$100 vs $1000 Inflatable Kayak. Is It Worth The Money?!

[@6yjjk]

For fun per dollar, I don't think you can beat the Intex. Believe it or not, I've done 3- and 4-day kayak-camping trips in both the K1 and the K2 - they handle like a stoned sloth in a supertanker, and those trips would probably have been a full day shorter in a better kayak, but damn it, they got the job done. After several years, I've upgraded to an Itiwit X500, but I keep the Intexes (Intices?) around so other people can join me just drifting on the lake or for a short downtown-island grilling mission. I know I can put an absolute beginner in one and it'll be rock-stable. If one gets trashed, I'll gladly buy another, knowing that they've served me well.

[@Agile47509chicken]

The cool thing about the cheap kayak is - Dan didn’t stop giggling the whole time he was in it 😀. Looks like a fun little boat, for kids or people who are just looking to good around on a small lake. Why not?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Agreed. 💯

[@juliecampbell430]

Somehow I think it would be hilarious watching Dan extricate himself from the USS Potato.

[@deepwoods2036]

I bought one a number of years ago and it held its air for four straight years through our North country winters. Paddled like a wet sponge but nonetheless was very durable

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for the feedback. Love the Wet Sponge analogy. 🧽 💦

[@joeblow9891]

I think the challenger isn't bad(I mean, for the price it's incredible), but I will definitively buy a real stiffer paddle.

[@lysan1445]

The Intex Challenger is great fun; I paddled it for many years. I'm 5'6'', so it fits me quite well. Had to replace it after about 30 - 40 day trips, so it generally lasted for two seasons. I had to patch it up about once a year, but it never let me down; it always brought me back to shore safely, even with a hole in it. Bought a better paddle, though, and a tarp to protect it from sharp stones and sticks when in- and deflating it. The advantage is that it is light enough to carry on my back (11 kilograms), and I can store it at home. I don't have a car, and I don't own a house, and until recently, I couldn't afford a better kayak. I only bought a Riot Edge 11 Ultralight two weeks ago, which I store at a boat house at a lake one mile from my place. But if I want to paddle elsewhere, I will still use the Intex. I bought a big enough backpack to store it and my gear. So I can go by train and bus. My dream though is a packcraft for travelling, they are sturdier and lighter. But before not being able to paddle at all, the Intex Challenger K1 was a good option when I had only a minimal income. So it will always have a place in my heart. There is also one thing where it definitely outshines my Riot Edge 11: it is way more comfortable for lounging and taking a nap on the water.

[@christineblackburn8542]

Mine is going strong after 2 seasons. I've upgraded and now use mine to give to friends who want want to come out with me. They're great for lakes and beginners. I've gotten 14 people into kayaking by just starting with this little boat. Some have upgraded like me. Some are perfectly fine in there little boat. Helpfull tip. Don't inflate bottom of seat. More comfortable that way

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for sharing. Spreading the kayak addiction all over! Love it.

[@brianbell2176]

I bought 2 of the K1s in 2015 for $150 to put around on the local reservoir. I had no idea these cheap boats would present the love of kayaking to me. I still have them, 8yrs later, and still get them out a couple of times a year for "fun". What an investment.

[@SillyTubereal]

Review the excursion pro, it's made of a better material and I've been using it for fishing since the last 2 years and absolutely love it!

[@JohnDoe-df2zz]

Dan I bought my two kayaks from you years ago...I still have both of them...thanks for keeping it real and supporting the sport. When I met you I felt you were a genuinely nice guy....your videos confirm it. Happy Paddling!

[@suemdeshpande]

Bought one of these Challengers about two years ago now. Works great to get out n about on the water. My main issue when I got it(and still is)was portability. I drive a small Fiat 500 and this fits right in my trunk area. I brought this sucker camping earlier this year and it fit right in with my camping gear. It's more durable then it looks. I dragged this from my campsite to the lake more than once and it's just fine. Nice little kayak to get started with or if you have a small car or storage issues.

[@Runescape.]

I got the intex excursion pro. It's their pro series kayak. I been enjoying it a lot, very stable kayak and fun to run around in, Had a few people at the lake stop in their boats and take a look, asking questions about it since it's over 12 feet long and looks pretty "cool" when you drive by. It's also made of a stronger material. not that cheap pool floatie vinyl but a 3 ply with reinforced fibers inside of it and has two skegs for shallow kayaking and deep water. I usually use the long one here and get pretty good tracking out of it.

