Top Beginner Kayaks

1. Bonafide EX123
A standout for stability and value, the Bonafide EX123 is a sit-inside recreational kayak priced at $1,100. Its frame seat and ample storage make it a user-friendly choice for new paddlers.

2. Sea Eagle 370
For just $330 (including paddle and pump), the inflatable Sea Eagle 330 is unbeatable for affordability and versatility. It fits one or two paddlers and folds down for easy transport.

3. Native Falcon 11
This $1,000 sit-on-top kayak shines for comfort and portability. The adjustable frame seat and built-in stern wheel make solo launching a breeze.

Top Touring Kayaks

1. Delta 15.5 GT
Lightweight and loaded with storage, this thermorformed touring kayak ($2,300) is perfect for long-distance paddlers seeking comfort and speed.

2. P&H Virgo
Available in multiple sizes, the Virgo ($2,100) delivers both carving turns and performance stability with its V-hull and hard chines.

3. Melker Värmdö
Made from plant-based resin and flax, this eco-conscious kayak offers stellar handling in all conditions, wrapped in an eye-catching design.

Top Inflatable Kayaks

1. Hobie iTrek 9
At $2,500, this inflatable pedal kayak is the most maneuverable of the bunch—ideal for those who want pedal power in a portable package.

2. NRS Star Raven Pro
Built for whitewater, this $1,100 kayak comes with foot braces, thigh hooks, and a 3-year warranty—durable enough to take on rapids.

3. Sea Eagle 393 RazorLite
Designed for performance, the $1,000 RazorLite cuts through water like a hard shell while still folding into a compact bag.

Top Recreational Kayaks

1. Hurricane Prima 125 Sport
Weighing just 40 lbs and priced at $1,500, the Prima 125 is fast, fun, and stable—a rare trio in recreational kayaking.

2. iSUP Isle Switch Pro
A SUP-kayak hybrid, this $1,300 rig is lightweight, versatile, and comes with all the gear you need to switch between modes.

3. Sea Eagle EZLITE 10
You get a drop-stitched inflatable with hard shell performance. It has excellent tracking thanks to its V-shaped hull. The Sea Eagle EZLITE retails for $900 USD.

Honorable Mentions: Unique Standouts

Swell Scupper 14: A rare fast, sit-on-top kayak that offers exceptional paddling performance.
Hurricane Osprey 120: Thermoformed construction provides a lightweight, sleek ride.
NRS Neutron Packraft: At just 12 lbs, this $1,200 packraft handles up to Class III whitewater.

Whether you’re after portability, performance, or the perfect first boat, there’s a kayak out there for you. Once you’ve found it, the real adventure begins on the water. If you need tips on what to wear and bring for any conditions, read Warm and Cold Water Kayaking Gear.

The post Best Kayaks of 2025 appeared first on Hazeadventure.

First Impressions

The Delta Kayaks 12AR retails for $1,400, a price point that reflects its premium build and features. It's 12′ long, 26.5″ wide, and weighs a mere 42 lbs. It features Delta's adjustable, padded comfort seat, foot pegs, bulkheads in the bow and stern for safety, and hatches in the bow and stern to provide enough storage space for kayak camping trips, or any other paddling adventure you have in mind.

Portability

The Delta Kayaks 12AR impresses with its thoughtful design. At 12 feet long and a mere 42 lbs (19 kg), it's light and easy to carry and transport, which will make a big difference for a lot of people.

It's lightweight nature is due to its thermoformed construction, which makes it stiffer than other plastic kayaks, and about 15-20% lighter.

On-Water Performance: Stability Meets Glide

On the water, the 12AR truly shines. Its innovative “fusion hull” is a game-changer. The strong bow keel effortlessly cuts through the water, while the unique catamaran-style stern provides remarkable stability. This isn't just marketing speak; during my test, the kayak felt incredibly secure, offering a confidence-inspiring ride for paddlers of all skill levels.

