canals over the past year and always had a great time. It's not going to become our favourite pastime but it's a wonderful way to see the outdoors from new perspectives. I was always curious about kayaking but couldn't commit many hundreds to it, but for these prices it's been an easy choice.
We've had the Intek K2 for about 3 years and while it's been awesome and taken us everywhere from the Great Lakes, Atlantic ocean and every glacial lake in between on our full-time RV travels, it is now reaching what I'd call end of life lol. That sharp seam you pointed out in the video is now developing a new tear every other day and we're running out of patches and epoxy. Tempting to just grab another one at that price but I think we're sold on spending a few more bux on the Sea Eagle...thank you!
I have both of these and you are exactly right. The sea eagle was an upgrade from the Intex, but then I outgrew the Sea Eagle and recently got a Crescent Crew, which I would love to see you review!
Hi you are right about this kayak, we had the banana for one year, we done a lot of padding and miles in that, great to get out onto the water to see if you like kayaking. My wife was a little bit hesitant of water this was 3 years ago, upgrade to a full drop stitch kayak we love it as you said if you are not too sure about kayaking go for a banana then upgrade. The only problem that we had was it did split on the seam in the front, it did get replaced as it had a fault from Amazon also it was a bit cramped in the legs for two people + picnic basket no point spending a lot of money if you are not too sure about kayaking
I know I shouldn't judge a kayak by it's looks, but these both leave a lot to be desired. Great review though and I'm looking forward to the X500 vs. Razorlite showdown!
I used to own the 370 which is longer and has more interior space, but I quickly outgrew it as I found out about better-material (drop stitch) kayaks. So yes, I loved my 370 for the price that I paid, but I think the real value that I got from it was the passion that I acquired for kayaking.
I still have my 370 but I don't use it as much anymore since I bought 2 hardshell kayaks. It absolutely got me through the Coronavirus and the shortage of hardshell kayaks.
You are spot on about the seam on the Intex Explorer kayak. The seam is annoying and is a weak point which is nearly impossible to repair. We did not use it too many times before the leak developed. I suspect it leaked because you hit it when paddling. So, treat the seam with great care. I have the 2-person Explorer and have not used it in a couple years but will get it out soon - -will first check the condition of the seam. You are also right about the floor sagging. I made a 4 1/2 ft long board 16 inches wide (nice, rounded edges and finish to avoid sharp edges on the kayak material). The board made a huge difference. You sit up higher, and it glides much better. So, if you want to avoid these difficulties, maybe the Sea Eagle is better. If our Intex Explorer still leaks I will be buying the Sea Eagle 330 (or SE370 with the upgraded seats). All that said the Explorer is way cheaper. Amazon prices (November 2023) SE330/370 prices $240/$270; the Intex Explorer is $134.
Comparison reviews are fun to watch, especially these bits on the water. Thank you. 👍 Sea Eagle really excells here. It also looks better. Oh, BTW... these pooltoy style valves are called pinch valves 😉
Good review Ken. i have both kayaks, along with the SE300x and SE380x. The SE330 is better than the Explorer. It is much larger, much faster on the water, more comfortable, along with better paddles and pump. We took the SE330 on the Nantahala (class II whitewater) (saw another paddling on the river as well). It worked well, but with all the waves, you will want a bilge pump.
That's awesome to hear from someone who has experience with both! Thanks for sharing. Great that you got to take it down the Nantahala too. What a beauty river run!
I love your way of presenting all kinds of vessels to us. This one was very special for me, I inspired beginners to go out on the water with the Intex, and though the lack of Boston valves in the bottom was also a deal breaker for me, the Intex is absolutely stunning when it comes to toughness. We abused it on white waters and still no punctures or whatsoever. And tbh, it is quite fast as well. But once you started paddling this sucker, you appreciate it even more when you upgrade. Thanks for this video Ken! Eckie
I got the Sea Eagle 330 as a work anniversary gift several months ago. I've had it out about 10 times and had a good time with it. The first seven were on lakes, where the 330 was fine though slow. The last three were off the coast of NC in a tidal river with some current. Going against the flow on that river, blown by a crosswind, really made me think the 330 wasn't a great choice for that bit of paddling. I got where I was going, but it was a slog. Looking forward to your x500 and Razorlite comparison, as those two and the Pakayak are the three I'm most considering as an upgrade.
