Understanding what kind of kayaking you want to do, and where you want to do it, will help you choose the best kayak for your paddling aspirations. Fast and stable. The Norstar kayak moves through the water much better but doesn't have the storage of the Sea Eagle. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community! Current Designs offers more touring designs in the 15- to 17-foot range, aimed at paddlers of all sizes and experience levels. We feel very safe in this kayak in all conditions. You could call it a Romany for the West Coast., [ Paddling Buyers Guide: See all Wilderness Systems boats ]. Current Designs offers a full line of lightweight composite kayaks, as well as ultra-durable rotomolded plastic designs. I LOVE IT. Wilderness Systems Quality Pungo Fiberglass 2 pc Kayak Paddle $295.00 Free shipping 12 watching Pungo Dashboard | Kayak Dashboard with Dry Storage| Console for Pungo Kayaks, Gr $125.74 Free shipping 2 watching Wilderness Systems Pungo 125 Performance Recreational Kayak $1,219.00 $350.00 shipping Kayaks are a very specialized craft, with deliberate design tweaks for different intended uses. It was, with camping gear, pretty heavily-laden, but still performed well. I would love to have a skeg on the boat, although the box would really cut down on what you could carry. Now - the down side, which EVERY boat has. Kayaks Lifetime Triton Angler Kayak With New High Back Seats Rod mounts and Paddles $420 Each. Well explain how tow belts work and basic towing techniques. Wilderness Systems flagship touring kayak, the Tempest, is a British-style kayak, comparable to the Current Designs Sirocco. Great initial stability and solid secondary stability when the boat is leaned on edge. I am sure that all plastic boats are the same in order to keep the weight down. 7 Reasons to Consider Kayaking Events This Year, Best Paddling Destinations For Unforgettable Wildlife Viewing, Kayaking the Mouth of the Columbia River's Tidal Influences. It tracks very well, the seats are extremely comfortable and it is an all-around great kayak. I would not recommend it for complete beginners as it is a little tippy and, as it has no rudder, takes a little skill to handle. In addition, if you have a variety of crafts, the Pungo can be adjusted to suit the boat size. I really didn't feel a need for it, so it's now up just about all of the time. GearLab is reader-supported. The Impex Force series is known for speedy, rough-water capable hulls. I was able to have a chance to paddle this boat in Sydney Harbor and was rather unimpressed with the performance. Instead of obsessing about danger, focus on stacking the odds in your favor. The NDK Romany series, designed by U.K. expedition paddler Nigel Dennis, is a line of classic Brit boats with a distinctive Greenland-inspired hard-chine hull and fairly low volume. In 60 + KM 40 MPH winds that thing stayed up and carried her to safety when more experienced paddlers went through all forms of trouble. I've had my Kevlar Hawk about 5 months now and with certain reservations I love it. Ours has handled everything from relatively tight rivers and streams to very aggressive open water with equal success, comfort and confidence. It is light: 38 lbs. My only complaint, it is sluggish running downwind, but maybe that's me. My wife is very comfortable in this boat and has never even nearly come out. Her hull is lower than any of the other 9 kayak we've owned over the past 15 years. Search in all categories, rather than specifically recreation, as sometimes kayaks are listed underboats. used wilderness systems kayak for sale | eBay and still find initial stability light after almost two seasons. Bummer! Note, however, that the weight of the Northstar is not exceptional, even compared to some of the composite boats made by the major manufacturers. Love the extra room behind the seat for stuffing a jacket & my platypus water bottle. And, compared to a single, it's incredibly spacious, with ample room for both seating and gear. The lever ferrule system was an instant hit with our team of testers. I'm 5'11" and have a 35" waist. We'll send you a few emails every week. There are cheaper paddles available, but the Pungo Glass offers quality performance and durability with the bonus of adjustability. This is an SUV of Kayaks, don't get it if you want a roadster. Well, storage, seating, and the quality of the bulkheads are certainly upgrades. Nothing wrong with it, just no need for my situation. It's classified 'Light Touring' due to storage, (just a back hatch). Wilderness Systems In Kayaks for sale | eBay The low-profile, backband seating makes it easier for experienced paddlers to perform a roll in these boats. You have entered an incorrect email address! I just wish I had the skill or bravery to put a skeg into this thing, but I don't so may have to find someone to do it for me. Current Designs transitional kayaks have the premium outfitting you would expect on a sea kayaklike decklines, bungees for storage, optional skeg or rudder, and watertight hatches and bulkheadsbut they are much shorter. for sale. This is definately not a good day trip or even two day trip tandem. As to outfitting - there was NONE. Wilderness Systems Pungo Glass Review | Tested by GearLab Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. $1,100. I have paddled the Daggers, Perceptions, Necky which make nice boats but I still prefer the poly Sealution over the other Necky poly's. Current Designs kayaks are widely available across North America at specialty outdoor and