Category: 400 lbs or Under

Tahe Marine Reval Kayak – Solid Performing, British Style Sea Touring Kayak?

The Tahe Marine Reval HV Composite HD Kayak is a sea touring kayak, which is built in the British style, designed for paddlers who are bigger in size. It is easy to navigate because the kayak can break waves and strong winds as well. The Reval was released in 2014, targeting adrenaline seekers.

 

Interestingly, the HV in this kayak’s name stands for high volume, which is one of it’s outstanding characteristics.

Tahe Marine Reval

This kayak has a roomy cockpit that can comfortably accommodate most people. The Tahe Marine Reval HV Composite HD Kayak is perfect for long expeditions or kayaking trips. In addition to more capacity for storage, this kayak is designed to navigate and survive challenging seas. Long and properly equipped, this sea touring kayak is a great option for water sport enthusiasts.

If you’re interested in this kayak, keep reading our in-depth Tahe Marine Reval review! If you want to scope out other options, check out all the kayak reviews Killer Kayaks as in store for you.

Frame of the Tahe Marine Reval Kayak!

 

tahe marine reval - blue

To ensure effective performance as you use this kayak, its frame has some unique construction characteristics. First, it is made using the TGC Lite construction method, where a combination of fiberglass and composite material are used. This high density core frame results in a lower overall weight. As a result, you can experience a weight reduction of between 10% to 15% as you use the kayak. Fortunately, this contributes to easier navigation and maneuverabilty of the kayak.

The Tahe Marine Reval HV Composite HD Kayak has a frame that is 17.6 feet long, 22 inches wide and 13.5 inches thick. It weighs a total of only 57 pounds. Not only does this make the Tahe Marine Reval more nimble, the light weight and strong hull makes it easy to haul this kayak on your car’s carrier or on a trailer. Overall, its frame was designed for high performance on the sea and it delivers every single time.

 

Tahe Marine Reval Kayak Features

Before we go any further into this Tahe Marine review, we must discuss the features of this kayak! The most obvious feature of the Tahe Marine Reval is the British-style hull. This feature helps you to navigate rough seas with maximized maneuverability and stability. To ensure this, the hull on this kayak has a rocker, an upswept bow and a stern. These features work together to ensure top performance on the roughest seas.

The navigation in the Tahe Marine Reval is also made easier by a rudder and skeg system that is fully retractable. By using this steering system, you can direct the Tahe Marine Reval kayak successfully through the roughest waters.

To ensure more storage space and comfort, the Reval HV Composite HD Kayak has a roomier cockpit. Larger kayakers can fit in it quite comfortably. Moreover, it has a round, an oval and a day-hatch, which work to divide the body into compartments. You can store safety equipment, kayaking accessories and anything else in these locations.

The Tahe Marine Reval is designed for long trips. Hence, the extra carrying capacity comes in very handy for long expeditions or trips on the high seas.

rudder on the Revel composite hd

The Tahe Marine Reval is available in 3 different weight classes, which are the TGC-lite, the TCA-lite and the TCI-lite. These range in weight from 42 to 57 lbs or 19 to 26 kilograms. In providing you with variety, the Marine Reval kayak allows you to experience freedom of choice as you shop for a sea kayak. Moreover, there are some accessories that make the kayaking experience on this unit easier.

Specially designed for the Tahe Marine Reval kayak, the accessories include thigh pads and a compass. To further provide customization, you can get a heavy duty, reinforced keel-strip. Personal taste is catered for in the design of this kayak. As such, you can get the Tahe Marine Reval in various colors such as red, orange, yellow, blue, black, charcoal gray and lime.

Storage Space in the Tahe Marine Reval

Seeing as this seafaring kayak is a high volume unit, it has a lot of storage available for you. This is distributed along the kayak in features such as the cockpit and a collection of hatches. One of these is a round hatch in the front which measures 24 centimeters (10 inches) in size and a day hatch measuring 15 centimeter (6 inches) in size.

The kayak also has an oval hatch in the rear that measures 44 by 26 centimeters in size. The Tahe Marine Reval HV Composite HD Kayak can haul a total weight of 155 kilograms (about 340 pounds).

