400 lbs or Under - Killer Kayaks!

Dagger Axis 12 – Sharp Handling Kayaking Experience?

Acquiring a reliable kayak is every water lover’s dream. As such, experienced kayakers will always run for functionality rather than brand. And that is where the Dagger Axis 12.0 kayak comes in. Its manufacturer, Confluence Outdoors, has specialized in the production of polyethylene kayak models.

Like most other handy kayaks, the Axis has very little to offer in the way of aesthetics. Yet beyond aesthetics, it carries a punch and is able to handle various weight types quite well. This is what makes it a kayak worth taking a look at, which we will do in this Dagger Axis 12 review.

For other options, check out our Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS review here.

How Strong is the Frame of the Dagger Axis 12?

The Dagger Axis 12 is made of rotomolded polyethylene, which makes it very light to carry and easy to maneuver in calm waters. In rough waters, it requires a steady pair of hands. The sit-in kayak measures 12 feet in length and has a width of 27.5 inches, which compliments its length to provide the vessel with more stability. The round hard-shelled hull is sturdily built and interspersed with the cockpit’s coaming, hatches and handle joints.

The kayak’s formulation is meant to provide it with water cutting abilities. It has a prominent front overhang, and the bow area is more raised than the stern area. On flat ground, the Axis 12 might seem more horizontally shaped, but once in the water, the sheer lines become more raised on the bow.

Fully rigged, the kayak weighs only 55 pounds, and this solo vessel can carry up to 350 pounds, which is way above the weight of the average kayaker, plus some essential gear.

The Dagger Axis 12 has a considerably wider cockpit than other kayaks, which allows for ease of entry and relaxed maneuverability. The cockpit area alone makes it a kayak worth considering for new, as well as experienced paddlers.

The inner cockpit area is also quite roomy, with a length of 38 inches, catering for most kayakers with their legs fully outstretched. If you are one who doesn’t experience the joy of getting sprayed with water, the coaming on the Dagger Axis 12 is capable of accommodating spray skirts quite well.

Dagger Axis 12 Kayak Features

In the way of comfort, you will get a ConTour CFS-R Seating System, which will supplement your paddling needs quite well. The system is composed of a foam padded base seat and backrest. The adjustable backrest allows for optimal spinal support and comfortable seating positions.

Additionally, the seat comes with a leg lifter to ensure maximum support to the legs, whether slightly arched or fully stretched. Needless to say, the seating is specially formulated for both recreational and sporting activities.

While we’re still taking about comfort, the Dagger Axis 12 comes equipped with ConTour knee pads in place to protect your knees from injury during rough water maneuvers. The knee pads can be readjusted to work as thigh pads too. Should you need more, you can also get an additional pair of thigh braces to create more stability during paddling.

Carrying your kayak to and from the water is easy. There are two soft touch handles that are easy to grasp, and they are located on both ends of the boat. With its low weight and the easy to grip handles, you will not feel the Dagger Axis 12 drag as you carry it.

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The TruTrak Adjustable Skeg System is on hand to aid in the way of stability and tracking. The retractable skeg can be pulled up whenever one does not wish to use it. To control it, you would use the adjustable slide lock XL foot braces that are provided on the kayak.

Storage Space!

If you fear water leaks, you needn’t worry about any water getting into the Dagger Axis kayak cockpit. Separating the hull and the cockpit from the stern hatch is a stern bulkhead. The stern bulkhead ensures that water does not seep into the cockpit area via the hatch or the molded-in storage area.

The Dagger Axis 12.0 kayak has only one hatch, and that is the stern hatch. It is conveniently located close to the paddler’s seat. This enhances easy retrieval and storage of items placed inside the hatch. Close to the stern deck is a molded-in storage area. The area can hold small items that you might need right away, and it is secured by bungee cords.

The bow section also has another molded-in storage portion. The mesh deck covered storage point is a vantage storage area for things that one might not require immediately. Here you can store supplies and emergency equipment, and it too is secured by bungee stretch cords.