paddlesports shops. Theres no real downside to buying an older kayak that has been well cared for. The Arctic Hawk Pro is a kayak brought to you by Wilderness Systems. I also use a standard two-wheeled kayak dolly for moving it to the water. I own a glass Arctic Hawk and love it. This is our first kayak. The hard-chine hull shape is extremely reminiscent of the Romany. Redo stock outfitting to improve control (seat, back band, thigh braces, deck), you will like the difference it makes. Our combined weight with day paddling equipment is about 320 pounds. Unlike many of the paddles we tested ( which commonly use a snap button system to join the two pieces), we did not feel any 'play' in the shaft even when the paddle was put under stress. Fast, light, maneuverable, tracks well, easy to roll. The backrest is pulled back out of the way when I am in it. Not sure why so many people find the 94 lbs. I use it exclusively in winter, photographing seals and ice bergs. Great secondary stability, nice low deck. The Wilderness Systems Pungo Kayak Paddle is lightweight and sturdy. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Tchaika Pro Reviews - Wilderness Systems - Paddling.com It gave me more room for my feet and easier turning as well as slightly more speed I believe. It is really built for the slender paddler. These kayaks are designed for extended trips in coastal waters; they are high-capacity and comfortable for long days in the seat. My family and I do a fair amount of kayaking so I bought two tandems. Wilderness Systems Pungo Kayak Paddle for Recreation/Touring Guess that I like the "Greenland" looks - so this is not taking away from an OI, believe me. So if I love this boat why the 7? The Arctic Hawk in my opinion has no weathercocking problem, and I don't think the greenlanders(or inuit in srostaker or who evers words) would have died from it. If an outfitter near you rents Current Designs kayaks, chances are they will be replenishing their fleet as the kayaks get olderask if they are planning to do so at the end of the season. The Best Kayak Paddles for Fishing in 2023 | Field & Stream I paddled a rental plastic Sealution II and was not impressed. Wilderness Systems makes recreational, day touring, touring and fishing kayaks, including sit-on-top models equipped with pedal drives. The Hawk is fairly quick but not as fast as a boat with similar dimensions but round chines. I purchased this Kevlar kayak used without test paddling it. E-mail me for pictures and directions. I keep it washed and waxed. I bought this Kayak two years ago. You either swear by 'emor swear at 'em! I have heard that you can negate this behavior with weight in the stern of the boat, but would rather put a skeg on it. Great double at a great price. Current Designs focuses on sit-inside touring kayaks. It doesn't quite make it into the ultralight category, unlike the full-carbon version that is also available from Wilderness Systems. Wilderness Systems sit-inside kayaks are slightly more expensive, starting at around $1,000 USD. They are judged Wilderness Systems is another widely-known North American kayak company. This is true both above and below the waterline, and it makes the Arctic Hawk one of the best looking boats out there. no favorites. A fast and fun boat, the secondary stability makes it a comfortable boat in all conditions. So, why the 6 out of 10? How can we improve GearLab? It fits like a glove. We have gone on paddles of a few hours, and maybe 8-10 miles so far. Do get it if you're going places where you will be on your own a long way from Port. Utilizing a carbon blend shaft and fiberglass blades, this paddle is lightweight and transfers a lot of power without being too stiff on the joints. I love this Chaika kayak, She glides effortlessly and is very respo;sieve. Wilderness Systems Tempest 180 Fiberglass Kayak with Skeg Although slightly lighter, full-carbon models are also significantly more expensive. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community! Build quality of the seats, hatches and rudder has been excellent as has the durability of everything holding up. New and used Kayaks for sale in Labadie, Missouri on Facebook Marketplace. quad cities. Add a 3 foot skeg tapering from zero to 1.5 inches at the stern and the boat changes its whole personality for the better. The comfort level is now 100% perfect for me with about 8 hours of work. Wish it was my New England boat,as I have a truck there. The main difference is that the Polaris is a bit shorter as it lacks the center storage compartment. sporting goods 22; boats 16 . GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. The rudder, cables, hatches, etc are still as good as new. If youre seeking a good variety of lightweight sit-on-top and sit-inside recreational kayaks, or a dedicated fishing kayak, look to Eddyline. The thigh braces are a disgrace -- too small, badly shaped, and badly placed. I never use a rudder (well almost never) and I find it tracks very well even in big seas. This mechanism is common in adjustable SUP paddles, but we have not seen it used in 2-piece kayak paddles. We are also working diligently to answer your questions and have recently added additional resources in this area, but our response time may be longer than typical due to the volume of contacts we are receiving. The only aspect of the paddle that slightly disappointed the testers was the graphic adornments. The comments about it not being for beginners are wrong if the beginners want to paddle for excitement. Prior to this kayak