[@davidyule3605]

I appreciate your open-mindedness. I, too, would have difficulty recommending the $99 option due to the probability that it will end up as landfill.

[@cruisepuppy]

My husband and I just bought two of the Intex Challenger kayaks - one K1 (for me) and one K2 (for him and our dog). We bought them to use on small lakes when we go camping on the recommendation of a friend who has had one for over 5 years with no problems. For us, it was the answer - easily storable, transportable and gets us out on the water for a while without a big investment (we paid only $83 for the K1 and $103 for the K2). Happy campers here!

[@loriz68]

I'm commenting on an old video but I had watched your inflatable kayak reviews for a while (I've also watched your full review). I just got myself the chelan 120 and I love it! I'm 55 years old and 5 foot, 1". Also not in the greatest of shape but I'm working on it :) It isn't so overly heavy that I couldn't get it down to the water or get it back up to dry land...even with an arthritic knee issue. I wanted to have something I could use for the long haul and one that will keep up after I get more experience paddling. Despite the painful up front price of it, I see myself continuing to use this kayak for many years and it won't let me down. I won't have to re-invest in another kayak and it stores away in my closet. It's a great little boat!!!

[@harrymarshall5164]

I’ve run my k1’s 30 plus times. I bought three in the pandemic, thinking as you did that it’s wasn’t likely to last long. The only one that leaked is because my dog jumped on it and I could never get the repair right. I have a couple of nice kayaks now, but I strongly recommend as it a great entry boat.

[@donkeyavenger]

My only gripe with the Intex is people tend to leave them as litter when they damage them on the water. I've carried a few of them out of waterways to dispose of over the last two years.

[@heathen_7]

Nice throwback clip! Inflatables are a good idea for a back up. We’ve got 4 kayaks already lol, but I think I’d rather have two inflatables for friends/family and save the storage space. Super cool to give it away!

[@CharlotteLWilliams]

I like that you gave it away to someone who will use it. Thank you, for that. In 2016, I bought a single & a double for visitors. The 4th year, I popped the double by stepping on the wrong spot while deflating it. We got 8 ft paddles & old rolling suitcases to put them in. Currently, we have 3 doubles (used as singles) & 2 singles & use them several times a year. Like you said, if it gets the kids on the water, that's great.

[@charlesjmouse]

FWLIW: Call me crazy but I rather like my Challenger K2. I use it for paddling around the island I live on, visiting otherwise inaccessible beaches and snorkelling spots. It's good enough for the job, really cheap, easy to store, and above all very light - I'd never want to carry a hard-shell or something much heavier up and down the cliff paths near me. Also I can take it on a plane without too much hassle. I've got a K2 rather than a K1 because it, urm, 'glides' and 'tracks' a bit better, and there's more room for stuff or another person. Maybe some day I'll try a decent pack raft for better portability if I can find one semi-suitable for costal use at a price I can justify. But while a nicer kayak would be, urm, nice I'm not made of money and however I slice it being able to carry the thing easily over rough ground is a must-have for me.

[@k00ey]

I've had that intex k1 for about 4-5 years now and it gets used about a handful of times each year. Not bad at all for the price. I mostly use it now if I'm too lazy to load my SOT for river floating or loaning it out to a friend that wants to get out on the water. Way more durable than I thought it would be. There's a video on youtube of a guy catching a chinook salmon on one of these! THAT was impressive

[@ahilbilyredneksopinion]

That pool toy taught me that I would love to kayak...no better way to start.

[@Em-mr6wu]

That made me so happy that you gave that fellow your kayak💓🥰

[@Cee-Czar]

Thanks for doing what you do and having fun with it! We brought an Intex boat on a family trip and took it on the Hood Canal. It was a major pain in the arse, but got the family on the water and we had a great time. Even caught a few fish while out. Less than ideal but it gave us a memory. That’s what mattered in the moment.

[@larryhaggins2386]

I still have mine but since I have upgraded to the Bote Rackham Aero with the pedal drive. Since I am a Disabled Vet I need a backup power when my shoulders fail me. This Kayak has changed the game for me. But it all started with the challenger. Thanks for the great videos. You Rock…

[@CherylHDavis]

Can wait for reviews of mid-range inflatables. Looking to buy my first and want to stay under $500 and need it light enough for my wimpy arms to carry!

