Get What You Pay For? 12 Foot Kayak Materials Shoot Out!

[@docmanh20]

Buy once, cry once. I've had my fill of the cheaper kayaks and they're good for what they are, but once you try out one of these big dogs in the video it's game over. It's like upgrading from a steel framed walmart bike to an carbon fiber electric bike. The difference in weight, comfort, speed, style (you'll get compiments) is outstanding. Spend your money where you spend your time, if you love the water then you won't regret it. :)

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Spend your money where you spend your time. Love this!

[@hordi1ful]

To get your money you have to spend your time, actually...

[@just-dl]

Drop once, cry twice! 😜 seriously, I love all three of these. The Aventura is my “dream machine” but, I’d get an eddyline if I could get it on sale. The stellar is too much green for not being more robust than it is. But, these three make a great comparison!

[@n-da-bunka2650]

@@hordi1ful Nope, no longer time. It's investments are now makes the money.

[@krisl3314]

My husband and I bought 2 Aventura 125s during the pandemic. I'm not sure what the situation was like in the US but in Canada, supply issues meant it was nearly impossible to find kayaks in stock (and nobody was selling their used ones). I had created a list of "smart buys" based on your reviews and the Aventuras were the first kayaks we were able to find. Yes, it's a bit heavier than we'd prefer but if we were to go up in price, we would not have been able to afford the hobby and we tend to stick to bodies of water that are easy to carry them to. Thank you for all your informative videos, I love watching them because I always learn something new.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

This is great feedback. Being on the water is important part! Glad the videos helped you out.

[@georgelaroche2062]

Thank you, you convinced me not to invest in a Stellar. The seat is poor for a kayak at that price, and other reviewers confirm that it lacks maneuverability. I'm glad you spent some time comparing the hull shapes. One important difference that you didn't mention is the depth and volume throughout the bow, middle, and stern and how that might affect stability in rough water. Eddyline sterns are so low that they're almost submerged, as can be seen in the video. In my experience, Eddylines takes advanced paddling skills in waves and wind---they are not inherently stable in those conditions. Two very stable hull designs in this approximate length category are the Delta 12.10 and the Hurricane Sojourn 135. Both are superior to the Eddyline in stability, they're lightweight, and you can save some money with the Hurricane Sojourn. Both have ample hatches for camping gear. The very large bow and stern volume of the Deltas and Hurricane Sojourns create inherent stability in rough water, requiring only beginner to intermediate paddling skills. Another comparison not mentioned is the thickness and flex of the bottom. Eddylines, Deltas, and Hurricanes all have rigid decks, but the bottoms are surprisingly thin and flexible. The theory is that the pressure of the water against the bottom supplies rigidity, but there are stories about cracking ABS plastic kayaks on rocks and submerged tree stumps. Finally, perhaps most important of all, I would love to see kayak demonstrations performed in wind and waves so we can get a real sense of their safety and paddling skill needed. Any of these boats will be fine in benign conditions, but there are major differences between them when the wind and waves kick up. My top choice among all of these short kayaks: the Delta 12.10. It's only fault is a slightly short cockpit as Delta uses the same 17" x 32" cockpit on the 12.10 as on the longer sea kayaks, which is sort of odd.

[@n-da-bunka2650]

Interesting take you have there. The stellar is shown to have SUPERIOR handling in this video so not sure why you indicated the OPPOSITE in your post? Your take on the seat also appears to be mis-leading as the presenter in this video CLEARLY states that Stellar has other options available with higher back support. Lower backs are typically PREFERRED in this type of kayak though. The area I do agree with you are on the Delta 12.10 and the Hurricane Sojourn. Both are GREAT boats. I own an older Hurricane that is pretty fast but it's not NEARLY as stable as the newer Hurricane models. I almost bought the Delta 12.10 as my local REI had a gorgeous blue one available but decided to save a thousand and buy the older, faster, less stable Hurricane. My next one will be either a Stellar or a Swift as the costs aren't a huge factor at this point in my life (not yet retired but closing in on it).

