My first time Kayaking and this Kayak held strong. kzfaq.infoUgkx4k5UrhC3v_Y4hIEaXLGvHcN5a5aBmZNB The water got pretty rough as a speed boat zipped by me, and the Kayak withstood it (I expected to be capsized). The Ores are very easy to put together, the pump worked beautifully. the seats are a bit hard to sit in after a while (I recommend sitting on the floor). after reading the reviews I was very scared it'd get a hole in it, the material is very strong and durable. The Air valve may need a small Phillips head screwdriver to adjust, other than that, it's well worth the money!(update)I've gone Kayaking in 3 Lakes and 2 rivers totaling about 40 miles. the kayak had two holes and they patched easily and no other problems can't wait for kayaking season this year!

So much more information here for a novice kayaker than just "this one is comfortable, that one is stable." It is like a basic introduction to kayaking video mixed with a bit of a review. Thank you for this excellent video!

I'm a bigger guy.(260/5' 11") I just got the Pelican Mustang 120 and I love it. It feels stable and I fit comfortably in it. I spent 6hrs in it yesterday and have zero complaints, except I didn't catch any fish haha. I took it into some deeper water (18ft+) and felt comfortable but also was in shallow water(maybe a foot) and didn't bottoms out even though I'm I but heavier. Like he says if your a bigger person, definitely get a 12ft. I love being able to book it across the lake if I want to.

Another brilliant review - and you don't sell any of them! Great to have someone like you as part of the Kayak community; thanks for your efforts, cheers.

I really appreciate you including body mechanics while sitting in and paddling the boat. Great advice to try sitting in it before purchasing. So many people would give up if they're uncomfortable thinking it's too difficult, when maybe the problem is their body isn't compatible with the kayak. You're helping me narrow down which one to purchase!

I’ve been refreshing KZfaq for 4 days, waiting for this video! Thank you!

Thank you for your time sir! Ive really enjoyed checking out your videos and tips over the past several weeks... Iv'e learned alot of great information... 🤙

I love the gas mileage analogy! I really enjoy all these videos and as a 55 year old newb I feel incredibly lucky to have found this channel. Concise professional fun and packed with great information! Stoked to get my new lifetime stealth 11 foot fishing kayak out on the numerous waters in Washburn county Wisconsin! Over 30,000 acres of water to explore in my backyard, shark free, salt free. 😉

I have the Kuna and my husband has the Teton. We switch often and I honestly don’t notice a difference between the two, other than the higher seat height of the Teton. He’s 6’3” and didn’t notice much of a difference either. These are our first kayaks so we can’t compare them to any others. But we love them. There is plenty of room to put our kids up front and we have enjoyed the lake and Salt river of Arizona. Thank you so much for your reviews and videos. You have taught us sooooo much!

I’m not even in the market for another kayak and yet I can’t help but watch your comparison videos because they’re so dang informative. Lol! I love the effort you put into each video. 👍🏻👍🏻

Great video. I really like how thoroughly you review these. Thank you!

Awesome video! I would Love to see a video of your favorite kayak roof racks for suvs/cars with roof top rails. Thanks

Awesome review on both parts of this video. I especially appreciate the teaching that you do throughout. I have been kayaking several times on rivers and a couple of times in protected bays in Cape Cod. I have always rented sit in kayaks but I'm shopping for sit on for safety in my local waters (Cape Cod) and I don't know a ton about the terminology and build of the boats themselves so I really appreciate the extra effort you put into your reviews. Thanks so much!

Loved the Reviews! Thank you, really helps us beginners. I waited to long last year but got my Mustang this year. I learned a lot with last years reviews that helped with my purchase this year. Had my maiden voyage yesterday. Loads of fun!!

You’re videos have been so helpful! Recently purchased a lifetime Teton as a first kayak to fish out of. I’m a 280 pound guy. I have already fished 12 hours in that kayak. I love it. Stable, easy, comfortable. Any newbies out there hoping to fish or wanting a super stable comfortable kayak this is the one.

I’ve been looking to start kayaking because it looks like fun. I do like to research things as much as possible before jumping into them. I’ve asked questions from places around that sell kayaks and just random people hear and there. Lots of KZfaq videos. Without a doubt you have given more useful and practical information than anyone I’ve seen. I’m a buy guy at 270 and you have answered so many of my questions. Thank you for the video. Really appreciate it.

Thanks for reviewing! About to purchase my first Kayak and took detailed notes throughout the entire video and narrowed it down!

It’s funny ever since your review 1 - 2 years ago I’ve been seeing a ton of Tamerack and Tetons in our local waters! You’re making a huge impact! Keep it up!

