This kayak may be more versatile than demonstrated. The sit on part is easier to get in and out of. It looks like one could easily climb onto the kayak, pull the top on like a T shirt, clamp it down, and carry on as a sit in kayak. Dismount in reverse order.
Great review, this is a fascinating innovation! Out of curiosity, were you able to calculate the weight of the cover itself? I'm curious to know the weight as a sit-on-top, and how much additional weight the cover adds. Final note: As a sit-inside, I think it looks very cool, like a submarine!
I see the real benefit of this kayak as being weather related. It gives you the option of more protection, if needed. At that, I think it's a stretch as to whether or not people will actually buy it for that reason. People who are truly interested in kayaking will do their research and pick a kayak they feels is appropriate for their experience level, intended use or design. Anyone looking for a sit in kayak would most likely not consider it. And... unless you're towing it, or have it tied to the top of the kayak.....you can't take the top portion with you.
Interesting reading all the comments, which all seem pretty negative? I was thinking about buying one but now I'm not so sure. The versatility appealed so me and my daughter could get out on the water together. Teach her initially as a sit on top then build up to sit in as her confidence and skills grow? Whats the alternatives, do i just buy a decent sit on top instead?
You have done glowing reviews on both the hobby itrek 9 ultralight and the Seaeagle Razorlight 393. The both made the top 5 in your best in class. Would you mind comparing these 2 side by side? Clearly the SE will track better, but does the pedal drive on hobie make up for that? I learned to paddle in touring kayaks as teenager in NZ, but now I'm 55, a bit overweight and walk with a prosthetic foot making getting in and out of a kayak more challenging. I really want to get back on the water, as much as I crave hardshell performance I'm thinking the hobie might be the more sensible option. I also think if only they made the razorlight with a hobie style pedal drive that would be really amazing.😢
Hi Ken Just found your channel and really enjoying it. I've been kayaking since 1975 and recently just got back into it more often because I bought a Dagger Stratos 14.5L...partly based on your review. I'm loving it. Anyway, I have a question for you. Did you and your friend ( or a cousin) visit Baddeck, Cape Breton back in the late 70s or early to mid 80s. 2 kayaks on a power boat (Cabin cruiser) with maybe your parents. If so, I'm one of the guys you traveled to Kenington Cove over near Fortress Louisburg to play in the surf. There were some 10 to 12 ft waves that day and I just gave up and went body surfing. If it was you, I think you had a dark blue kevlar beaver tail slalom boat and you were doing forward and backward end over end flips. Was that you?
I think the the kayak market has long suffered with lack of innovation because basically everything has been done already, so companies like this one are looking for ways to differentiate themselves. I think this particular idea falls into the category of "just because you can, it doesn't mean you should".
Sorry but I don't get it, seems more like a gimmick Yak not doing one thing or the other very well. Ken, I have a video idea for you. Now I know you have made videos before comparing portable Kayaks But I would love to see a Head to Head with the (Itiwit X500 & the PakAyaK)
Do not see the point of this at all, all they did is made a pretty poor sit on, and an utterly terrible sit in. The two design concepts fundamentally interfere with each other, making an all around bad boat.
This kayak has cover you can use in the winter old colder weather and and is still sit on top ,in my opinion is the best kayak on ebay is just now only 300 pounds
Idk who would buy this. So many better options. 250lb weight capacity is terrible. That seat I am sure is VERY uncomfortable. Molded in foot pegs… waste of plastic.
This kayak may be more versatile than demonstrated. The sit on part is easier to get in and out of. It looks like one could easily climb onto the kayak, pull the top on like a T shirt, clamp it down, and carry on as a sit in kayak. Dismount in reverse order.
Ocean kayak did this years ago with the Manta. I don’t remember it selling well.
Was about to reply the same thing!!
The Ocean brand "Dawn Trakker" is another discontinued model that did the same.
isn't the point of sit-inside vs sit-on-top the actual centre of gravity? this doesn't solve that, it's just a convertible.
looks like part kayak and part submarine and looks 'top' heavy. ;-) cool idea though.
Great review, this is a fascinating innovation! Out of curiosity, were you able to calculate the weight of the cover itself? I'm curious to know the weight as a sit-on-top, and how much additional weight the cover adds. Final note: As a sit-inside, I think it looks very cool, like a submarine!
My 14.5' kayak is only 42 lb. There is no way I would buy a sit-on-top that weighs 69 lbs unless it was fully kitted out for fishing!