[@TheWhiskeyCowboyLife]

Another thing to keep in mind is that if you live on a lake/pond you can get away with a heavier boat since you will not be car topping it. And whether you like open water or "exploring" where you may be bumping or rubbing the layup will really matter. All great boats though... I love the idea of a kayak but am a canoe man; but the issues involved are quite similar. Great video.

[@barry4fish19]

I have a red skylark for lake paddling and love it, even though lime green was my first choice but that color seems to sell out first. That Stellar is impressive, I guess some folks might stray away from that because it’s made in China, but the factory and designs do have good international collaboration from several sources. I also heard the seat in the Stellar kayaks isn’t very comfortable next to some other brands but that’s always a personal preference. Thanks for the great review, I think more videos with these comparisons are needed for sure, it would be nice to see one with the 14 footers since that seems to be a popular length for transitional light touring boats. You could do Equinox, Delta 14, Perception Carolina, WS Tsunami, Swift Kiwassa 14, and many others to choose from in that size.

[@gmuz748]

Dan, I found your YT channel this past summer and became a happy subscriber. It’s so very informative and insightful. I purchased an Adventura 140 this past August based on your response to a larger-sized viewer’s inquiry about options in one of your earlier videos. I’m 6’3” at 260 lbs and find the 140 to be a great kayak for its price-point, a real treat to paddle around. I picked up a Crescent LT on clearance as well that month and it’s superb, as you had stated in several videos; a super thank you for the terrific opinions and guidance you provide!

[@RussellBanks-ub4ub]

Great Report. Very informative I agree with all your facts.I have been paddling since 1972.

[@ruofhatem]

Aloha! Always great effort in providing info and details on those interested getting into the sport. Props to the videographer also.

[@ronaldruntenelli7700]

Da. Love your videos. So informative and you are so personable. I feel like I know you. I have a Necky Manitou13 and I would like to upgrade to an Eddyline kayak.The skylark most probably. My question is about stability in wind and waves. One of the comments mentioned that one has to be an advanced paddler to paddle in wind and waves because of how low the kayak sits in the water. I paddled Lake Tahoe on a windy and very wavey day in my Manitou and felt relativey stable. Maybe i was just lucky that day. I guess I don't consider myself an advanced paddler, probably intermediate paddler. I did take a kayak course from California Canoe and Kayak a few years back. thanks for your time..............

[@benny930]

A great topic for many people out there that are taking up kayaking, and are actively shopping. You address several points, and I am glad that you are also demo-piloting them in this vid. A nice little selection from three different manufacturers. Thank you Dan!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks. You gotta go paddle them.

[@voyeurbobb]

Thank you for all the educational videos you do. I love them and bought my starter kayak based on one of them a few years ago. I would come try out more but Georgia is a long way from you 😔. Thanks again.

[@LJ-jq8og]

Dan: Great topic... Excellent review... Thx !

[@magnushultqvist]

if you want something like the Stellar but more durable you can go for a Stellar in a more solid layup with more kevlar.

[@mikecoglione1308]

I had an S12 for a while and it was a wonderful boat. Already with that one I couldn't go with other recreational paddlers because I would leave them behind with like 3 strokes. Fast and responsive for its time but the S14 (G2) is both faster and more stable especially in rough waters making the more "recreational" S12 obsolete. Stellar boats have categorically terrible seats. You'd want those boats to do long paddles but you can't because they kill your butt and back. It doesn't help to get extra support or thicker pillows because that makes you a lot higher and excessively tippy! I have owned a few Stellars and they all tend to be more maneuverable at speed, getting going helps them want to just turn on edge. The other higher end layups in this shorter, more recreational boat won't make much of a difference but the fragility, and cost of repair jump tremendously. Unless you go surfski Advantage hits the best price/value point for most.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

All great feedback. I would add that the Multisport Layup in the longer Stellar’s is the best value proposition IMO. It’s much stronger than advantage and still relatively easy to repair if damaged. However the s-12 is not available in this layup.

