It was interesting to hear someone else's thoughts on the Tempest 170. I personally own a T170 Pro, my wife paddles a T180 Pro (she likes the larger cockpit opening), and we have owned both a T165 Pro and poly 165 in the past. I have paddled and owned many different kayaks through the years (NDK Romany & Explorer, Valley Aquanaut LV, Valley Avocet, CD Gulfstream, CD Cypress,) and have to say that the Tempests are about my favorite to paddle. The Tempest 165 does not turn much, if any, easier than the 170 but both carve turns very well when edged and when edged very hard using a paddle brace will actually throw water off the stern. My wife's 180 Pro turns very easily for an 18' kayak, in fact much easier than my 16'9" CD Cypress. As far as the tendency for the bow to "punch through" waves rather than ride over the top, the 170 and 180 do much better than the 165. To summarize, I think the Tempest series is one of the best all-around sea touring kayaks made.
Thank you for this review!!! It is hands down the best one I found for the Tempest. I recently bought this exact kayak (except in Red) and, WOW, do I ever love it for long distance touring. This review played a big role in my decision to buy the Tempest and I agree with everything stated in it including the drawback that the Tempest is a bit sluggish turning...even on edge. I am afraid that the wider turning radius seems goes hand-in-hand with the exemplary tracking. The review suggests the Tempest 16.5 as a possibility for better turning, and while I am sure that this would be somewhat better than the 17, those looking for a truly more playful kayak might want to look into Wilderness System's Zephyr line. The Zephyrs offers more cockpit room for their size, slightly more stability and considerably easier turning. The downside, of course, is a slight reduction in top-end speed and straight-line tracking when compared to the Tempest. My wife, who is less experienced and generally a bit less uptight about speed loves her Zephyr 160 and quite frankly, at her experience level, does not notice the minor differences in speed and tracking. Both models come with the drop skeg system for improved tracking. Predictably, my wife swears by the skeg in her Zephyr when confronted by windy conditions whereas I hardly ever use mine in my Tempest. Both are great kayaks for touring/camping expeditions. Both have plenty of cargo space and have the same well thought out stretch cord system on the deck. Both models have the same great seat that is comfortable enough for long trips but low enough in the backrest to not interfere torso rotation. Can't say enough about these Kayaks...probably among the best performance for the buck.
Great video!!! I have the tempest 170 pro(fiberglass) absolutely love it. Ive paddled in 6-7’ waves its perfect no weather cock at all. Love to surf with it and performs well in flat water and some rivers. Turning isnt a problem what so ever. I may get the plastic 165 for mangroves and creeks. Thanks for the informative video
The only thing I can compare it to is my P & H Scorpio. The Tempest tracks better than the Scorpio but is a bit harder to turn. The rounded hull on the Tempest provides great stability in confused waters but tippy for beginners (I don't have a problem). I have had it out in the ocean and wind swept lakes here in Alberta and it has performed well. I have no complaints.
Thanks. I wanted to see her in chop. I kayak the open ocean in a Sea Eagle RazorLite now and want to move up to a hard shell touring boat. My question about her is how does she handle wind? My current craft weathercocks like crazy and wears me out trying to stay straight. Four miles of fighting current and weather cock and I am miserable. Any issues with this kayak?
Crickett Hoffman - So the boat has a pretty high deck that leaves some side area for windage, but with a little skeg drop she stays straight. In fact, staying straight is what she does best. It would be a WORLD different than your Sea Eagle. Inflatables are great but they are notorious for sitting on top of the water where a good sea kayak is planted “in” the water. Just finished a 70 miler in a 170 - had a few good blows but never felt like I was fighting. Just be sure to choose the right size for yourself (obviously).
