Max Weight Capacity - Killer Kayaks!

Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 Kayak – Built For Adrenaline Action?

The Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 Kayak is designed and manufactured by a well known brand, Dagger. This kayak and creek boat is designed for big water with a well defined high-volume planing hull.

The Dagger Mamba Creeker model comes in three sizes, the largest among them being the 8.6 kayak. This larger size is offered in two variations: a river-runner model and a creeker model. The outfitting is, in fact, the only difference between the two variants. The creeker features a roto-molded seat, which is specifically designed to be more resistant to collapse.

There is no reason to choose the river-runner model, in case you are planning to paddle on class III whitewater. In fact, for most paddlers, the creeker outfitting is the best option. Only school fleets could be an exception, if they need to easily and quickly adjust the seat position.

Back in 2012, the entire Mamba series had been revamped. Designers updated the edge profile, added volume, and tweaked the rocker profile, making a few changes to each of the three boat variants. In 2013, a new contour outfitting had been added to the Mamba line-up.

Read the rest of our Dagger Mamba Creeker review to find out if it is a reliable whitewater kayak for an adrenaline junkie like you!

Mamba 8.6 kayak seat

Build Details of the Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 Kayak…

The Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 kayak can accommodate a paddler who weighs up to 200 pounds, and comes with moderate, recessed edges extending from the bow back to the paddler. At the back, the edges smooth out into a softer chine. The very high-volume stern, combined with the soft stern edge, allows this kayak model to make last-minute, quick adjustments in a rapid.

In a hastily initiated turn, the rounded edge prevents water from catching it. The Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 stern is kept out of the water due to the boat’s volume, even when the kayaker is paddling from the backseat.

The defined planing hull and hard edge in the front give the Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 kayak the ability to drive through big water, from a forward or a center body position, with a sporty feel. The Mamba creeker is also really safe due to the edges up front, and the kayak surfs pretty well. Its good performance is extremely noticeable when you drop into wave trains that have plenty of glassy overhead waves.

In these difficult conditions, the Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 can carve across the waves in confident, big arcs. Because of the edges on the boat’s forward two thirds, the Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 is superior on a wave.

Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 whitewater kayak

The Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6’s frame can be classified as a more linear profile in the stern and a progressive kick-rocker in the bow. The center of the boat carries towards some of the rocker. The bow is kept riding up and over waves by the progressive bow rocker. When dropping off ledges or into a hole, the Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 frame design makes it easier to get the bow up.

The longer waterline is created by the linear stern rocker, making this kayak model faster. When more of the stern drops into the water, the longer waterline will help with tracking at different speeds. The rocker profile has the advantage of featuring the slight creep of the rocker line toward the center, allowing the boat to pivot more easily than other models.

Looking at the Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 kayak from above, the very wide knee box and relatively fine bow are immediately apparent. The Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 boat’s widest point is wider than that of other models and the planing hull, combined with this characteristic. makes it feel a little boxy.

rapid riding

Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 kayak’s frame design provides exceptional primary stability (which means how stable it is just sitting the water). However, this comes at the expense of secondary stability (when the boat is on its side). The kayak doesn’t feel as solid as other models with better secondary stability. However, with only a little counter-lean, the primary stability allows users to take curlers and waves sideways. It’s all in the balance and technique of the paddler.

The Dagger Mamba Creeker’s wide mid-section tapers dramatically to the fine bow, ending in an up-turned point. This frame design works really well, however, for a whitewater boat, the Mamba 8.6 isn’t so fast in flat water due to its width. But the ability to drive the kayak aggressively through whitewater, combined with the extra speed gained from being able to punch through curlers and holes, makes the Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 boat fast overall.

Features of the Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 Kayak

The Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 kayak comes with a rigid hard shell structure and a soft chine. Its cockpit type is the sit-inside variety, with a roto-molded seat, a leg lifter, and the seat track is welded-in. The boat features a round hull shape and comes with Contour Ergo Outfitting and an adjustable backband ratchet.

The adjustable Contour foot brace comes with a foam padding for increased comfort, and the tight braces are adjustable, as well as the hip pads. The kayak also features security grab handles for easier recovery from whitewater ejections or rollovers.

