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LAVERA STEWART
Editor-in-Chief of the Gym Expert
Intex Challenger K1 Kayak
Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
Advanced Elements Frame Convertible Kayak
Intex Challenger K1 Kayak
Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
Advanced Elements Frame Convertible Kayak
Best Overall Single Inflatable Kayak — Intex Challenger K1 Kayak Review
It is impossible to have missed coming across Intex when looking for an inflatable kayak. The company has been the king of all inflatable products for half a century.
The Challenger K1 kayak is a one-person inflatable one that measures 30 feet by 15 feet and weighs about 30 pounds. The maximum capacity is pegged at 220 pounds. This eye candy of a kayak comes with superb graphics and is made with excessively durable welded material and has a rugged vinyl construction. The cockpit is spacious and comfortable too.
The beautiful kayak comes with a pair of 84 inches aluminum oars, a repair patch, and a high output air pump for inflating it.
Why We Like It
- Very affordable
- It is nimble but sturdy at the same time
- Eye-catching graphics
The Rated Inflatable Kayak — Intex Explorer K2 Kayak Review
We are entirely sure that no one is going to be surprised that this is the second entry on the list from the same company. Intex has been a global leader from manufacturing inflatable ducky kayak to the professional inflatable kayak!
The K2 Explorer kayak can accommodate 2 people in it, and it will be an exaggeration to say that it is incredibly comfortable. It comes with two adjacent inflatable seats with a backrest and a cockpit that is not just roomy but very comfortable too.
The kayak is an excellent addition if you love touring smaller water bodies like lakes and milder rivers.
Why We Like It
- Weight capacity of 400 pounds
- Comes with a removable skegs
- Bright yellow color for high visibility
Sale
The Best Inflatable Sport Kayak — Sea Eagle 370 Pro Kayak Review
Have you been recently wondering which is the best inflatable kayak for the ocean? Brace yourself because Sea Eagle with a whopping capacity of 650 pounds and rich features is not just the best sport kayak but also suitable for class III whitewater and rapids.
It can accommodate up to two adults and one child or pet. It comes with 2 movable, superbly-comfortable inflatable seats that come with ergonomic backrest. The kayak comes with two paddles, one air pump for inflating, and a waterproof carry bag.
The kayak has open and close drains to not allow the water to re-enter the kayak. Also, there is only a one-way valve for inflation and deflation that makes it safe against losing air pressure on the water.
Why We Like It
- Can accommodate 2 adults and one child comfortably
- Good for Class III rapids
- Comes with two skegs for excellent tracking and speed
Sale
The Best Kayak for Serious Anglers — Intex Excursion Pro Kayak Review
If you are someone that takes fishing seriously, you must not look beyond the Intex excursion pro series. It is made for the professionals, but you could also use it as a beginner. The construction is super tough because laminate PVC is used along with a polyester core that makes it highly resistant to any damage due to abrasion, impact, and strong sunlight.
The kayak is capable of high-pressure inflation, making the craft very stable and rigid. It is feature-rich and has a vast storage space in its bow and stern.
The bucket seats are very comfortable, and the kayak can take 400 pounds.
Pros
- 2 removable skews for different waters
- Comes with mounted footrests
- Two integrated fishing rods
Cons
Convertible Inflatable Whitewater Kayak — Advance Element Frame Convertible Kayak Review
This kayak is a superstar amidst all the whitewater kayaks that we tested at our faculty. With two lovely eyes, candy colors to choose from, you are going to be in a dilemma for sure. Built with aluminum ribs with a defined bow and stern, you are going to fall hopelessly for this handsome!
The construction is so good that the three layers of materials that are used one on top of the other make it virtually the best puncture resistant kayak on the market today.
The stuff is so good that you simply unfold, inflate, attach the seats, and you are ready to go!
Pros
- Preassembled
- Great comfortable seats
- Can manage 550 pounds!
Cons
- We are so impressed; we couldn’t see a flaw even
The Editor’s Choice Inflatable Kayak — Advanced Element Kayak Review
It is very rare that you have an inflatable kayak that works like a hard-shelled one but has all the portability and easy storage functionality of an inflatable one. Advanced Element is one of them, and boy! What yak!!
It comes in very stylish and cool colors, and we are sure you will not be able to make up your mind as to which is the right one for you! The looks and the paddles are highly impressive, and it feels like it is sliced through water like a sharp knife in butter.
The yak weighs about 16 pounds but can hold well 300 pounds. It comes with 7 air chambers and is virtually puncture resistant.
Pros
- On-board storage is big
- Great addition for extended trips on the water
- Can be set up in a few minutes
Cons
- Not suitable for very tall people
Sale
The Best Selling Sport Kayak Canoe — Sea Eagle Deluxe Kayak Review
This deluxe model sports 5 tube I-beam flooring and has two skegs for improved tracking and speed. The yak is exceptionally lightweight and portable if two of the paddlers will hold it on either side. You can carry an additional child or a pooch.
It is an all-season kayak and comes with two paddles. It is 46 pounds and can take a maximum of 650 pounds, which is whopping in all cases! Now tackle a Class I, II, or III whitewater with ease and let the adrenaline rush. Adventures calling you, are you listening?!
The two skegs underneath the yak track it very well. The open and close valves make sure that drained water does not re-enter.
Pros
- Two removable, comfortable seats
- Comes with 2 paddles, one air pump, and a duffel bag
- Has 4 part paddles
Cons
- The yak cannot be mounted to a trolling motor
Buyer’s Guide: All You Need to Know About The Best Inflatable Kayak
Are Inflatable Kayaks Any Good?