An extra paddle would help, should you lose your primary paddle in rough waters. For that reason, the Dagger Axis 12 has a paddle park where you can place an extra set of paddles. You should always be prepared for the fact that you might lose your grip on the paddle you are using, especially in rapids.

Pros

Easy to use for all users, from inexperienced to experienced kayakers
A spacious cockpit
Comes with a skeg that enhances tracking abilities
Versatile enough to use on various bodies of water
Light enough to carry and transport
Comfortable, adjustable foam seating makes it good for long expeditions

Cons

The Dagger Axis 12 has little to offer in the way of storage space
Like most other PVC vessels, it requires lots of storage care
Might not be as robust, as its manufacturers claim, due to the material
The inability to accommodate motors slackens its speed
Lack of fishing rod holders makes it more of a recreational kayak

Dagger Axis Kayak Review Conclusion

At the core, kayaking is about fun, but serious kayakers require more functional kayaks, like the Dagger Mamba Creeker. The Dagger Axis 12.0 is not the most functional vessel one would expect to find on the market. Nonetheless, at its price, it is still a good bargain.

Check out the Dagger Axis 12 kayak on Amazon!

If you are searching for a serious kayaking experience, this is a kayak you might want to pass over. If you are going for a more recreational kayak with a touch of functionality, and maybe using it for family trips, then the Dagger Axis 12 will definitely serve the purpose.

All in all, it is a reliable kayak with minor shortcomings that can be overlooked, especially if you are just starting out.

Riot Escape 12 Angler Review – Faster Option Than Any Other Angler?

The Riot Escape 12 Angler sit on top kayak is best designed for determined fishermen and experienced anglers. This kayak is known for its craftsmanship and excellent features. Since it’s made especially for fishers, it’s a perfect blend of stability and performance, with lots of storage space to store your fishing equipment, bait and fish.

The design implementation of this kayak lets you relax and takes care of everything for you, so you can easily enjoy your time on the water, stress free. Let’s take a look at all the features in this Riot Escape 12 Angler review.

Check out the Riot Escape 12 Fishing Kayak on Amazon!

Frame of the Riot Escape 12 Angler

The sleek polyethylene interior and exterior allows the Riot Escape 12 Angler to maneuver effortlessly in any kind of water. Weighing a little over 68 pounds, the kayak’s weight is equally balanced throughout the body, which means it can withstand sudden movements and not topple over.

Check out our Top 14 Fishing Kayaks article!

The length measures up to approximately 12 feet and the width measures is 30.7 inches or 2.55 feet. It has a weight capacity of 300 pounds, which is very sturdy for a kayak.

Although it’s sturdy and can accept a nice amount of weight, the Riot Escape 12 Angler is not made for standing. There’s a good chance that you might be going for a swim if you were to try it. If you want to stand while you fish, a good choice would be the Fissot kayak or the Hobie Pro Angler 17.

Also, the seat is comfortable for a little while, but if you are going on a day trip, we advise that you get a better seat or more padding. The Riot Escape 12 Angler does not come with a paddle, so that needs to be purchased separately as well.

The Riot Escape 12 Anger is, in our opinions, a decent fishing kayak with the basics, but not the best one in its category. There are some things to be added to it, so it is far from perfect. But for a short, flatwater fishing trip, it will certainly do the job and you will be more than happy. Let’s take a look at some of the features below.

Riot Escape 12 Angler Features

The Riot Escape 12 Angler kayak features a vast set of functions and equipment. To start off, it has a safe sit on top feature with 4 attached points and adjustable straps that allow the rider to adjust them according to his or her needs, providing the utmost comfort.

The seat stays in the exact same position in which it’s adjusted in and does not budge in the slightest of ways, not even in rough waters, promising you excellent security. The seat has a higher back for support, but those who have back issues will want to add more padding, both on the bottom and in the back.

Check out the Riot Escape 12 Angler on Amazon!