Despite its impressive stability, the Delta Kayaks 12AR maintains good forward speed, thanks to its narrow 26.5-inch width and the inherent glide of its thermoformed material. It strikes a truly harmonious balance between these often-conflicting attributes.

Comfort for All-Day Paddling

Comfort is paramount with the Delta Kayaks 12AR. The extra-large cockpit offers generous legroom, and the adjustable foot pegs provide excellent support. Even more impressive is Delta's Contour Seat System. Tall paddlers will rejoice at the ample space and the easily adjustable seat, which allows for perfect trim regardless of your size.

Durability & Thoughtful Features

Beyond performance and comfort, the 12AR offers practical features for flatwater adventures. While not as rugged as roto-molded boats, its durability is more than adequate with proper care. The two bulkheads, a significant safety feature, provide watertight compartments for buoyancy and offer surprising storage capacity, making it suitable for day trips, light kayak camping, kayak fishing, photography and more.

Who Is The Delta Kayaks 12AR For?

So, who is the Delta Kayaks 12AR for? It's an ideal choice for anyone looking to explore sheltered lakes, calm rivers, or bays. Whether you're a beginner seeking stability, an experienced paddler desiring comfort and efficient glide, or someone looking for a versatile platform for camping, fishing or photography, the Delta Kayaks 12AR delivers.

It's truly an “Adventure Recreational” kayak, living up to its name. While it's a premium investment, the Delta Kayaks 12AR offers exceptional value, providing a superior paddling experience that justifies its price tag. If you're interested in the quality of Delta Kayaks, but want a faster kayak, be sure to check out my review of the Delta Kayaks 15.5 GT!

The post Delta Kayaks 12AR Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.

First Look: Specs and Features

The Hurricane Santee 116 Sport Kayak, priced at $1,250, is 11'6″ long, 28″ wide, and weighs a mere 39 lbs. While it doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles, the features it does have are real enhancements, like the bow and stern bulkheads for safety, a stern hatch for storage, a paddle holder for convenience, an adjustable seat, thigh pads, and foot braces for comfort, and molded grab handles to make it easy to move around. Its sleek design also hints at efficient glide through the water.

On the Water: Portability

The Hurricane Santee 116 Sport Kayak excels in portability. Weighing only 39 lbs, it's easy to transport. What makes it light is it's construction. It's a plastic kayak made by thermoforming. This manufacturing process results in a kayak that's about 20% lighter than typical plastic kayaks of a similar size, but it does make the kayak less durable, which we'll talk more about shortly.

Kayak Performance

The Santee 116 Sport is a recreational kayak, which means it's designed to be a stable boat for paddlers of any skill level to enjoy on flatwater. But the Santee also claims to offer great speed and glide. Did they succeed in creating a boat that's stable and fun to paddle? The answer is Yes!

The kayak is stable enough for anyone to feel confident in, but it's shape allows it to cut through the water smoothly and glide extremely well for a recreational kayak. The thermoformed plastic is also nice and smooth and stiff, which only enhances the kayaks's performance.

Comfort: Paddle All Day

The comfort of a kayak is critical to most recreational paddlers. If comfort is important to you, then you'll be happy to hear that the Santee 116 Sport is quite a comfortable kayak. It features a roomy cockpit, adjustable foot pegs, and Hurricane's supportive and adustable Strong Side Seat. Its design accommodates taller paddlers (up to 6'5″) and allows for a comfortable, efficient paddling posture.

Durability of the Santee 116 Sport

Thermoformed kayaks are lighter than other plastic kayaks, but their lightweight nature comes at the cost of durability. That being said, I wouldn't call the Santee 116 Sport fragile; It's simply a kayak that can't be abused. It's not a kayak to drag on the ground or bang hard into rocks. It's the kind of kayak that deserves padded roof rack bars when you transport it.

Value: A Smart Investment

At $1,250, the Hurricane Santee 116 Sport Kayak is a good value if it's the type of kayak you're looking for. Yes, you do pay a small premium for the kayak being thermoformed, but you get a lighter kayak, that glides through the water extremely well.

Who is the Santee 116 Sport For?

