Everything You Need to Know About Inflatable Kayaks | Watch This Before Buying One!
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- Опубліковано 5 лип 2024
- Inflatable kayaks have become increasingly popular over the last few years. How do you pick the right one for your budget and needs? Ken Whiting of PaddleTV breaks down inflatable kayaks and shares what you need to know when purchasing a new inflatable kayak.
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Believe me, sun damage here in Scotland is not a problem! 😃 Great video for us complete beginners. Thanks 👍
😂
Bought 2 of these over a year ago, I’m 65, the wife 63. We take these fishing/paddling often and both love them!!
A segment on folding up a Kayak after use would rally be helpful.
Great info on inflatable kayaks. The only thing I noticed you didn’t touch on was their stability. An IK is going to much more stable than a hard shell because of the simple fact that they are much more buoyant. You would have to struggle or ride some really harsh white water to get one to turn over. And if you did capsize one, they are much easier to upright than a traditional hard shell. Plus they are much easier to reenter. The drop stitch inflatables are great for tracking and better speed, but they are less stable than an IK with tubes and a drop stitch floor. An IK with tubes and a drop stitch floor is also better for angling.
Great Video!
Great information, thank you.
So if I get a kayak with dropstitch floor and baloney sides, I get:
1. more paddling ease and speed than all-baloney kayak, and more stability than and all-dropstich kayak,
2. but less stability than all-baloney, and less speed and paddling ease than all-dropstitch,
do I have it right?
I’d love a video on rescue skills specific to inflatables, in fact any skills specific to them. I have an Aquaglide CHELAN 155. Solo or tandem. High end, drop stitch flooring with tube sides. But I can’t get lessons specific to inflatables, inlarge part because of bias against them and lack of lnowledge. You would be doing inflatable owners a GREAT service.
Great suggestion! I'm putting that one on my list (which is quite long already!)
I used hard shell kayaks on the rivers in Florida when I lived there and have owned an Advanced Elements Tandem inflatable since moving back to Canada....high marks for storability, comfort, durability and trackability!! Note too that this kayak can be stiffened with a "backbone" and "dura floor" accessory .
After floating the S.Fork of Flathead R. 71-72 in 2man military surplus inflatables from the bridge at the border of the Bob to the dude ranch (12mi) we decided to hike 30 miles in from Holland Lake and float out to the bridge. Planning for the 2nd week in Aug. 73. We bought Sevylor boats. I got a K79 kayak at Bon Marche in the winter for $50. (15 lbs) Bob and Jim got the oval for $30 (12lbs) for paddles we chose the kids wooden canoe paddle and used it as a walking stick. We had aluminum framed packs, all about 45 lbs. Rubber banded our flyrods to the frame and loaded with sleeping bags, jerky, peperone, instant oatmeal, Dak bacon, eggs in a bottle, Top Ramon, dried fruit and we discovered each had a plastice bottle of good snake bite medicine. We had one; first aid kit, camera, fry, pan, boiling pot and a pistol. (they dump rogue bears from Glacier Park, to the Bob. We floated / every year until 79 mostly on the Blackfoot Once did 70 miles from Ovando to Missoula. Plus I have often taken the Tahiti on back pack trips for my bed. If you sleep in your boat by a river you need a tarp to keep the dew off at about 4 am. We float with our packs roped across the front and legs over the side so when you slide over rocks you can bridge and raise your butt off the bottom, so it does not get trapped between your butt and the rock.
We blow up our boats with lung power (good exercise). The moment you are in your boat and floating down the canyon singing Delta Dawn becomes a special event when looking back years later.
Iguana
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My yellow, larger Advanced Elements has adjustable foot rests, although my orange one doesn't. But I just put in a small bag filled with beanbag foam balls; works fine. Main problem is drying after a paddle.