One of the most important features of the Riot Escape 12 Angler is the pilot rudder system. Because you want a safe and smooth ride, it’s essential that the maneuvering is done right, otherwise it would not bode well. The pilot rudder is constructed out of plastic, reinforced with glass, which makes it strong, yet lightweight, allowing you to easily operate it.

The Riot Escape 12 Angler also includes a low windage open work design, which reduces a considerable amount of friction caused by the wind. Also, the rubberized V block absorbs vibrations, which enables the kayak to sail more smoothly and is greatly appreciated by customers.

There are 5 rod holders, with 4 rod holders being stationary and one is a swivel, movable according to the rider’s preference. The mounted adjustable rod holder is another feature of the Riot Escape 12 Angler, which was retained and allows the user to rotate a full 360 degree turn.

You can adjust it vertically or horizontally, with easy and accurate placement. The rod holder also has an attached rear saddle, which can accept any kind of rod combinations. A large swivel locking ring prevents rod loss and the vertical swivel movement allows for easy rod placement.

Riot Escape 12 Angler Storage

As mentioned above, the Riot Escape 12 Angler can carry up to 300 pounds, which is pretty decent for any kayak. Most of the storage is present in the rear deck, with strong straps overlapping it so that any equipment or storage material doesn’t move or fall off. You could hold down a cooler in the back for either drinks or fish.

The front hatch mostly takes care of smaller equipment, and there is a cup holder right in the middle of the cockpit, as well as a covered storage area. The Riot Escape 12 Angler’s design and shape allows the weight to be equally distributed throughout, which makes it exceptionally stable, even when all the equipment is loaded.

Pros

Equipped with great features and easily accessible storage
Exceptionally stable due to the length and width ratio
5 rod holders, one of which is adjustable
Anglers love the sit on top design
Nice storage capacity, at both the front and rear
Comes with a pilot rudder, installed anchoring system, drain plug and scupper plugs

Cons

Does not track very well, according to some buyers, so the rudder should be down at all times
Although the kayak is stable, the bottom part of it is quite uneven, which might make paddling more challenging
The seat is not designed for long trips, can cause soreness and/or back pain
Storage compartments are not completely waterproof

Riot Escape 12 Angler Review Conclusion

Even with its flaws, the Riot Escape 12 Angler is a popular kayak and is highly rated and recommended, as the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. It consists of more features than an average kayak with the same amount of money, making it budget friendly.

Overall, the kayak is easy to use, with lots of storage space and the most important thing is that it does not compromise on safety and quality. Because of its installed features, it promises a fun and smooth ride.

This kayak is mostly designed for flatwater use, like on a lake. That is most likely due to its lack of tracking and speed, and that it doesn’t have a motor to make up for it. However, there are some people who have modified this kayak to add a trolling motor, lights, cameras, and more.

Check out the Riot Escape 12 Angler Kayak on Amazon!

If you do decide to modify it, it has to be carefully done and you need to know exactly how to do it. But without any modifications, if you’re looking for a stress free day out on the lake all by yourself, then the Riot Escape 12 Angler is definitely for you.

You won’t be facing any kind of trouble throughout the whole trip. Happy fishing!

Sun Dolphin Journey 12 – A Reliable Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak?

From a company that has specialized in the manufacture of small lightweight water vessels, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is a masterpiece worth reviewing. It is not majorly superior to others, and to an untrained eye, it is as casual as almost any other common fishing kayak.

To the trained eye, however, there is a little bit more to it than what is seen at first glance. For that reason, whether you are a fully skilled or trainee kayaker, you need to read through this Sun Dolphin Journey 12 review.

Check out our list of top 5 Sun Dolphin Bali Kayaks!

Framing Construction of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is a 12-foot long, rigid, high-density polyethylene kayak specially formulated for this brand. The Fortiflex material gives the boat high UV resistant qualities. It also gifts the deck of the boat with anti-scratch and anti-crack qualities, which are crucial, especially when kayaking in rough waters.

