Great video, especially for inexperienced people. You're so down to earth and honest and your advice is key for anyone who wants to enjoy their time on the water. Thanks.
As someone who's commented online before that it's a bit tippy, thanks for your video about the update. I had no idea Itiwit had released a version two, it looks like a great improvement - they should note this on the product/store page!
It's been nearly two years since the product update now, so not sure why the tippy comments still persist, unless there is a lot of new old stock lying around (seems unlikely after so long though). I have a feeling the people who currently still think it is tippy would feel the same in a hard shell. They're just expecting the stability of a flat bottom inflatable.
I just got mine yesterday, a v1 and I’ve tipped it twice already but it’s my core more than the kayak. It’s certainly got character. I like that edgy feel. Kept me on my toes and makes me learn fast. Lost my mobile phone though, hahah but. That’s the lesson. Be it the easy way or the hard way 😂
That's a good overview. The X500 has had some bad rep from reviews that linger from the V1 times. The V2 is, as you say, quite stable. Having tried it quite a bit now in surf, wind, larger waves, and rougher conditions, the kayak works impressively. Have uploaded a number of clips to this regard. Knee bracing is key when things get dicy.
@@MyChannelcloud I haven't tried the V1 but as the V2 has been made more stable by being less streamlined in the center where the paddler sits, the V2 should be somewhat slower than the V1. On the other hand, the V2 isn't nearly as tippy.
Hi CyclingMikey, I’m thinking about getting the X500, but undecided between 2 x single seater or 1 x double seater (not too much of a price difference between the two options). What’s your current opinion of the X500? Is the double seater fairly stable, or do both people need to know what they are doing? (my son is inexperienced) What is it like rowing the double seater when solo?
@@garethwhittal2849 I'm not an experienced kayaker, but this is a decently stable kayak and it's fine if your son isn't so experienced. I've taken a couple of special needs lads with me and they had no problem at all coping. I've also kayaked alone, and you can carry a lot more stuff. The disadvantage is that the kayak is less manoeuvrable as a result. If you're kayaking in rough open water with wind exposure that's something to think about. The X500 is also a touring kayak which is also more stable and less manoeuvrable anyway.
Love these videos! Found your channel looking for reviews on the x500 as I'm completely new to Kayaking but I've got a ISUP already and wanted another inflatable. Thanks for sharing your journey with it!
If anything I find the V2 a bit to stable, would like it more tippy so it is a bit more of a challenge haha. I am not experienced but tipping the V2 would be pretty difficult
OMG it's so funny that you've posted this video today as I was out on the water today in mine and twice somebody came up to me who was also in kayaks and started to ask me I've heard they are a bit unstable is that true, at this point I started to explain almost everything you've just spoken about. So why the hell didn't you post this yesterday then I could have told them just to go straight to your channel and watch this video, and I could have got on with my paddling lol Only joking it's always good to help other paddles with any information as you do yourself. Great video mate with some very good information 👍👍👍🐀
@@StevieWyatt Tell me about it. Problem is, they always ask me in Finnish, and I can't answer! They then switch to flawless English and apologise for not speaking enough... Hard to get the X500 here because Decathlon have no stores in Finland and it seems each country where they do only ships domestically - I had to go to Stockholm to get mine, the flight and hotel were cheaper than paying a forwarder. I do get the "Is it tippy?" question a lot. Coming from the Intex Challenger like I did, oh yes it's tippy. But people with regular kayaks have tried mine and said it's fine.
Watched so many videos about this kayak and placed an order yesterday. So excited cause I'm going to use it for a 3 night trip at Loch Tay, naturally still finding out as much as I can about it online, but sad to say I keep coming across examples of leaks, faults and problems. Have to say I'm a bit worried and considering cancelling my order. Have you had any issues yourself? Any leaks or punctures?
I must disagree with the title. I bought one of those, tried it two times, and it is definitely very unstable. I return it to the store. I am not an advanced paddler but I have been on kayaks many many times. I own a few recreational hardshell kakaks. This is way tippier than the others. Since I want to use it solo, and also be able to relax on the water, this won t work for me. I will return it to decathlon. If you consider it definitely give it a try first because it is not a stable boat by any means. It requires technique (bracing, self-rescuing, edging, etc) that most recreational paddlers won't have.
