Review Aquaglide Blackfoot fishing kayak - my thoughts after 3 years of intensive use

I have used this kayak for touring and whitewater in Northern Thailand for the past 3 years. I really love this kayak, but it is not perfect. I share my thoughts on this kayak in this video.
Disclaimer: As mentioned in the video, then I am not paid to review it, and I do not benefit in any way. But my passion for the Aquaglide products means that I have since been offered to be ambassador for their products. This means two things. They will sponsor a kayak for me, and viewers of my channel will get 15% discount on products from Aquaglide, if they use the discount code Lars15. That is truly a win win relationship in its purest form. You, me and Aquaglide win, and all I have to do is what I already do. I hope you enjoy the discount and the adventures these kayaks can bring.

[@justin2264]

Thanks for the review! I was looking for a review that covered how it stood up to the test of time and I definitely got it!

[@UWI-Anna]

Thank you! Just bought one for $675😊

[@MBR4740]

I bought a new generation inflatable Aquaglide Blackfoot 160 two-seat fishing kayak in late winter of 2021 before they became sold out across North America due to the pandemic. I have thoroughly enjoyed the Blackfoot 160 on large and small lakes during the spring, summer and fall of 2021. It is a large 16 foot kayak but its length contributes to faster speed, despite 40 inch width. A lot of guys on shore come up to me to ask about the kayak as it is quite unique to many people. Many don't realize that it folds up into a large 30 inch suitcase-sized pack for convenient storage in the off-season. Secondly that it has a class-leading 800 lb payload capacity, which is said to be able to take two adults plus either a small child or a medium-sized dog. It has actual padded, folding aluminum chairs which can be unstrapped from the kayak and used on shore as small beach chairs. Part of me wanted the slightly lighter 13 foot Blackfoot 130 as I struggle a bit with the 55-60 lb weight of the 160, but the 13 foot Blackfoot 130 was sold out everywhere. That issue was solved with New Zealand-built C-Tugs which strap onto the bottom of the kayak for ease of transfer on land. C-Tugs are particularly designed for sand, and they disassemble for transport, although the cargo space in the 160 can easily take them fully assembled. Definitely recommend the Aquaglide Blackfoot series, the Cadillac of inflatable kayaks. (The Chelan series is basically the same construction without all the added fishing equipment features. I might buy the shorter (12 foot) but otherwise similar Chelan 120 as a smaller puddle-jumping companion to my larger Blackfoot 160). My friends can't wait to be taken out in my Blackfoot 160 on excursions this summer. Hey, the beer is on them, haha.

[@BackonTrailasia]

I can imagine the 160 being a handfull on your own in windy conditions. On one of my trips in my 14 foot Blackfoot I struggled seriously. Did maybe 1 km an hour hard work. I do miss going kayaking in my inflatable, your analogy is spot on, it is the Cadillac of the lakes and rivers. I now got the pontiac of the lakes and sea too. :-) Now I am covered. Slow, relaxed, laidback, travelling, with all the gear I can bother bring, and a fast, nimble, agile, racer, ti cover distance, perfect for exercise and technique training.

[@iTubeTelevision]

Fantastic video and super informative. Your opinion about their being a place for inflatable kayaks was, to me, the highlight of your video. I wasn't sure about getting either an inflatable or hardshell kayak. I fall under the 'chill kayaker' so inflatable will be more suitable for me. Thank you very much!

[@haciendadad]

Setting the context of your needs and the areas you use this for, really makes your review excellent! Great job my friend! Stay Safe!

[@BackonTrailasia]

Thanks. Most appreciated.

[@nunzioification]

You’re right about the lack of good reviews out there, this is perhaps the most informative one I’ve seen I just bought the aquaglide Deschutes 145, got my gear together and am taking it out for the first time this weekend Great video, subscribed

[@clintmader3079]

Good man! An honest review. Thanks mate

[@kjhbigv1]

That kayak has served you well Lars!

[@AlwaysEnjoyLife]

The 2021 Blackfoot 13' Angler has been vastly improved with a very comfortable framed seat. It now includes 9 Scotty mounts! You can customize with an optional Fishfinder, Anchor & Yak Attack: Cleats, Pole light with flag, Rod holders, Cup holders & Paddle holders. 5 drain holes for rough water. This Aquaglide is a strong & tough fishing kayak. I bought an optional 2nd Framed seat & a optonal 3" rubber skeg for shallow rivers. Highly recommend this inflatable Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler kayak.

[@BackonTrailasia]

Yes I have seen the new model. It looks awesome. :-)

[@ManCaveMinistries007]

Great review my friend, Keep paddling & catching the fish! You Rock!

[@BackonTrailasia]

Thanks. It has been WAY too long since last time. Heat and low water levels makes it less fun. But soon I willbe back on the water. Very soon. :-)

[@BrassLock]

Seems like a great solution for those who don't have a dedicated roof rack like myself. I love my Honda Jazz, and I don't want to drill holes in the roof for a rack, nor tow a trailer. But the idea of locally exploring the Ping River by kayak has brewed in my mind for years, but I thought it's out of my league until I saw your videos in the last 6 months. Great review, thanks for all your enthusiasm and high quality, interesting videos.