we borrowed an Easy Rider Sea Eagle and took this on several trips. Arctic Hawk Pro Reviews - Wilderness Systems - Paddling.com FREE Returns . I couldn't count the number of lobster bouys that I collided with, because I couldn't see past the brim of my wife's hat! As a medium-sized business, when so many others are struggling, we are grateful that our primary challenge is to do more rather than less, and we thank you for your interest and support. Finally, fiberglass is more expensive, but the boats are lighter than plastic ones. A rudder is perfect for paddlers who want extra boat control and the ability to steer using their feet. I got to watch my sandals float away. One is the position of the rudder lowering mechanism. Kevlar was a fluke and purchased only because I got a great deal on it. As mentioned by others here the seat could be more comfortable (maybe some foam will help,) and it is by design a low volume boat (so it is not ideal for carrying a lot of gear) despite it's size. Some testers noted that when the paddle is extended, the lever on the shaft can get in the way of the paddler's hands, as it is not as low profile as we would have liked. We work round this problem by storing the kayak out of direct sun, and, when on the top of our pickup, supporting it at three points along its length. Once in the water, however, the kayak really comes into its own. If you are searching for a particular model, size, or color, you may not find it immediately. Tracks poorly, has good speed. I've got some lifting issues and this one in Kevlar comes out to 34#, yep 34. It ride pretty high in the water. All trademarks property of their respective owners The paddle's shape, size, and blade curvature deliver the optimal angle for smooth, efficient, flutter-free strokes regardless of paddling style or experience level. The boat was purchased for "workouts" mainly, not racing or touring. The backrest and the seat are too comfortable. This paddle will be suitable for a wide variety of paddlers due to its adjustable and versatile design. Evolutions of these early Current Designs kayaks include the Solstice and Equinox, two classic designs that are still available today. My husband and I own 2 ocean kayaks weighing each between 85-87 lbs. Reading reviews of Current Designs kayaks helps to understand where these boats excel. It has the look of a Brit boat, but pumped up and pimped out. Wilderness Systems Kayaks | USA & Canada | The Undisputed Leader in This may not be a dealbreaker if you are considering buying a used kayak, but be prepared to use some elbow grease cleaning it. and age of thekayak. I have had my Sealution (poly) for several years now. We drove cross country and this problem really got worse when the air temperature rose above 80 degrees F. The hull collapsing caused numerous problems because once the hull sags the boat is no longer snug on the rack allowing it to move across the racks in cross winds and when semis pass on the interstate. I have paddled a Sealution II poly through the 1000 Islands on the St Lawrence River for 4 seasons. These kayaks have two hatches with a variety of often leaky closure systems and luxurious seats that aspire to being little aquatic armchairs. The hull is scratched as expected but of no concern; it is poly, tracks fine; I use the rudder, runs well in all weather. Old Town Castine 130 kayak. It carves well and doesn't break your back to roll despite its size and weight. The 15- to 17-foot length and efficient hull shapes mean Danish-style kayaks are also well-suited to day or multi-day touring. We have not experienced any heat related warping of the plastic hull, and based on other reviewers comments have taken great care to ensure our Northstar is well supported in transit & storage. The downside to this is you expend more energy moving through the rough stuff. The seat is one of the most comfortable around and the middle compartment has a removable picnic basket. Car topping requires a certain regimented skill set, especially in brisk winds. Wilderness Systems Tempest 180 Fiberglass Kayak with Skeg 0.0 0 Reviews Item #736649 Red/White This product is not available. Handles waves well, floats like a cork. It performs very well from oceans to lakes. No doubt about it, we swear by 'em! Very fast for a small boat. If you are hard on your equipment, more delicate Aramid construction may not be the bestchoice. That said I don't need to count on the rudder for turns either which works well for tracking in wind, I just take my time and don't treat it like a sports car, only a rocket ship for its straight line speed. st louis boats - craigslist The Sealution is likely the most maligned boat on the market. Establishing a fair price for a used kayak is tricky. Wilderness Systems Touring Kayaks | REI Co-op The hatches have remained dry on all trips we have gone out on thus far; it has excellent stability in rough waves; plenty of attach points & webbing to tie stuff on the top when heading out for a long trip; the rudder provides excellent response & control and is easily raised or lowered from the rear cockpit (I would recommend lubricating the pedal controls with a light grease on the slide mechanism for smoother operations); The Phase-3 seat is awesome you can adjust that puppy for a very comfortable seat and it breathes quite nicely even on the hottest days; being of polyethylene construction it is virtually indestructible for most river hazards (we can run over rocks, branches, and whatever is just below the water without fear of cracks or