[@mikecoglione1308]

Just curious, why is the 14G2 so much better than the S12? It feels a lot faster but it also feels a bit more stable. It has more initial stability for sure. Not saying the S12 is that tippy but the S14 (G2 of course!) engenders a lot more confidence. Maybe its because it is faster so going at a higher rate of speed makes resist rolling more but even when you don't move it has more "initial" as it doesn't rock as much when you move around taking photos, eating a snack, glassing with binocs whatever. Very strange but it makes the S12 not relevant. I only take my S12 out when my S14 is in the shop like when the skeg broke or if there are other people. You seem to know a lot about hull design, why, is it because it is so wide behind the paddler the G2 S14?@@HeadwatersKayak

[@donkeyavenger]

The adventura is always my go to for people looking to step up from a box store boat if they don't want to buy an eddyline

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I agree 100%

[@meghanberetta]

This is exactly what I did after seeing a review here! Have had it for 2-3 years now and I remember why I love it every time I go out.

[@alangross2277]

Great review! I have wondered about the difference as far as paddlebility of the Aventura VS the Eddyline; in my mind there doesn't appear to be $1,000.00 in difference, for that much money I'll muscle around the 15 pounds, it's good exercise! I'm 5'-7", a young 68 years old and in decent shape; I have the Lime Green Aventura 125 and my wife has the Cobalt Blue 125. For the money, there is nothing close to it. I've had it on Lake Tahoe and it just blew me away on that lake, it feels amazing on Lake Tahoe. It's like it was designed for that type of big water. I really want to paddle around the perimeter of Pyramid Lake, but that would be a real adventure and take 4-5 days to accomplish without killing myself. Depending on how far I'm traveling, I put it either up on my truck rack or in the bed of my 4 x 4 F150 without any issues. When putting it up on the rack, it's definitely nice to have a second person. Everywhere I've had my Aventura, people stop and ask me about it...it really is a great looking, well equipped little boat. The only way I would spend more money is if I was paddling more distance than the 8 -10 miles per day, that we usually end up paddling, and needed to make better time.

[@adrianschuurmans]

I am 68 years old, and have 2 12' I have 2 12'kayaks similar to these reviewed. A 50lb rotomolded Pelican 120XR and a 41lb Delta 12.10. I can put either of them onto the J racks on my SUV. Careful what you say about "you know if your in your 60's" LOL LOVE your channel.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Calling me out! haha

[@silentrabbit247]

Hi Dylan, I like to thread the tail piece as normal, but get the height I want by putting metal washers on to the bolts underneath ie between the guitar and tail piece. This means I can choose the height and also tightly screw down the tailpiece which gives a good connection to the guitar body. Give it a try & see what you think.

[@jaytroxel3495]

Thanks Dan... what a FANTASTIC video... well thought out comparison.

[@brianfraker1793]

Thx for the vids! Bought a Walmart $240 and went down the Umpqua River. Got pretty lucky nothing went wrong. Time to learn.

[@adminadmin2753]

Totally agree. Went from a Perception roto to an Eddyline Sitka, Great edging but cramped. Im used to room for my knees for leg drive on surfskis. Went to the Stellar S16 Performs like a surfski but has kayak practicality Good room for knees Reasonably fast surfs the bumps Love it

[@johns6816]

Admin makes a very important point, you need to be comfortable for more than a 20 min. demo ride. I am just an average size guy but my Merlin XT has little wiggle room to the point that I rarely use it.

[@Hvn1957]

This is a really great review. I own a super light boat (12' Slipstream St. Regis canoe.) I love it dearly, but I can attest that it is hard to baby it, and it scratches easily. I've been looking for something a little more robust that I can really knock around. The Aventura looks like it fits that bill. HOWEVER 🙂... I am 66, quite fit, and I drive an SUV! I have no worries about lifting a 50lb boat onto the roof. Just sayin'. Love your channel. Keep it up.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Look at the Eddylines. Best of both worlds.