Hi Dan, Great content, and thanks for embracing beginners (like me). Your reviews and tips are a gold mine for me. I just wish your shop was just a little bit closer to where I live. Keep up the great work and thanks again for helping us newer paddlers.

I just bought the Blade based on your review of the older generation. I love it. Great boat for the money.

These multi boat comparisons videos are great! More please!

Just the video I've been waiting for.

Thanks for the video! Love the way you break everything down and go over the basics in a lot of these videos us noobies click on

Thanks so much for doing these vids. I’ve gotten into the sport because of your recommendations and straight forward talk. Thanks again!

I’m new to kayaking and this video provided much of the critical information one must consider in choosing a kayak. Good job and thank you for posting.

So my roomie and I started kayaking last summer (like a lot of people did) and I went on quite a journey to find a good kayak for me. Max and I actually tried quite a few lower cost kayaks on that journey. I started with the F&S Blade and Max started with the Lifetime Cruze as the Blade's cockpit didn't fit him. I will give the F&S Blade that it was quite comfortable but it was too small for Max. I probably would have stopped there if there hadn't been a HUGE quality issue with it. Within about a month of regular use, both the seat and the foot pegs were broken and the plastic was starting to warp from being stored on a covered patio when it was in the 90s outside, it was garbage in about 6 weeks and I had a very hard time getting them to stand behind their product and could not get replacement parts. The Lifetime Cruze was actually a nice, bear bones sit in, but it was still a little small and slow for Max, so we gave it to a friend of ours who still has and loves it. Next I got the Pelican Argo 100EXO and Max got the Pelican Mustang 120EXO and the journey stopped there for Max I HIGHLY recommend the Mustang 120, that thing is bulletproof! It glides well, holds way more than the weight it is rated for and maneuvers really well considering we paid $300 on sale for it. The straps on it even came undone on the HWY going 65 mph and it BOUNCED onto the shoulder and survived other than a few cosmetic scrapes. Max LOVES that kayak! I wasn't super impressed with the Argo though, mostly because I have some nerve damage and muscle weakness in my arms and on calm water it's fine, but ANY wind and it just gets thrown all over the place and I personally wasn't able to control it, but since it was new I sold it to a friend for what I paid for it and he still has it and loves it, but is a bigger guy who is better able to control it. Next, I got the Emotion Revel and really liked it, it was pretty smooth and tracked well and the skeg wheel made it much easier to haul around. It was definitely my favorite of the "bargain" kayaks that we tried, but for my birthday, my parents and a few of my friends I kayak with surprised me with an Old town Heron 11XT and WOW the difference once you even get into the lower end expensive kayaks is night and day, even being on the cheaper side for an old town kayak it does everything WAY better and I love it. I was going to keep the Emotion kayak as a spare, but recently moved and didn't have a place to store a 3rd kayak so sold it to a friend for her kids who love it.

I picked up the second Kayak earlier this year as my first kayak and I'm really happy with it. Personally that seat adds a ton of value. It's good for tying off buckets & stringers and it makes hours long trips so much more comfortable. I might try a longer open top several years from now but even then I wouldn't be retiring this one.

Thanks for talking about kayaking techniques while doing the review. Watching this cause I'm not even sure if I want to get into kayaking, but this additional information is really helping with the decision.

Last years videos like this really got me excited for the sport and helped me identify and pick out my 1st kayak. I still continue to watch despite not needing any new equipment because I know I’ll always walk away learning something new.

Great video! I got the pioneer xr this year and I love it. It tracks pretty well and is really comfy.

Wow excellent video I appreciate it! I'm 6'2" 230 and I was about to buy the blitz because of the weight rating, good to know that 60% weight ratio you mentioned. Thanks!!!

Great reviews, I've had a Pelican Mustang 120 going onto my third year now and I do not regret it one bit. Fantastic base to add on more gear for fishing, pool noodle stuffing has made it unsinkable as long as I have a hand pup to empty the water. The rear well does tend to get very wet, primarily from paddle splash, though I made a compact kayak cart that fits perfectly on the rear tip and bungee's keep it on so it's with me when I get back to shore. I've pulled 13lb catfish while in the mustang 120 and quite honestly it handled perfectly fine.

Good review, I just pick up a Pelican Sentinel Angler for fishing/exploring and love it so far. Had it in rough ocean water and calm rivers and performed well. As for the tracking you mentioned there is a reason the smaller fishing yaks don't track well and I believe it relates to "fish on". When you get pulled sideways by a big fish it increases the chances of you getting dumped if you are in a long well tracking kayak. The little 9.5 Anglers will spin around much easier when getting pulled by a fish allowing you to keep control.

