Review of Aquaglide Chelan 155 inflatable kayak. The full review you need before spending your money

[@AquaglidePlatinum]

Thanks for sharing your review! Nothing makes us happier than hearing that folks love our designs and are as stoked on paddling them as we are. Hopefully you can add a Chelan of your own to your quiver soon! Big ups to AS Watersports for their demo program as well - what an awesome community resource. Cheers!

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

Thanks for stopping by! I will have one one day, that’s a definite.

[@voyageadventurevans]

This chap needs to be sent a free kayak. I spend ages watching reviews etc on KZbin. What a superb, concise, unbiased review. Just placed an order😁

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

@@voyageadventurevans thanks for the vote of confidence. Really appreciated that this morning to wake up to. Enjoy your new kayak, I’m still saving.

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

@@voyageadventurevans just had a call…they have given me one between AS and Aquaglide. Amazed!

[@oliverdecker1930]

I have the Chelan 155 and super happy with it. I use it in the seas around Hong Kong. It's super stable and can battle small waves as well. It's roomy, comfortable and durable. Single paddling works great and tracking is good. Two thumbs up.

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

Great to hear!. Thanks for stopping by my channel.

[@brucegelhay9209]

Great review ! just bought the 140 last month after watching your review, and I couldn't be happier - my dog (lab retriever) loves being in it also Thanks !

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

That’s so great to hear, thank you for taking the time to let me know, it spurs me on knowing that the videos help.

[@dalej4118]

Thank you for the great and informative review. The camera work was so good!😊 You have a infectious positive attitude.

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

you’ve made my day, thank you so much.

[@Mrjmhill]

at 7:28 Look at the Rocker on the Chelan... That's impressive. Can't wait for mine to get here and get it in the surf... And some whitewater too.

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

Enjoy. I’ve not got my own…yet!

[@Flarkin]

I was considering writing a full review of this kayak but looks like it's well covered here! Just a few thoughts... I've had one for about 3 years now, overall would agree that it's a great boat. Stable, fast and comfortable. Have used it on rivers, canals and sea. IMO a similar experience to a decent 2-man sit on top kayak but obviously with the advantage of being able to pack it away much smaller (and take on public transport). Also more comfortable than a solid kayak with the inflatable seats! It's tough but vulnerable to thorns and other sharp objects pricking the sides, mine has been punctured 3 times now. Fortunately it's easy to repair tiny holes with the included patches but something to watch out for. The area inside the bow is quite annoying to dry out as it's difficult to reach with a towel, but otherwise pretty easy to pack away. As others have said, the tracking is excellent. I usually fit a tiny 3" fin as it doesn't seem to effect the tracking much but makes manoeuvring easier. This also helps with shallow water, eg. the River Medway canoe passes (saw someone asking about this!).

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

Great addition to the comments. Thank you. Mine has survived nearly 2 years without a puncture…yet.

[@RetroGamingBlog]

Hey dude, I wanted to let you know I’ve just made a direct purchase from AS Watersports as a result of this vid. So make sure you let them know and appreciate your vids. Really looking forward to take the next step from a cheap inflatable.

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

They are awesome and have been wonderful letting me use their gear. It’s a great relationship.

[@paullorrimore]

Top video Dom, looks like you will have a new Kayak for when I see you in the summer :)

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

Not sure it’ll be that quick but I’m definitely getting one. See you soon mate.

[@chunkyedwards5381]

I bought the 140 from ROHO last September. River, canal, estuary or coastal exploring it is just awesome.

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

Glad you’re enjoying it. Certainly one of my favourites so far.

[@owenjones7620]

Just when I thought I'd settle for a SEVYLOR or an ITIWIT this video comes up!! Game changer to say the least, now I'm off to find out who's offering deals, very excited now, exceptional video review 👍👌

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

I’ve just got the 140. Such a cool boat. Enjoy.

[@padiman1201]

Great review….we are testing one from AS next week.

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

Enjoy. Hopefully the good weather returns.