Sea eagle really went downhill after the MFG was no longer Italy. The china version is a different material and more like a pool toy than it used to be. The warranty for the sea eagle was useless for me, they declined my warranty on two different boats Both were mfg defect seam fail, one on an Oar Hold and one on the front ( Bow seam) , the first was a sea eagle 9 and I had the fisher dream with all the options except that silly awning. I would save your money and get something better. I am going to use my k2 that I just picked up for 20.00 ( used 1 time by the guy I bought it from who didn't like it) for a going down the river raft type thing ( Pool toy) until it pops.
I own the exact same Sea Eagle, agrees that it's an upgrade over the intex K2. However i also own the Intex Excursion Pro where the price is very close to the Sea Eagle. The Excursion Pro hull wins hands down for the build quality because of the far more durable 3 Ply material.
With shipping to Toronto the cheapest I can get the Sea Eagle is CDN $384, whereas the Intex is CDN $149.00. So I wanted the Sea Eagle, but I bought the Intex. I’ve also bought an Intex Excusion K2 and a Decathlon X100+ with a dropstitch floor. If I were looking for a gateway kayak, I’d get the Excursion, because it’s more comfortable on longer paddles and offers more space for long legs and gear. The Intex paddles are truly awful though…which brings me to my question…what is a good budget paddle to replace them with?
I enjoy SeaEagle's next tier, the Explorer 300X with that same inflatable seat. That seat may be the best bar none, beating even frame seats. It's secret is a pyramidal backrest which gives massive back support for even a huge person (if you pump it more than yours which was wrinkly). It will not tip backwards like common L shape seats. You can even sit at a comfy angle on a heeling sail kayak. I have several and use it on various watercraft. I leave them always inflated because it is hard to align their 2 air bladders under pressure. Also watch out for individual shipping costs unless you tell them to mash them down into smaller box.
At a $50 difference, the Sea Eagle is the clear choice. Problem is that I find at least $100 difference in their cost. I own two Intex K2 and have some observations: the air pump works great held in your hands or even between your knees. I NEVER stand on it! I use a smaller cooler behind the seatback and get great back support. BTW, after several years of use, the bow carry strap on one tote right off! That was surprising.
At 10:38 you mentioned the Sea Eagle's paddle as being flexible - this should have been the Intex Explorer's paddle. Please correct. The Sea Eagle's paddle is very superior to the Intex Explorer's paddle. Thanks.
I did a full review of the Challenger K2 that you can check out. Personally... I would still recommend the Sea Eagle 330. It's a significantly better kayak and should last much longer, but I know the Challenger sells for under $100 on Amazon! Here's a link to the Challenger review - ua-cam.com/video/iGyY9eY0a70/v-deo.html
The Sea Eagle sounds like a much better boat, but I can see an argument for going the other way. From the perspective of a gateway boat, that extra $50 could go towards a better PFD, or gas to get to the lake.
I’m enjoying my Sea Eagle 330. It has taken me a few outings to find my routine of inflating, deflating and packing it up. I’m still not satisfied in my own mind that I have found the best (solo) placement of the seat (the upgraded one) for the best performance. Any suggestions?
The biggest thing is having your weight centered for best performance. Because of your legs, this means having it slightly behind the center point of the kayak.
The price comparison completely makes these two incomparable. 😂 you Are literally like a salesman for the sea eagle. Which is $100 more than the k2. Thanks to this video though I might trade in my k2 for a sea eagle.
I am very new to all this kayak stuff. I have been in 1 sit in guidesman neptune 8. Needless to say I tipped 3 times before getting it and was very cautious in the water. I sat on a friends 10' lifetime sit on top to me much more stable and I felt comfortable. How stable is this compared to the neptune 8? I really like the review on the sea eagle 330 and am considering this one. My concern is how tippy it is? Thanks
The 330 is definitely a stable kayak! I can confidently say that you won't feel tippy in it. That doesn't mean you can't capsize, but you'll have to make a BIG mistake to capsize in flatwater. I would definitely recommend going for the 330!