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The Sun Dolphin Journey 12’s length, combined with its 29.5-inch width, augments its spear-like shape, enhancing the ability of the boat to cut through the water with very little challenge. This sit-on-top kayak’s height comes to about 14 inches, which will serve the user quite well in rough waters while avoiding unnecessary water splashes into the boat’s cockpit.

This fishing-tailored kayak is also considerably light due to its material and minimalistic rigging. At just 48 pounds, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is quite an easy fit for all levels of kayakers to contemplate using. For color diversity, you will get the kayak in two colors, olive and sand. This makes it especially easy for the user to blend in if they’re fishing in murky water.

For its overall build outlook, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 maintains a simple deck streamline. It has an almost horizontal lining all through it from the aft to the stern. The aft and stern overhangs are also not overly done, which creates stability, even for an inexperienced pair of hands.

Check out our information analysis on the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS kayak here.

The deck curves into a well-planned cockpit area. Regrettably, the cockpit area does not embrace an extra lining of cushion, which can become a little uncomfortable, especially after a long period under the sun.

Features of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 Kayak

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS has a nice pair of tough thread nylon handles, fitted with a cushy rubber grip to prevent injury during tows and carrying. The pair of handles, contained on top of the fore and stern deck areas, are retractable.

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This solo vessel is capable of accommodating up to 395 pounds, which is a very good standard for almost all sizes of kayakers. This also makes it suitable for long fishing expeditions. To top up the wide range usability feature, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 has simple, but comfy form seats.

The standard seat fits well within the wide cockpit to allow for easy maneuvering. However, there are a few people that may find the standard seats to be a little uncomfortable. Unfortunately, you’d have to buy seat pads at an extra cost, if you’re going on day trips.

Check out the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem Kayak here.

Check out the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 on Amazon!

Apart from the comfort offered by the open cockpit, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 also comes with thigh pads. These pads are a plus, especially for people who tend to suffer from muscle pulls due to having their legs in such a prone position for long periods.

Adjustable foot braces will keep your legs in place for whichever water conditions you want to experience. The braces have a significantly long tweak, making them capable of accommodating various ranges of leg lengths.

Storage

True lovers of fishing kayaks start with the storage space, then aim for the aesthetics. The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is not at the top when it comes to storage space, but it has enough for an ordinary catch. There are two storage areas, the first being a dry storage compartment. Located on the fore deck of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12, it offers space to carry a few essential items for a good ride. A molded-in front bungee compartment works as an alternative spot for the storage of ‘easy-access’ items such as nets and bags.

The stern of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS, on the other hand, contains a portable accessory carrier, which can be used as an extra storage container. In order to ensure that you do not lose your items, both the aft and stern deck regions are retrofitted with tough elastic shock cords. These cords are stretchy enough to allow for the pulling of bags in the bungee sections and the removal of the PAC too.

As a fishing kayak, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 has two flush-mounted fishing rod holders. These rod holders are strategically placed just behind the kayaker’s seat. This makes it convenient for the kayaker to adjust the fishing reels.

The center cockpit area features a nifty swivel fishing rod holder, which goes a long way in making the fishing experience more pleasurable. The positioning of the swivel rod holder is the single most innovative thing the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 carries.

Pros

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is light enough for one person to carry
Cheaper than most kayaks offering the same functionality
Easily stabilizes in rough weather
Ideal for beginners, as we’ve alread learned in this Sun Dolphin Journey 12 review
Addition of a P.A.C creates extra storage space

Cons

Blatant lack of hatches takes away from its ‘fishing capable’ feature
Material can be brittle, so no dragging it on the ground during storage and transportation
Seating is not suitable for all users, so extra pads might need to be purchased

Sun Dolphin Journey 12 Review Conclusion

There is on thing about Sun Dolphin models that never sits well with most buyers, and that is the material. Lightweight as they come, they always seem to suffer the problem of brittleness. However, that is a problem that is also reflected in a good number of polyethylene kayaks.

Check out the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 on Amazon!