Great point - never thought that was a consideration 😮
I'll vouch for the Advanced Elements. Salt water and fresh no problem. Quick paddle out to the break wall tossing spinners to the macks. Dodged a Maersk Super Freighter coming in the Queens Gate. Carry on luggage out to Avalon for a day of fabulous snorkeling, throw it in the trunk and hit a few alpine lakes on the way to Bridgeport. And put put putting in the Harbor for the Christmas Parade. The rest is classified
I’ve taken my Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame out twice to explore the Rideau System. Launched once from Rideau River Provincial Park and explored a little bit near the Kemptville Creek and most recently closer to Smiths Falls and went from the Edmonds lock station, through the flight at Old Slys and to the base of Smiths Falls Combined. 👍 to the Parks Canada staff who operate the lock stations and a couple of them also asked what I thought of the kayak. Definitely recommend for portability (didn’t want to deal with a roof rack on my car) and knew my level of use would be “messing around” on the water just out exploring from a different vantage point. Was great I knew of the gear review video you had done to point them to as well. My biggest negative so far is getting the seat positioning right on the folding seat, probably just need to work on my technique for sliding/shimmying into the kayak from the paddle docks that I’ve launched from.
Got myself sea eagle fast track 385 in May. Never regret since then. Me with my wife paddled so many lakes, rivers, bays since then, it covered it cost completely. Absolutely ROI returned in form of fun, just in one season. And what is good about inflatable, we throw it in our trunk, and it is always with us wherever we go. And it fits in my closet, when season is over.
Thanks for sharing! Great to hear.
I bought the Sea Eagle 393rl about 6 months ago. Phenomenal boat. I have travelled 9km in open ocean in big waves and a strong tide. It handled amazingly well. I even take my dog in it with me at times and he loves it too.
One big tip….buy an automatic battery operated inflator. I clip it to my car battery and I have the kayak inflated within 3 minutes. It makes set up so fast and pleasurable.
I still have dreams about buying the Epic Surfski v8, but I don’t have a place to store it. Boo hoo. First world problem.
I couldn't agree more! If you get a drop stitched inflatable, you should get an electric pump! :)
My fiance bought me (us) a tandem K2 Excursion Pro for fathers day... Love it! Even if we poked it and got deflated while chilling on an island, I got patches and it works GREAT for lake paddling!
Awesome to hear! I just tested the K1 Challenger (haven't released the review video yet). It got me interested in testing the Excursion Pro. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it.
Great video, very informative! I have a Innova Swing and like it quite a bit although the Sea Eagle would definitely have been my first choice had I seen this video a couple years ago. lol I also have a Alpacka packraft for hiking into lakes to explore, can't beat the weight and for being a raft, actually handles quite well. I have had a hardshell in the past but as I age I am finding the inflatables a bit easier to handle, especially by myself, which is mostly always. lol Thanks for sharing. :) :)
I have a dozen inflatables and drying is a non issue except for temporary pooling within the backpack, for which I leave it out on a balcony for a day so it doesn't spill indoors. I weep for discontinued hobie inflatos, which had powerful sails available and mighty pedal power. They have a troubled rollout of new pedal board replacements that at least don't need scuppers, and they are mulling my pleas for optional sailkits.
Great video 👍.
I'm on my second inflatable going from Itiwits tube kayak (from Decathlon) to NordFits SealOne and the main reasons were tracking as you mentioned bit also the drying time of the textile that covers the tubes takes forever to dry and takes space especially if you live in an apartment with limited space. I spend from 4 to 10 hours in the kayak when I go fishing 🙂.
All I know because of my circumstances I would not buy inflatable kayak what requires long drying. Some of kayaks need longer drying - the ones with outer protective fabric. I got no space where to dry it. I invested in hypalon material kayak (material very good rafts are made of) it will last 20+ years. I was surprised to learn in my case about limitations of Storage - it is recommended to store them slightly inflated. If there is insufficient space available, the boat may loosely be rolled up - under no circumstances shall the boat be bundled and laced tightly, or something heavy to be loaded on top. I did my first multiday river trip in very shallow water. Had few scrapes and couple of times got stuck on river stones. The scary moment was current taking my boat into trees and sharp branches hitting my inflatable kayak. Yes there was a visual mark left on the material but nothing to worry about. In a rapid shallow river there will always be bit of concern in back of your mind regarding durability.
This is an excellent video. Well presented and informative.
I’ve found that you’ve got to go for a drop stitch and welded tubes kayak I had one like the advance elements one and you have to remove tubes sometimes because of debris getting inside the tubes past the canvas and I had to hang it up to dry it out properly which was a pain I now have an aquaglide chelan 155 and I tip it up getting any water out and wipe it over after using it and it’s done much better to spend a little bit more in the end
We've got a Gumotex (in North America is rebranded as Innova) Swing 2, it's 5 years old but still in very good conditions, just some scrape here and there. Quite fast to wash and dry, very light (just Saturday i walked 2 km with the kayak in its backpack) sturdy and not too bad performance wise if compared to other inflatables. I'd change it only for a Seawave or a Grabner Escape (too bad the Escape 2 costs almost 4 times my Swing 2). I wouldn't discount so fast the Ae, especially the convertible elite with dropstitch bottom.