Let us begin by telling you that some of the best inflatable kayaks are used for military and commercial purposes before the companies thought about making them accessible to the public for recreational purposes. The recreational kayaks found on the market today are as safe, stable, and durable.
- The materials used for their construction is of very high quality;
- They have modern features such as triple-layer fabric as a safety precaution against tears;
- Separate inflation chamber so that if it gets punctured mid-water, the remaining chambers are good enough to keep the kayak floating till you reach the shore and
- Airtight valves to ensure that the kayak does not deflate on you in the middle of high current waters.
How Long Do Inflatable Kayaks Last?
Most conservative estimates point to 7 and 10 years as the life of an inflatable kayak. You must take precautions and care and maintenance of a prudent person to be able to last it this long. In the absence of which it may not even last a good part of one or two years.
How To Fold An Inflatable Kayak?
- Storing the kayak only loosely inflated away from direct sunlight is considered to be ideal. However, for lack of space, you must learn how to safely fold it.
- First of all, open all the valves and deflate the air.
- Next, fold one end of the kayak over the other by placing your foot on it and to loosely fold it into a bundle.
- If there are fin attachments and/or plates, store them separately in a polythene cover.
- You may use a pump to remove remaining air;
- Make sure that you do not remove all the air, or you can end up putting stress on the seams.
- Fold both sides inside and then right up to the middle and then fold the two halves together again.
- It is a brilliant idea to apply a coat of 303 Protectant before you fold it and put it away.
Looking for some special kayaking tips? We’ve got you covered. Read here for new information.
How to Choose The Best Inflatable Kayak
Material
PVC (poly Vinyl Chloride), a popular type of plastic and Hypalon, a synthetic rubber that is now patented and marketed by DuPont, has been market leaders for making a professional inflatable kayak. Now, Nitrylon, a lamination of nitric synthetic rubber stretched over a dense polyester fabric, is also becoming popular because it is more eco-friendly than the other two.
Weight And Length Of The Inflatable Kayak
- One person, an inflatable kayak, will weigh 30 pounds and maybe up to 12 feet in length.
- The best inflatable tandem kayak will weigh 40 pounds and be anywhere between 12 and 15 feet.
- A fishing inflatable ocean kayak will weigh 17.5 pounds on an average and be within the range of 13 and 15 feet.
Weight Capacity And Seat Capacity
The seating capacity will depend on the type of kayak that you choose. A one-person inflatable kayak cannot manage a second person, but you may be able to handle a small kid or a pet. Similarly, the best 2 person inflatable kayak will allow you to carry one additional small child or pet apart from the two of you. The maximum weight capacity of the most durable inflatable kayak can be pegged between 400 and 550 pounds. Yes, even the most lightweight inflatable kayak can manage so much weight!
Accessories & Package
Here is a list of the bells and whistles for your kayak.
- Life vest
- GPS navigator
- Epoxy adhesive and leak mending kit
- Scupper plugs
- Survival whistle
- All position umbrella
- Rod leash set
- Foldable anchor
- Waterproof storage bag
- Cart trolley carrier
Best Inflatable Kayak Types
Self Bailing Kayaks
A self-bailing inflatable kayak has the floor with several holes that are well-positioned to drain the water out. It is characterized by a wide floor, and there is an inflatable chamber underneath the kayak. The height of the deck and the slope of the floor allow the splashing water to reach the drainage holes.
2 Person Inflatable Kayak
The best 2 person inflatable kayak is known for touring in open as well as narrow water outlets. They are suitable for fishing too and make for an excellent idea when you want to be out with your best friend, partner, or pet. It is lightweight, easy to transport and less expensive.
Sit On Top Kayak
Inflatable sit on top kayak is best for fishing, camping, and limited racing. They are wide and allow for storage of fishing gear. You can enjoy a good time with the family on the lakes, small ponds, and rivers. The only drawback is that the cockpit is not closed, and that is why you can get wet. But it is considered to be one of the best inflatable kayaks for whitewater because of its stability.
Sit Inside Kayak
This is considered to be one of the best fishing kayaks too. They are a pro for camping but deemed so-so to diving. You can enjoy a quiet afternoon paddling with your family in lakes, ponds, and rivers with skirts.
Inflatable Surf Kayak
A lot of surfers will prefer an inflatable surf kayak to a hard shell one. The reason is that if they are dangerously caught in large waves and accidentally fall, these are soft when they land. They are also considered safer, easy to manage, and even easy to transport and maintain. The only drawback is that they allow less carving and wave gripping, resulting in lower speeds.
Inflatable Fishing Kayak
This is a specialty kayak amongst the inflatable kayak reviews that we have done for you. They are most often customized for fishing with high seating positions, the suitability to allow for standing without tipping it and swiveling seats, and an optional trolling motor. This kind of inflatable sea kayak is for serious anglers, but they can be considered the best inflatable kayak for beginners.
Inflatable River Kayak
The quintessential inflatable tandem kayak is designed for people who want to paddle down raging rivers and maneuver and do crazy water tricks. It is easy to carry, transport, and store after use. They are much more stable than hard-shelled and also very pocket-friendly.
Verdict And Our Recommendation for 2021
Before we wrap up, we will leave you with one brand of inflatable kayak that has impressed us beyond words is the beauty from Intex called Challenger K1. The single person inflatable kayak has a rugged PVC construction that measures ideally 30 feet by 15 and can carry a weight capacity of 220 pounds. It has an inflatable I-beam floor that makes it very stable even in turbulent rapids. There is an extra cargo net to store additional gears on both the sides of the kayak. The seats are inflatable too!
The durable inflatable kayak comes with a high output hand pump for inflating as well as a pair of aluminum oars and a patch kit. It is worth every dollar that you will spend on it.
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