This kayak is ideal for flatwater paddling. It's not suited for rough conditions. It appeals to those seeking a comfortable, lightweight, and efficient sit-inside kayak for calm waters. It's a good choice for paddlers who prioritize having a lightweight kayak with good performance and are willing to take care of their gear.

If the Hurricane Santee 116 Sport Kayak isn't precisely what you're looking for, but you do like the idea of a lighter, thermoformed kayak, Hurricane has a number of other kayaks to consider. Check out my other Hurricane Kayak reviews, Prima 125, Osprey 120 and Tampico 130 to see which one is right for you

The post Hurricane Santee 116 Sport Kayak Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Emotion Cabrio Specifications

Price: $650 (USD)
Length: 11’
Width: 30”
Weight: 69 LBS (31 kg)
Capacity: 250 LBS (114 kg)
Best use: Sheltered water

Its key features include:

• Grab handles at either end
• A paddle holder on the side of the kayak
• Bungees for strapping down gear on the bow and stern
• A padded seat with back support
• Footwells 
• Most uniquely, a removable deck that lets you convert the kayak from a sit-in kayak to a sit-on-top kayak. 

Sit-on-Top Vs Sit-Inside Kayak

There are pros and cons with both sit-inside and sit-on-top kayaks. Sit-inside kayaks are generally higher-performance kayaks. They can be narrower and, because you sit inside the kayak, cause your center of gravity to be lower. Due to this, they are often faster. Sit-on-top kayaks, on the other hand, are wider and slower. 

Generally speaking, sit-on-top kayaks are primarily designed for stability, and performance comes second. A benefit of the sit-on-top kayak is how accessible they are. They are much easier to get in and out of.  

Another benefit of the sit-on-top kayak is that you cannot swamp them. The kayak is full of a layer of air, so even if it is upside down, the kayak will easily float. And, on the off chance that water does get on top of the kayak, they also often have drainage holes.

Sit-on-top kayaks are great for warm weather because you can easily slide in and out of the water to cool off. However, in a sit-inside kayak, your body is much more protected from the wind, splashes, and other weather conditions (including the sun). 

But the question remains, how well does the Emotion Cabrio work as both a sit-inside and sit-on-top kayak?

Performance and Stability

The Emotion Cabrio kayak is a comprimise. It is a lot narrower than a typical 11′ sit-on-top kayak. That is because it is not designed for stability. It is, however, still a super stable kayak. 

On the other hand, the Emotion Cabrio has a higher performance value than most sit-on-top kayaks in this class. It travels decently through the water and tracks well. This is due to the V-shaped hull that creates less drag than the hull of a standard 11′ sit-on-top kayak. 

The Emotion Cabrio is a stable kayak. It is also a slow kayak. But it does offer a nice compromise between these two things. 

Comfort

The Emotion Cabrio is decently, but not exceptionally, comfortable. It has foot wells, as opposed to foot pegs. These provide a platform to rest your feet on at 6” intervals, which means that inevitably, it will not fit your leg length perfectly. Footwells also do not give you support on the correct part of your foot. The second I started taking wide sweep strokes, my foot came off the well. 

The seat in the Emotion Cabrio is very basic. It has a small pad on the butt and a back band that provides reasonable support. One thing to note is that the seat naturally falls over. This means that it is easy to accidentally sit on the wrong part of the seat when you get in. It is annoying but not a big deal. 

As a 6’ 2” man, I have quite a bit of space in the Emotion Cabrio. If you are much bigger than that, you might notice that the kayak feels cramped or less stable. 

Accessibility and Safety

When it comes to accessibility, the Emotion Cabrio offers all the accessibility benefits of a sit-on-top kayak if you choose to use it as one. It is much easier to get on and off the kayak. 

In terms of safety, as a sit-on-top kayak, it has a large pocket of air in the kayak that will stop it from swamping if you do capsize. You can simply roll it back up and the water will drain through the scupper holes. 

