Very nice comparison. Complete newbie here, i got a 3 seater Sevylor hybrid thing for the fam, would like to eventually get something smaller for solo trips, mainly rivers and estuaries. Optimal looks great, but the explorer looks just so fine especially with all the space, something to work towards perhaps!
I wanted the Aquatec Ottawa pro but they seem to be sold out everywhere. After the advice from Karl I’ve gone for the Optimal. Looking forward to my first trip in it this weekend. I’ve also got the Story but find that quite tippy…
Curremtly looking at both of these but likely to be the 2 person versions even though i'd be solo paddling. I want a decent amount of space for a border collie and think the 2 person versions give me a bit more space to do that while still taking kit with me. As it will be mainly on the norfolk broards the explorer has the edge so far.
Thanks for the comparison and your thoughts on both boats. I'm still looking at a lot of inflatables and looking to potentially invest in so this is very helpful.
Good contrast and compare. I'll look forward to the on-water version. Be aware that the extra boat automatically promotes you from Captain Swan Dodger to Commodore Swan Dodger. With extra swan-dodging responsibilities!
Good comparison buddy although I did chuckle that you kept getting the names the wrong way round 😅 I was surprised about the length (that's what she said 😅) I thought the Explorer was longer. It's interesting that you kept saying there's less storage with the Optimal given that they're the same length and your body takes up the same space in both. I'm still planning an overnight camp with the Ottawa just so see how it fares with on deck packing. But yes, I like the comparison 👍😁
Looking to get an Explorer for summer kayaking in Corsica and Croatia. Do you think these inflatable kayaks are dog friendly? I'd be planning to kayak with a small Border Collie (with life vest) 2-3 hours at a time.. Or do you think a rigid boat would be a safer bet?
I wouldn't hesitate taking my small collie on the explorer. It's incredibly rugged! I would definitely advise putting a towel or matting down to offer extra claw protection. I'd love to teach my collie to be still long enough in the first place 🤣
Its such a shame that the seats are still so below par for the Sandbanks. I have the 2022 version Optimal which has a much improved seat but still not fantastic. I then got the new seat from Sandbanks which I think is the same as the one you got with your Explorer and have tried it only a couple of times and was disappointed. They rang me and asked me what I thought of it which I gave them some honest feedback as its not all bad (I said I would do a video review which I filmed but never got around to putting up). They told me then (just before Christmas) that they are still looking at improving the seats but were not having much luck. However, for this summer, I'm a fair weather coastal and river paddler (though I may be avoiding rivers this year), I will probably use the seat which came with it as its still the best they have done but only with some extra buttock cushioning :)
@@garyreynolds8872 a cracking kayak is the x100! I had the 100 but drying it out was a right pain. Then I got the x100 and that's what got me into kayaking all roar round as you can just wipe it off :)
Very nice comparison. Complete newbie here, i got a 3 seater Sevylor hybrid thing for the fam, would like to eventually get something smaller for solo trips, mainly rivers and estuaries. Optimal looks great, but the explorer looks just so fine especially with all the space, something to work towards perhaps!
They're both nice boats. The 'Optimal' looks sportier but like you said the 'Explorer' has more cargo capacity.
I wanted the Aquatec Ottawa pro but they seem to be sold out everywhere. After the advice from Karl I’ve gone for the Optimal. Looking forward to my first trip in it this weekend. I’ve also got the Story but find that quite tippy…
Good luck, hope you enjoy it! Cracking boats :)
Curremtly looking at both of these but likely to be the 2 person versions even though i'd be solo paddling. I want a decent amount of space for a border collie and think the 2 person versions give me a bit more space to do that while still taking kit with me. As it will be mainly on the norfolk broards the explorer has the edge so far.
Thanks for the comparison and your thoughts on both boats. I'm still looking at a lot of inflatables and looking to potentially invest in so this is very helpful.
Glad it was helpful! Whatever you do, go full drop stitch if the budget allows. :)
Good contrast and compare. I'll look forward to the on-water version. Be aware that the extra boat automatically promotes you from Captain Swan Dodger to Commodore Swan Dodger. With extra swan-dodging responsibilities!
Good comparison buddy although I did chuckle that you kept getting the names the wrong way round 😅
I was surprised about the length (that's what she said 😅) I thought the Explorer was longer.
It's interesting that you kept saying there's less storage with the Optimal given that they're the same length and your body takes up the same space in both. I'm still planning an overnight camp with the Ottawa just so see how it fares with on deck packing.
But yes, I like the comparison 👍😁
Looking to get an Explorer for summer kayaking in Corsica and Croatia. Do you think these inflatable kayaks are dog friendly? I'd be planning to kayak with a small Border Collie (with life vest) 2-3 hours at a time.. Or do you think a rigid boat would be a safer bet?
I wouldn't hesitate taking my small collie on the explorer. It's incredibly rugged! I would definitely advise putting a towel or matting down to offer extra claw protection.
I'd love to teach my collie to be still long enough in the first place 🤣
Its such a shame that the seats are still so below par for the Sandbanks. I have the 2022 version Optimal which has a much improved seat but still not fantastic. I then got the new seat from Sandbanks which I think is the same as the one you got with your Explorer and have tried it only a couple of times and was disappointed. They rang me and asked me what I thought of it which I gave them some honest feedback as its not all bad (I said I would do a video review which I filmed but never got around to putting up). They told me then (just before Christmas) that they are still looking at improving the seats but were not having much luck. However, for this summer, I'm a fair weather coastal and river paddler (though I may be avoiding rivers this year), I will probably use the seat which came with it as its still the best they have done but only with some extra buttock cushioning :)
Is this the latest version of the explorer? I was reading online and it seems like it might have had a version upgrade at some point.
It is the latest edition. They've discontinued the old one (unless they have ex demo ones still available)
What are the prices please?
Around £400 each depending on sales
@@RuffPaddling , I've got the yellow itiwit x100 , my first kayak at the moment.
@@garyreynolds8872 a cracking kayak is the x100!
I had the 100 but drying it out was a right pain. Then I got the x100 and that's what got me into kayaking all roar round as you can just wipe it off :)