[@emmettthomas953]

Great Review! #TeamFeelfree I purchased the Aventura based on your Stellar review 24 months ago. It rests atop my lifted SUV. Getting it up there is easy with the lift assist T bar. Raising the Feelfree Moken on the 4Runner roof does however require more effort. That purchase was also based on your Stellar review. Wink-Wink! 😁 I'm pro Feelfree because of your honest and accurate reviews. Keep them coming!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

That’s awesome!

[@BobBohner4851]

A REALLY FANTASTIC AND USEFUL REVIEW. THE BEST I’VE SEEN IN YEARS

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Wow thanks! Glad you loved it.

[@hoser7706]

They all look good. Compared to PE of the 90s they have come a long way. The Stellar is just stellar minus those fugly handles lol. Great review thx.

[@n-da-bunka2650]

SUBSCRIBED today! I am new to this and picked up a used a thermoformed 14.5 foot yak similar to the Skylark that weighs 49lbs. I have only been out in it twice but it does move quite a bit faster than my wife's roto-molded recreational yak. I am considering either a Swift or a Stellar carbon or kevlar/carbon hybrid. We live on a nice somewhat quiet lake so no whitewater or anything like that.

[@alexxander4572]

Would love to see you doing a review of the Stellar Dragonfly Pakboat, not much about that on youtube.

[@RallyOFever]

As always, a very great review! Thank you! The speed of the Stellar is impressive!

[@rkw4565]

Thanks for the comparison - very informative.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for watching

[@rodbrown8306]

On the Feelfree, if your body weight was 4 inches roughly more forward it would look more balanced imo and it would be a better boat. Skylark is awesome but the freeboard is a bit low imo. Stellar sits higher in the water just what I look for, the Eddyline front deck on the Stellar would be almost perfect 12' boat. ...Great info and video.

[@ADKMan]

Great video, I love my Eddyline….and it’s proven itself to me that it can withstand the crap I have put it through

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Great to hear

[@andrewdavies4604]

That Stellar S12 is noticeably quicker, even on video. It's surging forward, with the slightest touch of the paddle.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Totally. Im glad that showed up on video. Like a feather on the water.

[@just-dl]

Excellent info! Thank you so much. The Aventura was my dream boat. But, when cash was burning a hole in my pocket, I couldn’t find one for love or money. I got a Boreal Baltic 120. It is almost a clone of Aventura. I’d rather have the hatch covers of the Aventura. And I’m curious how different the skeg functions will be. The eddy line would tempt me. The weight saving is appealing, no doubt. But, would I sacrifice gear capacity, skeg and leg room? That’s a tough sell. The stellar is beautiful. But that’s a lot of money for no skeg and an unforgiving fragility. I’d stick with the other two….

[@andrewromano4744]

Hey Dan! Is there any chance we could possibly see a pants and shoes recommendation video?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Just made a video on that. Level six makes some great stuff that’s what I’m using in the video. NRS is also a great resource.

[@andrewromano4744]

@@HeadwatersKayak thanks Dan! Appreciate the info!

[@mikelabree]

Just found the channel. Do you have a video that explains the difference between the kayaks where the legs are in the kayak and some they are on top. Thanks.

[@1789ep]

Awesome review!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Glad you like it.

[@fishnmusicn]

Great comparisons. I have an older Hurricane Phoenix 130 that I bought in 2020, sat brand new for all that time (made in 2008). Nice lines with the thermoform and pretty light. I'd love to see you do a review of the Delta 12 AR, one I have my eye on. I bought a Liquid Logic Marvel 12, pretty nice but the Delta would be lighter for sure.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I would love to get my hands on some Delta Kayaks.

[@fishnmusicn]

@@HeadwatersKayak I hope you do, great channel Dan.

[@lordenoch0]

@@HeadwatersKayak For the record, you were giving the price and weight for the 10 foot Aventura. The 12.5 is $100 more and it weighs 60 pounds so the Eddyline *really* felt lighter at 20 lbs. less.

