Perception Hi-Life Review
Bottom Line:
The Perception Hi-Life is one of the top rated sit on top kayaks of 2023 and is a really surprising purchase! At least, that’s what the experts we’ve compared say about this boat – it’s more stable and handles far smoother than it looks, and it really takes a beating. It’s also got tons of storage onboard.
This is a hybrid boat that you can use as a kayak or stand up paddleboard. Experts feel its only main drawbacks lie in its poor top speed and its low weight capacity – key points to consider before buying.
Price Comparison:
Specs:
| Brand | Perception |
| Size (length x width) | 11' x 34" |
| Weight | 55 lbs |
| Capacity | 280 lbs |
| Material | High Density Polyethylene |
Comparison to Similar Kayaks:
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| Perception Hi-Life | Ocean Kayak Malibu 9.5 | Eddyline Caribbean 14FS | Feelfree Nomad | Wilderness Systems Targa 100 | |
| Expert Rating | 7.8 | 8.2 | 7.9 | 7.6 | 7.5 |
| Size | 11' x 34" | 9'5" x 33" | 14' x 29" | 9'6 x 29.25" | 10' x 32" |
| Weight | 55 lbs | 54 lbs | 50 lbs | 46.2 lbs | 57 lbs |
| Handling | |||||
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| Comfort | |||||
| Onboard Storage | |||||
| Portability | |||||
| Durability | n/a | n/a |
Perception Hi-Life Review
- Extremely stable on various waters
- Easy to get on and off when swimming
- Tracks and turns well
- Nearly indestructible
- Nice and easy to move and store
- Won't win any races
- Not likely to cope well in class two waters
- Fairly low weight capacity
Performance of the Perception Hi-Life
The Perception Hi-Life scores exceptionally well in all categories. This is a tough, robust boat that’s reportedly ideal for recreational trips and will need barely any maintenance over time.
This boat is a hybrid, which means users can easily switch between kayaking to swimming and paddleboarding without much concern. It apparently tracks well on gentle, flat water, but reviewers express caution if you want to try using it in whitewater or rapid conditions. Take caution if paddling with tons of gear, however, as this boat seems to have a lower weight capacity than most. Reviewers have warned about this, but the general consensus is that it won’t impede your fun too much.
The kayak is impressively lightweight, and the biggest surprise to most experts is that it’s so stable for such a long vessel. That goes for paddling stood up as well as sitting down.
The high seat on this boat makes it fairly comfy for a couple of hours of kayaking. Experts also commented positively about the ample storage and ease of access to features such as an under-seat cooler and a rail for fishing gear.
The Hi-Life doesn’t seem to be a top pick for anyone looking for high performance or max speed, but that’s unlikely to bother many recreational paddlers. If you’re looking for a durable hybrid kayak that gives you versatility and tons of stability, give the Perception Hi-Life a try.