Very good overview for me who is starting to look at them. I was invited to a trip and was going to rent a rigid kayak but my friends have inflatable, so I'm checking them out.
Stay tuned. I've got a video coming that helps you choose inflatable kayaks. It's geared around Sea Eagle's kayaks specifically, but many of the concepts apply to all inflatables.
I have both, infllatable and hard shell kayak. Advanced Elements can have foot rest. I have one.
great video, thank you. I love my inflatable kayak :)
I just recently got an inflatable kayak made by intex it’s called “Excursion pro k2” I’ve only been out on it once but I love it, I got it for $200 on Amazon, but, the price did rise to a bit under 300 USD but it’s still a good deal
Hi Ken. Great videos. I'm learning a lot from them as I'm only a beginner paddler. It would be absolutely great if you could get your hands on Decathlon's Itiwit x500 Strenfit. A full drop-stitch decked kayak. As far as my knowledge goes, it is the only kayak like this in the world (for now). You can even equip it with a matching spraydeck. And x500 is not as expensive as other full DS kayaks. All the best from the UK.
i bought it 3 months ago and its amazing its quite fast its cost me like 600 usd in Chile
Very helpful, thank you
I was gifted an Aquaglide Chinook inflatable kayak and I LOVE IT!!!
The best kayaks are the free ones! :). Glad to hear you love it. I look forward to testing that one.
I'm planning on getting an Aquaglide Chelan 155 and I was wondering how important it is to have an optional deck. I notice the chelan doesn't have one while the Navarro and the Advanced elements do.
Great presentation. Good points covered.
Much appreciated!
Great video. Would ask how long does it take to inflate the kayaks?
Very helpful and balanced evaluation. I just sold an Oru Inlet. Convenient, but no more so than an inflatable, and pretty slipshod quality in my opinion.
Good discussion. Are you familiar with the new inflatable PEDAL kayaks? I only know of two brands...Hobie makes one and another brand...much cheaper is Saturn. Im looking at inflatables for fishing as im too old to use the Native Watercraft pedal kayak i had for several years. it was too heavy at over 100 lbs fully rigged to haul in and out of the lake. Hobies are so outrageously expensive i shy away ffrom them but their kayak is more like a SUP type..way up on top of the body of they kayak which im not interested in at my age. I may just give in and get a Sea Eagle fishing model but will look at the Razor Lite you talked about. Please reply if you know anything good or bad about the Saturn inflatable PEDAL kayak. Thanks!
Interesting and good information,ive had kayaks for a very long time.stay safe debs..
Thanks, you too!
I would love to see you do a review of the itiwit x500 Decathlon kayak.
We used mid-range inflatables for a couple of seasons to 'get on the water' and see if we enjoyed paddling. They're definitely convenient and a great place to get up and going. We've now wound up loving getting out on the water (who saw that coming, right?) and ended up with a couple of sit on tops, and a couple of 14.5ft rec torturers. But we still have the inflatables so we can lend them to friends to get them out on the water and introduce them to the sport. I'd agree with everything in the video, but I think I'd say on the drying/storage front it does depend on the water you paddle in. We're on the coast, so a lot of water we used them on was salty, or brackish, and that's really hard on valves and especially zippers. We found that after salt water use, if we were storing them for more than a couple of weeks we really needed them dried pretty much fully before putting them away, and we always rinsed out the zippers to avoid the salt clogging them. I suspect this isn't needed near so much if you're paddling in freshwater.
great video, well explained
Thank you!
Thank you for the great information....
You bet!
Have you looked at Paddle North? They have the Karve. I would love to see a review on this kayak.
What’s your opinion of the aquaglide Blackfoot 130/160?
Just bought two inexpensive tandem kayaks for explore kayaking with our kids. They are 6 and 10 so they can sorta help paddle. Looking to take it on local ponds.
That's awesome... planting the seed nice and early with them! Enjoy the family times on the water.