[@melindaprincipe5806]

Dan, great review! Had to laugh at your comment about being in your 60’s and not being able to get the heavier kayak on top of an SUV! I’m 62 and have a Pungo 120 and a Tsunami 145. I put both on top of my Traverse (without any type of load assist product)!!!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

You’re awesome! A lot of it is just developing a system that works for you. Good job.

[@Shoebutie]

Top notch review.

[@aueloxs]

Thanks so much for the review. I'm considering a Stellar S12, but would be paddling on a river where there are some chances of scraping. Would you advise a more durable boat if I will encounter shallow areas with a likelihood of rocks?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’d probably lean towards something more durable.

[@davidfitts1286]

Thorough review. Informative and zippy!! 😎

[@djslewis]

C'mon, Dan!! The more awesome stuff you show me, the emptier my pockets get!! I just fell in love with my new 13' Perception Conduit (installed a Blade rudder as well), along with my Navigator paddle, and now I want all these things you share in this video! 🤣

[@HeadwatersKayak]

The addiction is real!

[@quijybojanklebits8750]

I got the same boat during the summer of the pandemic. I put an anchor trolly, rudder, anchor cleats, paddle holder and I'm currently building a sail for it for this summer. I highly recommend a rudder and anchor. I started paddling with a 400$ 10.5' pelican, it was an OK boat for light paddling but I live on an island one side faces the ocean. We have alot of waterways here and estuaries.

[@wisenber]

High end rec boats have to be a super niche market. Most paddlers will graduate beyond a rec boat into a touring boat by the time they drop that much coin. A composite rec boat comes across as a luxury Corolla.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

A lot of the older clientele only want rec boats in our area. It’s a niche market, but we sell 30-40 S-12’a a year here in CA, Or, and AZ. But if you compare that to the Skylark it’s probably closer to 500+.

[@wisenber]

@@HeadwatersKayak It's good to hear that the sit-in market hasn't been totally swallowed up by sit on top end fishing boats. I don't begrudge those last two, but they're the vast majority of the boats sold here in the Southeast. That being said, if my mobility were challenged enough to struggle with a touring boat, I'd probably go sit on top. Then again, my 18 ft kayak I made from 2mm okoume and carbon weighs a hair over 30 lbs with a rudder.

[@nagillig]

Always love your videos Dan. I have a Pungo 120 and a Skylark. The performance of the Skylark to me is only a little better than the Pungo, but I love the durability and the bigger cockpit of the Pungo. Still want to demo the Sandpiper, which might be the one for me. I’ve tried to demo it several times but it always falls through. Happy Paddling…

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I test the Pungo and compare it to the Sandpiper in an upcoming video so be sure your subscribed.

[@niklag]

I have the eddyline, I think its the best kayak out there

[@JosephMullin]

Touring and sea kayaks are made for camping. Touring are good for 3-5 days. Sea Kayaks are good for long trips(i.e. 5000 miles)

[@peterbedford2610]

I keep looking for a used Sky 10, but they're rarely on the market

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I'm selling my demo if your in Northern CA.

[@sportify-zz]

Great review, Dan. I currently paddle a Delta 12.10 and love it. I think it would compare favorably to the Skylark. I used to paddle whitewater years ago and I prefer high angle paddling. My question is what length paddle are you using? I'm 6'2" and am using a 230cm paddle and I think it is a lot longer than yours. Watching your video I might want to try a shorter paddle.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I use a 210cm. 230 is like a rec sit on top length IMO.

[@brianr3699]

Isn’t Stellar’s manufacturing plant near Hangzhou China? Has that adversely affected quality?