Value

The Emotion Cabrio works as both a sit-on-top and sit-inside kayak. It does exactly what it says it will do. With that said, it is a compromise. It is not a great sit-on-top or sit-inside kayak. So is it worth it?

Well, the Emotion Cabrio retails at $650 (USD) but you can, right now, get it for under $500. Given how rapidly the price of everything, from groceries to kayaks, has increased recently, that is a great value deal. 

Who is the Emotion Cabrio kayak for?

So the bigger question is, is the Emotion Cabrio the right kayak for you? There are a couple of considerations when thinking about this. The Cabrio weighs 70 LBS which is heavy for an 11’ kayak. You can get sit-inside kayaks of the same length for under 50 LBS, which is significantly lighter. The Emotion Cabrio is difficult to move around by yourself, so it might require two people to move it to the water. 

The other consideration is that, as a sit-inside kayak, it doesn’t paddle very well. It works fine, but you can get an 11 or 12’ sit-inside kayak that does paddle much better than the Cabrio. So, if you are looking for a performance kayak, you might want to look elsewhere. 

Many people only need one type of kayak, so the benefits of the Cabrio won't be realized. These people would be better off finding something more tailor-made for their type of paddling. 

If, however, you value the ability to use a kayak as both a sit-inside or sit-on-top, then this is the kayak for you. Some people do many different types of kayaking in different weather conditions and love the flexibility of a transforming kayak. If this is you, you might find it beneficial to have the Emotion Cabrio. And, for such a low price, you really can’t go wrong! 

For the right person, this is a great kayak, but it is not for everyone! 

More Reading Material

If you are at the point where you are deciding whether or not to sit-in-side a kayak or sit-on-top a kayak, you may also be debating pedal vs paddle. If so, I have the article for you! Check out this post I did earlier this year: Pedal Kayaks Vs Paddle Kayaks: Which Should You Choose?

Kayak: Emotion Cabrio
Paddle:  Aqua Bound Manta Ray Hybrid
PFD:   NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Shirt:  NRS Guide Short Sleeved Men’s Shirt
Paddling Shorts:  NRS Benny Board Shorts

The post Emotion Cabrio Review – A Convertible Kayak appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Melker Kayaks

One of the central missions of Melker is to redefine the manufacturing process in the paddling industry. Ultimately they want to make it completely sustainable. The founder is an engineer from the tech world who wants to bring sustainable ideas to the world of paddle sports. 

As part of this, all Melker kayaks use locally sourced flaxweed instead of the standard composites, carbon kevlar, and carbon fiber. Flaxweed is more environmentally friendly and gives the kayak a beautiful wood-like finish. The Melker Uvlon, like all Melker kayaks, is visually stunning. But the real question is, how does it paddle?

Melker Ulvon HV Specifications

Price: $3900 (USD)
Length: 17’ 5”
Width: 21”
Weight: 54 LBS (24.5kg)
Capacity: 165-240 LBS
Best use: Touring

Features of the Melker Uvlon

The Melker Uvlon is a long, narrow sea kayak designed for speed. It has no rocker. It has plenty of volume at the front – although there is no upturned front to help with waves. In general, it has volume. With a capacity of up to 240 LBS, you can take the Uvlon on a real touring trip. 

The Uvlon does not have thigh hooks meaning it isn't designed to use in rough water, rapids, surfing, or rock gardens. It is designed to cover long distances. The benefit of not having thigh hooks is that people who aren’t as comfortable feeling enclosed in a kayak will feel more secure. 

The Uvlon is still rollable. The contour of the deck allows you to grip it with your knees and roll it. It also comes with pads that you can place in the kayak to make it easier to roll. 

Another neat feature of the Melker Uvlon is that it comes with both a rudder and a skeg. You do not need to choose. I don’t typically use rudders as I can maneuver easily without them, but the Skeg is a great addition. With the slight breeze on the Ottowa River, the skeg was helpful to keep my kayak on course. Typically I would choose a skeg but getting the option to use both is fantastic. 

