Kayak reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 177 Reddit reviews across 10 subreddits and 66 posts to rank the best Kayak brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/Kayaking, r/kayakfishing, r/saltwaterfishing, r/whitewater, r/Fishing_Gear. Top-rated brands include Old Town (4.5/5), Perception (4.6/5), Hobie (4.3/5).
Stats
Reviews177
Subreddits10
Posts66
Brands50
Products82
177 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Old Town
4.5
(20)
"The guy that makes a lot of accessories and mods for the Old Town kayaks swears by the BigWater and that is his favorite kayak."
"You can probably find a used Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL on Marketplace around that 1500 mark. It is by FAR the most stable kayak I've ever been in."
"I like my Old Town 106. I'm 6'2", ~200lb and stand in it no problem."
"Old Town, Bonafide, Nucanoe, and Kaku are great kayaks for your needs."
"I have an oldtown salty (rolled back into the ocean kayaks malibu line) and a predator (Renamed to bigwater 132). They're both amazing kayaks."
"Personally, I would aim for a pedal kayak. You get the options of going hands free to focus on fishing."
"I fish off an oldtown 120pdl. feels super stable to me."
"Old town PDL is the way🤝"
"The old town sportsman 120 PDL is one of the most stable platforms on the market."
"Old town vapor has one of the largest cockpits and weight limit for a sit in."
#2
Perception
4.6
(14)
"I own the Outlaw, great kayak - especially for the price, and for a big guy like myself. I'd 100% recommend it."
"I have a outlaw and love it. Super stable and love how customizable it is."
"My girlfriend loves the Outlaw we got hers used for $450 loaded with accessories."
"I really love my Perception Hangtime! Triple bow so it’s like a tank in the water, but still not super heavy."
"This is an excellent suggestion. Perception is top notch."
"Check out Perception kayaks - they have decades of boat design and manufacture experience."
"My opinion is to buy a rigid kayak."
"Perception. one you'll want to keep."
"Good options include Perception Rambler or Tribe, Wilderness Systems Tarpon, Jackson Bite Rec, and Feelfree Juntos."
"I see a lot of people recommending the perception Outlaw, and in truth I just picked one up at the start of winter."
#3
Hobie
4.3
(14)
"Definitely see if you can get a second hand hobie. They’re tanks and pedaling and rudder control makes fishing so much easier."
"I have a hobie pa14 and love it. I can stand and move around in it without fear of tipping."
"I now use a hobie pa14. So much space and comfort."
"Hobie pa14 is very stable."
"I have a Hobie PA 12 with the 360 drive that I got in 2019, have had no issues with it."
"I did just upgrade about a month ago to a Hobie PA 14 footer since the extra length helps with tracking and speed."
"Hobie revolution or outback. I've had both the outback had better stability but the revo was ever so slightly faster."
"Hobie revolution for a small kayak."
"Depends on your budget but at my heaviest 6'2 350lb the hobie pa14 is super sturdy that I can stand up and fish."
"Hobie Outback is kinda in a similar position but is better suited for people that take a lot of gear."
#4
Wilderness Systems
4.5
(13)
"We did our homework and purchased 12FT Pungo 120s Wilderness. You may be able to find them on sale (slightly used) we have had ours for 8yrs and they look like new."
"Definitely a pungo120! They are always ranked the best recreational kayak year in and year out."
"Buying a Pungo 120 or 125 will ensure a satisfying kayaking experience."
"If your friend can afford the Pungo 120, it will be much better to paddle than the 105."
"I have a Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145 and it has dry storage bulkheads front and rear of the cockpit."
"Try a tsunami 145"
"I feel comfortable just getting one of those. Will look for TSUNAMI 125 first."
"If the choice was the Pelican, Pungo, or Tsunami, I would choose the Tsunami any day... it will be more versatile."
"Even though they don't make them anymore, look at the wilderness systems commander."
"Facebook marketplace for a wilderness tarpon 120 or a ocean kayak prowler 13."
#5
Crescent
4.6
(12)
"Crescent Lite Tackle II, I own the first edition and love how well it paddles."
"Crescent crew, crescent lite tackle 2."
"It tracks well but still has plenty of maneuverability. It’s extremely comfy as well."
"Seat is excellent and has a high setting you can move it to."
"Highly recommend the crew, it’s extremely versatile and paddles really well."
"I’d go crescent crew and add a motor."
"I bought a crescent ultralite because I just love to be on the water."
"I rock a crescent shoalie mine was $1000 brand new never seen the water before until I stepped on board."
"I personally paddle a crescent Ultralite, but they also make one called the Primo that is $699 and I've been hearing it's slightly more stable than the Ultralite."
"Slightly out of budget but if you can find a crescent primo, she would probably love it."
#6
Bonafide
4.9
(10)
"I would say my like new Bonafide SS127 that I found on FB Marketplace for $700."