[@BackonTrailasia]

Happy my videos find their way to people who can make use of them. :-)

[@kengauhl6636]

Great video of the Aquaglide Blackfoot in fact best I've seen!

[@BackonTrailasia]

Thanks.

[@NeepsMcHaggis]

Top review mate!

[@BackonTrailasia]

Glad you liked it

[@fishingmontana1564]

looking at this at work I like the idea of inflatable and thus sounds like a quality product I may have to pull the trigger on it soon I have a few cheap ones and love them when they go out I will have to upgrade them for my kids

[@CanadienNortherner]

Thanks for the very honest review man ! Wish I knew about this kayak before buying something else . I bought the Itiwit , and though the price is lower , it doesn't have all the brackets to attach stuff , ( like a fish finder ) . I had to build my own frame for my fishing gear and trolling motor rods ect... , also had to build outriggers for more stability ! But got to say this Aquaglide kayak looks much better , wish I've known .

[@BackonTrailasia]

Huge difference for sure between the Ittiwit and Aquaglide. Night and day. But price is also very different. You can always upgrade later. :-)

[@GazCooper]

The glue coming undone could be down to the heat but after 3 years I think it is normal that some basic maintenance would be needed.

[@pgerry9400]

I'm in BC Canada , I've had a number of kayaks and canoes, got Aquaglide Chelan , great boat.

[@agoogleuser3787]

Ever use it for ocean stuff like crabbing or prawning adventure kayaking ?

[@pgerry9400]

@@agoogleuser3787 No Ocean myself just lake , very stable yet pretty fast and nimble

[@Blackcat-fw4tl]

Looking at inflatable kayak would you recommend the chelan ? For lakes rivers and calm sea must hold two to three people I'm stuck between Chelan Blackfoot and gumotex palava at the minute buty head kees saying Chelan is it a tough robust yak ? Any advice appreciated !

[@nunzioification]

@@Blackcat-fw4tl I just bought the McKenzie 145, pvc, 600 lbs weight limit, 2 seats but room for another $799 u.s. Haven’t had it in the water yet but blew it up in the living room and it’s huge, going this weekend first time Cheapest pvc(duratex) Kayak I’ve seen

[@jaspurr6173]

That is why I am looking for a fishing Kayak with ‘welded’ seams, the only one I have found ‘so-far’ is the Advanced Elements Staitedge Angler Pro, but still looking.

[@GoodLifeinChiangMaiThailand]

#847 !!! Keep it original content, show the passion of your interest, break that damn algorithm!! ❤️🇹🇭

[@TravisDoesKayakFishing]

Looks like it has held up.

[@himabimdimwim]

Fantastic review! Candid, to the point, and from experience. Much appreciated! Edit: when you mentioned that the kayak is 99cm wide, is that from outer edge to outer edge, or is that the floor width?

[@BackonTrailasia]

Outer edge to outer edge. :-)

[@poppetrurazvan3900]

Hi mister, please mind the salt water crocodiles. Better try northern hemisphere river and lakes. My very best regards.

[@chrisgentile6541]

Truly awesome video, thanks so much! Exactly what I needed. I'm debating between AquaGlide's BlackFoot Angler 130 and their BlackFoot Angler SUP. The only reason I'm considering the SUP is because I'm lazy and I'd think it's easier to dry and clean. How is the angler kayak when it comes to drying and cleaning? Does the detachable drop stitch floor make it more difficult ensuring there's no leftover water after a day out paddling?

[@BackonTrailasia]

I am never really a big fan of all the work cleaning gear after a trip, but cleaning the Blackfoot has never really been much of a problem. I pull out the floor, semi inflate the kayak and run it over with a spunsh and running water, turn it upside down and let it dry an afternoon and done. Really easy.

[@beautyofthailand7393]

Cool thank you! I am looking for an inflatable kayak

[@BackonTrailasia]

I can guarantee you will not be dissapointed with an Aquaglide. I bought mine to begin with because they primary were known for their water funparks. And if you can build something that can withstand the abuse of large number of people, being in the sun for days, then I trust they can make something that can handle the pressure I give them on the water. I think I also mentioned that in the video. Really strong workhorse.

[@zxcvbnmasdfghjkl42]

Great Review mate! Really informative, i'm considering this kayak - would you buy it again if you had to do it all again?

[@BackonTrailasia]

Certainly would. This kayak is perfect kompromise for my needs. 13 kg makes it light and portable, 600 lbs workload mean I never have to worry about overload, it is almost impossible to flip and puncture, lots of options to customize, so stable you can stand up in it. Please of leg room for 1 person. I absolutely love this boat, and can't wait to get out there having fun again.

[@agoogleuser3787]

Hey. Love your channel. Where does this boat fit on the aquaglide line up? I see blackfoot xl, 130, and 160. Are these upgrades or different, same?

