Aquaglide Chinook 120 Review

Bottom Line:

The Aquaglide Chinook 120 scores big points from reviewers as a stable, comfortable leisure boat that tracks impressively for an inflatable kayak. It’s got reasonable storage and space onboard, and offers confident support and durability.

It loses marks, however, when it comes to its lack of accessories and its awkward bag. It can also be slightly uncomfortable riding solo as opposed to tandem paddling. But as a picnicking boat for two, it’s a great mid-range choice.

7.2

EXPERT RATING

based on 2 reviews

Performance Ratings:

  • Handling
  • Stability
  • Comfort
  • Onboard Storage
  • Portability
  • Durability

Specs:

BrandAquaglide
Size (length x width)12' x 37"
Weight28 lbs
Capacity550 lbs
MaterialPVC and 600 denier polyester
WarrantyOne year

Comparison to Similar Kayaks:

Aquaglide Chinook 120 Advanced Elements Expedition Elite Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2 Sea Eagle RazorLite 393rl Sea Eagle 380x Explorer
Expert Rating
7.2
8.3
8.1
7.9
7.9
Size12' x 37"13' x 32"11'2" x 37"12'10" x 28"12'6" x 39"
Weight28 lbs42 lbs31.5 lbs35 lbs40 lbs
Handling7.58.88.38.67.8
Stability7.39.08.56.98.7
Comfort7.87.97.57.57.3
Onboard Storage7.57.87.78.76.9
Portability5.88.38.88.58.0
Durability7.38.37.57.58.8

Aquaglide Chinook 120 Review

Reasons to Buy:
  • Tracks reasonably well
  • Made from tough, durable materials
  • Lots of room for two people
  • Seats are highly versatile
  • Pretty stable on calm waters
Reasons Not to Buy:
  • Doesn't fare well in high winds
  • Not really built for solo paddlers
  • Storage bag could be better made

Performance of the Aquaglide Chinook 120

The Aquaglide Chinook is a 2-person inflatable kayak. Experts agree that the Aquaglide Chinook is a great example of a mid-range inflatable kayak. It surpasses most expectations when it comes to stability and tracking, but doesn’t quite reach the speeds of many of its rivals.

Reviewers, however, do also agree that this is an extremely comfortable boat. Its seats and footrest setup make it highly supportive, and ideal for a slow ride on still lakes and rivers.  Besides, it features four PVC rod holder sleeves in case you want to try your hand at kayak fishing. That said, some experts feel it could withstand Class II waters.

Where the boat falls down, according to reviews, is the fact that the chamber setup could cause an awkward paddle to shore should the boat spring a leak. On top of this, it only comes with a bag and repair kit. There aren’t any pumps or paddles supplied, which would have been welcomed as part of the price.

The storage bag seems to appeal to some users, but not to others. It’s agreed that there’s not that much room in the pack provided – and some experts feel the duffel cord is far from useful.

Despite all of this, the consensus appears to be that the Chinook inflatable kayak is a durable, sturdy boat that won’t take you anywhere fast, but it’ll keep you floating peacefully on calmer currents.

Expert Reviews of the Aquaglide Chinook 120

7.7PumpupBoatsAquaglide's Chinook is surprisingly stable and versatile for an inflatable kayak. I think it's a step above beginner 'yaks and found it to be pretty comfortable for two people up to Grade II waters. It doesn't come with accessories (such as kayak paddles or pumps), but it's a mid-tier choice all the same.Read more
6.5Gear LabI think this is a reasonably comfortable kayak that should serve well as a leisure boat. It's certainly not speedy, but it's nice and wide, and stable enough for friends to lounge and picnic on if you want to take to the water. It's not so good as a solo boat.Read more

Handling of the Aquaglide Chinook 120

Expert Rating: 7.5

8.0PumpupBoatsThis Chinook really feels nice and easy to move on the water - it tracks straight enough thanks to its drag strips and the removable fin. I also think it's better shaped for tracking than most inflatable kayaks. That said, don't expect this yak to break any speed records.Read more
7.0Gear LabThe Chinook doesn't perform as the fastest or most accurate kayak on the market, as it paddles pretty leisurely. It doesn't have the right nose to cut through water cleanly, but it's nice and pleasant to ride on leisure trips on calm currents. It tracks reasonably well providing you're not paddling in bad weather.Read more

Stability of the Aquaglide Chinook 120

Expert Rating: 7.3

8.0PumpupBoatsWhat can I say? For an tandem inflatable kayak, the Chinook is amazingly stable on a variety of waters - aggressive or otherwise. However, I'd recommend you avoid taking it above Class II - there are no self-bailing scuppers, so this is something to keep in mind.Read more
6.5Gear LabThis is a reasonably steady boat, but it does suffer a little in higher winds. I like the addition of foot bracing for extra stability, but there's nothing onboard to brace my knees. Providing you're on calm waters, it'll withstand journeys just fine.Read more

Comfort of the Aquaglide Chinook 120

Expert Rating: 7.8

8.5PumpupBoatsThe Chinook is seriously comfortable over time. You're sat pretty high on the boat, and there's a nice, high backrest. It's really easy to position the kayak seats wherever you like thanks to the velcro straps, too. I like the addition of a footrest in this boat.Read more
7.0Gear LabI think this boat does fine on the comfort front - it's got genuine seat cushions and the backrests are easy enough to adjust. It's a very wide boat to say the least, which means paddling isn't as comfortable as it could be. It tends to feel a little awkward when paddling solo.Read more

Onboard Storage of the Aquaglide Chinook 120

Expert Rating: 7.5

7.5PumpupBoatsThere's plenty of room in this boat even with two people onboard, and there's handy fishing rod holders and mesh pockets on the seats. I managed to fit quite a bit of gear onboard.Read more

Portability of the Aquaglide Chinook 120

Expert Rating: 5.8

7.0PumpupBoatsThe bag provided with the tandem kayak fits the boat nice and snugly, but you'll need to use a bit of creativity to get the footrest and seats in the same enclosure. That said, it packs easy enough to carry around on your back when you manage it.Read more
4.5Gear LabThis is a pretty heavy kayak for an inflatable model (even for tandems), though it's easy enough to carry via handles. You can close it up in its duffel bag, but it's pretty poorly designed - I had to keep tying knots in it to keep it closed!Read more

Durability of the Aquaglide Chinook 120

Expert Rating: 7.3

7.0PumpupBoatsThis is a hard-wearing boat built with PVC internal bladders and 600 denier polyester. It barely takes a scratch and I seriously think you can take a dog on this boat with no damage. The drag strips on the bottom of the boat are also great for protecting the kayak when running into ground.Read more
7.5Gear LabThe 600 denier fabric and tough bottom make this a pretty confident ride. That said, it's at a bit of a disadvantage if you spring a leak during a trip, as you'd have to paddle half a boat back to shore (thanks to how the chambers are set up).Read more