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS is still a good vessel to fish in, and one that a newbie can learn to kayak in. If you are graduating from total inexperience in kayaking to a beginner’s level, this boat is one that you should consider looking at.

Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite – Disappointing Performance?

Just one decade ago, the Advanced Elements kayak company pioneered the world’s first hybrid inflatable kayak. It utilized a blended design with the performance of a hard shell kayak, but offering water adventurers the portability and light weight of an inflatable kayak. The Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite is a sleek, lightweight kayak that delivers excellent tracking for the adventure-seeking athlete or outdoorsman:

If you are looking for an vessel that can get you around, with speed that is almost, if not on par with skin-on-frame kayaks, then you will want to delve deeper with us in this AirFusion Elite review to learn more.

Check out the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite on Amazon!

[Note: Check out our best list of kayaks here].

Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite Frame

The Advanced Elements AirFusion Elite was made to rival the speed and performance of skin-on-frame kayaks, all while simplifying the setup. It has a unique design that combines aluminium alloy poles on the frame with pressurized air tubes for a high-performance frame system.

At 13 feet long, with a very narrow beam, this Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite kayak maintains the status of Advanced Elements as a manufacturer of quick and fast turning kayaks that track like rigid hard-shells. In use, this kayak is surprisingly quick, perhaps due to its V-shaped hull. It tracks very well, is simple to turn, and has good primary and secondary stability.

The Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite kayak frame features 2 aluminum ribs. A vertically positioned, foot-long U/V-shaped flat bar comes inserted in the stern and bow of this kayak. The aluminum ribs are tubular, allowing the pole frame to be inserted/attached. There are two molded rubber handles, also located at the stern and bow, that would be useful if you were paddling with someone else.

Check out the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite on Amazon!

The regular Advanced Elements AirFusion kayak is the most narrow in width, at 25 inches, of all of Advanced Element’s watercrafts (the rest of the fleet measures 32″ to 35″ at the beam). However, it has been upgraded on the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite to 28 inches.

This streamline design, along with the lightweight, semi-free-floating aluminum frame and high pressure chambers, allows you to paddle it like other hard-shell kayaks.

The kayak is constructed with very tough materials. The hull material of the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite is heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin, which is extremely puncture proof. This makes the hull very durable, showing little signs of use after years on the water.

The inflation tubes, located on the inside, are covered in a tough material and still hold their shape after years of inflating, using, deflating, and putting away.

Special Features of the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite

High pressure chambers located along the gunwales and chines of the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite add stability, while the aluminum poles in the front deck and keel improve tracking, hull speed and water shedding. The optional skeg addition increases performance even more.

The end result is a kayak that is surprisingly rigid in water, yet doesn’t require the complicated assembly of a folding kayak. A top kayak in its class!

The Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite is extremely lightweight for a high-performance kayak, at only 32 pounds, allowing you to carry the kayak easily. Its design utilizes high pressure chambers that provide rigidity, lowering the total number of parts used in the frame for a dramatically faster set-up time. It packs up into a bag, about the size of a suitcase, for easier storage and transport.

Check out the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite on Amazon!

Other features of the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite include a zippered access on the bow and stern (which aids in setup and offers access to items stored below the deck), and a rear roll-top hatch for additional storage. Molded, low-profile rubber handles ease transport to the water while the inflatable cockpit coaming offers the easy attachment of an optional spray skirt.

Also, you can add a skeg to the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite for greater control on your next trip. The skeg makes it easier to keep a straight course, even when there are waves and winds. You can deploy the skeg using the pull cord, once you add it to the kayak.

Enough Storage Space?

There is enough onboard storage on the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite for extended trips. With a capacity of about 230 pounds, you can load up the deck with gear if you are going for a multi-day expedition. The wide 28″ beam allows for an integrated rear storage hatch for easier access to gear while on the water.

