Intex Challenger K1 Kayak

Summary

Price At Time Of Writing | $159.00

Our Overall Rating | 65 out of 100

Pros - Handles ok, easy to dry, price

Cons - Small cockpit, slow, poor tracking, thin materials

Overall - Feels more like a pool toy than a kayak

Technical Specifications

Open Size - 274x76cm

Weight - 13kg

Load Capacity - 100kg

Packed Size - 59x41x22cm

Our Analysis & Ratings

This is definitely one of the cheapest kayak we tested and in our opinion, it does feel more like a pool toy than a kayak. It handles ok and is easy to dry, but the cockpit is hard to squeeze into and the thin materials make it susceptible to puncture. It doesn't go that fast, and it's hard to keep it going in a straight line. We suggest spending a bit more if you can to get something you will actually want to use, but if you're on a budget, then this is one of the better options around at this price point.

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

Speed: It doesn't go that fast and isn't suitable for rough conditions.

Tracking: The Intex Challenger K1 also moves around a lot when trying to paddle in a straight line, and it's hard to keep it going straight when you’re actually trying.

Manoeuvrability: That beig said, it’s actually quite easy to manoeuvre around corners in this thig.

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

Made from vinyl, this is a flimsy construction that we have concerns would puncture if snagged or rubbed up against rocks.

Setup/Pack Down (inflation time, valves, folding and drying): 5/10

Fairly easy to inflate. The pump it comes with is difficult to work with, so it's best to bring your own pump, and we are not a fan of the valves on the kayak.

Like the Excursion Pro, it's easy to dry and that is a big plus in our book.

Portability (weight, packed size, ease of carrying): 3/10

Quite lightweight and compact at 13kg, easy to get in and out of the car boot. We mark down its portability significantly though, as the thin materials that make it lightweight and compact significantly reduce the kayak quality and increase the risk of puncture.

Comfort (seat support, legroom, fatigue over distance): 2/10

We are not a big fan of the inflatable seats, in all inflatable kayaks that have them in general, as they are a bit uncomfortable and make it hard to create a good surface to paddle against.

Our big issue is the size of the cockpit though, as it is a real squeeze to get into it.

Value for money:

If you're on a budget, this is one of the better options around at this price point. That said, we'd suggest spending a bit more if you can, to get something you'll actually want to use.

Best for:

• Very budget-conscious buyers

• Casual, calm-water use rather than rough conditions

• Paddlers who don't mind a compact, snug cockpit

• Anyone prioritising light weight and easy drying over durability

Overall:

Stable, ok handling. Just slow and made with thin materials.