Comfort

After about two and a half hours, I needed to take a little break from kayaking to stretch my legs. The seat is basic but is surprisingly comfortable for what it is. That said, it doesn’t have a lot of padding so my butt needed a little break at some points. Luckily I had to scramble over several obstacles so I got plenty of chances to stretch. 

A Note on Greenland Paddles

For this adventure, as the plan was to cover the distance, I used my Greenland paddles. These are incredibly lightweight and suitable for covering large distances. They took some getting used to when I first started using them as the blades are so small. I constantly had to think about the angle I used to pull them through the water. But nowadays, it feels more natural. 

The Greenland paddle takes more time to get comfortable with than a typical paddle. So if you don’t have the patience to get used to it, it might be a frustrating paddle experience. If you go for a Greenland paddle, you should prepare to spend some time figuring it out and getting to know it. It isn’t as intuitive as a standard paddle. 

All in All 

I didn’t test the Melker Uvlon in rough water, but I did try it in rough conditions. I dragged it over five beaver dams and gave it its first scratches. But, as I always say, a boat without scratches is a boat without experience. And my Melker Uvlon certainly has experience now. Throughout the entire adventure, it was a fun boat to paddle and easy to portage. It really is a beautiful kayak. 

Be sure to have a look at the other Melker review I've done: Melker Rödlöga Review, an Environmentally Friendly Kayak

Kayak: Melker Ulvon
Paddles:  Gearlab Outdoors Greenland Ipik
PFD:   NRS OSO Lifejacket
Storage: Gearlab Outdoors Deck Pod 2
Clothing:  NRS Short Sleeved Guide Shirt
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post The Melker Ulvon Kayak Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Hurricane Tampico 130 Specifications

Price: $1600 (USD)
Length: 13’ 2”
Width: 26”
Weight: 45 LBS (20 KG)
Capacity: 300 LBS (136 KG)
Best Use: Touring

The Tampico 130 features:

• A multi-chine hull to blend speed, tracking, and stability
• A new H-pod storage hatch
• Bungees on the back and front
• The new Airstream strong side-padded seat
• An adjustable back support
• Bulkheads on the front and back
• Hatches on the front and back.

Portability

There are three main ways that kayaks are made. One way is by rotomolding. In this process, plastic is placed into a mold and then heated up in an oven, and rotated around to fully cover the mold. Once the kayak is done you can open up the mold and voila! You have a kayak. Rotomolded kayaks are often cheaper, very durable, and a lot heavier.

Another method is creating composite kayaks out of materials such as carbon, kevlar, and fiberglass. Composite kayaks are nice and stiff kayaks that are very lightweight, fast, and perform great. You will pay a premium for this type of kayak.  

The Hurricane Tampico 130 is made by thermoforming. In this method, two sides of the kayak are made separately and then welded together. This allows them to create a stiffer and lighter kayak that is not quite as cheap or durable as a rotamolded kayak.

Because of the way it was made the Tampico 130 is only 45 LBS, which, for a boat of this size, is nice and light and easy to move around. You do have to be a little more careful when tying the Tampico 130 to a vehicle. You cannot just reef as hard as you can on the straps as you might do with a rotomolded kayak. That said, you don’t need to baby this kayak either!

Comfort

Was the Hurricane Tampico 130 comfortable to use? Well, I tested this out on a three-day trip where I spent 7-8 hours on the water each day. So it really tested the comfort of the kayak. And this kayak passed the comfort test.

The seat in the Tampico 130 is nice and padded. It has a thicker part at the front of the seat which helps lift your legs up and provide thigh support. The back support is adjustable, can go up and down, and is well padded. It is a comfortable kayak.

Stability

The Hurricane Tampico 130 is a 26” wide kayak which means that it is not going to be the most stable kayak. It is a light touring kayak so you will be trading some stability for efficiency of travel through the water. That said, you could put anybody in this kayak and they would probably feel comfortable and stable.

The Tampico 130 has a V hull which is designed for traveling forwards. But it also means that when you hold the kayak on edge it locks into place. Because of this the Tampico 130 has good primary stability and really good secondary stability when you put it on edge.