Great info!! What’s your take on Aquaglide Chelan 140 or Navarro 145 vs the Sea eagle? I like the form factor of the Aquaglide but I can’t see any reviews.
I like the fact that they have drop stitch floors. I think they'll be good kayaks, but I'll have to wait to test them before I can give you a true verdict. Should have the test Chelan this spring.
I've had an Aquaglide Blackwater 125 Angler for two years. Multistiched floor makes it super stable and surprisingly easy to paddle. Detachable skeg helps a lot with tracking even when paddling solo. Load up the included good quality cooler and it's a great two person party or camping boat.
You can get a decent full drop-stitch inflatable kayak for your currency's equivalent of £600 (single seater), there are more affordable options than Sea Eagle (although having looked up conversion rates, I was expecting a better saving than $160 US). I bought one as a complete kayaking virgin, with the intention of using it on some rivers, canals, perhaps occasionally a lake and have also tested it in a calm sea. Very happy with it: it's much less effort to paddle than my friends' inflatable 'tube' kayaks, much easier to clean and dry and packs into the supplied wheeled backpack, part of a set containing everything necessary to get paddling in it.
Intriguing, what make and model is that?
@@6yjjk Depending on which country you're in, at least one of these should be obtainable at less cost than the Sea Eagle: Story Highline, BlueWave Glider, Shipwreck ArrowStream, Bay Sports AirGlide, Sandbanks Style Explorer (this is what I have but am giving to my dad and buying a Story Highline so we can go paddling together), AquaMarina Tomahawk (probably not much price difference than the Sea Eagle, don't look much different in design spec either). I think there're more I've forgotten...
@@assortedpov9722 Thanks for the reply. Last month I bought an Itiwit X500, which was about 650€. Nordic winter being what it is, I've yet to get it wet, though. Really looking forward to summer, with some long trips already planned - including a 4-day one I did last year in an Intex Challenger K2, so I can't wait to see how much faster I can go in a decent kayak.
@@6yjjk Ah I almost included the Itiwit x500 in that previous comment too. Also I thought I'd replied months ago but apparently hadn't. Enjoy the new boat when you get chance to test it then. Will definitely be a lot easier than the Intex Explorer - having paddled both drop-stitch inflatables and the more traditional, lower pressure ones. DS is much easier.
No real bargain that I see. I looked at the blue wave glider and after the exchange rate your at about $936 USD and for extra 100 usd for the sea eagle 393rl you get a carbon fiber paddle and adjustable foot support. Shipping is included with sea eagle. I’m not sure if that’s the case for the others. What am I missing?
What’s your opinion of the Aquaglide Blackfoot 130/160? We use our 130 for mostly recreation and a little fishing.
Good question! I haven't tried one yet, but I am planning to review the Blackfoot 130 this coming spring! Stay tuned...
Thank you!
You're welcome!
Who makes the best #1️⃣ blow up kayak and what's the model name❓
Thank you for the information. I would prefer a hardshell because that's what I've used in the past, but circumstance change, and I believe an inflatable will keep me on the water. I'm wavering between the SE 393RL and an AE Airvolution. I can actually get a 2020 Airvolution for less than 1/2 the price (slightly used). That's very tempting, but the footrests on the 393RL feel like a requirement. lol Decisions! I also appreciate that you don't flat out bash inflatables. :-)
Ha! No inflatable bashing here! :) I've been really impressed with the inflatables I've tested. They've come a long way over the past 20 years! As for the 393 vs the Airvolution. The difference is very simple - the AirVolution gives up some padding speed for stability, whereas the 393 gives up some stability for speed. So, if you want a kayak that is 'no-brainer' stable, then the AirVolution is the right choice. But, if you are ok having a significantly less stable kayak that is much faster through the water, then the 393 is the boat for you.
@@PaddleTV Thank you so much! I've heard people describe my current (cheap-o) hardshell as tippy feeling, but It's never felt that way to me, so I'm hoping the 393 will be much the same. Plus, I have a low center of gravity...and I'm only 5'2"! LOL So there's that to keep me centered. Paddle on!
thanks
Is there an inflatable kayak that is good for the sea? Like the drop stitch idea but not sure what would stand up to wind and waves.?
That's a good question! I haven't tested a real 'sea worthy' inflatable kayak yet, but I know Advanced Elements has their 'AirFusion Evo Kayak' which they sell as an open water kayak. I'm sure there are more out there.
