Recreational Kayaks

Recent Recreational Kayak Reviews

Perception Prodigy 10

I received this kayak as a gift and it is my first kayak ever. I have used it for paddling on flat water and slow moving streams. As a newbie paddler, this has been a great first boat. It is very stable and maneuvers well. The cockpit and seat are comfortable for my 6'3" frame. After years of asking my wife for a boat, she surprised me with a kayak. I have enjoyed many hours paddling Lake Lanier here in Georgia as well as the Etowah and Chatahoochee Rivers. The Prodigy is a great learner's kayak,… Full review

Old Town Twin Heron

Old Town produced a great family recreational kayak in the Twin Heron. Excellent learning kayak and wonderful for a quiet day on lake or stream. I've paddled most of my life and this is the most comfortable kayak or canoe I've had. Visited the Old Town factory in Maine and found a great deal on a Twin Heron kayak. Couldn't wait to get it in the water! This 60-pound kayak is easy to handle out of the water with two carry handles and lots of places to grab when you lift it onto a vehicle. Unique colors… Full review

Wilderness Systems Pungo 120

Super stable and tracks well. This is a great kayak for touring around lakes and rivers. Great for beginner paddlers and beyond. I've been a canoer my entire life but decided that my big 15' canoe was a bit too heavy for me to man-handle alone so I sold it and bought the 12' Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 kayak which weighs about 49 pounds (30 pounds less than my old canoe).   I had never sat in a kayak before and I was a little nervous about how different it might be from my canoeing experience. Full review

Elie Sound 100 XE

Terrific overall kayak. Purchased new in April 2014 from REI. Wanted to find a good kayak for recreational use that wouldn't break the bank. Settled on two Elie Sound 100XE's at around $600 piece.   Having used three years now, I feel I can give some insight.   Majority of use has been on calm waters—lakes, creeks, and streams. I imagine a high end one can really move, but I have no issues moving quickly in this. Decent balance in width. Creature Comforts—The seat is very comfortable, allows… Full review

Dagger Axis 12

The Dagger Axis 12 is my first kayak. Not the first I've ever paddled, but the first I've ever owned. I've got more background with canoeing. Ease of Use  The Dagger Axis 12 is pretty easy to get right into and use. But the seat is highly customizable, so you might want to spend a little time on dry land getting that dialed in before you take it out on the water. Some adjustment on the water is possible, but not convenient. There are also adjustable foot pegs which I've found a little easier to… Full review

Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 Ultralite

Nice lightweight kayak. Roomy large cockpit. Defect in manufacturing, screws at handles cause cracking and eventual breakage of material. At first I loved this kayak, but after just a few uses, I noticed the handles starting to crack around the screw. This was under warranty, I've been waiting for over three months for a replacement with no delivery date yet to be seen. Now I have a hole in my kayak and can not use it. The material is very flimsy. If you fall out of the kayak and try to climb back… Full review

Wilderness Systems Pungo 140

Love my Pungo 140. THIS awesome kayak should not be listed as a recreational kayak only. It's a cross-over. It's also a touring kayak. To me a touring kayak should be able to hold gear and track well while it carries that gear. Full review

Dagger Axis 10.5

Perfect crossover kayak. Just what I was looking for! I kayak the waters of northern Arkansas and southern Missouri, so I wanted a kayak that would do well on lakes or on Class I to III rapids. I found just what I was looking for with this one! I also like to do nature photography, and the skeg makes a big difference in keeping me on track toward my subject. The seat is adjustable and very comfortable, even during a 10-hour float. I am a 57-year-old woman, and I wanted one light enough I could… Full review

Wilderness Systems Pamlico 100

This is the ideal kayak for anyone who is just getting into kayaking, lives on a relatively calm lake, or enjoys going for a calm relaxed paddle. It has a good amount of storage, leg room, and is extremely stable. I purchased two of these kayaks almost five years ago, and they have been great to me. I live on a lake and take out one of the Pamlicos many times a week. They are a very stable kayak and I have never had any trouble with it tipping over. I love the storage behind the seat and found it… Full review