I don't need another kayak but I enjoy watching your videos. I always learn something new. Keep the vids coming. Thanks

I really appreciate the time you take with these videos-they’re a great wealth of information!

Head stand was impressive. Helpful video, thank you

Thanks for the in depth review. Your video will help a lot of people looking to get into the sport.

Thank you so much!!!! The first kayak you reviewed is the one I have really been wanting the buy. I am a new kayaker at 65 and I so glad you told us about the person that couldn't get back in or get the water out. I need to research a bit more before I make the purchase. Again thank you cause I really want to go kayaking with my son and grandson out in Montana. This wouldn't be the right one.

I got the pelican pioneer this year and I have no complaints. I'm almost 300 pounds and it's pretty good. 450 bucks it's obviously not a hobie but for the money it's awesome. I've landed a 5 pound bass and just yesterday landed a 7 pound 25in walleye. Can't beat it for the $

Thinking about making my first kayak purchase and getting some exercise. love the wealth of information you provide!

The Mustang 100 is at the top of my list right now...looking to get into kayaking for the first time...the 120 seems nice but due to transportation and storage room the 100 makes more sense. Love your videos man!

Thank you for both excellent videos! Love the headstand!

Thanks Dan For the great video's, I have learned a lot from you.

Nice headstand I definitely would have been in the water if I had tried that ! LoL

I have a Teton angler and my wife has the Kuna. We both love our kayaks. I picked the Kuna up for $188 on black Friday so in my mind I couldn't go wrong for the price. Sure it's a simple kayak but we normally only paddle ponds and small lakes and canals so it does the job just fine.

Tons of value here. Thank you so much!

Thanks for the review. Excellent headstand!

Thanks Dan! I love the videos and information. We are new into kayaking and just picked up two Tetons for my wife and I. We haven’t gotten them on the water yet, but based on your reviews they seemed like the best choice for around $300. They felt very comfortable to sit in at the store compared to others. Dick’s has them on sale for $329 right now. Here’s to happy paddling!

Awesome video, I learned so much about my options just by watching this. Thank you!

Love my Teton. I have that exact model and color and really like it. Thanks for your video review.

Dude, Thorough, unbiased and informative. You're unrivalled. Tip for box store yakers: Please cobble in sufficient closed cell foam blocks or inflatable float bags! Add an inexpensive hand pump to the mix as well. You'll be glad you did...

Ive got the Pelican Pioneer 100XR kayak and I love it. Very comfortable, no problem with staying out for hours to fish. Paddles well as in pretty quick, decent tracking and great stability. Seems to be built well. Decent amount of storage. The waterproof bag does work. Ive been out fishing in the rain and my stuff stayed dry. And lastly nice and light even with the seat in it which makes for easy car topping, transport and storage. Over all a great kayak for the money. Just for reference Im about 5 foot 10 inches and 165 pounds and Im very comfortable in this kayak.

Thanks for the review, very helpful!

Used your tip on getting in the kayak from a floating dock yesterday with the paddle as a stabilizer. Just wished I had seen it a day earlier as that's when I flipped kayak and head first into the water lmao

Great review and information. Very helpful. Thank you.

Thank you for your review it really helped me in making my decision for my first kayak. I went with the T100

Thanks to your video I just bought my first kayak. Pelican Mustang.

Man so glad you make these videos. I would've hated getting that pelican and not knowing it might take on water. I'm 230 and wanna do a lot of river kayaking. So thanks for showing me that might not be the best option for that.

Bought the Blaze 97 Elite for my wife based on your review from last time. She has no problem with the seat. But then again, she is 5'6 130lbs. It paddles so much better than my Swifty 9.5.

Thank you Dan. I too have eagerly been waiting. Great video, worth the wait. Also feel much better now. Bought the Teton Pro 12' for my wife (she wanted a sit on top) and the Mustang 120 for myself. Have not yet had opportunity to go out yet. Could you share thoughts about the Mustang 120. Thinking of adding t track for 360 light and safety flag, and handles along sides of cockpit in case I flip it. Does that make sense? PS - very nice handstand...

My first sit on top kayak was a Lifetime Triton model and it's build nearly exact like the Kuna reviewed here. Obviously not the best, but for the price, it's fun to take on calm waters. It does not track well and in windy conditions it spins on me. Perhaps an upgrade is due soon. I also have a secondhand Dagger 10.5 axis sit in and that cuts through the water. Thanks for the review!