10:30 mold and mildew: what part of the country are you living in? Because here in the Pacific Northwest... :/
Could You Please Do A Video Critique & Review 12:12 of Aquaglide Cirrus 110 Inflatable Kayak❓Thank You❗️
It would be great if you can talk about the Chelan series from Aquaglide. Thank you!
Coming this summer! Stay tuned.
Thx. On point. Good info. What are your thoughts on the Saturn yaks? Specifically, their sit on lawnchair peddle yak for $795
I'm not familiar with Saturn Kayaks. I checked it out, and there is one major issue with it - it has no steering system. You're required to use your paddle to steer it. This doesn't make a lot of sense, because the biggest benefit of a pedal kayak is that you don't need to use a paddle. On the flip side, it's way cheaper than other pedal kayaks. Is it worth it? Hard to answer... I feel like price savings probably comes at too heavy a cost of quality and functionality, but until I try one, that's just my guess.
@@PaddleTV So, first off. Thanks for your response and opinion, I appreciate your effort and videos. 2nd, you mentioned that you would appreciate your viewers letting you know about kayaks and manufacturers, not on your radar. Well, now that I've brought Saturn yaks to your attention, will you try to get some of their yaks and test them And do some future reviews and post them to youtube?
We have decided that the Sea Eagle 385 Fast Track Pro is right for us. It's a tandem without foot rests. You said that foot rests are important. Do you have any suggestion about how to add foot supports, which I'm picturing as something makeshift or temporary?
I haven't tried that kayak yet, but I just got one to test as soon as the ice melts here. :). As for foot supports, there are things you can do. Even a simple strap across the kayak (attached to any D-ring) that you can put your feet against will help, as it will hold your legs in a comfortably flexed position. A strap won't be comfortable on your feet unless you have water shoes though...
@@PaddleTV Thanks! That is helpful.
Good info. What are there weight limitations? I'm 6'2" and 235. I am guessing it depends on the brand and budget?
Depends on the kayak. For example, the Sea Eagle 393 that I tested has a capacity of 450 pounds! bit.ly/3mVOXbw. Whereas some inflatables have capacities around 300lb. You should be fine in most inflatables, although leg comfort could be a factor in some of the small ones.
Any chance you plan on doing a gear review on the Wilderness Systems I.A.T.A.K 110?
Hope to! I actually used the ATAK for a whole season about 8 years ago, when I was filming kayak fishing. I enjoyed it.
Thanks, Ken. It might be fun to see you review the INTEX CHALLENGER K1. I know a few people who love them and they are REALLY inexpensive. 🙂👍
"INTEX CHALLENGER K1 "
I recently dealt with a paddler in our group that brought one of those for a flat water paddle that was only a few miles long. Never again on anything beyond exploring a small pond or a lazy downriver float that an inner tube can manage.
I’ve not long brought an Intex Challenger K1 and coming from the Intex Excursion 5 I am very impressed with the challenger had it on still water, a reasonably flowing river and the sea. On the sea you do have to concentrate a bit more but I havnt encountered a problem I couldn’t deal with YET but that’s not to say I won’t.
@@jakgwilt6950 A K1 will float, and it steers better than any inner tube or pool toy. It'll get you on the water, but they can't keep up with other boats in a group.
@@wisenber why what is it you use mate I’m not long getting into the kayaking about 6 months i only use the inflatables for the convenience as I don’t live by the ocean or by a moan river we can sail the inflatables are so useful for me as I can deflate and chuck the bag in the back of the car
@@jakgwilt6950 I have a Folbot and a Klepper foldable when I want to fly with a boat or can't use a rack or trailer. But they tend to cost more than a composite boat.
I made a couple of wood sea kayaks, have a sixteen year old Epic 18, a plastic whitewater boat and another plastic sea kayak.
I use the trimaran I built when I sail, but the Klepper can be sailed too.
If you're sailing, you're probably not using a high end and pool toy.
I've read that it is best to store inflatables only slightly deflated , obviously if you have the space/indoors or somehow enclosed and shaded. It eliminates mold issues and maintains the shape better. Anyone know if that's valid advice?
