Decathlon Itiwit Cruising Kayak

Summary

Price At Time Of Writing | $399.00

Our Overall Rating | 65 out of 100

Pros - More durable than other budget models

Cons - Hard to keep in a straight line, slow, hard to dry

Overall - Paddles poorly, feels like a dingy in the water

Technical Specifications

Open Size - 300x95cm

Weight - 11kg

Load Capacity - 100kg

Packed Size - 62x44x27cm

Our Analysis & Ratings

The first thing we noticed about the Decathlon Itiwit Cruising kayak in the water is that it is bulky. It takes a bit of wrestling to get it moving in a straight line. The materials used make it more durable than other budget models, but it's also hard to handle, slow and a bit tight in the cockpit. To us it feels a bit more like paddling a dinghy, and if you can afford it, we suggest spending a bit more to get something that's more pleasant to paddle.

Performance (speed, tracking, manoeuvrability, stability, load handling): 3/10

Speed: Top speed is slow and performance is not this kayak's strong suit.

Tracking: It's very bulky and hard to keep in a straight line, taking a bit of wrestling to get it moving properly.

Manoeuvrability: The big side tubes make it hard to get the paddle in a good position in the water, so it can be difficult to actually paddle and move about.

Construction (materials, seams, valve quality, durability and fittings): 2/10

Made from strong polyvinyl and polyester covering, this won't puncture easily, but by no means are the materials as strong as those used in more expensive kayaks.

The massive side tubes contribute to what we think is a poor design.

Setup/Pack Down (inflation time, valves, folding and drying): 4/10

Four inflation points make this a fairly easy kayak to set up. The material covering, however, does soak up water and makes it hard to dry before putting away, which as with most inflatables, you must do to avoid mould growth.

Portability (weight, packed size, ease of carrying): 4/10

At 13kg, it's definitely not an unreasonable weight, however, the compromise in quality of materials used to achieve this weight means we haven't given it top marks in this area.

Comfort (seat support, legroom, fatigue over distance): 4/10

The massive side tubes don't leave much room in the kayak for the paddler. They also make it hard to get the paddle in the water. It's not terribly uncomfortable, but we did find it annoying.

Value for money:

Even at a reasonable price point, the trade-offs here are somewhat major. The bulky design and slow, hard-to-track paddling experience make it hard to recommend over spending a little more for something more pleasant to paddle.

Best for:

• Very casual, undemanding recreational use

• Budget-conscious buyers prioritising puncture resistance over performance

• Paddlers who don't mind a slower, bulkier feel on the water

Overall:

Paddles poorly, feels like a dinghy in the water.