I'm looking to upgrade the Mustang foot blocks to adjustable and figure out a better use of the cereal bowl. Suggestions would be welcomed.

Just took my blitz out for the first time on a large river. I'm only 5'7 so it's comfortable for me with lots of room. I actually got rocked with a large wake from a boat on my side when I wasn't paying attention (face timing someone) and the kayak really held itself well without my help so your feedback on the stability makes sense. I really enjoyed it though as a newbie paddler. I had no issues besides the tracking you experienced. However I'm still learning so it may improve once my paddling improves.

Really good video thanks for taking the time.

great review with lots of information, especially as a novice....Look forward to watching some more videos

I'm a smaller person, (5'7, 130lbs) and got the Pioneer last summer. I absolutely love it. The seat is removable and when I pull it out, the kayak probably only ways 35lbs so I can easily throw it on my roof by myself. The knee pads are okay. After picking it up and moving it as much as I have, they have started to rip but that is probably more operating error. I put a dry bag inside the bag because I usually get some water into the storage, more from going in the top than going through the bag. I have practiced rescues on it, just because I wanted to make sure I would be able to. Without bulkheads, it obviously fills with water but it is buoyancy neutral so I keep a bilge pump with me and can empty it pretty easily. As far as balance, I walked on stilts as a kid so I'm fairly coordinated but I can stand on it. I can't do a headstand but it's pretty stable. I have to try to flip it. Anyway, super comfortable, fits my recreational style. I like paddling to the middle of the lake and jumping in and this kayak handles that. i have more canoeing experience than kayaking so I can't compare to other kayaks but I enjoy it.

We bought the Teton as our guest use a kayak for taking along friends. It keeps up well with our more premier kayaks, like my NuCanoe. One of our friends finds it easy to use with her 45 lb dog where we've done 8 mile floats on a river. Also, we had an issue when we lost a seat during transport (possible theft at gas station snack run). Lifetime customer service was amazing in helping us get a replacement seat.

I have the Teton and I'm 200lbs. While it tracks well in calm conditions it was very hard to keep straight in any current or wind. I'm also 6' 3" and I'm between foot molds. I added a deployable rudder with adjustable foot pedals (about $90 for everything) and it's made a world of difference on both of those issues.

Excellent excellent review! I am still shopping for my first kayak. Frankly, it’s going to have to be a budget model because I’m 70, out of shape, and kayaking may not turn out to be my thing. Just paddling on slow flat water fishing for me. Thanks so much for your opinions hand tips.

Thank you for your honest review.

Great video! I know you've already reviewed the Tamarack Pro but it's such a great kayak to mention in this price range! It costs less than the teton, has adjustable foot pegs and is even more stable!

About time!!! Was waiting anxiously bro. Hahaha

Bought three kayaks for the family in the last month. I bought the Lifetime Teton at Dick's for $449.00. I'm five ft 220 and I found it very wobbly, I did love the seat, but it seemed so slow. My son got the sun dolphin journey s10 at tractor supply for $329.00 and once I tried his I loved it and returned the Teton. Much more stable for me and faster. My husband got the Lifetime tamarack at tractor supply $300 and I did try it and liked it, but all they had was army green and I didn't like the color. His had some scratches so they gave him $30.00 off. All are sit ons, which I feel better about and ten footers. My husband is 5'11 and my son is 5', 12 yrs old. I love these reviews.

I really enjoy your honest reviews and completely put my faith in them when I bought my Blade 2 years ago based on your review a few years back. They must have changed the design to this one you review here by the time I bought it. I do love it tho! However, the seat sucks. Maybe I need to learn how to adjust it better to my back, but it definitely became obvious on a 9.8 mile trip last summer. I have always had back issues to an extent but the pain a couple days after that trip was unreal. I definitely need to rig it somehow before I paddle that route again this year. Otherwise, absolutely no complaints!

You literally sound just like Tom Hanks. Great video, thanks for all the info! I'll try and stop by sometime, I'm out in Livermore!

I have a pair of 10' Pelicans. I have had other touring kayaks. The Pelicans are the lightest on the market making them easier to handle and load. I'm very pleased.

Dan-you’re the Man! Love your passion-I’m 59, and picking up the sport! About to pull trigger on my first Kayak and would love your advice: Lifetime Teton 10’ or Field & Stream Axe 12’? I lean towards the Axe because tracking and glide are most important. Problem is: I cannot find much info on the Axe. Is it a new release? Very few reviews...

Great review as always. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🛶🛶🛶

Great Hand stand on the kayak thumbs up at the end

Love to see a review of sub $1000 boats, especially sit on tops, say WS Tarpon, Perception Pescador Pro, Jackson Cruise etc, stuff with good seats and suitable for fishing and recreational river running.