It might help extend the kayak's life a little, but as long as the kayak is dry, I wouldn't worry about how deflated it is when you store it. Other factors (like the sun's UV rays and general wear and tear) will bring your kayak's 'end of life' much sooner, and so it likely won't ever have a chance to be an issue.
One of the rarely answered questions is how far can you push a good inflatable kayak on sea water? Example, having proper clothing, can those be used on sheltered sea water? BIC park or Gaspésie? Would be interesting to have your opinion, especially since you've used foldables?
Good question. I think the biggest limiting factor for paddling in exposed water is the training you have and the experience you have, rather than the type of kayak. That being said, unless the inflatable kayak is 'self bailing', you don't want to take any kayak that can swamp easily into exposed open water conditions. That's why sit-on-top kayaks or touring kayaks with a skirt are the best for the job.
I got a rip on my AE today for my 3rd time out. Didn't leak a whole lot but enough I was sitting in water and had to pump about once an hour. I was surprised I got one so soon!
That is surprising. Do you know where the rip came from? Sounds like the rip was in the fabric, and didn't puncture the tube. Or, is it losing air too?
It was in the bottom of the boat near the stern. There must have been something in the water when I launched out of the boat ramp. The tubes were all fine. Just a small cut that let water into the boat. I was able to go about kayaking fine just had to stop and pump a few times.
Bought an Innova Sunny 15-20 years ago. Gets used a few times a year. Great boat. The only downside is it tacos because of my weight. Have a wooden floorboard to help distribute my weight better. Wondering if a high pressure Sea Eagle would have the same issue?
I am 6'4" and 300 bills and my Sea eagle fast track and explorer are both very rigid and will not taco. The cheaper 330 and 370 will do so a little.
@@garygrenier2016 Thanks! Good to know. Checked out the website. Quite a selection. How sturdy are those seats? I have broken the seat backs on my bass boat.
What do you think the best option would be for me? I am begginer and planning for light paddling on calm water myself and two sons probably few times a year. I am thinking about cheap BESTWAY HYDRO FORCE RAPID x3. Here in UK they sell it for £180 with 2 paddles and seats? Or should I better spend more at the beggining and buy something better?
Good question! The Hydro Force will be a great kayak to 'test the water' and see if paddling is something that you and your sons enjoy. It will be a good kayak to have if you only plan to go out 5 - 10 per year. If you start paddling more than that, you'll probably want to upgrade. In the meantime, it's hard to go wrong with a 3-person kayak that sells for 180 pounds to get out on the water!
@@PaddleTV thanks for your reply!
Any brand/specific kayak recommendations made from pennel orca material? Can't seem to find any online...
I don't! NRS used to have the MaverIK inflatable kayak made out of fennel orca, but it looks like that one is discontinued. I don't know any other.
Review on Itiwit X500 😊
What about the Origami type foldab;e Kayaks?
I do think inflatables have advantages versus the foldables (ORU, Tucker, etc), but it's hard to beat the performance of hardshell.
I looked at the Oru but it's gotten lots of poor reviews, mostly around customer service.
Can You make a simulation of losing air in one chamber in high-pressure kayak on the water? I think it will be unsafe and unstable and generally game over.
Putting them away damp being OK... I noticed you didn't use the AE canvas covered boat as your example.
My wife has one, because she was frightened of the Phoenix hard shells my daughter and I use.
That thing's a bear to dry. If you don't it is a mildewed mess. Drying takes a sunny day or more and and lot of towels. Best way is semi inflated.
In cold or damp days... it is two days unrolled on your carpet in climate control, or a week in a garage.
It is a durable, light-white water boat with a removable skeg. I wish it was only covered of the hull's reinforced PVC though like the sea eagle.
After 8 years, she finally borrowed my daughter's kayak. She loved it as it takes half the effort to paddle and tracks so much better. My daughter has a new baby so no kayaking for awhile.
Hopefully my days of drying her red fabric kayak are mostly over. It does make a great duck though for a class II river and an unskilled paddler. No need for foot pedals since the boat chamber is so short.
Great info! Is your wife's kayak a full dropstitch or is it the "baloney" type?
can I use that 303 on iSUP? thanks!
Yes you can!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on ITIWIT/Decathlon’s “Strenfit X500, Inflatable High-Pressure Dropstitch Kayak.” It looks unique with drop stitch sit-IN inflatable kayak.
Unfortunately, it’s not available in Japan (where I live). But I bet it would be an interesting review!