[@MmntechCa]

I started out with the K1. For the price, it's a perfectly seaworthy boat. Unfortunately mine developed a tear on the underside, at the rear along one of the seams between air chambers. Which is odd because I always back out of the launch, so it's not like it was rubbing against anything. Real awkward spot to patch to. I did fix it, but I decided to upgrade to an AdvanceFrame Sport, which is just far superior in every way. The Intex is just a spare now. But for a beginner's kayak on placid water, you could do worse than the K1. Nice that it comes with everything too.

[@kylemelissa28]

I own the K2, the 2-person version of the Internet Challenger. It was my first kayak and I have since purchased 3 hard-shell kayaks. But, the Challenger is a great, cheap way to get on the water. I still use it for my kids and first-time paddlers that go with me. It has held up well for the two years I’ve had it. Also, the pump seems flimsy (and it is) but it is still doing the job two years later.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Great feedback. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.

[@gwgrote5]

I will say you are very brave! lol. The "Challenger" is cute for the price and I think it is perfect for someone who is on vacation and would like to kayak. Have Amazon deliver it to the hotel or cottage where you are staying and throw it away when you are done. I know this video is old but I was in the market for another inflatable and looked at the Chelan. I finally made my decision to go with Sea Eagle's newest kayak, The EZLite 10. My former kayak was an Airis Sport 11 by Walker Bay.

[@dmhawv]

Thanks so much. The inflatable market is daunting - especially for a fishing kayak. Appreciate all the reviews.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Blackfoot is a solid choice.

[@codybroken]

THIS VIDEO IS NOT CLICKBAIT. Very worthwhile video. and you guys are AWESOME!!!

[@redfoxcb9]

Now, don't get me wrong, the Intex is a cheap kayak, but if you inflate it how the instructions tell you to, using their weird little gauge, it paddles a little better. I've had mine for two years now, and it's still a nice and convienant kayak. It was my first kayak and I have since upgraded to a Perception, but I still use it from time to time and I'm using it to get my son into kayaking. I've scraped it on some pretty sharp rocks and it's held up great. For the $90 I paid for it, I think I've gotten my money's worth out of it and recommend it to anyone wanting to get into kayaking but has a tight budget and/or limited storage space.

[@nunyabidness976]

Glad I read your post/review. I just ordered a K2 this evening.....about 5 hours before I saw this video. I was kinda nervous after hearing HK's review but I feel a bit better, hearing what you've experienced with it. Bought it because it's cheap, reviews leaned towards being a good boat and I'm just getting interested in kayaking. If the interest turns into a hobby, I'm sure I'll upgrade later but probably hang on to the K2 for reasons you mentioned.

[@susieballard4957]

Does the gauge look like a clear little piece of tape with lines on it and numbers on each end? Because I have no idea how to use it. The instructions do not instruct how to use it. This is my fifth video on KZbin trying to find information on how to use the gauge.

[@redfoxcb9]

@@susieballard4957 Yes it does. There's a matching line on the kayak, I think on the right side (it's been a little while since I've used it), that you match up with the clear tape thing. You just inflate it until it matches. I've found that sticking with that makes it work much better than over or under inflating it according to the gauge.

[@stacys447]

Awesome. Would love to see a comparison of the drop stitch inflatable options. Also curious about buying my own paddle while continuing to rent some. With 5 kids, it is a bit challenging to get enough kayaks for the family and there isn’t really any room for hard shells left over when traveling. Super informative. Thank you.

[@webdistortion]

The intex was the gateway drug for me. Bought the next one up to get a bit more room over lock down, and here I am waiting patiently on a delivery of a hardbody..and subscribing to kayaking channels on KZbin. That has to be a plus, and I'm sure I'm not unique in being introduced to kayaking via a rubbishy Inflatable. For that, take a bow intex.

[@Grigray80]

I've just bought 2 of the aquaglide chelan 155....awesome, 15 foot kayak. 2 of these cost me about $3400 canadian, with a good pump and 2 paddles. My wife, me, and four small kids all fit on both kayaks easily. Great high quality way to get the whole family on the water!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Nice. I just bought a 155 for my folks. We love ours.

[@djslewis]

Loved the Challenger as my introduction into kayaking! Perfect way to see if this is the sport for you.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

It seems like this was a lot of folks gateway drug! Love hearing all the positivity in the comments.

[@anAngeal]

I never got to paddle anything as a kid- I was maybe a passenger in a rowboat once? But while my family was fairly nature-y, we weren’t water people. However, I’ve wanted to kayak since I was a little girl. I watched the movie Alaska and for some reason those scenes really called to me! I’m getting there!