"I snagged a Bonafide SS107 myself for around $700, including a trolling motor."
"I'm pretty heavy and I'm very happy with my Bonafide SS127."
"I highly suggest looking there for a good deal."
"But I love the tracking on my Bonafide EX123. It's a very stable sit-in."
"The Bonafide EX123 is supposed to be extremely difficult to capsize."
"I wanted a Bonafide SS127 and found one in excellent shape for less than half the price of a new one."
"I cannot recommend the bonafide ss127 enough."
"I’m saving up for a Bonefide SS127."
"I also own a Bonafide SS127 and I feel like the Lite Tackle is a better built yak and at a better price point."
#7
Pelican
4.0
(11)
"My pelican catch mode 110 kills it in marshes"
"I have a pelican kayak if you’re gonna kayak fish I recommend a peddle kayak."
"I like my pelican catchmode 110."
"Pelican catch classic 120. I love mine I got it used for $400 but they’re usually $800 new."
"Get a used Pelican off of Facebook marketplace and paddle it for awhile."
"Pelicans are light, and cheap, and available on the used kayak market."
"An example would be something like this [here](https://www.frontenacoutfitters.com/collections/fishing-kayaks/products/pelican-catch-classic-100)"
"If you are only looking to cross the river and not do any serious paddling I would look on market place for a used pelican or lifetime."
"Most basic Pelican/Lifetime ones are around 1-200$."
"Pelican makes great entry level boats."
#8
Aquaglide
5.0
(5)
"I have the Chelan 140 and it's a really nice kayak. It is a tandem but I think fo"
"I have the Aqua Glide Chelan 140 as well and it's a lot of fun. Great bang for the buck."
"I got my AG Chilean 140 for $500 last year. I've been loving it."
"I've been very happy with it."
"I ended up going with an Aquaglide Chelan 140. They are on sale right now for $500 and well worth the extra cost."
#9
NRS
4.6
(5)
"NRS Boundary Boots ftw. I love those things for launching in cold weather."
"I second this. I have them, and they are great."
"NRS boundary boots with merino wool socks is the answer."
"NRS Boundary Boots are a popular pick. I've been happy with the NRS paddle wet shoe that comes up the ankle but not up to the knee like the boundary boots."
"Here is my suggestion for a great IK. It has enough space for doggo and gear and the great thing is the flat and relatively soft surface, that the drop stitch floor creates, for your dog."
#10
Sea Eagle
4.2
(5)
"Canoe style kayak with great storage and awesome tracking."
"For a thousand dollars, you can have a SeaEagle RazorLite."
"SeaEagle 370"
"Consider the SeaEagle SE 330. My son takes his Great Pyrenees out all the time."
"The SE 330 will be fine for calm conditions but if you both enjoy paddling I think you'll become unsatisfied with that one before too long."
#11
Pakayak
3.8
(4)
"Pakayak occupies a relatively small footprint when nested and stored, but turns into a (IMO) decent 14' hardshell when assembled."
"I liked it a lot, and would have bought one if I was slightly smaller."
"Pakayak, think Russian doll style nesting components."
"I stuck with my Pakayak."
#12
Intex
3.0
(5)
"We will never give up our Intex 2! In fact, my husband burned a hole in our first one and we promptly bought another one! It’s perfect to bring camping, floating, literally everywhere and it’s fun!"
"They're perfectly fine as a basic starter kayak to the sport at around $150-$250."
"They're sometimes not the most maneuverable."
"The Intex boats are much less well made than the Sea Eagles. They’re pretty much disposable."
"The vast majority of products are cheap crap."
#13
NuCanoe
4.7
(3)
"I bring my 80lb retriever on my NuCanoe Flint all the time, even run class 2 and some light class 3 rapids with him on it. It's still surprisingly nimble and maneuvarable even loaded down."
"Nucanoe flint is your best option, good stability and accessory options, easy to paddle, lightweight to easily carry and store."
"Nucanoe Flint is my go to when someone says river fishing."
#14
Werner
4.7
(3)
"My favorite paddle by far"
"Thrillseeker is an awesome boat!"
"Its still really solid"
#15
Lifetime
4.3
(3)
"I'd highly recommend getting a lifetime Tamarack."
"I usually recommend something like the Lifetime Teton 100, or one of the many versions of it. It's a solid beginner kayak."
"I have a Tamarack and it is a great kayak."
#16
Jackson
4.3
(3)
"I started with a Jackson Riviera sit on top. It's a fucking tank of a kayak in a great way!"
"Jackson bite FD is a minimalist kayak that can handle some chop."
"Jackson bite FD is slightly above that range, but god the pedal drive is so nice."
#17
Oru
4.3
(3)
"A friend got one last year and it's so light weight and portable it's insane"
"Depending on how far you are hiking... a foldable kayak might be a good option."
"Oru kayak is foldable and great for calm waters."