[@staceyhallal]

Hi! Thanks for all the great videos! I’m wondering if you feel like there is the same gap between the Sitka LT and the Stellar S14G2? I think I heard you say that the Sitka might actually be faster in a different video about the hull shape. I’m not racing but like to go fast and cover some distances. The Stellar felt like it was slipping and sliding while the Sitka cut through the water. On turns, the Sitka seems to pivot while the Stellar felt like a spin. But, I only got about twenty minutes in the Stellar for the demo so I don’t know what to think of that very different feel. It took me about an hour to get comfortable with the Sitka after using the Equinox and Skylark. I would love your opinion on these two 14ish ft kayaks!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I should do a comparison. Two totally different schools of thought. You summed it up well. Stellar is fast and loose and handles best with rudder down. Sitka is manageable and predictable; but a touch slower and slightly less dynamic.

[@staceyhallal]

I’d love to see your comparison! I know I’ve come across several people making the same decision in FB and Reddit groups! And thank you for the reply. It’s helpful!

[@jarljohanssen8965]

Any chance of comparing an aventura 140 to a wilderness systems tsunami 145? The tsunami is "bigger" but the aventura can carry 45lbs more. I ask as I'm looking at the two.

[@LI-FLKayakFisherman]

Dan, what waders are you using?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Level Six makes them. They are sweet!

[@joeextraknow2854]

Great review! I have the Skylark, but in blue though. Eddyline offers red color skylark now? I love the skylark. I flipped over totally submerged in the water a few times at beach, it seems heavier since. I don’t know why. Any idea on this? Thanks

[@HeadwatersKayak]

They've always had blue. Check your hatches for water. That's the only thing that could make it heavier.

[@thomassmith8700]

"It's not the end of the world if you hit a rock." Guess that depends on how big and how hard you hit it. 🙂 What's the best boat for rivers where you want to be able to do some medium-sized rapids, but you also don't want to paddle the hell out of the boat on the flat water between?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I love the Dagger Axis as a Rec/ River kayak.

[@LookB4ULeap]

You have the best job in the world. Love it my man

[@Ulghart]

What do you think about the Pelican Sprint 120XR? Does it compare to the Adventura? I read several good reviews from users online, but seen a good video review comparing it to others in the same class.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Not really the same class. Pelican uses cheaper parts on their kayaks so the longevity is not on the same level. Probably paddles nice though.

[@Ulghart]

@@HeadwatersKayak Thanks for your input!

[@manby7593]

Hello Dan, you often talks about stability, second stability, and you always seem rock solid in the kayak... i have a ellie sound, and to me it feels like it will not keep still, it wobles a lot... Is ot me, or the kayak?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

It’s probably you. Learning to control your kayak with your lower body is super important. Being well adjusted and connected is also huge. Sitting upright with your sit bones supporting you and not your tail bone is key, also having foot pegs support so you are connected to the kayak is also a must. Hope this helps.

[@manby7593]

@@HeadwatersKayak Thank you so much for your Reply 😀 Next time i am going paddling on the fjord i will take another minute, and maybe dial that Elie in a little better 👍

[@aaronmcdaniel5893]

I own one of the Aventura, and my wife stole it from me. With the cost of the Aventura you almost can't beat it in how well it performs you get fir the money. they are super durable too

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Best bang for the $$ in light touring

[@JosephMullin]

What about rocker and why it is good for edging/

[@kellynorthcott7005]

Great Review!!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@JosephMullin]

If the Stellar had more rocker it could spin faster

[@rpoliakin]

Dan is the Stellar seat uncomfortable?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

It’s ok. They make Clamshell seat that is an option and it’s higher and more comfortable.

[@anadventureoutdoors]

anyone know what spray skirt goes to the adventura?

[@LJ-jq8og]

I'd buy one tomorrow but where I live "the zombies" would steal it in a heartbeat... I need to move to a more "civilized" area... :(.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Zombies are hard 🧟‍♀️

[@nedanother9382]

Where the hell?

[@xXlURMOMlXx]

19:47 i dont understand i could drift like that in a 150$ Walmart boat when i was 17

[@johnr5545]

Nice job god bless

[@Confirm_selection]

Typical person with a kayak. 😴