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

I hear you enjoyed your trial!

[@grahamashby1409]

Good work Dom. To be honest I love my Story, but I also like that very much indeed. Definitely food for thought. Thinking very seriously about the 120 as a second boat. Also love the look and the idea of the Oru Inlet. Wish I lived near Exeter, AS looks a cool shop. They should do you a deal on the test boat :-)

[@challyho2u244]

Got the chelan 155 for Christmas only pumped it up so far seems tough as nails can’t wait to use it,quick question what would you recommend as a great PFD looking for a 70n as my partners not very good at swimming

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

Great question and you should speak to an expert on that one, it’s so important to get the right vest. Call 01392 219600 and the guys at AS Watersports, they kayak all over the world, they know their stuff. Please mention the channel when calling.

[@MegaTilts]

Hi. Great vids, helping me loads in my search for my first inflatable kayak. I recently watched your vid on the blackfoot 160. Can i ask if tbe addition cost is worth it against the Chelan. Cheers.

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

Two weeks time I have a Chelan clone, but slightly bigger, video going out. it may be what you need. Thanks for the comment. To answer…yes and no, for Stillwater yes, for sea I’d go for the 155.

[@TheKayakCrew]

Another question. I looked into these. The seats appear to be inflatable. Are the seats made from drop stitch so that they be inflated to a high psi for firmness or are they standard air chambers with Boston valves (so they can they can only be inflated to a low psi)? I tried a kayak the other day with inflatable seats, quite comfortable but I found thatmy weight transferred from left to right due to the inflatable seat base depressing under my weight as I paddled left/right. This translated into a slight wobble in the kayak as my weight transferred from left/right due to the seat issue. I ended up almost totally deflating the seat base as a result. Cheers.

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

Standard bladder inflatable. But very good quality. On the test day we hard one hard and one soft. I preferred the soft one and my pal preferred the hard one. Very firm and no need for drop stitch on that part of the boat.

[@TheKayakCrew]

@@TheOptimisticAdventurer thanks. When you say one hard one soft, do you mean one fully inflated and one partially inflated? When I tried the seats on an itiwit kayak last week, the inflatable seat base only "worked" when about 25% inflated. Any more and it started to affect stability a bit, which I did not expect

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

@@TheKayakCrew yes, we blew one up fully and one about 75%. The design is so good on this boat that it doesn’t effect stability. On the Story kayak that I reviewed I had the same problem as you described, the change in centre of gravity massively effected the stability. No such problems with the Chelan. Also the movable foot rests in the Chelan allow you to paddle while properly using the legs to increase paddle effectiveness.

[@TheKayakCrew]

Looks like a great kayak. How did it compare to the Story drop stitch kayak you previously reviewed? Presumably more stable with the tubular sides? I did get a Story full drop stitch recently in their sale and while it seemed to have reasonable 'secondary stability', the almost constant wobbling makes me worry a bit about use on choppy seas. The seats in the Chelan look comfortable. I was looking at this kayak and the Chelan 140 which is about 50cm shorter and few kilos lighter for mainly solo paddling (about 75%) with the option of using it as a tandem (about 25%). Do you think the 140 would be big enough for tandem use based upon your experience with the 155? I think they do a solo only Chelan too (the 120)

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

Worlds apart. No discernible (or disconcerting) wobble but as you said, with the bladder that’s to be expected. I’ve seen both the 140 and the 120 and I’m still going to go for the 155. It does not paddle like a double when it’s in single person mode (maybe because I’m tall and broad) and I think the extra weight carrying capabilities would come in handy for me. The 140 has a weight capacity of 181kg, not enough for me and even a small adult. The 155 paddled amazingly in both modes, if I had the cash I’d buy it now. I sold my Story, it’s got its place in the market but it’s not for me at my height and weight and the wife couldn’t get over the wobble. Reviewing the Tootega Kinetic 100 this week, no pumping!