#18
Ascend
4.3
(3)
"I have an H10 and love it - just having this thing to carry gear on the multi-day trips makes a difference."
"For those wondering: $850 at https://www.ascendkayaks.com/hybrid/h12.html"
"$850 at https://www.ascendkayaks.com/hybrid/h12.html"
#19
Newport
4.0
(3)
"I second the recommendation of the Newport NK 180."
"I've got a Newport NK 180. I really like it for my needs."
"Newport NK180 pro would be my pick, not the most powerful but it’s light."
#20
Loon 126
5.0
(2)
"Love my Loon 126."
"The Loon seat is the most comfortable I’ve used."
#21
Razor
5.0
(2)
"I have the X2 from razor. It handles as good as you’d expect from a high end inflatable kayak."
"Get a Razor X2. It is in your budget and performs as good as any hard shell kayak."
#22
Pungo
4.0
(2)
"Take a look at the Pungo. Massive cockpit and easy in/out."
"Get a used Pongo."
#23
Orvis
4.0
(2)
"I got some lightweight quick drying Orvis pants at Costco for around $16 awhile back. They work well."
"I got some Orvis pants at Costco for 18 bucks. Very light quick dry and have a handy zipper pocket on the right thigh."
#24
Dagger Mamba
4.0
(2)
"Dagger Mamba."
"If you liked the Code, look for a used one and maybe check with local kayak schools."
#25
Feelfree
4.0
(2)
"Feelfree Lure 11.5."
"I have the Feel Free Moken Paddle 12.5. It's great, and pretty fast in the salt water."
#26
Wrangler
4.0
(2)
"They are my designated kayak shorts and actually do dry very fast."
"Believe it or not wrangler makes an outdoor pant that is comfortable with a little stretch and quick dry."
#27
REI
5.0
(1)
"Rei trail pants are great. I've never been burned, they are light, and dry in a couple of mins."
#28
Dagger
5.0
(1)
"I love my Dagger Zydeco 11 for this! It tracks well enough and I can get into some pretty shallow water. It's a great 1st kayak for flat water and Class I-II."
#29
Inflatable Ducky
5.0
(1)
"Get an inflatable ducky! Those are great for beginners. Nice and stable, easy to pack."
#30
Local Shops
5.0
(1)
"Since you live near prime fishing areas, always recommend seeking local shops."
#31
Advanced Elements
4.0
(1)
"I found an Advanced Elements AdvanceFrame for pretty cheap on there! I think that might be the option I go with."
#32
Santa Cruz
4.0
(1)
"I got a Santa Cruz kayak that I use for everything."
#33
Triton
4.0
(1)
"For sea kayaking take a look at the Triton Vektor, the Feathercraft Khatsalano or the Trak."
#34
Ocean
4.0
(1)
"The Ocean Malibu is basically the same kayak as the Tribe."
#35
Pakboats
4.0
(1)
"How about Pakboats folding kayaks or a decent dropstitch kayak like Sea Eagle or Itiwit X500?"
#36
Pouch
4.0
(1)
"For rivers and lakes the Triton Ladoga or a classic Pouch and or Klepper/LongHaul."
#37
Skipjack
4.0
(1)
"I have a Skipjack 90. It is 10 feet long and fits in a honda pilot."
#38
Point65
4.0
(1)
"Got a modular sit on Point65 Tequila (for rivers and sea). The second seat would be fine for your dogo."
#39
Used Kayak
4.0
(1)
"I’d go used. Far less financial risk if the hobby doesn’t take."
#40
Ocean Kayak
4.0
(1)
"Get a used ocean kayak trident or cobra fish and dive and then buy a shark shield."
#41
KAKU
4.0
(1)
"KAKU Wahoo has a nice large cockpit. I removed the foot pegs so my dog could lie down and not get poked."
#42
Motorguide
4.0
(1)
"Motorguide Xi3 if you can find one, they’re discontinued."
#43
Nucanoe
4.0
(1)
"I bought a nucanoe unlimited. Very stable."
#44
Aire
4.0
(1)
"Consider a packraft or maybe an Aire Spud."
#45
Recon
4.0
(1)
"Recon 120 has a sliding seat."
#46
Tarpon
4.0
(1)
"A friend of mine and her big energetic 70lb mutt have fun in her Tarpon 105."
#47
Yakima
4.0
(1)
"I am partial to Yakima, but any good rack system will offer accessories like kayak bars to carry them."
#48
Xtratuf
4.0
(1)
"I wear Xtratuf boots on my kayak in the summer and knee high lacrosse boots in the winter."
#49
Baidarka Explorer
4.0
(1)
"Tip: the kayaking clubs around town often have second hands that people try to sell."
#50
Stratos 12.5L
4.0
(1)
"6'6" 220, stratos 12.5L fits great with extra leg room and does everything a recreational kayak does but better and more."
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