Performance

The performance of the Hurricane Tampico 130 comes from the hull. The hull is V-shaped, with a keel right down the middle of the kayak, which helps it track and cut a straight line through the water.

It is not the fastest kayak because it is only 13’ long. But for a 13’ kayak it travels efficiently and effectively through the water. Because of this, it is a fun boat to paddle. Every stroke you take really feels like you are cruising through the water instead of fighting it.

Not only is the Tampico 130 great at traveling forwards, but it is also very easy to turn. You can easily edge this kayak around or use sweep strokes to effectively turn it. The Tampico 130 does an excellent job of combining stability, maneuverability, and forward speed.

Features

The Hurricane Tampico 130 does not have that many features to talk about. There are two main hatches, one up front and one behind. There are also two bulkheads to separate the compartments of the kayak. These are great for multi-day trips because it provides you with two watertight (not waterproof) compartments.

If you do swim in a kayak with bulkheads like this you will only swamp the cockpit area. This is both much easier to deal with than a fully swamped kayak but also helps to protect your gear. You will still need to pack your gear in dry bags to make sure that it stays completely dry. Hatches are never completely dry.

The hatch at the back provides you with plenty of space to store gear for a multi-day trip. There is no skeg on the Tampico 130 which means you get a lot of extra space to store your equipment.

There is a third, day hatch, right in front of the cockpit. This has a gasket on it so is waterproof. It is the perfect place to store snacks, phones, and other useful items you want in close reach. The only downside to this hatchet is that it is exactly the same size as my phone. So, once I'd put my phone in the hatch, I couldn’t get it back out. This is of course being picky, but I couldn’t help but wish it was a tiny bit bigger!

Who is the Hurricane Tampico For?

This is a light touring kayak. You can tell this because it has a cockpit with a rim that is designed to take a paddling skirt. That, combined with the fact that it has two bulkheads, means that the Tampico 130 is safe to take into rough conditions. So it is a boat that can really handle any type of condition. That said, it is first and foremost designed to be used in calm conditions, but it can handle rougher conditions if necessary.

It is only 13’ long so the Tampico 130 is not designed for massive expeditions where you intend to cover huge amounts of ground. But it still moves fast. So it is a great kayak for people who are looking to give up some of the stability that bomb-proof kayaks offer, in order to have a boat that is fun to paddle and can travel faster.

This is a boat that anyone, from beginner to expert, can really enjoy using on single-day or multi-day trips.

Value

The Hurricane Tampico 130 retails at $1600 (USD) which is almost exactly what I would expect to pay for a touring kayak like this. You pay a tiny bit extra with the Tampico 130 to get a kayak that is only 45 LBS. But if you have the money and intend to use the kayak a lot then paying the premium to half the weight of your kayak is totally worth it.

The Hurricane Tampico 130 gets two big thumbs up. It is definitely another keeper boat for me!

Kayak: Hurricane Tampico 130
Paddles:  Aqua Bound Manta Ray Hybrid
PFD:   NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Clothing:  NRS Short Sleeved Guide Shirt
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Hurricane Tampico 130 Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.

ABOUT THE PERCEPTION SHOWDOWN 11.5

Price: $2,129 USD

Length: 11′ 6″

Width: 36″

Weight: 90 LBS (41 KG)

Capacity: 450 LBS (204 KG)

The Showdown features an elevated frame-seat with a junk drawer underneath. It also has double barrel rod holders on both sides, four heavy-duty handles (one at each end, one on each side), and the side handles double as gear tracks for adding accessories. In terms of storage, there is a removable and portable bow pod, and the stern tank well has bungees and is crate-ready. Finally, given that this is a pedal fishing kayak, it of course has hand controls to operate the rutter. 

Side Note on Safety:

Before we get into my personal thoughts on the Perception Showdown, I wanted to give a quick shout-out to the American Canoe Association (ACA) free online paddling course. I know these things are tempting to skip over, but I highly recommend you take the time to check it out. Paddling is generally safe and enjoyable, but when things do go wrong, they can escalate quickly. Often, a bit of key information can make the difference between an inconvenience and a disaster. And did I mention it was free? If you're reading this blog then that means you're probably already at your computer, so go ahead and click this link to find out more. 