[@TheKayakCrew]

@@TheOptimisticAdventurer I’ve only used the Story a few times. Seemed fast and nippy but it’s not the stable platform that I’m after and think I’ll maybe only get that with a hybrid like the Chelan (drop stitch floor & pvc tubed sides). Thanks for the info re the 140 vs the 155. I have tried a 440cm drop stitch kayak on my own and it was generally ok but did feel like I was in a barge a bit (but then I’m only 5 foot 9 and 60kg). They are expensive but you only live once and if you use it regularly for 4-5 years or so then it’s a no brainer

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

@@TheKayakCrew use it to death! Get your monies worth.

[@geoffdillon4637]

@@TheKayakCrew I’d be interested to know if you went for the 140 or 155 in the end. I’m in a similar dilemma - realistically most of my time will be solo, with some tandem and I’m even shorter than you, so don’t want to feel like I’m on a barge (albeit a very manoeuvrable one)

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

Went for the 140, filming the review today. I have been out and tested it but in very strange circumstances, we loaded it I’m up with beer and way too much kit and went for a beach camp. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5PLe4h6nLx4fZo

[@stuarttalksstuff57]

the guys down at as watersports are great bought a lovely carbon fibre paddle of them

[@donnainkster7544]

Question regarding the Skeg(s). Does it come with a Skeg...if so for what type of water? Are there different ones for different water. I will be primarily in fairly flat river water and/or on the coast on the Sound side; light waves and some wind. Thanks

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

It’s a US Box fit so you can (as i have) buy different skegs for different conditions. The skeg it comes with is genuinely awesome and pretty much fit for any purpose. It’s cleverly designed to have a big surface area but without being too deep in the water. I have bought a bigger, deeper skeg but I’ve not had a chance to test it yet, i’m happy to do so and film the results. Check back in a week or so. Thanks, I needed a reason to take it out.!

[@donnainkster7544]

thanks! helpful information.

[@KevThePirate]

Great video, would this be suitable for taking through the river medway canoe passes, they are like rapid waters, I don't want to link to others creators youtube videos on your page but you can also Google it, also how about taking it out to sea?

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

Not sure about the Medway passes, some of them look a bit shallow. If they are deeper than 12 inches i’m sure it would do it, the duratex sides take a pounding and the boat has an ABS nose cone at each end. As for the sea, well, this weekend i’ve been out in some pretty lumpy swell, it handled brilliantly. one of my other videos trials the Chelan 120 on tue sea and my next video is a Kayak camp on the Chelan 140. they are amazing boats, I own the Chelan 140 now. thank for stopping by and feel free to link a channel, i’m totally ok with that, i’m here for mental health, getting good info out there and just enjoying life, happy to share good videos from other channels.

[@phild9802]

Got a Tomahawk 440 and it is really wobbly, also drop stitch. How does this compare to a sit on ridged tandem do you know?

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

Hi. I’m an enthusiast rather than an expert but I’ve been on many a two man sit in n kayak in my time. I found this to be more stable, more responsive and agile and a lot easier to store and transport. I was out with another very knowledgeable kayaker this weekend and we both agreed that the Aquaglide has got it damn near perfect with the Chelan doubles. One massive plus for me is that I feel ‘part’ of the water rather than ‘on’ the water, hope that makes sense to you.

[@stuarttalksstuff57]

hi mate its stu ive just bought the AquaGlide Navarro 145 and then bought the cover to convert into 1 person but bought 2 covers nd both the same they fit awful but the boats are good chose the Navarro instead of chelan because of the covers made it sort of a sea kayak just uploading a video today showing it love to meet ya one day stu from taunton

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

Fancy doing the Dart on Saturday. I’m paddleboarding so will be somewhat slower than you but it’ll be fine. I was up your way on Saturday seeing Trull Waterfall. I’ll take a look at your vid.

[@stuarttalksstuff57]

sorry mate im working this weekend or I would of loved to

[@DTDPT]

You have been very helpful. I think im going with the Chelan. I am 6 foot and will be going with my 4 year old 90% of time... I should do the 140, correct, as opposed to the 155?

