Intex Challenger K1 Review
Bottom Line:
Experts agree that the Intex Challenger K1 is a great value inflatable kayak that, while unlikely to fare well on choppy waters or for advanced sea kayaking, will help beginners find their sea legs. It even comes as a complete package which includes a paddle, pump, carry bag, and a repair kit.
Price Comparison:
Specs:
Brand | Intex |
Size (length x width) | 9' x 30" |
Weight | 28 lbs |
Capacity | 220 lbs |
Material | Vinyl |
Comparison to Similar Kayaks:
Intex Challenger K1 | Advanced Elements Expedition Elite | Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2 | Sea Eagle RazorLite 393rl | Sea Eagle 380x Explorer | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Expert Rating | 6.9 | 8.3 | 8.1 | 7.9 | 7.9 |
Size | 9' x 30" | 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 |
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Comfort | |||||
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Durability |
Intex Challenger K1 Review
- Amazing portability - very light to carry around
- Nice and easy to paddle in straight lines and on calm water
- Reasonable storage and ease of access
- Thin material and build - won't fare well on rocky or choppy trips
- Isn't a very comfortable fit for paddlers over six feet tall
- Only has two air gauges - may be hazardous far away from land
Performance of the Intex Challenger K1
The Intex Challenger K1 kayak has apparently turned a few heads thanks to its incredibly low price. Most experts are happily surprised that this kayak, while a cheap build, actually performs reasonably well on calmer waters close to shore.
Experts agree that this one person inflatable kayak is perfect for gentle trips for short periods. It’s built from a reasonably thin material but is surprisingly buoyant and not necessarily easy to capsize. It offers a handful of storage options, including a front netting that’s highly secure.
Kayakers under six feet tall will likely find this a comfortable fit, according to reviewers. Legroom gets cramped if you’re any taller. However, experts concede that getting in and out of the Challenger K1 is refreshingly easy.
This inflatable kayak’s shining moment, according to reviews, is its portability. It will compress down into a small, portable bag (including accessories) and easily slide into a small space. One reviewer goes so far as to call it the most portable kayak on the market.
The downsides are clear by checking reviews – this kayak is likely to put paddlers at risk if far away from shore, as it only has two air valves. That means 50% of the inflatable kayak will sink if you spring a leak!
It’s also reportedly quite slow, but still steady, to move. That, according to kayakers, makes it a must-buy only if you’re a beginner or fully recreational kayaker and you’re not traveling anywhere with choppy waters or jagged rocks.
For the price of this cheap inflatable kayak, reviewers agree, you’ll likely be very impressed by what the Challenger K1 inflatable kayak can do!