How portable is the Perception Showdown 11.5?

Well, 90 pounds is a lot to lug around. This is relatively manageable compared to some fishing kayaks that can weigh as much as 120 pounds, but still, this is a hefty boat. You really should consider a kayak cart. And if not, you should bring some strong buddies along for the day. Even more ideal would be if you have a trailer to tow this thing and to prioritize sites with a boat launch. That way you won't have to drag the Showdown to and from the water. 

Is the Perception Showdown Stable? 

This kayak was specifically designed to be a stable platform to fish from. It has done that job wonderfully. The seat is in a high-position, which is great for getting a lay of the land (or water), but this also raises the center of gravity quite a bit. Even so, there was not even an inkling of instability to be felt. The elevated sitting position also makes it easy to stand up, which felt rock solid in this boat. This is what I hoped for from a 36-inch-wide platform. Stable, stable, 100% stable. 

How does the Perception Showdown kayak perform? 

Typically when you have a very wide, flat, stable kayak, you naturally lose a fair amount of speed. That's certainly the case with the Perception Showdown. But this is what I expected and therefore, I wasn't disappointed. No one has found that magic formula to circumnavigate the basic laws of physics (…yet!). All that being said, for how chunky this boat is, I thought the pedal-drive-system moved it along surprisingly well. 

Is a pedal fishing kayak maneuverable? 

I found that with the assistance of a paddle, the 11.5-foot Showdown turned like how a shorter kayak should. Unfortunately, the built-in pedal and steering system alone doesn't turn this kayak very fast, or with a tight radius. Again, given how much water this thing has to displace, it makes sense that it's not a nimble boat. So just a heads up to future Showdown owners, whenever I wanted to turn sharply, I just picked up my paddle to help make it happen. Having a paddle on-hand is far from a deal-breaker. In fact, if you do want to stand up at all then it's a must-have anyway. 

Is the Perception Showdown comfortable? 

Oh yes! The suspension seat is like a beautiful butt pillow, and the low-lumbar support is great too. Even with all the pedaling, I felt comfy and secure. And whenever you get tired, the reclined position induces instant naps. This is where the superior stability comes into play again. Whether I was pedaling, kicking back, or standing up and stretching out, there was never any weeble-wobble. This allowed me to relax fully. 

How are the features on the Perception Showdown?

For starters, I was very impressed with the pedal-system. It was smooth and easy to work in both the forward and reverse directions. The only thing to be aware of is that the pedals don't kick up at all, which means if you collide with anything beneath the surface, they are going to take the full brunt of the impact. So I certainly recommend steering clear or shallow, rocky waters or you could do some damage pretty quickly. 

I also thought the removable storage pod was a really cool feature. I like that at the bookends of your adventure how you can bring it into the garage or storage area and load/unload it easily, without having to be within reach of the more cumbersome kayak. 

The side handles/gear tracks are an intelligent use of the space. Normally, if you were paddling, having accessories on the side would impede your stroke. But you don't have to worry about that in a pedal kayak. I could see a lot of good utility coming from these features. 

One optional add-on that I appreciated was the soft-shelled storage unit that clips onto the side of the seat. It's the perfect size for a tackle box or any other little goodies you might want to have close by. Plus, I found that it acted as a nice hand rest while I was cruising around and steering with my opposite arm. 

The only feature that didn't wow me was the junk-drawer under the seat. It didn't get in the way or anything, but I just found it to be a little small and flimsy. Maybe that's something that would come into play with a prolonged fishing session.

Is the Perception Showdown 11.5 worth it?  

Well, it depends on who's asking. This kayak is for a specific niche. Not everyone would value a heavy, pedal kayak at this price-point. However, those who are in the market for this type of boat would really value the Perception Showdown 11.5. Sure, you are paying a premium for the loads of quality features in this thing, but the Showdown is still on the less-expensive end of the pedal fishing kayak spectrum. If you are a passionate angler who wants a stable, comfortable, hands-free craft, then I'm confident that you will get tremendous value out of this kayak. 