I see the real benefit of this kayak as being weather related. It gives you the option of more protection, if needed. At that, I think it's a stretch as to whether or not people will actually buy it for that reason. People who are truly interested in kayaking will do their research and pick a kayak they feels is appropriate for their experience level, intended use or design. Anyone looking for a sit in kayak would most likely not consider it. And... unless you're towing it, or have it tied to the top of the kayak.....you can't take the top portion with you.
30" wide! ... next up, review that door from Titanic
It's a kayacht. It just needs a Champagner-bottle holder, should come only in white colour with some golden handles. Thats perfect.👌
Interesting reading all the comments, which all seem pretty negative? I was thinking about buying one but now I'm not so sure. The versatility appealed so me and my daughter could get out on the water together. Teach her initially as a sit on top then build up to sit in as her confidence and skills grow? Whats the alternatives, do i just buy a decent sit on top instead?
You have done glowing reviews on both the hobby itrek 9 ultralight and the Seaeagle Razorlight 393. The both made the top 5 in your best in class. Would you mind comparing these 2 side by side? Clearly the SE will track better, but does the pedal drive on hobie make up for that?
I learned to paddle in touring kayaks as teenager in NZ, but now I'm 55, a bit overweight and walk with a prosthetic foot making getting in and out of a kayak more challenging. I really want to get back on the water, as much as I crave hardshell performance I'm thinking the hobie might be the more sensible option. I also think if only they made the razorlight with a hobie style pedal drive that would be really amazing.😢
Hi Ken
Just found your channel and really enjoying it. I've been kayaking since 1975 and recently just got back into it more often because I bought a Dagger Stratos 14.5L...partly based on your review. I'm loving it. Anyway, I have a question for you. Did you and your friend ( or a cousin) visit Baddeck, Cape Breton back in the late 70s or early to mid 80s. 2 kayaks on a power boat (Cabin cruiser) with maybe your parents. If so, I'm one of the guys you traveled to Kenington Cove over near Fortress Louisburg to play in the surf. There were some 10 to 12 ft waves that day and I just gave up and went body surfing. If it was you, I think you had a dark blue kevlar beaver tail slalom boat and you were doing forward and backward end over end flips. Was that you?
Unfortunately no, because that sounds fun! :) I was paddling out there in early 2000's, but not as far back as the 80's .
So the weight is that with the part that makes it a sit in or the weight is without? How much does the added part weigh?
A fun concept, for sure.
How stable is it with the added weight?
It's quite stable. You could stand in it, although it's not ideal for that.
@@PaddleTV, no rigid kayak really is - except, perhaps, some of those made for fishing.
The added top makes it more reassuring - like a kind of tank.
I think the the kayak market has long suffered with lack of innovation because basically everything has been done already, so companies like this one are looking for ways to differentiate themselves. I think this particular idea falls into the category of "just because you can, it doesn't mean you should".
hello , thank you for review . I today buy its from Costco . Try and I happy ....
Great to hear!
Would you ever really use this in sit inside mode? Putting the lid on isn't going to make it go faster or straighter.
Ya your back
Can roll?
Sorry but I don't get it, seems more like a gimmick Yak not doing one thing or the other very well.
Ken, I have a video idea for you. Now I know you have made videos before comparing portable Kayaks But I would love to see a Head to Head with the (Itiwit X500 & the PakAyaK)
Have you rolled it? 😂
Save up a little longer and at least buy a Eddyline, you won't regret it.
l do not understand negatives opinion this is just sit on top kayak with cover for colder weather i know how cold is on the water in winter
Do not see the point of this at all, all they did is made a pretty poor sit on, and an utterly terrible sit in. The two design concepts fundamentally interfere with each other, making an all around bad boat.
I came here to say this too. And 31kg for an 11ft boat yikes!
Agreed.
This kayak has cover you can use in the winter old colder weather and and is still sit on top ,in my opinion is the best kayak on ebay is just now only 300 pounds
The question to ask:
Do i plan to party or paddle?
If it is intended for sheltered waters why would you want it enclosed? Another low end gimmick kayak.
Idk who would buy this. So many better options. 250lb weight capacity is terrible. That seat I am sure is VERY uncomfortable. Molded in foot pegs… waste of plastic.
The worst of both worlds, looks top heavy and ugly like a submarine.
Fiat Multipla on water.