I actually work at Dicks these videos are awesome to show people coming in to buy kayaks.

I have a vanquish 120 pretty good boat in Rough water . The cockpit is huge though I added a rod holder in the front on land sitting in it on the water I cant reach it lol . The ergoform seat in yours I'd like to have in mine . I like the longer kayaks I'm almost 250 and I always look for adjustable foot pedals . I'm by far no expert and get caught in crappy situations like the 3 km wind turns to 30 . I've always enjoyed your videos keep them coming . Thanks for all your information you give out has helped me a ton . The mustang 120 is similar to the Vanquish 120

You were my inspiration to upgrade to a big fish 105 . Thanks

Thank you, great review.

Awesome review, thanks!

What an amazing review, thank you. Have you heard of the Pelican Sentinel 120XR Angler Fishing Kayak? What do you think of it?

Great video, I picked up the 12' Field and Stream Blade and love it. You were spot on though, the pads on the side are already peeling up, and they placed on massively crooked. Not sure if that was Dick's or F&S. No seat problems yet.

Great vid Dan!!!! Thanks so much man

I'm going to pick up my Blade 97 on Wednesday. I'm looking forward the upgrade on stability, tracking, & durability. I currently have a Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 (lol). I can always install/modify knee pads & seat features when needed on the Blade.

I have the Lifetime Teton and like it, as for standing though, you're a braver man than me lol. Thanks.

As someone who was looking to get the Field and Streams Blade, everyone on youtube was trashing it. I was confused cause looking at it the design seemed to be good. You actually testing it and saying it is in fact good has confirmed to me they didn't actually test it and were trashing it for being "cheap". Also confirmed to me your authenticity and making you the best kayaking channel in my book.

The review on these are great! There is big difference in "enclosed" and "open" deck kayaks. Would be great to see an "open deck" fishing kayak review. These two types of kayaks are very different for fishermen...

Thumbs up / like for headstand in the water! Thanks for the upload!

Watching this video because I got a Teton and can’t take it out until the weekend. Looks like I made the right choice.

These videos are great! Do you guys sell many ocean or ww kayaks? I would be interested in some higher end comparisons as well.

The very first things I learned about kayaking came from watching one of Dan’s videos and I really appreciate him sharing his expertise and thoughts…especially on cheaper kayaks. My gf and I are in our late 40s and we wanted to get into paddling….we’re both in decent enough shape physically but neither of us have ever been in a kayak. It’s also not a hugely popular sport where we live and we didn’t have a ton of options as far as where to shop. A few wks ago she she was at Sams club and they had two kayaks on clearance for $175…Lifetime Kenai Pro Angler…I was very skeptical due to the low price and there was limited info online about this model. I stopped on my way home from work to see them in person and we decided to go for it…Lifetime is a well known brand and it was two 10’ kayaks for less than the cost of one at any other place we’d looked. And then I learned the Kenai is essentially the exact same kayak as the Lifetime Teton just with a different color scheme. We still haven’t found time to get on the water but I’ve been learning about the sport from Dan’s videos and I’m feeling a lot better about our purchase after seeing what he’s had to say about the Teton. Thank you Dan for sharing your knowledge in a way that feels welcoming to someone new to the sport.

More great information thank you for sharing

I have a perception conduit 13 and I put the rudder kit on it and its amazing, near unsinkable due to the sealed bulkheads

Just wanted to say great content. As a 320# 6'7" male looking for first kayak I've found most things aren't suited for me. Costs is upward of $1k, and mostly explored convertible tandoms or fishing kayak were I wont fish. Life is same in my size with cars, RV's, etc. Learned a lot of general info from your vids from storage, sitting support, foot rest/leg, paddling tips, etc. These vids are way more wealth of information than the kayak reviews and beginners should watch from intro to credits. With inventory challenges very few are in stores to try, it's all online drop ship from mfg as produced. With that, my size, and storage/transport challenge I ended up with a Star Pargon XL Inflatable. I'm praying it works out well. I have fears of blowing a welded seam on the river and need to be rescued so I'm starting to fear my choice of inflatable. That or I stick to inland lakes in semi populated areas/campground which there are a lot of in Michigan so I can swim ashore. Need to learn and carry onsite patching but will have to avoid river trips for now where breakin down river side could mean miles and miles through woods and impassable terrain to a road.

Great video! These are always very informative. Could you recommend a Yak for Youth/children with no experience in them? This would be for occasional use, and needs to be inexpensive as well! Thanks for your input.