@@dexterwayne8156I know it’s more money but the Explorer is so much more stable. I had it out on first Connecticut Lake today in NH and it dealt with a lot of chop when the wind came up. This is a large 3,000 plus acre lake
i got the k2 in south africa for $90 and Sea Eagle here is closer to $400 The western UA-camrs forgert that most of the better kayaks are overpriced in the 3rd world where Intex has a better foothold with lower prices Its all about how cheap you can get your K2 If you are going to spend more than $500 get a roof rack and get a proper hard shell kayak
Sorry Ken,but, for my $$ if it's not an Aqua-Bound it's most likely junk. When i started out I did a lot of research on paddles & i was sold on the Aqua_ Bound Mata Ray b4 or I even used it.
I have both. I bought the intext for $100 on amazon back in the day. This review is spot on. The sea eagle is a much better kayak and has outlasted the intex. The pool toy valves on the intex are very annoying and the Sea eagle is just much more durable. That being said I did end up buying a sea eagle explorer 300x which is 4 times more expensive but a much better experience than both and its indestructable.
Thanks for this review. I'm considering it now to make kayaking one of my new hobby! Appreciate it much!
Happy to help! I HIGHLY suggest giving kayaking a shot, unless you don't want to find a fun and healthy new activity to do! :). Seriously though... go for it!
Do it. We bought an Intex Explorer K2 last summer and had a couple of very successful test paddles, so we bought another. We've been out on a few lochs and canals over the past year and always had a great time. It's not going to become our favourite pastime but it's a wonderful way to see the outdoors from new perspectives. I was always curious about kayaking but couldn't commit many hundreds to it, but for these prices it's been an easy choice.
We've had the Intek K2 for about 3 years and while it's been awesome and taken us everywhere from the Great Lakes, Atlantic ocean and every glacial lake in between on our full-time RV travels, it is now reaching what I'd call end of life lol. That sharp seam you pointed out in the video is now developing a new tear every other day and we're running out of patches and epoxy. Tempting to just grab another one at that price but I think we're sold on spending a few more bux on the Sea Eagle...thank you!
I have both of these and you are exactly right. The sea eagle was an upgrade from the Intex, but then I outgrew the Sea Eagle and recently got a Crescent Crew, which I would love to see you review!
Hi you are right about this kayak, we had the banana for one year, we done a lot of padding and miles in that, great to get out onto the water to see if you like kayaking. My wife was a little bit hesitant of water this was 3 years ago, upgrade to a full drop stitch kayak we love it as you said if you are not too sure about kayaking go for a banana then upgrade. The only problem that we had was it did split on the seam in the front, it did get replaced as it had a fault from Amazon also it was a bit cramped in the legs for two people + picnic basket no point spending a lot of money if you are not too sure about kayaking
I know I shouldn't judge a kayak by it's looks, but these both leave a lot to be desired. Great review though and I'm looking forward to the X500 vs. Razorlite showdown!
How about an x500 vs. Razorlite vs. Airvolution showdown? To compare all 3 original full drop stitch designs... 🤔
Stay tuned for the Razorlite vs X500 video... but unfortunately I didn't include the Airvolution in the mix. That will have to be another video!
I have an explorer. I got the two person model so my wife could come too, but…. I want a razorlite as well now
I used to own the 370 which is longer and has more interior space, but I quickly outgrew it as I found out about better-material (drop stitch) kayaks. So yes, I loved my 370 for the price that I paid, but I think the real value that I got from it was the passion that I acquired for kayaking.
I still have my 370 but I don't use it as much anymore since I bought 2 hardshell kayaks. It absolutely got me through the Coronavirus and the shortage of hardshell kayaks.
Awesome to hear that it did its job of getting you hooked on kayaking! Thanks for sharing!
👍 Hands Down for Sea Eagle. I have two of them for over seven years and I love it.
You are spot on about the seam on the Intex Explorer kayak. The seam is annoying and is a weak point which is nearly impossible to repair. We did not use it too many times before the leak developed. I suspect it leaked because you hit it when paddling. So, treat the seam with great care. I have the 2-person Explorer and have not used it in a couple years but will get it out soon - -will first check the condition of the seam. You are also right about the floor sagging. I made a 4 1/2 ft long board 16 inches wide (nice, rounded edges and finish to avoid sharp edges on the kayak material). The board made a huge difference. You sit up higher, and it glides much better. So, if you want to avoid these difficulties, maybe the Sea Eagle is better. If our Intex Explorer still leaks I will be buying the Sea Eagle 330 (or SE370 with the upgraded seats). All that said the Explorer is way cheaper. Amazon prices (November 2023) SE330/370 prices $240/$270; the Intex Explorer is $134.