I hope you enjoyed this review. For more tips, gear reviews, and Paddle Tales adventures, check out PaddleTV.

The post Perception Showdown 11.5 Kayak Review – Pedal Fishing Kayak appeared first on Hazeadventure.

ABOUT THE JACKSON KAYAK ANTIX 2.0 (large)

Retail Price: $1599 (USD)

Length: 8′ 5″

Width: 28″          

Weight: 42 LBS (19 KG)

Volume: 76 Gallons

Capacity: 165 – 230 (75 – 105 KG)

Like any modern white-water kayak, the Jackson Kayak Antix 2.0 has great outfitting that includes: a comfortable seat, hip pads, padded thigh hooks, and an adjustable back-band. The thing that caught my eye right out of the gates was the revised hull design. The original Antix had a planing flat-hut, but it wasn't quite to this extent.

The new hull looks playful and is designed to punch over waves even better than before. The Antix 2.0 also has a low-volume, slicey stern, which is great for messing around, pivot-turns, stern squirting, etc. At the same time, it has a more bulbous bow section for punching through waves and surfacing quickly when you're boofing or going over drops. 

Jackson Kayak Antix 2.0 Review

I paddled around for about two and a half hours, pulling out all the tricks in my arsenal to see what the Jackson Kayak Antix 2.0 can do. If I had to pick one word to describe this boat, it would be confidence. I felt confident right from the launch, and that only grew with each stroke and maneuver. In fact, I would put almost anyone in this boat – a beginner, intermediate, or an advanced paddler.

Every one of those people would enjoy the Antix for their own reasons, and that's because of the instant confidence. As a beginner, you can learn the basics like eddy turns and ferries. An intermediate kayaker can start to surf, rock some stern squirts, practice boofing, and delve into full-on river-running. Finally, advanced paddlers will be able to push their limits in this boat. Confidence is key when it comes to white-water, and that's the gift that the Antix 2.0 gives to its occupants. 

With all that being said, is this the best creek-boat in the world? No. Is it the best play-boat? No. Is it the best river-runner? Well, it may not be the absolute best, but it did a fantastic job and so I would consider it a contender. Is it the ultimate, all-round kayak? I'm not ready to give it that distinction either, but stay tuned for my kayak-of-the-year award(s). Once I've tested a slew of other boats in this class, I'll be ready to crown the definitive champ. But for now, just know that the Antix 2.0 kicks some serious butt (while keeping yours nice and cushy). 

Is the Antix 2.0 kayak comfortable?

For reference, I'm 6′ 2″, 195 pounds, so I went with the large version. The Antix 2.0 is also available in small and medium options. The 76 gallon volume of the large kayak is part of what gave me the eagerness to take this boat, and my substantial frame, into almost any conditions. If I wanted something more playful, then a smaller size would have been better.

However, because of my height I was already pushing the limits of the Antix's outfitting. I was very comfortable in the large kayak, but I still had the bulkhead almost as far as it was allowed to go, and the seat was as far back as I could get it. I have long legs, so this is not an unusual arrangement for me. But I also know of larger paddlers than myself. I think that's one area where Jackson Kayak could make some further accommodations. For now, taller people can still make some custom alterations to better suit their needs. 

Is the Jackson Kayak Antix 2.0 kayak worth it? 

The Jackson Kayak Antix 2.0 excels as a river-running boat. Regardless of your experience level, if you're looking for something to boost your confidence and take your skills to the next level, then this is certainly a worthwhile investment. It may not necessarily be the all-round miracle boat that Jackson Kayak touts, but it is undoubtable a top-tier offering for fun on the white-water. 

For more gear reviews, tips, and to follow along with my paddling adventures, be sure to check out PaddleTV.

The post Jackson Kayak Antix 2.0 Review: All-Round Whitewater Kayak appeared first on Hazeadventure.