In terms of setup, the AirFusion Elite is not 100% straight-forward. You will need to be a bit careful not to mix up pieces of the frame or inflate sections in the wrong order, or you could end up with bent pieces of frame. However, after a bit of training, you will be able to get in the water in less than 15 minutes.

Check out the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite on Amazon!

Pros

The inflatable Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite is very suitable for long distance paddling and sea trips
The kayak offers a streamlined set up procedure with fewer poles, allowing one to get out on the water quickly
Rear hatch with a roll-top dry bag provides easy access to stowed items
Deck features bungee lacing and D-ring tie-downs for more options
Welded seams ensure long life
Its narrow beam and 13′ frame cuts easily through the water
The Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite is built with excellent materials and constructed almost perfectly
Portable and packable
A good recreational kayak on flat water or up to Class 2 whitewater
Excellent customer service and warranty

Check out the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite on Amazon!

Cons

Because of low weight and no rudder, the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite’s nose tends to get blown around in winds over 10 mph
The internal storage space on the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite is quite tiny
It should be mentioned in this AirFusion Elite review that this model is best for people who are over 5′ tall, but not over 6’5″
It will take a bit longer to set-up than a regular inflatable kayak, but many may consider the performance to be worth it

AirFusion Elite Review Conclusion

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the feeling of floating on a cloud beneath the clouds, then the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite is what you’ve been looking for all this time. This great kayak pairs style and performance that will see you zipping through the water as if you were in a hard shell kayak, only without the added bulk and inconvenience.

It’s quite light weight for a hybrid model and is easily carried by one person. Better still, the price of the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite is reasonable when compared to other kayaks in its class.

Point 65 Whisky 16 – Best Performing & Comfortable Touring Option?

The Point 65 Whisky 16 is a new 16-foot kayak, designed by the famed sea kayaker, Nigel Foster. It offers a great learning experience for any novice on gentle waters because it is easy to maneuver, and is comfortable and stable.

Check out the Point 65 Whisky 16 on Amazon!

On the other hand, the Whisky 16 is ideal for experienced paddlers surfing on turbulent waters and maneuvering through rocky outcrops, given its narrow design. If you are looking for a new kayak, the Point 65 Whisky 16 is worth considering and our Point 65 Whisky review goes in-depth into the why:

Is the Point 65 Whisky 16 Frame Super Durable?

The Point 65 Whisky 16 displays a three-layer polyethylene design that gives ultimate stiffness while reducing the weight of the kayak, making it easier to carry and maneuver. Weighing 55 pounds, the Point 65 Whisky 16 touring kayak is ideal for all types of water sports paddling. The fiberglass composite is void trapped to reduce excessive resin and the design also incorporates a honeycomb mat, which is sandwiched between the layers to increase stiffness.

Check out the Point 65 Whisky 16 on Amazon!

To ensure the comfort of the paddler, the cockpit, which measures 30.7″x 16.1″ and just aft of center, is padded and has an adjustable and inflatable backrest. The narrow keyhole offers a close-fitting design that is easy to control.

Additionally, the foot pegs are also adjustable, making the Point 65 Whisky 16 kayak suitable for all people interested in an exciting paddling experience. You can easily adjust the pedals by turning a rod, which is below the kayaker’s knee, to free the pedal with your toe.

Additionally, the Whisky 16 has recessed fitting throughout its design and a spare paddle can easily fit on the stern and bow. The grab lines occur in short segments and are well spaced. Although the Whisky does not come with a rudder, the manufacturers have included ports for an optional rudder. The width of the Point 65 Whisky 16 is 22″ and it has a weight capacity of 341 pounds.

The skeg is placed far behind, which is ideal when packing for a trip and is easy to control with a knob near the cockpit, even with gloves on. The skeg is easily retractable and ideal for tracking and prevents weathercocking (a kayak’s tendency to turn into the wind while you’re paddling forward) in the case of strong winds. With a fat hull and hard chine, the Whisky 16 offers a great surfing experience. The flat hull easily stays on the surface.

