When deciding on the right fishing kayak for you, you need to consider several key factors. Among them are functionality, reliability, safety and price.
With this Intex Challenger K2 Kayak review, the buyer is going get information on a product that will cover a lot of the key areas under consideration.
From a functional standpoint, this kayak offers a spacious alternative for up to two average size adults. If someone decides to go solo, there should be more than enough room to bring along plenty of camping and fishing gear.
The attached cargo net allows plenty of convenient storage on the bow while the seating positions make the kayak easily adaptable for one or two people. If the inflation procedures are followed to a tee, the process is very efficient with optimum results.
Note: new owners should try to avoid inflating it for the first time in a warm to hot environment due to the potential for over-expansion of the raft from too much hot air. Inflating it indoors would be optimum.
The kayak is easy to carry and store, though the weight of the product might surprise individuals who are used to lighter inflatable kayaks. On the water, the Intex Challenger K2 Kayak is best suited for use on calmer waters found in lakes.
As for reliability, there are couple of things that need to be mentioned. Steering this particular kayak can be a real challenge for inexperienced kayak users as the product seems to have a small weight distribution glitch that prompts it to move in a circular motion.
In several other customer reviews, this problem was mentioned, but most of those individuals were able to come up with creative work around solutions that stabilized the kayak sufficient enough to eliminate the problem. Where this particular model really shines is in its durability.
The kayak is made from a 30 gauge PVC resilient vinyl material. This allows it to stand up to sharp objects like rocks and hooks without puncturing. It would seem that unless the kayak encounters jagged rocks at high speeds, it can withstand a substantial amount of wear and tear.
The aluminum oars are light and easy to control, which keeps the body rested for fishing instead of wasting too much energy trying to get to the right location.
Safety should always be a number one consideration, especially when going out into unfamiliar or rough waters. At 30 by 15 by 138 inches (W x H x D) inflated, the Intex Challenger K2 Kayak has good size, which helps with stability.
The raft fits snugly around the legs and torso of an average sized individual, which helps provide additional control and stability. The real test comes when its time to move around and start fishing. As long as even weight distribution is maintained at all times, this kayak is very difficult to capsize.
If is does capsize, there shouldn’t be any issues righting the vessel in quick order. As a word of caution, it is important to make sure the vessel is properly inflated. If not, the vessel’s overall stability will be greatly compromised.
At a price of $100-$150 depending on where purchased, the Intex Challenger K2 Kayak offers tremendous value. Aside from steering issues that can be easily rectified, this vessel is priced perfectly for everyone from novice kayak fishermen to even the most experienced ones out on the water.