Aquaglide Chelan 120
Bottom Line:
Experts agree that the Aquaglide Chelan 120 performs impressively well as an inflatable kayak, being easy to move and keep on the straight compared to its contemporaries. It’s also one of the comfier models out there.
Kayakers will likely find this boat fares well in some choppy waters, though the general consensus is this; do so at your own risk! It’s incredibly stable and arrives with high-quality fittings and features, and while it can take some damage – keeping to calmer waters is advised.
Price Comparison:
Specs:
Brand | Aquaglide |
Size (length x width) | 11'3" x 32.5" |
Weight | 28 lbs |
Capacity | 300 lbs |
Material | PVC / Duratex / Dropstitch |
Comparison to Similar Kayaks:
Aquaglide Chelan 120 | Advanced Elements Expedition Elite | Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2 | Sea Eagle RazorLite 393rl | Sea Eagle 380x Explorer | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Expert Rating | 7.7 | 8.3 | 8.1 | 7.9 | 7.9 |
Size | 11'3" x 32.5" | 13' x 32" | 11'2" x 37" | 12'10" x 28" | 12'6" x 39" |
Weight | 28 lbs | 42 lbs | 31.5 lbs | 35 lbs | 40 lbs |
Handling | |||||
Stability | |||||
Comfort | |||||
Onboard Storage | |||||
Portability | |||||
Durability |
Aquaglide Chelan 120 Review
- Super-stable riding
- Top-quality manufacture
- Very comfortable over long periods
- Easy to pack down again and carry
- Turns on a dime
- Could benefit from more storage
- The self-bailing scuppers aren't the best
Performance of the Aquaglide Chelan 120
Reviewers agree here that the Chelan is an impressive boat that looks inflatable but almost mimics a touring kayak. It’s stable on most waters, though experts recommend you try and keep it on calmer trips. It’s not likely to keep you seated in high winds, for example.
The build quality of this boat receives generally high marks, though there’s some discussion over how well the self-bailing scuppers work in practice. There’s also a little disagreement over storage. The bungees on the bow and stern may work for some riders, but the pockets aren’t the best around, at least according to some reviewers.
The Chelan scores highly on comfort, particularly as it reduces fatigue over long periods while still keeping you relatively high up on the water. Providing you’ve got an electric pump, too, most kayakers should find it easy enough to get this boat up and moving fairly swiftly.
It’s likely to take some damage, according to reviewers, but again – caution is advised. At the very least, it seems to be one of the easiest boats to pack away and take with you.