[@BackonTrailasia]

The boats you mention are upgrades. I am waiting for the 160, and will make a review of it right away it has been on the water. :-) My kayak is 140, so slightly bigger than the 130. I would say 130 probably is a better size for 1 paddler. The 140 is said to be a two person kayak that can be handled alone. It is big alone, but too small for 2 persons if you go on several days trip. 140 is certainly a handfull alone in windy conditions. The 160 is a tandem kayak. Not sure I would like to paddle that beast alone, but I will give it a try when it arrives. :-)

[@expomm]

Love it, can you cast your lures standing up?

[@BackonTrailasia]

Technically yes, but my balance is off, so I never do it. :-) I need solid ground to stand up.

[@weisswurstfruhstuck8523]

I am definitely getting a Blackfoot this winter. I am just so unsure about if I shouldn’t take the bigger 160 version for more stuff or even go out with other people. Someone has any thoughts on helping me with my decision and was able to try out both of them?

[@BackonTrailasia]

I can say, that being 2 person with a lot of gear makes the 140 a tiny bit too small, but alone it is plenty big. Workload at 600 lbs, means even if you bring your cast iron pots with out, you are fine. The longer the boat, the harder to handle, in particular in windy conditions.

[@weisswurstfruhstuck8523]

@@BackonTrailasia yeah that’s true. Somehow I like the longer boats usually they keep nicer their straight line and float longer straight too. At least this is my feeling. Due to side winds you might be very well right.

[@agoogleuser3787]

Would this be good for shoreline ocean and crabbing prawning type work?

[@BackonTrailasia]

If you do not have a lot of sharp sea shells then sure. Rock solid, difficult to flip, lot of space, high workload, track well. I can not see why not. :-)

[@agoogleuser3787]

@@BackonTrailasia thanks!

[@GazCooper]

Where is your affiliate link perfectly fine to link if you like it I remember when you bought it and whatever you say is legit so nothing wrong if i wanted to buy one I would happily buy thru your link so you get a commission for your work. Nobody pays more because they click on an affiliate link So thank you for your honest review and please post your affiliate link

[@BackonTrailasia]

Agree, and I might also contact them about it, but just wanted to make sure viewers understand that I am not jump of joy because I am paid. Yet anyway. :-) Affiliate is totally legit way to earn, especially if you genuinely like what you promote.

[@sadarahurh8794]

I am looking at the website products and there is no XL size for this kayak. I see only 13 and 15 ft. I was thinking about BlackFoot-130 but not sure if this is large enough to fit to people. Which one is yours ?

[@BackonTrailasia]

True, miine is 5-6 years old, and they have made some changes to the lineup. Mine is 14 feet long, and I consider it a good 1 person kayak. I did take it out with my son once, but it was way too tight for my likings. That said, I am a fairly big fellow at 6.1 and 230 lb, so for smaller people it would probably work fine. The new version of this kayak is 16 feet as far as I remember. To me the 130 certainly would be too small for 2 people, if you plan to use it for campingtrips with all the gear. But for a few hours chilling on the water, if you are not too big, then it might be ok.

[@superdave8115]

Have you repaired the drop-stitch floor yet? How did it go?

[@BackonTrailasia]

Yes and no. I contacted both seller in Australia and Aquaglide in the US for advice. No response so after a week I went ahead and did my best. It seemed to work, left it to dry for 24 hours before inflating it, it was good. Left it inflated for 3 days to see if it leaked, no problem. But yesterday I went kayaking and 30 minutes into the trip my dropstich floor was flat. Just returned home, have not had time to see what happened, but will keep you updated.

[@jahoo2k]

@@BackonTrailasia This is a great video! Not much info about these kayaks on youtube and yours is very in depth. Did you manage in the end to fix or replace the floor? I don't think I saw this kayak in your recent videos? Thanks!

[@BackonTrailasia]

@@jahoo2k I did not manage to repair it, but Aquaglide was so kind to send me a replacement under warranty. I have been dying to get out again, but Covid, heat and work is against me. But I hope to share that update soon with a most needed trip.

[@jahoo2k]

@@BackonTrailasia That's awesome! Thanks for the update. Looking forward to watching your new adventures!

[@Skatetoday14]

Where you buy it?

[@BackonTrailasia]

I bought it from airkayaks.com. It was shipped from Queensland Australia.

[@experimentalfishing1292]

I fish the crap out of mine and it is as tough as nails

[@BackonTrailasia]

It is indeed. I still got trouble fixing a leak in my drop stitch floor though. It is just the glue coming undone in the seams, but have not been able to fix it 100%.

[@danih9523]

Not no 1 but yes those are ok Try a sea eagle if you want the real no 1

[@BackonTrailasia]

I did have my eyes on Sea Eagle initially, but on paper the Blackfoot was better, I thought. But............... kind of left the inflatable scene for a bit. Nothing last forever, in particular in this heat, but it just killed my spirit to see how many issues I ended up having. Punctures, glue coming undone, straps disintegrating from too much sun. For now I use the FeelFree 505.

[@danih9523]

@@BackonTrailasia i do use a seago vancouver …have a look …it is a mid range price with sea eagle quality and in my opinion millions years ahead of aquaglide !