We have covered a lot in this Tahe Marine review, so here is a summary of the pros and cons:

Pros

  • Constructed using a British style hull to ensure comfortable capacity for bigger paddlers
  • High Volume storage capacity, facilitated by a total of 3 hatches distributed along it’s length
  • The Tahe Marine Reval kayak has an upswept bow and stern that help you navigate challenging seas much more easily
  • Thanks to a fiberglass and composite material construction, the kayak is light yet strong
  • High Density core frame which keeps you safe and ensures rigidity as you navigate
  • There are three weight classes to choose from when buying the Tahe Marine Reval kayak, so you can enjoy variety
  • You can find a collection of accessories for this kayak for example thigh pads, reinforced steel keel strip and a compass
  • Its length ensures that tall paddlers are comfortable and it provides extra weight hauling capability

Cons

  • The Tahe Marine Reval is quite an expensive kayak when compared with other sea models from competitor manufacturers
  • Due to a low volume, the bow tends to plunge deep and affect the maneuverability of the kayak
  • As a result of its length, it is less stable than shorter models, requiring more skillful manipulation

 

Tahe Marine Reval Review Conclusion

The Tahe Marine Reval Composite Kayak is one of the top models for sea kayaking. It is designed such that you can handle both smooth and rough seas comfortably. Its frame is strong yet light. In addition to that, the kayak has maximum storage capacity. As a result, you can take along some safety equipment and kayaking accessories with you on the expedition.

Check out the Tahe Marine Reval at Amazon!

Professional kayakers, as well as enthusiasts, can enjoy using this unit. It is versatile, durable and ideal for hobby or sport. Its features maximize capacity and maneuverability. If you want a versatile, high volume, capable kayak, the Tahe Marine Reval Kayak is the one to get. Hopefully our Tahe Marine review has given you a lot to mull over!

Other options to consider:

Necky Manitou 14 Kayak – High End Performance For Great Value?

The Necky Manitou 14 kayak is a picture of stability and comfort. In comparison to its other shorter siblings, it is the ideal kayak for a beginner, as it is meant to take a paddler’s skills to the next level. However, it is not restricted to beginners alone. Its high-end performance satisfies even hardcore paddling enthusiasts. The kayak’s features will always meet your paddling needs. This is the kind of boat that you can never outgrow.

Editor’s Note: The Manitou 14 has been discontinued but worry not: we have a replacement touring kayak that is amazing below:

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The Necky Manitou 14 kayak’s touring hull certainly makes it one of a kind. If you are looking for a steady and comfortable kayak for recreational purposes or one that you can just take around for a weekend surf, this kayak is the perfect fit. Its tracking, speed, and ease of handling are exceptional. The Manitou 14 kayak also boasts a sturdy design and a solid, overall feel.

In our Necky Manitou 14 kayak review, we discuss everything about it in detail. Please read on!

If you would like to check out our best kayaks of the year, click on this link!

Does the Sleek Frame of the Necky Manitou 14 Kayak Come Through?

necky manitou 14 kayak in blue

As a modern classic, the Necky Manitou 14 kayak is one of the most versatile kayaks. With an all-plastic polyethylene construction, the kayak retains its position at the top of the charts because of its versatility.

The material is long lasting and resists wear and tear quite well. No matter how many times the Necky Manitou 14 kayak is used, it will always maintain its good condition. Even the molded graphics do not peel off or fade easily. The unique frame is sophisticated to handle the demands of all weather and water conditions.

With a sleek touring profile and state of the art outfitting system, this water companion does not disappoint. It finds its home in calm waters and slow rivers. At 14’4” in length, the kayak is built with a wave-piercing dolphin bow that makes it stand out from the crowd. The boat is 24″ wide, weighs 52 pounds, and can hold up to 325 pounds.

What Features Make the Necky Manitou 14 Kayak Special?

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Built with the stability of a race boat, the Necky Manitou 14 kayak is perfect for paddlers who love spending a lot of time in the water. Apart from its superior performance and high-end material technology, it also has a superior design that allows for advanced maneuvers and lean turns.

Providing excellent primary and secondary stability, the kayak promotes a smooth transition between the two. This kind of stability makes the Necky Manitou 14 perfect for pursuits like photography and bird watching. It is also ergonomically designed to ensure that it can be paddled through the water effortlessly.

With a two-way adjustable backrest, aft positioning and a six-position height adjustment, paddlers can be certain that they will get the most out of this kayak. Their movements will not be limited and they can enjoy the comfort that comes with the Necky Manitou 14 kayak.

manitou 14 in action!