Enough Storage in the Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6?

Dagger Mamba Creeker in four colors

The Dagger Mamba 8.6 is the largest model from the Mamba line-up, offering not only more volume, but improved volume distribution as well. The Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 boat provides enough volume for maintaining good steering and keeping you above currents, even with the kayak loaded down with full gear and food provisions. It comes with room for multi-day equipment in the back.

Check out the Dagger Mamba 8.6 on Amazon by clicking here!

Dagger Mamba Creeker Review Summary:

Pros

The Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 is an excellent creeker and the boat of choice among race crowds
The boat provides lots of rocker and runs pretty fast
It comes with room for multi-day equipment in the back
This kayak is well constructed
The Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 is the largest model of the line-up, offering more volume, crisper control, increased speed, and improved volume distribution
Added safety features, including a handle near the cockpit, repositioned bow grab handle for easier access, and a molded-in stern foam wall holder for improved structural integrity
Allows learning paddlers to get a good idea about ferries, peel outs and good eddy turns
Intermediate to advanced kayakers are also at an advantage using the Dagger Mamba 8.6 creeker, due to its ability to paddle very well in almost any whitewater class

Cons

Some users find the Dagger Mamba Creeker 8.6 to have a bit too much rocker in the bow, engaging late on eddy lines
Kayakers who are more used to an aggressive chine may not like it
It is a very heavy boat

If you need more kayaks to check out, have a look at the Oru company page.

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!

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.

BIC YAKKAir HP2 Fishing Inflatable Kayak – What’s the Deal?

BIC YAKKAir HP2 Fishing Overview

Type: Inflatable
# of Seats: 2
Weight Capacity: 550 lbs

About BIC YAKKAir HP2 Fishing Inflatable Kayak

Good fishing holes are hard to find – often, you find yourself having to travel to several to find the haul you want. Fishing kayaks that are light, mobile, and easy to inflate/deflate are crucial to making sure you do not come home empty handed.

The BIC YAKKAir HP2 fishing inflatable kayak is made for this purpose – an ultra-light, easy to transport vessel that does not sacrifice functionality, durability, and strength. Developed in France, the entire boat kit (boat, footrests, backrest, pump, and bag) weighs in at just 44 pounds, and fits neatly in the included wheeled backpack. Transporting it no longer requires a roof rack or unwieldy trailer – the car trunk will do just fine.

How Does the BIC YAKKAir HP2 Fishing Perform?

But how does it perform? Just as reliably as a hard-shelled kayak, in fact – its PVC skin, high pressure keel, and solid PVC floor form a V-shaped hull that provides enough room for 2 adults, as well as a variety of accessories such as rod holders, safety grab lines, paddle attachments, and footrests. Paddles, however, are not included in the boat kit.

Kayak fishing is a sport that is growing in popularity, due to its convenience and ease, particularly attractive to beginner and novice fishing enthusiasts. The BIC YAKKAir HP2 Fishing Kayak makes it easy to not only transport and set up for a day of fishing, but also cleanup and maintenance.

From its sturdy material to its light weight, all it requires is a quick rinse and dry to make it ready for the next fishing trip. This is also an incredibly versatile boat that allows it to not only be perfect for fishing, but also perfect to travel with as well. Road trips to national parks will never be the same again – you can now actually boat in that pristine lake or river, instead of just admire it from the banks.

Should You Buy the BIC YAKKAir Fishing Kayak?!

Have a look at our quick points and make up your mind if you would like to be a proud owner of the BIC YAKKAir Fishing Kayak. 🙂

Pros:

Light-weight and compact
Sturdy construction
Nice design

Cons:

Not self-bailing
Best only for flat water or recreational use

Looking for other inflatable kayak options? Check out our kayaks guide!

Is this your first inflatable kayak purchase and you feel intimidated? Well, we constructed a nice guide to help you understand what you should be looking out for: Inflatable Kayak Guide.

Sea Eagle Fast Track Inflatable 2 Person Kayak – Best Package So Far?