It was interesting to hear someone else's thoughts on the Tempest 170. I personally own a T170 Pro, my wife paddles a T180 Pro (she likes the larger cockpit opening), and we have owned both a T165 Pro and poly 165 in the past. I have paddled and owned many different kayaks through the years (NDK Romany & Explorer, Valley Aquanaut LV, Valley Avocet, CD Gulfstream, CD Cypress,) and have to say that the Tempests are about my favorite to paddle. The Tempest 165 does not turn much, if any, easier than the 170 but both carve turns very well when edged and when edged very hard using a paddle brace will actually throw water off the stern. My wife's 180 Pro turns very easily for an 18' kayak, in fact much easier than my 16'9" CD Cypress. As far as the tendency for the bow to "punch through" waves rather than ride over the top, the 170 and 180 do much better than the 165. To summarize, I think the Tempest series is one of the best all-around sea touring kayaks made.
great comment. specially with the details on waves, turning, and edging.
Thank you for this review!!! It is hands down the best one I found for the Tempest.
I recently bought this exact kayak (except in Red) and, WOW, do I ever love it for long distance touring. This review played a big role in my decision to buy the Tempest and I agree with everything stated in it including the drawback that the Tempest is a bit sluggish turning...even on edge. I am afraid that the wider turning radius seems goes hand-in-hand with the exemplary tracking.
The review suggests the Tempest 16.5 as a possibility for better turning, and while I am sure that this would be somewhat better than the 17, those looking for a truly more playful kayak might want to look into Wilderness System's Zephyr line. The Zephyrs offers more cockpit room for their size, slightly more stability and considerably easier turning. The downside, of course, is a slight reduction in top-end speed and straight-line tracking when compared to the Tempest.
My wife, who is less experienced and generally a bit less uptight about speed loves her Zephyr 160 and quite frankly, at her experience level, does not notice the minor differences in speed and tracking. Both models come with the drop skeg system for improved tracking. Predictably, my wife swears by the skeg in her Zephyr when confronted by windy conditions whereas I hardly ever use mine in my Tempest. Both are great kayaks for touring/camping expeditions. Both have plenty of cargo space and have the same well thought out stretch cord system on the deck. Both models have the same great seat that is comfortable enough for long trips but low enough in the backrest to not interfere torso rotation. Can't say enough about these Kayaks...probably among the best performance for the buck.
Great video!!! I have the tempest 170 pro(fiberglass) absolutely love it. Ive paddled in 6-7’ waves its perfect no weather cock at all. Love to surf with it and performs well in flat water and some rivers. Turning isnt a problem what so ever. I may get the plastic 165 for mangroves and creeks. Thanks for the informative video
Thanks, Chris. I used a 170 Pro as my main vessel one season and i loved it. It did everything well.
Thanks for the review - I found it very informative. Based on your review I just bought a Tempest 170. I look forward to getting it into the water.
How's the tempest treating you? still happy with your purchase? I'm curious. how well does this kayak do up wind conditions?
The only thing I can compare it to is my P & H Scorpio. The Tempest tracks better than the Scorpio but is a bit harder to turn. The rounded hull on the Tempest provides great stability in confused waters but tippy for beginners (I don't have a problem). I have had it out in the ocean and wind swept lakes here in Alberta and it has performed well. I have no complaints.
This is the best review i have seen on youtube. I wish he didi one on the epic 18x and the tsunami 175.
if u want a boat that responds playfully u need full rocker, this has big water line. touring vs playful boat
‘Zactly! Thanks for the comment.
What would be a faster alternative in the same price range? Maybe the dagger Stratos 14.5?
Thanks. I wanted to see her in chop. I kayak the open ocean in a Sea Eagle RazorLite now and want to move up to a hard shell touring boat. My question about her is how does she handle wind? My current craft weathercocks like crazy and wears me out trying to stay straight. Four miles of fighting current and weather cock and I am miserable. Any issues with this kayak?
Crickett Hoffman - So the boat has a pretty high deck that leaves some side area for windage, but with a little skeg drop she stays straight. In fact, staying straight is what she does best. It would be a WORLD different than your Sea Eagle. Inflatables are great but they are notorious for sitting on top of the water where a good sea kayak is planted “in” the water. Just finished a 70 miler in a 170 - had a few good blows but never felt like I was fighting. Just be sure to choose the right size for yourself (obviously).
Great video wish you had given some prices