Haven't heard of it. I'll check it out.
@@PaddleTV It has foot braces ;)
@@PaddleTV It is actually listed on Decathlon's Canada website. Sadly, this year it seems pretty out of stock. If you happen to pass around Montréal, I can show you mine.
@@WildEddieProductionsunfortunately no. I own one.
Itiwit x500 inflatable kayak? Is it any good?
I hope to find out soon! Stay tuned for that review...
If you want to fit it in the trunk and/or carry it from car down to a beach, then it is inflatable. The rigid requires car roof and can not be carried by one person on rough terrain. The inflatable goes everywhere, because you can launch it everywhere.
What do you think about the Decathlon itiwit 2?
I haven't tested one yet, but I have an Itiwit coming which I'll be testing this spring. Without having tried it, it looks like good value. The bigger question is whether or not its the right type of kayak for you.
@@PaddleTV looking forward to that review!
Anyone has the Intex Explorer K2 kayak?
Nope... but I just picked up an Intex Challenger to test out!
I wotld say my inflatable x500 is about on par with my old hard kayak.
subscribed...just because you look like Murdoch (ATeam)
Weak points (I'd rather call them weak lines) of pvc inflatable kayaks are welds. Of course, combined with sunlight and dirt/grit, but mine almost always failed just beside the weld, and wasn't exactly an easy fix compared to punctures on uniform materials.
A lot of times I pump them to high-ish pressure and spend whole day in the sun, and I'm aware that doesn't help longevity, but failures always happened on the welds.
Does anyone have an advice on how to protect my kayaks from the sun while in use (and if the thing can be bought on the European market)? Thanks
303 protectant does a great job of protecting boats from the sun. I use it every spring.
Definitely the 303 protectant. I paddle a 1980's Necky RIP and use it twice a year. On e at the beginning of Spring, then again before I put her up for winter. She looks like a new boat when I do.
WHat kayak you reccommend for paddling dead bodies into a lake to dispose of ? I see myself disposing of corpses with my new inflatable kayak :)
I am so jealous. The AE kayak in the UK... £750!!!! Crazy Covid profiteering. Didn't buy one. You helped put me off one in a previous video! LOL For which I thank you. At the end of the day they're just kayak shaped life preservers. Air floats, but it also blows away in the wind.
The AE Kayaks have always been expensive in the UK, even before Covid but I wouldn't worry as you can't actually get them anyway! Deliveries are few and far between and always sold out months ahead. It's a worldwide shortage, or at least it was last year. I tried to buy one myself last year from various countries but no chance of getting one inside 6 months. The more I looked at them the more I didn't feel they were worth the money anyway frankly.
In the end I bought a drop-stitch kayak instead (and I'll admit the one I bought I only got because there wasn't much else available in summer last year!). I almost bought an Itiwit x500 which were available (a drop stitch design similar in style to the AE but higher pressure of course) but reviews said it wasn't very stable so although cheaper than one I bought I decided it wasn't suitable for me.
The one I bought is an Aqua Marina Tomahawk Air-K 375. It's similar to the sea eagles shown on this channel, but with slightly different features. 10psi drop stitch. I'm fairly light so it tends to sit right on top of the water with me in it at 10psi, which makes it feel a little tippy until you get used to it. I keep meaning to try it with a little less pressure in the floor. It has a double skeg (one front, one rear) so it tracks reasonably well. You do get some yaw when paddling because the sides are more canoe like i.e. taller, so you're tending to reach out wider which makes the kayak yaw more. If you do try to dip your paddle in closer to the side, the boat gets more water in it as the other end of the paddle is above the boat and of course it's all open unlike the AE.
Looks like the Air-K 375 is out of stock everywhere again right now, but there happens to be one on ebay for £575 which seems like a good deal right now for anyone looking (not mine I hasten to add). I paid £650 last year; looks like the 2021 model is £700 now. It was a bit sad that it didn't even come with a basic paddle so that is a cost on top (I spent about £80 on a paddle IIRC).