My inner leg is 3' (measured from where the legs meet to the heel), and 3'5" from heel to lower back sitting down with legs streched straight, I fit great, and there's even more room. In fact there's enough room to push in a dry bag with a sleeping bag in the bow if you use the kayak for touring/camping.
Hey Stevie, How do you feel about the durability of this kayak? I often kayak where there are submerged trees, do you think the kayak material would be durable enough to survive the friction and snags? Thanks!
I score this very highly on durability. I'm 3 years in with this boat and I drag it all over the place usually with too much stuff packed in the back! In any boat, rigid or inflatable, I would avoid submerged trees or any submerged obstructions. It's not just the durability of the boat but the weird physics these things can have on the water that I'd be concerned about. Strainers can kill, even the most hardy canoes and experienced paddlers. So avoid this type of conditions. But snags occasionally do happen, and this boat is high pressure, drop stitch, and very rugged. A bit like a RHIB. And it has three chambers, so if one got punctured you would have enough buoyancy to get to safety and repair.
Thanks Stevie for your ITIWIT videos - they really helped. I’m thinking getting the X500 for my son & myself (we also have the x100 3 seater for other family members). I’m torn between getting 2 X500 single seaters or 1 double seater (not much of a price difference between the two options). Can a single person still comfortably use the double seater if I decide to go solo? Any suggestions?
Hi Steve, i bought x500 in Melbourne Decathlon after watching your other videos. I haven’t used it yet but it looks like they sold me V1 :( . Is this normal? Unbelievable :(
Hey Stevie, enjoying your content! I’m thinking about getting a kayak and I am looking at this one and the tomahawk. Would you recommend either? Thanks!
Great video thanks. Could you do a video on just the paddles you use. I know you have both the aluminium and carbon.thoughts, review etc Have the x100 2/3 seater and have the aluminium. Have heard some bad reviews on Carbon ( which thinking about) also kids paddles. Just bought one paddle when originally purchased boat and my 8 year old daughter regularly comes with me and would like to get her a paddle. Not much out there regarding kids paddles in UK that I can find and like your no nonsense reviews. Thanks again
@@StevieWyatt Or when you kayak to work in January for a bet. Jumped in the boat (Intex Challenger K1), paddle fell off, and it stayed on one side of the canal while I went to the other. Had to paddle back across with my hands to retrieve it. Got to work, couldn't type till lunchtime but hey, I won the bet.
Hi Steve, great film - very useful. Can I ask how strong the bottom of the boat feels? Can I launch it with me in the boat, or would the bottom of the boat be destroyed by the friction of it rubbing against slipways etc. Thanks Phil
Great video, especially for inexperienced people. You're so down to earth and honest and your advice is key for anyone who wants to enjoy their time on the water. Thanks.
I just ordered a x500. As soon as it arrives I'll be checking to see its a v2. It better be!!! Thanks for the heads up
As someone who's commented online before that it's a bit tippy, thanks for your video about the update. I had no idea Itiwit had released a version two, it looks like a great improvement - they should note this on the product/store page!
It's been nearly two years since the product update now, so not sure why the tippy comments still persist, unless there is a lot of new old stock lying around (seems unlikely after so long though). I have a feeling the people who currently still think it is tippy would feel the same in a hard shell. They're just expecting the stability of a flat bottom inflatable.
@@ric355 indeed, and probably people reading irrelevant comments from those of us with version ones.
I just got mine yesterday, a v1 and I’ve tipped it twice already but it’s my core more than the kayak. It’s certainly got character. I like that edgy feel. Kept me on my toes and makes me learn fast. Lost my mobile phone though, hahah but. That’s the lesson. Be it the easy way or the hard way 😂
Sounds had a lot of fun.
That's a good overview. The X500 has had some bad rep from reviews that linger from the V1 times. The V2 is, as you say, quite stable. Having tried it quite a bit now in surf, wind, larger waves, and rougher conditions, the kayak works impressively. Have uploaded a number of clips to this regard. Knee bracing is key when things get dicy.
Hi. Is there any loss in the v2 compared to the v1? Tried out the v1 today from a friend. Really fast and tracked well and yes a bit tippy.
@@MyChannelcloud I haven't tried the V1 but as the V2 has been made more stable by being less streamlined in the center where the paddler sits, the V2 should be somewhat slower than the V1. On the other hand, the V2 isn't nearly as tippy.