While other previous Manitou models may have been shorter, this one capitalizes on its slightly longer body to cruise more smoothly and efficiently. The extra comfortable seat with two-way adjustable backrests will make any paddler’s expedition in the water cozy. You will not get tired or experience any back pain that results from long hours of discomfort when kayaking. The seats adjust in three dimensions in order to give you all-day comfort. The back seat has progressive, soft cushion padding that gives that extra support when the kayak is extensively used.

When it comes to rough waters, the Dolphin bow negotiates extremely well. The generously-sized cockpit (35.5″ x 16.5″) allows for easy entry and exit and paddlers do not have to struggle to get in or out of the kayak. No matter how tall you are, the adjustable foot pedals will accommodate you.

The Necky Manitou 14 kayak’s retraceable skeg enhances tracking and prevents the kayak from crocking in strong winds. In addition to this, the Manitou also has recessed deck fittings to increase its durability. In order to carry the kayak easily, the toggle carry handles always come in handy. The Manitou 14 is more touring oriented, rather than sporty.

This is the kind of kayak that you can take on various expeditions. The Necky Manitou 14 kayak is jam-packed with the best features to ensure that you thrive on the waters.

Is There Enough Storage in the Necky Manitou 14 Kayak?

features of the Necky Manitou 14 Kayak

As far as storage is concerned, the Necky Manitou 14 kayak has a deck rigging with two storage hatches that makes it easy for a paddler to carry any gear and equipment that they intend to bring on their sea touring expedition. The hatches are spacious enough to ensure that nothing is left out. With enough storage space for an overnight trip, you will not find a more accommodating kayak than this one. T

o be precise, it has a storage space of 113.6L (or about 30 gallons). The kayak also comes in bold colors that are highly appealing to the eyes.

Pros

  • Stable kayak, even when it’s paddled in rocky waters
  • Generously padded seats with a comfortable backrest
  • Retraceable skeg with kink-free Necky wire
  • High speed that will make sea touring a great expedition
  • Sufficient storage space that allows for the carrying of sufficient equipment or clothes and food for an overnight trip
  • Easy tracking as the kayak maneuvers through the waters
  • Reflective safety parameter line
  • Support Track foot brace system
  • Cross buckle system that ensures the storage area remains dry and secure

Cons

  • The Necky Manitou 14 is a heavy kayak in comparison to its predecessors
  • Its weight makes it a bit challenging to move from one place to another. However, this does not affect the overall functioning of the kayak
  • The skeg may be difficult to use as it can be dragged easily by strong winds or waves

Necky Manitou 14 Kayak Review Summary!

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Necky is a company that designs and manufactures top-of-the-line kayaks, so you can expect an excellent kayak in the Necky Manitou 14 kayak!

Necky Manitou 14 kayak is up for any task that you put it to. Considered an advanced kayak for beginners, it is also a perfect choice for intermediate and expert kayakers. If you place a high degree of value on superior performance and aesthetics, then this kayak is a great choice for all your touring adventures. Beginners can grow with their paddling skills and experts can find out what they have been missing from other ordinary kayaks.

If you are hoping for an excellent kayak that tracks well, is fast, has sufficient storage space and is stable enough, look no further!

Not sure about the Necky Manitou 14 for your kayak selection?  Here is a list of other comparable kayak options that may fit your needs:

Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak – Is It Super Stable?

The Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak is suitable for beginners or paddlers who prefer a smaller-sized kayak. Although it has a simple design and construction, it does not fall short on its sturdy frame. The kayak is extremely stable, with unique safety features that will keep all paddlers safe and secure.

Check out the Tahe Marine Solo on Amazon by clicking here!

 

Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo
Photo Credit: Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Website

 

The Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak is comfortable and oversized cockpit will make entering and exiting a breeze. This kayak should not be underestimated because of its size, because it boasts exceptional handling and an enviable amount of speed.

The Lifestyle Solo offers a great experience for kayakers who want to experience the true fit and feel of an amazing kayak while honing their skills.

 

How Does The Frame of the Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak Differ?

This one-of-a-kind kayak has been designed with the best manufacturing materials and techniques. From a highly reputable manufacturer, Tahe Marine, you can be certain that the kayak will come with a well-built and durable frame.

 

Lifestyle Solo kayak - red

The Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak has a polyethylene construction with a 98% recyclable HD (high density) core material, making it very tough but lightweight (48 pounds). It also makes it more reliable because it increases the stiffness of the kayak, allowing it to absorb less energy and withstand the most challenging environments.

