You’ve probably heard about the Intex Explorer K2 kayak. Priced very cheap, it seems like a great option for a beginner paddler.
Is it really a good kayak to spend money on though?
Well, let’s find out on our Intex Explorer K2 kayak review!
Specs & Gallery
123″ | 36″ |
30.6 lbs. | 400 lbs. |
Intex Explorer K2 Kayak Review
Advantages
Durable inflatable build
The first feature in the Explorer K2 kayak to catch the eye is, of course, its inflatable build. It’s also one of this vessel’s biggest benefits!
The best thing about inflatable boats is that they are very easy to store, and they occupy little to no storage room.And the Intex Explorer K2 kayak does boast excellent space-efficiency like any other inflatable kayak.
Plus, this thing is very lightweight – just around 30.6 pounds – so you shouldn’t have any problems with carrying it around.
The hull of this kayak is made from heavy-duty vinyl that’s resistant to puncture. While this kayak won’t take severe beatings – it definitely isn’t for whitewater paddling, for example – it should be able to withstand occasional impacts and weak bumps.
For added safety, this thing has 2 separate air chambers. Even if the kayak punctures, it should stay afloat, unless both air chambers are damaged.
Intex also boasts the so-called I-beam floor that’s rigid and also provides support under the feet.
Finally, to increase the speed of inflation and deflation, the Explorer K2 kayak features Boston valves. Inflating any kayak is a hassle, but the Boston valves should make things quicker.
Wide & stable hull
The second thing to be mentioned about the Explorer K2 inflatable kayak is the wide hull. Measuring 36 inches in width, this is one wide kayak. And thanks to its width, the Explorer K2 should be pretty stable on the water.
It probably won’t allow you to stand inside – it may not be rigid enough for that – but it should be quite resistant to capsizing.
Tandem design
Measuring 123 inches in length, the Explorer K2 kayak isn’t the largest kayak out there. It’s pretty small actually.
In spite of this, the K2 kayak is designed to accommodate two people! And Intex kindly includes 2 inflatable seats with this kayak to allow you to get started with your fun kayaking adventures nearly instantly.
The seats are decent enough for the kayak, but don’t expect too much from them. They are definitely lagging behind compared to the best kayak seats out there, but they should be supportive for most people.
Increased visibility
Intex also boasts the bright yellow color of the K2 kayak. This is a pretty important feature – the yellow color not only makes the kayak an eye-catcher but also makes it easier to spot on the water. This may come in handy if you get yourself into an accident while paddling.
Various accessories included
We’ve mentioned that Intex includes a pair of seats. Aside from that, you are getting a pump, a carry bag, two 86-inch paddles, and a repair patch.
Given the very low price of the Explorer K2 kayak, this vessel certainly offers some great value for the money. Not only that, but it allows you to get started almost immediately!
Disadvantages
Not too much storage capacity
The first downside of the Intex Explorer K2 kayak is that it has little storage capacity.
Unlike its hard-bodied counterparts, the Explorer K2 inflatable kayak has no watertight storage compartments. It doesn’t have too much space in the cockpit either – only behind the rear paddler, as well as between your legs given that you don’t occupy the entire cockpit.
The weight capacity, albeit solid for the kayak’s size, is also lacking. Two people can rather easily exceed the kayak’s 400-pound weight capacity. And since kayak weight capacities usually don’t include the vessel’s weight itself, you are actually left with 400 – 30.6 = 369.4 pounds.
Judge yourself whether this will be enough for you.
Short paddles
The included paddles are sure decent, but sized at 86 inches (218 cm), they may be too short for the Explorer K2 kayak due to its width. For low-angle paddling, 230cm or longer paddles would be the best, as we outlined in our paddle sizing guide.
The paddles would probably be enough for high-angle paddling, but the width of the kayak may make this style of paddling difficult.
What this means is that while the included paddles allow you to get started, they aren’t ideal for your kayaking experience. Buy longer paddles if possible.
Hassles with inflation
This is more of a cavil really. As an inflatable kayak, the Explorer K2 is excellent when it comes to weight and space-efficiency. However, you do need to inflate it before each use and deflate before storage. Not that this is too difficult, but it adds a little bit of a hassle to the kayak’s use.
Final words
So what do we have in the end of our Intex Explorer K2 kayak review?
Well, the Intex Explorer K2 kayak is a great buy if you just want to have fun and aren’t too serious about kayaking. You can’t expect too much from an inflatable kayak that costs under $200, so it’s more of a casual paddler’s or beginner’s vessel.
It’s still a brilliant buy though, especially given the buyers’ exceptional reviews across the web and for the value you are getting for the money.
In the end, if you think that this is the right kind of a kayak for your needs, then consider buying it!
If you still aren’t sure what you need, check out our review of the Sun Dolphin Boss 12 SS kayak, as well as other reviews in our Kayaks category.