I just got the two seater X500 and I really like it. Not tippy at all. Oh, and I'm a n00b, although I did some rowing at school.
Hi CyclingMikey,
I’m thinking about getting the X500, but undecided between 2 x single seater or 1 x double seater (not too much of a price difference between the two options).
What’s your current opinion of the X500?
Is the double seater fairly stable, or do both people need to know what they are doing? (my son is inexperienced)
What is it like rowing the double seater when solo?
@@garethwhittal2849 I'm not an experienced kayaker, but this is a decently stable kayak and it's fine if your son isn't so experienced. I've taken a couple of special needs lads with me and they had no problem at all coping. I've also kayaked alone, and you can carry a lot more stuff. The disadvantage is that the kayak is less manoeuvrable as a result. If you're kayaking in rough open water with wind exposure that's something to think about. The X500 is also a touring kayak which is also more stable and less manoeuvrable anyway.
Hi ! Where can you buy version 2 in uk? Dont seem to be able to find one that specify version 2. Thanks. Great video, by the way
Great video again Stevie, thanks, love the location too!
Thanks Tim, my home town of Porthcawl. Wonderful for paddling
Love these videos!
Found your channel looking for reviews on the x500 as I'm completely new to Kayaking but I've got a ISUP already and wanted another inflatable. Thanks for sharing your journey with it!
Thanks so much 🙏
Good stuff, down to earth attitude, Thank you
I have used mine quite a bit, including for fly fishing, which would not be possible on a really tippy kayak.
If anything I find the V2 a bit to stable, would like it more tippy so it is a bit more of a challenge haha. I am not experienced but tipping the V2 would be pretty difficult
I read some people mentioning the V1 was a bit too tippy but the V2 is too beginner-ish
Buen video, informacion muy util sobre la estabilidad del kayak. Enhorabuena. Esperando tu proximo video del X500 !!!
Thanks very much 🙏
OMG it's so funny that you've posted this video today as I was out on the water today in mine and twice somebody came up to me who was also in kayaks and started to ask me I've heard they are a bit unstable is that true, at this point I started to explain almost everything you've just spoken about. So why the hell didn't you post this yesterday then I could have told them just to go straight to your channel and watch this video, and I could have got on with my paddling lol
Only joking it's always good to help other paddles with any information as you do yourself.
Great video mate with some very good information 👍👍👍🐀
Thanks! That's the thing about this boat, people always come up and ask questions.
@@StevieWyatt You're not wrong mate
@@StevieWyatt Tell me about it. Problem is, they always ask me in Finnish, and I can't answer! They then switch to flawless English and apologise for not speaking enough... Hard to get the X500 here because Decathlon have no stores in Finland and it seems each country where they do only ships domestically - I had to go to Stockholm to get mine, the flight and hotel were cheaper than paying a forwarder.
I do get the "Is it tippy?" question a lot. Coming from the Intex Challenger like I did, oh yes it's tippy. But people with regular kayaks have tried mine and said it's fine.
Watched so many videos about this kayak and placed an order yesterday. So excited cause I'm going to use it for a 3 night trip at Loch Tay, naturally still finding out as much as I can about it online, but sad to say I keep coming across examples of leaks, faults and problems. Have to say I'm a bit worried and considering cancelling my order. Have you had any issues yourself? Any leaks or punctures?
I must disagree with the title. I bought one of those, tried it two times, and it is definitely very unstable. I return it to the store. I am not an advanced paddler but I have been on kayaks many many times. I own a few recreational hardshell kakaks. This is way tippier than the others. Since I want to use it solo, and also be able to relax on the water, this won t work for me. I will return it to decathlon. If you consider it definitely give it a try first because it is not a stable boat by any means. It requires technique (bracing, self-rescuing, edging, etc) that most recreational paddlers won't have.
Hi there, thanks for sharing. Did you have the V2 or V1? Not easy to see the label though. Thanks.
@@guesshi1826 It was clearly labelled V2 on the bag. And I found it too unstable.
Thanks Stevie, would you be able to review X500 2+2, there is no review or videos about it!
Thanks, I'll see what I can do 🚣
Enjoyed the video. I am looking to purchase one of these bad boys but being 6ft do you think I may have a problem getting in and out?