Comparison reviews are fun to watch, especially these bits on the water. Thank you. 👍
Sea Eagle really excells here. It also looks better.
Oh, BTW... these pooltoy style valves are called pinch valves 😉
Pinch valves! Awesome. Thank you. :)
Good review Ken. i have both kayaks, along with the SE300x and SE380x. The SE330 is better than the Explorer. It is much larger, much faster on the water, more comfortable, along with better paddles and pump. We took the SE330 on the Nantahala (class II whitewater) (saw another paddling on the river as well). It worked well, but with all the waves, you will want a bilge pump.
That's awesome to hear from someone who has experience with both! Thanks for sharing. Great that you got to take it down the Nantahala too. What a beauty river run!
Really liking the inflatable videos. I started out with the Sea Eagle 370. Would definitely like to see more inflatable videos.
More to come, although if you look back on my channel you'll find quite a few inflatable kayak reviews already! Cheers!
I once had the Intex Explorer as a guest boat. It was well under $100 new on Amazon just before Covid hit.
I love your way of presenting all kinds of vessels to us. This one was very special for me, I inspired beginners to go out on the water with the Intex, and though the lack of Boston valves in the bottom was also a deal breaker for me, the Intex is absolutely stunning when it comes to toughness. We abused it on white waters and still no punctures or whatsoever. And tbh, it is quite fast as well. But once you started paddling this sucker, you appreciate it even more when you upgrade. Thanks for this video Ken! Eckie
I got the Sea Eagle 330 as a work anniversary gift several months ago. I've had it out about 10 times and had a good time with it. The first seven were on lakes, where the 330 was fine though slow. The last three were off the coast of NC in a tidal river with some current. Going against the flow on that river, blown by a crosswind, really made me think the 330 wasn't a great choice for that bit of paddling. I got where I was going, but it was a slog. Looking forward to your x500 and Razorlite comparison, as those two and the Pakayak are the three I'm most considering as an upgrade.
I love my Intex challenger k1 Amazon $91 and only 18 or 20 lbs for this 76 yr old to carry.👍
Sea eagle really went downhill after the MFG was no longer Italy. The china version is a different material and more like a pool toy than it used to be. The warranty for the sea eagle was useless for me, they declined my warranty on two different boats Both were mfg defect seam fail, one on an Oar Hold and one on the front ( Bow seam) , the first was a sea eagle 9 and I had the fisher dream with all the options except that silly awning. I would save your money and get something better. I am going to use my k2 that I just picked up for 20.00 ( used 1 time by the guy I bought it from who didn't like it) for a going down the river raft type thing ( Pool toy) until it pops.
What a great video! Thanks for your hard work!
I own the exact same Sea Eagle, agrees that it's an upgrade over the intex K2. However i also own the Intex Excursion Pro where the price is very close to the Sea Eagle. The Excursion Pro hull wins hands down for the build quality because of the far more durable 3 Ply material.
With shipping to Toronto the cheapest I can get the Sea Eagle is CDN $384, whereas the Intex is CDN $149.00. So I wanted the Sea Eagle, but I bought the Intex. I’ve also bought an Intex Excusion K2 and a Decathlon X100+ with a dropstitch floor. If I were looking for a gateway kayak, I’d get the Excursion, because it’s more comfortable on longer paddles and offers more space for long legs and gear. The Intex paddles are truly awful though…which brings me to my question…what is a good budget paddle to replace them with?
I enjoy SeaEagle's next tier, the Explorer 300X with that same inflatable seat. That seat may be the best bar none, beating even frame seats. It's secret is a pyramidal backrest which gives massive back support for even a huge person (if you pump it more than yours which was wrinkly). It will not tip backwards like common L shape seats. You can even sit at a comfy angle on a heeling sail kayak. I have several and use it on various watercraft. I leave them always inflated because it is hard to align their 2 air bladders under pressure. Also watch out for individual shipping costs unless you tell them to mash them down into smaller box.
I had the explorer for 5 years and used it with my gf in choppy water. The only complaint i have is the seam really got in the way paddling.