Weaknesses on the Air-K I would say are that the seat feels comfortable until you've been sat in it for an hour at which point you suddenly realize your butt hurts. I changed the cheap foam cushion for some memory foam which I could still squeeze inside the seat cover. It's slightly better but I still felt pressure after 1.5hours. It really needs a proper shaped seat base. The other is the footrest. It's a padded tube that is attached to rings on the side of the boat via adjustable straps so you can change its length. It works but you have to sit in a knees up position with feet almost flat and in the middle of the boat. That position adds to the pressure on your butt and means you can't push with your legs when paddling for better power. It's kinda messy and not massively comfortable. I solved this by adding some lengths of stick on velcro to the base and sides of the boat, and 3d printing some footrests which can go in a more traditional position putting your feet at the sides (similar to the sea eagle in this video). They allow you to use better technique when paddling and they just pull off when you're packing away.
Don't let the wind put you off because that's not really been my experience with AE kayaks. Especially if you upgrade with the backbone. They really aren't the same as the cheaper glorified lilo types or flat bottom inflatables that don't track well. Even the standard "advanced frame" in it (couple of metals bits that help shape it) makes a big difference. I live in Scotland so we have plenty of adverse weather and have used the AE convertible in Lochs and odd west coast sea lochs since 2019. It's been great and I would highly recommend it if you are only looking at infaltables. Obviously hardshell is best if you can but I don't have the space. The only downside of kayaks like AE I have had is the drying time. As for the cost I've just checked and mine is roughly the same cost now as it was when I bought it 2019 I'm afraid. They were always higher end cost and aren't sold directly in the UK. One guy in England imports all AE kayaks and equipment sold in the UK. To be fair to him all the other accessories are the same price now too so it's not fair to say it's covid price gouging. In the UK prices for this brand have unfortunately always been high mainly because every year only around 20/30 of each type of AE kayak make it into the whole UK market. Add to that once they are sold that's the supply gone for another year so you can see why the price starts to climb. Plus they aren't cheap in Dollars to begin with.
Whats all this blows away in the wind crap? If you want an inflatable canoe to while away the time up and down the river, there's not a better value for money pastime out there. Probably cheaper than fishing. Blow away in the wind, that's what your paddles are for yeah, to keep you going in a straight line mate.
@@billybynorth7467 Mine definitely does not blow away in the wind. It weighs about 20kg fully assembled!
what about bringing a dog in an inflatable kayak?
thoughts?
wow another Water Sports equippment
It's only 2&1/2 months old.
Why am I watching this? I'm a sprint kayaker.
1300 for some thing that can pop like a balloon Ik pass
More expensive? What are you talking about? I dare you to find any hardshell kayak you can get for under $100, like some of the kayaks you listed. Heck, even under $200.
Cool🌺 😈😹
Always brace yourself to swim lol
Inflatables are great for the lake, but not for the creek. They have a higher price point than hard shell. Just seems like a waste of money.
In general, I agree with you, although some inflatables are great for the creek. I just reviewed the Star Raven Pro, which is designed specifically for river running. I tested it on a class 4 creek, and it passed with flying colors.
⁰
Didn’t mention what might happen when it deflates at the wrong time !!!! Danger
Not much info in this video... Eg. about the drying issue. If you choose a kayak with a textile layer, it will stay wet probably for good... If you want to learn about inflatables, check out Jack Baikoff's video.
For 12 minutes you will see a man instead of seeing kayaks.
All you need to know .. they puncture ..and sink .
Inflatable kayaks to me is a walking problem. Always run the risk of breaking it. Hard shell is more forgiving than air filled. The price is not worth it for air kayaks. Dont waste your money on them
I wouldn't agree that inflatable kayaks are a waste of money. There are some high quality inflatable kayaks out there, and if you don't have the ability to store or transport a hardshell kayak, they are definitely worth the money.
I have a hardshell kayak and will get either a foldable or inflatable for travel fun in the Sierras.
I will save everyone 12:31 of their life. Everything You Need to Know About Inflatable Kayaks: Don't
So did you buy a cheap Intex or something a long time ago and sit in it with your keys in your back pocket? Inflatable designs have improved greatly in the last few years and offer a way to enjoy kayaking for anyone with a small vehicle and limited storage space. They're not for everybody but why do you write them off?
There is only 1 thing you really need to know about an inflatable boat : DON'T GET ONE.
What happens when a gator bites an inflatable?
how about material fatigue in all folding areas of the kayaks? I suspect that these kayaks would not last longer than 3 max. 4 years - maybe shorter. Warranties should be covering material fatigue for lifetime !