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

for you and a small person it will be perfect for all eventualities, day trips, multi-day trips. For two beer chugging lumps with a few days of kit - you can do it on the 140 but the 155 is better suited for that. It’s a toss up, paddle solo or double perfectly = 140. paddle double with oodles of kits and solo only on low wind days (not long distance) = 155. The build quality though on both is exceptional. And…You’ve given me an idea for a new video too, I’ll credit you in the film. thanks.

[@Cinemacallback]

@@TheOptimisticAdventurer are you saying you can't paddle solo on the 155 on non low wind days and not long distance?

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

@@Cinemacallback You can, but it’s a big craft to paddle solo for any great distance. Big boat = more wind resistance so it would limit ‘me’ using it in some circumstances. on a perfect day i’d paddle this solo no problem but how many perfect days do we get in the UK?

[@Cinemacallback]

@@TheOptimisticAdventurer thanks for getting back to me, the only thing that puts me off about the 140 zero is, the weight capacity is 28 stone, with two people and camping equipment, isn't that fairly tight

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

@@Cinemacallback it is tight (but doable) and it has been an issue for me. Keep an eye for a video coming out next month that will cover both the 140 and 155 on a 4 person camping trip.

[@stuarttalksstuff57]

Hi there would you say it’s any good for the ocean thanks stu

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

Absolutely. I’d happily take this out inshore (couple of miles out on a clear day), we paddled through strong winds on the return journey and it was great at cutting through.

[@RetroGamingBlog]

Is this any good for the coast? I live in Torbay and looking to upgrade. Want to scoot around the bay.

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

Amazing. I’ve taken the Chelan 120 and the 140 around Berry Head, did Meadfoot to Orestone Rock and around to Maidencombe last weekend. Amazing boats. I would have posted a video but I dropped my radio mic overboard!

[@kristaps2010]

good to know AS watersports allow kkayak testing, that's great! than you

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

Yes, i’ve tested loads of their gear now and have found them amazing to work with. Genuine enthusiasts.

[@davidtalbot491]

Can I ask how this kayak tracks I only ask because you watch reviews and they say it track's great and then one finds it doesn't track as good as they say I will be in Bristol next weekend and may drive down to AS watersports. Thanks

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

it tracks amazingly, that little runner on tue front and the position of the fin is right on point. i’ve now surfed mine and am just about to go out on it again from Totnes to Dartmouth. i’ll post some footage of it from the drone in the next few days.

[@davidtalbot491]

@@TheOptimisticAdventurer Thank you.

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

@@davidtalbot491 have a look at my Instagram same name as here, i’ll post a little vid of the tracking.

[@CasaMorenoSpain]

I wish we could film some stuff together. You’re great on camera mate 👍

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

Well maybe we can! Cate (16) is looking for a charitable cause to volunteer for for two weeks in the summer, she has been looking at dog rescue places around the world. If you want a pair of hands for a two weeks, I’ll stay in a hotel in a town nearby so she has the feeling of being ‘alone in a foreign country.’ And we’d donate £300 to the kennels as thanks. I’ll do a few days ground work for you too. Just an idea.

[@CasaMorenoSpain]

@@TheOptimisticAdventurer I have no intention of actually becoming a rescue (although I fear it’s too late) but I do have tons of contacts this way local to us. There are some amazing places for her to volunteer at. Close enough for us to make some content and some adventures and she’s be welcome to come work our dogs too if she wanted.

[@pacificwave68]

Would it be too heavy for one single paddler?

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

i paddled it single in the video. i went for the 140 when i finally got one, brilliant solo and still big enough for two and all the camping kit, look at my kayak playlist for other videos with it in. (Review video on that Chelan 140 model filmed today but not edited it yet.)

[@voyageadventurevans]

You have just cost me a lot of money😂😂😂. I was going to buy a £300 inflatable....just blown the budget 😉😉👍

[@TheOptimisticAdventurer]

You’ll still be glad you did in 5 years time, these are awesome. Thanks for stopping by my little channel.