Intex Challenger K2 Review
Bottom Line:
Experts agree that the Intex Challenger K2 inflatable is great for relaxing on the water in, but not so much for bigger adventures. Its major benefits include ease of access storage, quick inflation, and reasonable ease of portability.
However, you get what you pay for in the ‘budget’ build of this inflatable kayak – the vinyl is very thin so caution is advised. You need to be gentle with the Intex Challenger K2; if you treat it right you likely won’t have any problems, but be aware that the thin material might not stand up too well to punctures if you’re paddling in rough or rocky areas. On the plus side, however, reviews show this tandem boat handles reasonably, provided you don’t paddle it too fast!
Price Comparison:
Specs:
Brand | Intex |
Size (length x width) | 11'6" x 2'6" |
Weight | 39 lbs |
Capacity | 400 lbs |
Material | 30-gauge vinyl |
Comparison to Similar Kayaks:
Intex Challenger K2 | Advanced Elements Expedition Elite | Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2 | Sea Eagle RazorLite 393rl | Sea Eagle 380x Explorer | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Expert Rating | 5.8 | 8.3 | 8.1 | 7.9 | 7.9 |
Size | 11'6" x 2'6" | 13' x 32" | 11'2" x 37" | 12'10" x 28" | 12'6" x 39" |
Weight | 39 lbs | 42 lbs | 31.5 lbs | 35 lbs | 40 lbs |
Handling | |||||
Stability | |||||
Comfort | |||||
Onboard Storage | |||||
Portability | |||||
Durability |
Intex Challenger K2 Review
- Reasonably comfortable for short periods
- Pretty durable in calm weather
- Inflatable seats are versatile and easy to secure
- Good tracking for an inflatable
- Bag provided fits a lot of kit inside
- Not very durable
- Will wobble once up to speed
- Will take on water
Performance of the Intex Challenger K2
The Intex Challenger K2 inflatable kayak performs well, according to experts, if you are looking for a simple float to take out on the water. It’s one of the cheapest inflatable tandem kayaks on the market, and in some respects, reviewers believe it’s good value.
For example, experts believe the comfort and security are worth the money, and it’s a very stable boat by all accounts – providing it’s on calm water. The boat is also easy to set up according to reviews, though it’s best to do so with two people.
The boat turns reasonably well according to kayakers – though it can get a bit tricky for rear paddlers at times.
The downsides of the Intex Challenger K2 tandem inflatable kayak really seem to revolve around durability. The boat’s built from 30-gauge PVC, which, while waterproof, doesn’t give much confidence against the elements. It’s also built in such a way that, apparently, it will take on and retain water.
Experts suggest that you should ideally take this inflatable boat out on calm days only. The bag and portability divide opinion, with some reviewers suggesting you invest in a separate bag to better distribute weight.
The general consensus here appears to be – there are other inflatable kayaks that will do a better job, but for a glorified pool float, it can provide lots of fun for recreational paddlers.