At a $50 difference, the Sea Eagle is the clear choice. Problem is that I find at least $100 difference in their cost.
I own two Intex K2 and have some observations: the air pump works great held in your hands or even between your knees. I NEVER stand on it! I use a smaller cooler behind the seatback and get great back support.
BTW, after several years of use, the bow carry strap on one tote right off! That was surprising.
“Tore” off
At 10:38 you mentioned the Sea Eagle's paddle as being flexible - this should have been the Intex Explorer's paddle. Please correct. The Sea Eagle's paddle is very superior to the Intex Explorer's paddle. Thanks.
Might get the Challenger K2. Its green and has a net in the front for extra storage.
I did a full review of the Challenger K2 that you can check out. Personally... I would still recommend the Sea Eagle 330. It's a significantly better kayak and should last much longer, but I know the Challenger sells for under $100 on Amazon! Here's a link to the Challenger review - ua-cam.com/video/iGyY9eY0a70/v-deo.html
Are inflatable kayaks really safe for river? I wonder about limbs or sharp sticks that could puncture it.
The Sea Eagle sounds like a much better boat, but I can see an argument for going the other way. From the perspective of a gateway boat, that extra $50 could go towards a better PFD, or gas to get to the lake.
If I could afford it I would definitely go with Sea Eagle but I want the Sea Eagle Stealth Stalker 10.
thanks so much
thoroughly informative & useful to me!!!
Nice presentation, good information... I didn't like the commercials interspaced with this commercial though
I bought an intex k2 on clearance at Walmart for $19
You definitely value safety 😂
I’m enjoying my Sea Eagle 330. It has taken me a few outings to find my routine of inflating, deflating and packing it up. I’m still not satisfied in my own mind that I have found the best (solo) placement of the seat (the upgraded one) for the best performance. Any suggestions?
The biggest thing is having your weight centered for best performance. Because of your legs, this means having it slightly behind the center point of the kayak.
What kayak is the best for fishing????
I would trust the Sea Eagle way more! You still need to be careful with hooks.
The price comparison completely makes these two incomparable. 😂 you
Are literally like a salesman for the sea eagle. Which is $100 more than the k2. Thanks to this video though I might trade in my k2 for a sea eagle.
Will that Sea Eagle seat fit in an itiwit 100 2 person kayak
I am very new to all this kayak stuff. I have been in 1 sit in guidesman neptune 8. Needless to say I tipped 3 times before getting it and was very cautious in the water. I sat on a friends 10' lifetime sit on top to me much more stable and I felt comfortable. How stable is this compared to the neptune 8? I really like the review on the sea eagle 330 and am considering this one. My concern is how tippy it is? Thanks
The 330 is definitely a stable kayak! I can confidently say that you won't feel tippy in it. That doesn't mean you can't capsize, but you'll have to make a BIG mistake to capsize in flatwater. I would definitely recommend going for the 330!
@@PaddleTV thanks
@@dexterwayne8156I know it’s more money but the Explorer is so much more stable. I had it out on first Connecticut Lake today in NH and it dealt with a lot of chop when the wind came up. This is a large 3,000 plus acre lake
What about Hydro-Force LITE-RAPID X2 |321 x 88 cm|? Is it worse than the Intex Explorer?
Haven't tried it yet. Maybe soon.
i got the k2 in south africa for $90 and Sea Eagle here is closer to $400 The western UA-camrs forgert that most of the better kayaks are overpriced in the 3rd world where Intex has a better foothold with lower prices
Its all about how cheap you can get your K2
If you are going to spend more than $500 get a roof rack and get a proper hard shell kayak
Be good to take a long when traveling?
They are! Lots of portable kayaks to choose from these days!
comparing air mattresses
Ha! There's some truth to that. :)
Sorry Ken,but, for my $$ if it's not an Aqua-Bound it's most likely junk. When i started out I did a lot of research on paddles & i was sold on the Aqua_ Bound Mata Ray b4 or I even used it.
Thanksfor inf9. We have two ho ies. But we want someth8ng floating aroud the spt8ngs 8n florida with the grandchildren😊😊😊
Cheers!
This is like comparing a corvette to a Ferrari. You get what you pay for. 🤷♂️
$300 Inflatable kayaks are ferraris 😂
K2 goes faster