tears); bottom line this kayak is joy to own and has provided hours of kayaking pleasure. For more tips on what to look for when selecting a used kayak, read our article How To Buy A Used Kayak. My Arctic Hawk is a 1993 model that I recently bought used and then rehabbed. We do mostly river & back-water kayaking in the sometimes breezy conditions of South Dakota. This paddle performed on par with paddles costing quite a bit more. We were surprised at how fast this particular design is. Pack light and simple, I taken extended trips in my boats. The storage is amazing, there's lots of room with a huge bow and even bigger stern compartment; there's also a central compartment as well. Very fast for a 14ft. It outperforms any other plastic boat I have ever tried. They may have the part in stock or recommend compatible parts to use in the damaged ones place. The slightly leaky hatches are an annoyance, but common for the hatch design in general. This rigidity makes the kayak faster and more responsive. The cockpits are smaller than the Recreational series, adding thigh braces for more efficient paddling and control. The 10 Best Kayaks of 2023 - Your Complete Guide - Boat Safe They are more efficient, faster and have better tracking (making them easier to paddle straight) than Recreational or Transitional models. 7 Reasons to Consider Kayaking Events This Year, Best Paddling Destinations For Unforgettable Wildlife Viewing, Kayaking the Mouth of the Columbia River's Tidal Influences. The 5 Best Kayak Paddles of 2023 | Tested by GearLab Don't be put off by that rating, I am brutal. Got feedback? Best for Beginners: Pelican Poseidon Angler . This is my first kayak, so my impressions are admittedly narrower than some others. Other models include the Squall (a plastic version of the Equinox) and two tandems: the Unity and the Libra XT. The graphics on the wrapped blades are prone to scratching, and with time, the edges look worn as the laminate peels back. Best Current Designs Kayaks For 2023 - Paddling Magazine Be the first to know about new products, team news and events. My boat has a rudder, but I've only flipped it down a couple times, for a few minutes each, just to "try it". As always, we recommend a regular rinse after spending time in salty water or sandy conditions. Also note that WS used three glops of rubber/cement to secure the bottom to the hull, and none of them held so the seat slid side to side. However, most importantly, the blades themselves do not appear to wear down with extended use, and despite its aging appearance, the paddle's actual performance did not falter. Reminiscent of fish scales, or an over-branded fake Gucci handbag, we felt the choice of print gave the paddle a cheap look and did not do justice to the paddle's high-quality design. Now the down side, it is hard to roll, secondary stability is not great it is slow, the front deck is a little high, it oil cans; even when not abused. White over white with black rigging Wilderness Sealution in Kevlar w/ rudder. It is inexpensive and stable and moves through the water well. Our boat's rotomolded plastic construction can get pretty soft while being transported in the hot sun. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. 5 reviews with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars, 2 reviews with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. This beginner-level series covers everything you need to know for your first time kayaking. It doesn't need a rudder or skeg though-and a skeg would take a chunk out of the already-low storage volume. Check out a few other kayak recommendations below or explore all kayaks to find the perfect one for you! Even when the paddle shaft was extended to its full length, the paddle continues to feel reliably secure and strong. This is a decision that should come when one is committed to kayaking beyond occassional bay paddles. Follow the links below to filter the kayaks by type. We nevertheless have a wait time for new orders, and our phone lines have seen an influx of calls. Wrapping the boat in two white bed sheets sewn end to end looks a little strange, but it sure solves the problem. You can fit an army in the cockpit, which means most people will need lots of outfitting to make it usable. Or any kayak, for that matter? Has handled anything we've thrown at it, and a far better paddle than the other doubles we own (manitou II, Horizon, Condor). Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 Kayak (2) 2 reviews with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. The hull doesn't have enough rigidity so it will collapse where the racks contact the boat. This is better than being upside down but I suspect that an advanced paddler would want a round chine boat with less secondary stability. I have yet to find a wind or water condition that this boat could not handle easily. One of them, the somewhat smaller Sparrow Hawk, is also licensed to Wilderness Systems and would be a better choice for a smaller paddler. Before that I rowed competetively for 20 years. It is a wickedly heavy beast. The kayaks that have evolved in the Pacific Northwest tend to sport novice-friendly rudders and have much higher volume. Here are answers to some of the most common online questions about Current Designs kayaks. We have done hundreds of miles in it and it has been always a solid performer. The careful design and weight distribution of this paddle mean that it feels light in the water. Available in polyethylene, fibreglass or Kevlar, as well as a smaller 166 version.