Sea Eagle Fast Track Inflatable Kayak Overview

Inflatable: Yes
Inflation Time: 7 minutes
NMMA Certified: Yes
# of Seats: 2
Maximum Weight Capacity: 635 lbs.
Inflated Size: 12’6” L x 36” W x 8” H

The Sea Eagle Fast Track Inflatable 2 Person kayak Pro Package is among the top rated tandem inflatable Kayaks from Sea Eagle. It is quite an advancement from the previous cheaper models such as the Sea Eagle 330 and Sea Eagle 370 tandem kayaks. It is sleeker, faster and lighter than its predecessors. The sleek curved shape makes it a truly high-performance kayak.

Above all, the most important features of the sea eagle fast track inflatable 2 person kayak is its safe and more stable design that makes it much more sophisticated than the previous models.

Specific Features of the Sea Eagle Fast Track Inflatable Kayak

Does Fast Track’s Build Hold Up?

It is made of a reinforced 1000 denier material which is resistant to UV rays and salty sea water. This makes it durable even if left outside for long periods of time. Additionally, this kayak has wide overlapping seams and 4 air chambers for extra safety.

How Is This Inflatable Tandem With Maneuverability and Stability?

The Sea Eagle Fast Track Inflatable 2 Person Kayak Pro Package can comfortably maneuver through ponds, lakes and ocean bay areas. Alternatively, this kayak is guaranteed to paddle safely in up to class 2 rating rivers. Rivers above this rating are dangerous to paddle with this kayak.

The exciting combination of the innovative keel, the rear skeg, and the high-pressure drop stitch floor provides good tracking. This kayak, therefore, paddles straight in almost all conditions due to the improved stability. It is safe to paddle in slow streams, bay areas and windy lakes.

Storage

Since this kayak has small deflated dimensions and weight of 31” x 19” x 8” and 32 pounds respectively, it is easy to store and carry around. Additionally, it is made from a strong fabric that cannot be damaged easily by weather conditions even if stored outside.

Specifically, the 1000 Denier Reinforced Fabric is resistant to UV light and acid rain.

Sea Eagle Fast Track Inflatable 2 Person Kayak’s High-Pressure Drop Stitch Floor

One of the sleekest features of the Sea Eagle Fast Track Inflatable 2 Person kayak is its drop stitch floor. This is a separate air chamber that can be inflated to very high pressure making it as rigid as a solid floor since it is designed using the drop stitching technique. One can stand on this floor and still be stable although it has seats for enhanced comfort of the riders.

It is easy to set up!

Setting up the Sea Eagle Fast Track Inflatable Tandem Kayak is so simple and can be done by anyone without experiencing problems. Using the designated foot pump, inflation takes approximately 7 minutes. Although the set-up is so simple, Sea Eagle has created a video showing how to do it correctly here:

The Fast Track NeedleKnife’ Keel

This is the feature that gives this kayak the name Fast Track. The presence of an inflatable keel at the bow keeps the kayak straight regardless of the prevailing conditions. The keel is streamlined making it easy for the kayak to cut through the water with enormous force thus preventing resistance. This helps the kayak to move at high speed even in stormy conditions.

The 1000 Denier Reinforced Fabric

To most people, this may not say a lot about this material. However, this means that the material making the kayak is so strong that running a Jeep over it or hitting it with a hammer would not harm it. This helps the Sea Eagle Fast Track Inflatable Tandem kayak resist all sorts of scratches that may result from paddling in shallow rivers or sharp objects present in water bodies.

Sea Eagle Fast Track Quick Decision PROS Vs. Cons

Pros

It is among the safest inflatable kayaks available in the market today.
It is durable since the 1000 denier reinforced fabric resists all sorts of damage.
It is very stable and rigid making it suitable even in stormy conditions.

Cons

It is fairly expensive but if you’re looking for durability, this is a great option.

Sea Eagle Fast Track Inflatable Kayak Conclusion

The Sea Eagle Fast Track Inflatable Kayak is a high-quality kayak. It is very stable, durable, and rigid. Although it is a little bit expensive than other kayaks, its quality surpasses the extra bucks it is worth.

Try it, and you will get value for your money. You can check out more details through Amazon.

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.