[Note: Check out our list of best kayaks overall!]

Features of the Point 65 Whisky 16

In this part of the Point 65 Whisky 16 review, you’ll discover the various features of this phenomenal kayakPaddlers can also feel secure with the Point 65 Whisky because it has incorporated reflective deck lines, which make water rescue easier and improves visibility in poor lighting conditions. A compass that is just forward of the bow hatch aids in navigation when kayaking. However, the Silva 70P compass is not incorporated into the Whisky 16, but it can be purchased separately.

blue Whisky point 65 kayak — Nigel Foster

More importantly, the Point 65 Whisky kayak offers moderate stability and is easy to track. The excellent maneuverability makes it easy for the kayak to go wherever it is directed. It is easy to do a full 180 degree turn with two strokes, as the kayak effortlessly responds to arching and mild leaning.

In terms of speed, the Whisky 16 is quick and fast, probably due to its light weight. It quickly accelerates, making it easy to catch waves. It cruises around speeds of 3 1/2 knots and can accelerate to 6 knots during sprinting. The shape of the deck and the position of the knee and thigh braces enables full application of power.

Check out the Point 65 Whisky 16 on Amazon!

Paddlers also get to enjoy a 2-year limited warranty. The Point 65 Whisky 16 kayak comes in different colors, including red, yellow, orange, lime, blue and light blue.

Storage

The Point 65 Whisky offers large storage compartments for paddlers, making it ideal for both daytime and overnight paddling. The round hatch behind the cockpit, measuring 6″x 6″, offers quick storage of items, while the hatch at the front, measuring 17.6″x 10.4″, opens up to compartments under the deck.

The Point 65 Whisky 16 kayak’s aft hatch is the same size as the front hatch, and the day hatch measures 7.9″x 7.9″. There are contoured bulkheads under the deck for storage of bulky items and the stretchy deck rigging offers storage for items that are too large.

Pros

Constructed of polyethylene, making the Point 65 Whisky 16 generally lighter to carry and maneuver
The light weight of the Point 65 Whisky 16 is an advantage, because even after additional items are stored in the kayak, it is generally lighter than most kayaks
Large, comfortable and fitting hand grips make the kayak easier to carry, and they can be retracted when not in use
Unique thigh bracing where paddlers can control the kayak with their knees, either together or separate
Point 65 AIR-Backrest™, which offers maximum support and comfort for your back
A stiff back band for maximum support while paddling
Reflective deck lines make water rescue easy in dim light
The compass recess allows for easy replacement of the compass, allowing you to insert whichever one you choose
The foot pedals are stiff, but also easy to adjust
The Point 65 Whisky 16 kayak offers the option to install a rudder
Rolling and flipping is easy with the Whisky 16
The fuller bow and stern shape reduce plunging
Smooth exterior and interior finish

Check out the Point 65 Whisky 16 on Amazon!

Cons

The Point 65 Whisky is nose heavy, making it difficult to balance in a solo carry
The keyhole opening is only wide enough for a single knee entry, increasing the risk of scraping the skin, if not done carefully
The seat is unpadded, making it uncomfortable for a whole day of kayaking
There is a bit of leaking into the compartments that could be improved upon
Due to the narrow keyhole, sliding out of the kayak is difficult
The Point 65 Whisky is slightly unstable, making it difficult for beginners to paddle

Point 65 Whisky 16 Review Conclusion

In this Point 65 Whisky 16 review, you’ve learned that the Point 65 Whisky 16 is well designed and offers a great kayaking experience for all paddlers. Its excellent maneuverability will give you a chance to undertake the roughest waves and have fun.

Check out the Point 65 Whisky 16 on Amazon!

With its great speed, the Point 65 Whisky users can easily keep up with other paddlers and participate in competitions easily. However, the design needs a few upgrades with regards to stability, comfort and water tightness. However, the Point 65 Whisky 16 is recommendable and offers value for the money.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced kayaker, try the Point 65 Whisky today for a better paddling and surfing experience.