[@hntrains2]

11:24: Inflatable kayaks are not for people who believe rigid kayaks come directly from God's workshop. Instead, they are for people who want to enjoy being on the water while in a very stable boat which they have no trouble carrying places in a bag and storing when back home. That said, some inflatable kayaks, such as the Gumotex, can take a lot of abuse and are great on whitewater. Inflatable kayaks might not be as fast as ultranarrow, super-long rigid kayaks, but, hey! it's like on the road: some people like whizzing by on 1000 cc motorbikes, others enjoy riding bicycles and taking in the scenery.

[@dmhawv]

Thanks for the review. The inflatable market is vast these days. I’m searching for a good fishing kayak option with good seat support. Appreciate your input on all things kayak.

[@coltonv4150]

I have a sea Eagle explorer 380x with a swivel chair, it is awesome for fishing

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Blackfoot Angler from Aquaglide seems to stand out from what I’ve seen out there. If your in the market use the code Headwaters15 to save 15%

[@johnpuckett899]

hey brother I am glad u did not give up on your KZbin channel

[@aaronli1488]

The reason the paddle blades are so small and flexy is I tried my friend's Intex with my regular carbon paddle and it literally does not track at all with a real paddle. I was doing 270 degree turns with regular forward strokes.

[@tomiam79]

I actually have a Bote Zepplin and love it!!! taken it down the river and ran over many rocks and no problems with it.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’d like to test one of those someday.

[@tomiam79]

@@HeadwatersKayak If we was closer I’d let you borrow mine.

[@vansantsam]

For a few extra bucks, get some "Flex-Seal" liquid and paint it over the Intex for additional 2-3 mil of rubber.. With all inflatables you should carry a small roll of "Flex-Seal" tape..

[@The0rs]

I started in one of those K1 Challengers. It lasts better than you'd think if you're careful with it. Pump is fine too. Tip for adult users: Just inflate the seat back and not the base; it's far more comfortable. I upgraded to a plastic SOT but I'd deffo recommend the Intex for occasional use.

[@joeblow9891]

Thanks for the seat idea, will definitively try it that way

[@maa-honey7979]

My buddy had a Challenger for a year before he upgraded. We've since turned it into a floating cooler

[@engineeredlifeform]

I had one and it was OK until my wife ran over it at the beach car park. Mine was an older version without the skeg, so the tracking was a bit sketchy, but I only bought it so I could still have some fun on the water when we were on surf trips when it was flat. I now have a Sevylor sit on top inflatable, which is OK, not as stable, but tracks better.

[@LetsGoPaddling]

Clickbaity thing? Maybe not... calling it a pool toy? Expect crowds to flame you... 🤣 But both you and Ken are right about it. It will get you on the water - even I started with it. However, I upgraded fairly quickly to an Itiwit x500 Strenfit. I wanted to learn more and become a better paddler. Intex would definitely not allow that to happen ✌ Now the Challenger K1 just sits in its box on top of my wardrobe, waiting for I don't know what... 🙃

[@joeblow9891]

Just give your K1 to someone who doesn't have any kayak... You sound like giving is a pain. Bring it to a old clothe bin and share with those less fortunate. It's not that hard, doesn't need to end up as landfill.

[@cheryl5540]

I think you are having too much fun with that pool toy. Lmao 🤣

[@skmfkr2]

i also grew up playing in a doughboy pool. my parents still live in the same house and still have that pool. ive put my crescent crew and isup in it.

[@coltonv4150]

you should review a sea Eagle explorer

[@ThatOneKidYouSeen]

Have you tried the Kokopelli Moki 1 or 2 series?

[@jm-bv1wh]

From my observations, people in cheaper kayaks, both inflatable and hard shell, seem to have more fun! Of course, heavier drinking may play a role in this 🤣

[@HeadwatersKayak]

😂

[@susanna8612]

Because for them its not all about the performance but having fun In nature....

[@antaviuswhitaker8787]

What do you think about the Sea Eagle kayaks?

[@donevy9784]

I took mine to Lake Tahoe and it was very fun but by the end of the day one side was way more inflated then the other so I doubt I’ll be using it again.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Yikes. Build quality was one of my big concerns. Seems as though many people have had decent success with it.

[@donevy9784]

@@HeadwatersKayak yes, it could have very well been my over inflating it but planning on stepping up and buying the excursion model.

[@KayakingBubblehead]

The paddle ou have is $340.00 now but well worth it, best paddle I've used.