The frame measures 12.5 feet by 21.75 inches and is 12.5 inches wide.

 

Any Special Features of the Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak?

The Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo is ergonomically designed and as such, is stable and maneuverable, especially for those who want to experience the sea in a unique way. Its small size also makes it suitable for beginners with different preferences, and is exceptionally easy to handle. You can count on the padded seats to give you the comfort you need, even if you’ll be in the water for many hours.

Other features include two round hatches that make it easy to pack equipment, a standard rudder system that can easily be installed (but is just as easy to paddle without!), availability in five different colors (red, orange, yellow, blue, and green), a responsive foot control for easy handling of the kayak, and a weight capacity of 220 pounds.

Plus, thanks to the large cockpit, this kayak is easy to enter and exit, which a lot of beginning kayakers can find “difficult”.

 

Ummm, But What About Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo’s Storage Space…?

Despite the Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo kayak’s small size, it features a storage capacity that’s large enough for longer expeditions. Even if you’re planning a short kayaking trip, the storage space will exceed your expectations.

The front and rear hatches have 10″ of storage space, both of them being round in order to facilitate easy packing and quick access to your equipment. With sufficient space, you will not be limited to what you can bring on your paddling adventure.

Pros

  • The Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak comes with a shallow arch hull that has been designed with good stability in mind
  • Two incredible round hatches that make it easy to pack and have quick access to equipment
  • Can be paddled with or without a standard rudder
  • A very fast kayak that will allow you to explore most bodies of water without restrictions
  • Comes with extra equipment such as a compass and thigh pads

Cons

  • The kayak’s seat may be padded and comfortable, but it doesn’t have the right lumbar support. If you plan to spend a lot of time on the Lifestyle Solo, it’s advisable to replace the seat with a more supportive one. This will ensure that you can enjoy your expeditions without any back problems.
  • Due to the Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak’s oversized cockpit and design, many kayakers associate it with beginners, but surprisingly, even experts can be able to make the most of it.

 

Tahe Marine Solo kayak in green

Tahe Marine Lifestyle Solo Kayak Review Summary

The Lifestyle Solo may be a small-sized kayak, but it comes highly recommended, and kayakers will be able to enjoy its spacious and fast-paced nature.  The Tahe Marine’s Lifestyle series are some of the better quality kayak’s out there especially with their mid-of-the-range pricing.

If you are a beginner, its good stability will put your mind at ease and make your experience on the water much more enjoyable. On the other hand, if you just want to exercise in the water, this kayak is also a perfect fit for that as well. Its amazing features make it stand out from the crowd.

Outdoor Tuff Stinger 3 Inflatable Kayak – Hit or Bust?

Kayaking is a sport that is enjoyed by many people of all shapes, sizes and ages. The biggest problem that is faced is the unwieldiness of the traditional kayak. There is a solution to the problem on the market: the Outdoor Tuff Stinger 3 Inflatable Kayak (one person) is a cost effective and lightweight way to have fun on your family’s favorite body of water.  (The two person option can be found here on Amazon).

Outdoor Tuff Stinger 3 Inflatable Kayak Basics

The Tuff Stinger kayak is made from heavy duty PVC and consists of three reinforced chambers which inflate to full rigidity. There is a removable seat and two splash covers to keep you comfortable and as dry as you can be as you navigate your favorite body of water. The package includes a foot pump, inflation ruler, a 87 inch paddle and two fins as well as a backpack for easy packing and storing of the kayak.

Features of the Outdoor Tuff Stinger 3 Inflatable One-Person Kayak Portable

The Outdoor Tuff Stinger 3 Inflatable Kayak only weighs twenty five pounds. It folds away into a relatively small package that you can easily fit into your car or trailer. This makes it far easier to transport than a more traditional rigid kayak which requires a roof rack. The backpack which is included in the package makes for easy storage and transport.

The kayak is constructed of three layers of PVC which has been treated to ensure maximum puncture resistance. This PVC gives the Outdoor Tuff Stinger 3 Inflatable One-Person Kayak the same resilience and stiffness of a traditional kayak once it has been properly inflated. With maximum durability comes the cost effectiveness, which makes it a personal favorite of all buyers regardless of their spending power.

Does the Stinger Inflate FAST?!

The kayak only has three chambers to inflate and comes with a foot pump as well as the various attachments that you will need to inflate it. The foot pump works well and inflates the kayak quickly and efficiently. The end result is properly rigid and stable.

Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty

The kayak comes with a one year limited warranty from the manufacturer. This should give you some peace of mind and recourse should the kayak develop a puncture within the first year of normal use.

Maneuverable and Stable?

User of the kayak found that it was extremely stable, even in water also in use by jet skis and motor boats. The included paddle is easy to handle and offers speed and efficiency so that the kayak can be used by children as young as twelve years old. The fins which are also included in the package add even more stability to the kayak. Since the chambers of the kayak inflate to a good pressure, the end result is a rigid kayak that is comparable to traditional kayaks.

Downsides to the Outdoor Tuff Stinger 3 Inflatable Kayak

For some reason not all the valves on the kayak are the same. The foot compartment requires a different attachment for the foot pump than the other two compartments. This means that there is an extra piece to keep track of and not lose. This can be overcome with some care and ensuring that you take note of where you place the attachments and adapters as you inflate your kayak.

Check out the Outdoor Tuff Stinger on Amazon by clicking here!

Some users of the Outdoor Tuff Stinger 3 inflatable kayak have found that the construction of the seat is not as comfortable as the manufacturers claim. The method of attachment to the kayak, a strap that wraps around the back of the seat, changes the form of the seat and causes some discomfort in the back.

Final Verdict

For additional reviews of inflatable kayaks, check out our dedicated page here. Overall, the Outdoor Tuff Stinger 3 Inflatable is durable and easy to transport, already giving it an advantage over traditional kayaks. Users have found it to be stable and easy to maneuver, even for children with minimal experience. There appear to be very few downsides to this inflatable kayak. The two different kinds of valve are a bit of a complication and the seat may not be the most comfortable but the kayak makes up for this in a number of different ways, including its simplicity. If you are looking for a well priced alternative to a traditional kayak, then the Outdoor Tuff Stinger 3 Inflatable One-Person Kayak definitely needs to be a consideration.

All The Details You Can Get: AIRHEAD Montana Performance Kayak (AHTK-1)

Wow! It has been a while since I posted an update but you know what? The time sounds about right since it’s mid summer and you all can benefit from exercising–especially in the form or canoeing or kayaking >:)

Today, I’m critiquing the Airhead Montana Performance kayak, another inflatable kayak with a terrible name (AHTK?) To be honest, right from the start, the Airhead one person kayak will run you around $220-$275 on average, making it not the most expensive option but also, not the least expensive option.

Is it worth your money, though? You decide. Let’s slice and dice this baby.

The Basics

This kayak is a one person seater with plenty of space coming in around 9 feet long. Its build is compact and lightweight, designed specifically for lakes and easy white water shenanigans. The build of its three chambers is lined with a strong 840 denier nylon. It also comes with 4 bottom fins making it easy to steer. As is typical, the Airhead Montana Performance kayak comes with ultra-violet and water resistant coatings.

The Meat Of the Airhead Montana One Seater

To be honest, this inflatable kayak has quite a few things going for it but there is a common complaint about it. Some folks seem to absolutely love the Airhead Montana while others wish they hadn’t purchased it.
Let’s start with the durable material. Even though I mentioned that you can go white water rafting on it, the kayak has been tested in medium waters and has performed well (read more Amazon reviews here).
One thing you can’t do is compare any inflatable kayak to a hard shelled kayak, neither when it comes to build nor speed… and well, nor trekking.

boat

Even though this inflatable boat comes with 4 fins on the bottom, trekking seems to be an issue. Moving with the downstream, it seems to move well. However, going upstream or in slightly rough waters, the kayak has trouble being maneuvered and some reviewers have mentioned it to be a challenge to go in a straight line. Due to that, the speed is kind of slow or average at best.

To be fair, for the price point of around $240, this inflatable kayak will proudly take a few bruises without receiving much of any damage. Compared to a hard shell, the price is somewhere in the middle (not cheap nor expensive) and that reflects the quality of the product. It performs and is built better than the cheaper inflatable kayaks I have reviewed.

One major drawback with this product is that the valve isn’t tethered to the boat itself. There doesn’t seem to be any good reason for this. In fact, there is danger in losing the value as it needs to be removed in order for the kayak to be deflated.

Verdict

In Conclusion, the Airhead kayak can be used by a beginner or intermediate kayaker in mild waters and really, for recreational or exercise purpose and with the price, many folks will find this option appetizing.