At 6ft you'll be fine in a X500. Fully adjustable seat pegs
Great information video, one question if I may, how is it for leg room? I’m 6’5.
My inner leg is 3' (measured from where the legs meet to the heel), and 3'5" from heel to lower back sitting down with legs streched straight, I fit great, and there's even more room. In fact there's enough room to push in a dry bag with a sleeping bag in the bow if you use the kayak for touring/camping.
I bought it 2 weeks ago and it is very stable and fast for me. What kind of vest do you use?
The vest he is using is one from ITIWIT as well. I have one and they are very good
Great to hear. I use the recommended Itiwit one, I got the one you can fit a water bladder in the back so I don't have to take a water bottle with me
Hey Stevie, How do you feel about the durability of this kayak? I often kayak where there are submerged trees, do you think the kayak material would be durable enough to survive the friction and snags? Thanks!
I score this very highly on durability. I'm 3 years in with this boat and I drag it all over the place usually with too much stuff packed in the back!
In any boat, rigid or inflatable, I would avoid submerged trees or any submerged obstructions. It's not just the durability of the boat but the weird physics these things can have on the water that I'd be concerned about. Strainers can kill, even the most hardy canoes and experienced paddlers. So avoid this type of conditions.
But snags occasionally do happen, and this boat is high pressure, drop stitch, and very rugged. A bit like a RHIB. And it has three chambers, so if one got punctured you would have enough buoyancy to get to safety and repair.
Very informative!
Thanks Stevie for your ITIWIT videos - they really helped.
I’m thinking getting the X500 for my son & myself (we also have the x100 3 seater for other family members). I’m torn between getting 2 X500 single seaters or 1 double seater (not much of a price difference between the two options). Can a single person still comfortably use the double seater if I decide to go solo? Any suggestions?
Hi Steve, i bought x500 in Melbourne Decathlon after watching your other videos. I haven’t used it yet but it looks like they sold me V1 :( . Is this normal? Unbelievable :(
Hey Stevie, enjoying your content! I’m thinking about getting a kayak and I am looking at this one and the tomahawk. Would you recommend either?
Thanks!
Great video thanks. Could you do a video on just the paddles you use. I know you have both the aluminium and carbon.thoughts, review etc Have the x100 2/3 seater and have the aluminium. Have heard some bad reviews on Carbon ( which thinking about) also kids paddles. Just bought one paddle when originally purchased boat and my 8 year old daughter regularly comes with me and would like to get her a paddle. Not much out there regarding kids paddles in UK that I can find and like your no nonsense reviews. Thanks again
This is really helpful. Thank you!
Hi Steve, I would like to know the max. speed of Itiwit X500 while paddling.
I noticed some sort of tether attached to the paddle. Is the other end of this tether attached to you, or the kayak, in case you capsize?
It's a paddle leash, especially need when sea kayaking
@@StevieWyatt Or when you kayak to work in January for a bet. Jumped in the boat (Intex Challenger K1), paddle fell off, and it stayed on one side of the canal while I went to the other. Had to paddle back across with my hands to retrieve it. Got to work, couldn't type till lunchtime but hey, I won the bet.
I wonder what beach it is, in UK? I’m in LDN and can’t figure out where to go. Was in Seaford but not much to see there, just bit play in waves.
This is Porthcawl in South Wales. I was down visiting family but made a cheeky video while down there. It's about a three hour drive
Hi Steve, great film - very useful. Can I ask how strong the bottom of the boat feels?
Can I launch it with me in the boat, or would the bottom of the boat be destroyed by the friction of it rubbing against slipways etc.
Thanks
Phil
Thanks Phil, it's pretty tough and multilayered, but I'd be careful sliding down slipways and stuff. I prefer to launch in the water
I would like to know how wide is the cockpit on this version?
Can you do a cowboy reentry with it. Most owners cant with the v1
Yes, that is the self rescue method I use on the water, works fine
are you happy with it? long life reliable investment?
Yeah really happy with it. 2 years in and still going strong, lots of plans with it next year
Looks like you maybe need a spray deck when out at sea
I do use one, but take it off when filming so I can fiddle with camera gear and my drone etc. Keeps me on my toes!
Great video. Thanks!!!!!
You're welcome, thanks for watching
The worst Kajak, i ever paddel