[@rcaviator4310]

If you like the Aquaglide, you should review the Sea Eagle Razorlite. About the same price, but it uses all dropstich construction and preforms like a hardshell.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I would love to check that kayak out. It looks really cool.

[@6yjjk]

@@HeadwatersKayak Itiwit X500 is well worth a look if you can get your hands on one. Very happy with mine, despite a warranty replacement of the seat.

[@bryanjohnson8162]

Those are the same pumps that they put with all the cheap inflatables and they're actually pretty good they last years had lots of them

[@wingmanhoy3999]

Great review, I do believe after a very short time id be paranoid in the $100.00 kayak eventually would deflate on the water, all the very best.

[@6yjjk]

I've done three- and four-day island-hopping missions in these kayaks. Definitely a lot more than they were designed for, but they did it.

[@SaulShiffman]

Couldn't be more timely. we have two Challengers, and they have gotten us into kayaking, but it feels like time to move beyond this little boat. (Doesn't help that one sprung a leak that doesn't seem to be fixed by patching, and one had a problem with a cross-threaded Boston valve, though that one was really user error). have been looking at the Chelan, very much influenced by your review as well as that from Paddle TV. In brief: I WANT IT! But ~$1,200?

[@6yjjk]

Check out the Itiwit X500. I've upgraded to that from the Challenger and am very happy with it.

[@jesusfreak0912]

Very entertaining as always

[@kerryweaver3483]

Are there any companies making an inexpensive inflatable kayak that I can slide my sup into for heavier whitewater useage?

[@fisker4jc386]

How is the Chelan for fishing ?

[@aspiringwhale7306]

240 can easily make that intex challenger work.

[@wellertm]

I’m disappointed Dan didn’t attempt a head stand! 🤣

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I did in the Chelan 120 review and went for a swim!

[@wellertm]

True and you were bound to go swimming in that $99 “boat”! I really appreciate the efforts you put into your reviews and videos. 👍

[@cup_and_cone]

My only concern is someone who spends $99 on a kayak probably isn't going to spend $40 on PFD to be safe. Yes, I know they can just get just get a generic Type 2 PFD for under $10 at Walmart and be legal, but it won't do any good not worn and tucked up in the cockpit when they flip. A comfortable, paddling specific PFD that they would wear is probably something the person who spends $99 on a kayak won't see an investment in.

[@Tokahfang]

Not necessarily! I started out in a $106 inflatable and a $50 PFD. I knew I'd want to do more boating for sure over the course of my life, and a comfy PFD was good for any of that, but I didn't know how often I'd end up actually getting out to kayak till I started.

[@susanna8612]

This is like comparing Tesla to Lada. Whats the point?

[@MadelnMachines]

I'd be reluctant to spent that much on an inflatable just because i'm not convinced they'd be durable especially compared to a hard one. They seem horrendously overpriced. Maybe if it had a 10 year no quibble warranty or something.

[@stephenstarling2578]

Ok the problem with aquaglide is tracking im trading mine for piont 65 tequila

[@flushot6513]

I see alot of inflatable on water I think in form of price I don't think most people need most expensive but not cheapest one either some where in middle think your money would be better spent

[@kevindeibler346]

I've always been able to get cheap inflatables to last a lot longer and be more durable just by inflating them in them and line in them with duct tape

[@GamerKidEdits]

Cool hat. Brand?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Level Six.

[@jimt5683]

What lake or pond ?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Mary Lake in Redding Ca.

[@juniezapzapata252]

Doesn't recommend the cheap kayak then recommends a more expensive one that he sells. It's hard to call this thing a honest review.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

For the record I don’t sell anything to people. Aquaglide is not a sponsor of this channel in any way. I just think they make a good product and they have great customer support. I closed my retail shop in 2020 and do these reviews for fun and to help inform the community. ✌️

[@killerbuellxb12]

For the price point, if you have the space... Just get a rotomolded kayak

[@tonygville2969]

Maybe it's best for freshwater and not so much for south Florida saltwater toothy fish. 🤔

[@HeadwatersKayak]

That thing would pop in a second with fish like that.

[@tonygville2969]

@@HeadwatersKayak first time viewer and it was pretty cool 👍 Don't Grow Tired of doing Good 🙏 God Wins Biggly 💪🙏😁

[@ricodegallo3060]

👍🏽

[@dr.degenerate610]

In my opinion I can't recommend a inflatable kayak of any price because I was with my cousin on one it popped in the lake.