Intex Explorer K2
Bottom Line:
Experts agree that the Intex Explorer K2 is a reasonable leisure craft for calmer waters, but simply won’t withstand rough weather or currents.
Both solo and duo kayakers can use this boat, and it arrives with enough accessories to get you started. However, its thin material and relatively poor tracking don’t rate highly with experienced paddlers.
This is one of the lightest tandem inflatables on the market, with its portability being a notable selling point.
Price Comparison:
Comparison to Similar Kayaks:
Intex Explorer K2 | Advanced Elements Expedition Elite | Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2 | Sea Eagle RazorLite 393rl | Sea Eagle 380x Explorer | |
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Expert Rating | 6.2 | 8.3 | 8.1 | 7.9 | 7.9 |
Size | 10'3" x 3' | 13' x 32" | 11'2" x 37" | 12'10" x 28" | 12'6" x 39" |
Weight | 36 lbs | 42 lbs | 31.5 lbs | 35 lbs | 40 lbs |
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Comfort | |||||
Onboard Storage | |||||
Portability | |||||
Durability |
Intex Explorer K2 Review
- Reasonably comfortable for solo travelers
- Extremely easy to pack down - nice and light
- Removable skeg helps boost tracking
- Great stability for an inflatable of its size
- Impressive weight capacity
- Very thin construction, will struggle if punctured
- Doesn't track well thanks to hull shape
- Draining is awkward to manage on the go
Performance of the Intex Explorer K2
While acceptable for very leisurely paddling in calm waters, experts agree that, despite its marketing, the Intex Explorer K2 is made from very thin material with no extra layers to support it. Experienced paddlers claim that it won’t last well if handled roughly, although it may stand up to gentle knocks here and there.
Reviewers, however, are full of praise for the kayak’s ease of packing and portability. This seems to be the best reason to invest in the K2 outside of its comparatively low price.
Inflation and deflation posed problems for reviewers. Experts claim that it’s far from rigid at full volume, and it’s too easy to over-inflate. What’s more, testing shows that deflation requires constant vigilance.
Experts are impressed with the five-chamber system despite it having three valves. They also note that the removable skeg adds quite a bit of tracking support, though handling isn’t the boat’s immediate strong point, thanks to its shape.
The boat scores well on stability, with most experts claiming tipping isn’t likely to be a concern.
There’s not much discussion regarding onboard storage despite the fact that – variously – experts find the boat a little cramped. That said, the K2’s received high praise for its “complete” kit, while receiving the “beginners only” accolade from most experts.
Finally, reviewers praise the look of the boat for its high visibility – it’s a super-bright yellow (and never hard to miss!).