Review of the Aquaglide Chelan 120 HB single person inflatable kayak at caves, Berry Head, Brixham
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ต.ค. 2024
- #aquaglide #brixham #caveexplore
I was kindly loaned this amazing inflatable boat by AS Watersports of Exeter.
It’s such a cool kayak and has so many features, I’d recommend watching before spending out around £1000 on a new boat.
If you’d like to see the current price and availability of this model and any other stock AS Watersports have in their shop, follow the link below.
www.aswaterspo...
More info on the kayak.
The Chelan 120 HB keeps the same superior hull speed, tracking capabilities and design elements that make this an expedition-grade boat that will last for many years. The Chelan HB Series is one of the best selling touring designs on the market. With a long waterline, flat rocker, and fine, piercing bow, this kayak will provide you with great tracking ability and outstanding glide to cover long distances on your adventures with ease. Chelan HB boats combine our tough Duratex™ tube construction with the supremely rigid Hard-Bottom floor for an expedition-grade boat that will last for many years. This combination of materials in the Chelan’s construction creates a stiff and responsive inflatable that performs just as well as a traditional hard shell kayak. The innovative Splash-Guards positioned fore and aft of the cockpit help keep paddlers dry, and the ample accessory straps grace the bow and stern providing easy stowage for dry bags or other gear. Sturdy molded handles are positioned around the boat for convenient boarding and transport.
For added comfort the PRO-formance seats provide an array of thoughtful features including adjustable air cushion, high backrest, plentiful mesh storage pockets, integrated fishing-rod holders, and fore and aft seat straps so that you can enjoy your time on the water to its fullest. High-performance fin system includes stiff, durable, posi-track fin with philips head screw and plate. Comes with a convenient backpack travel bag.
I have watched a few of your videos today as I am trying to decide which kayak to purchase next. Your reviews seem very fair and honest - but mostly I want to say 'thank you' for the first 24 seconds of this particular video. I have been feeling very depressed and haven't kayaked for a couple of weeks. Your words made me muster up the energy to get up off the sofa and take my kayak over to Poole Harbour. I feel better for it!
Now back to the videos.
I’m so pleased. I’ve never kayaked Poole harbour and I have a new kayak to test (the Chelan 140), up for being my second paddler?
@@TheOptimisticAdventurer I would love to, but I have a very slow Itiwit at the moment so would probably hold you up! Certainly happy to meet up if that doesn't put you off. Or if you prefer, I can just tell you about some good spots.
Have you ever been to Lulworth / Durdle Door? Some stunning scenery and a few caves and arches around there. Old Harry Rocks, near Poole Harbour, is also well worth a trip.
It’s a two person kayak. Be lovely to have a local guide in the boat.
@@TheOptimisticAdventurer okay, in that case I'm definitely up for it, thank you. Just let me know when are good times/dates for you and we'll arrange something.
@@beckystares2262 thanks for getting in touch via email. I break up for summer hols soon. We’ll organise a paddle then.
Great review Dom. Just love your enthusiasm!
great footage, bonus seals as well.
The seals are great for sure, always pleased when they show up. Thanks for the comment. If you’re looking at buying an inflatable kayak I have a new video going live later this evening of a very good contender for the top spot.
We're glad that you love the Chelan and had a beautiful day out (epic seal sighting and caves)! Thanks for sharing the stoke!
Doing Loch Lomond soon. Love these boats, you’ve nailed it.
I just ordered mine today...
@aquaglide got any paddleboards I can review? Devon, UK.
you won’t be disappointed Rob, fab bit of kit.
We got two!
Great vid
great review and great to see joy and smiles!
Thanks Vesta, it genuinely makes me happy being on the water.
Fantastic review bud, nicely explained most important things.👌👌
Getting a 120 now on the basis of this. Keep up the good work.
You won’t regret it. Thank you for commenting, what area are you in the world?
@@TheOptimisticAdventurer near Cotehele on the Tamar. Have a camper and a caravan down at St Minver in Cornwall so wanted something more portable I can smuggle away without wife moaning 😂😂
Since you've probably paddled the 120 and 140 solo a bunch of times by know.
Could you maybe give me some insights?
1. Are they comparable speedwise? Is the 140 as "Nippy" (like you'd put it:) as the 120? Or 140 even faster because of the waterline?
2. Do you lose a lot of the maneuverability in the 140 vs the 120 as a solo paddler? (For example; would you still be able to paddle class I-II and catch an eddy or two in the 140?)
3. Is there a huge difference in the fully packed bag+bag size+ease of re-packaging between the 140 and 120?
(Info: I am 180cm, 75kg who usually brings a maximum of 20kg gear, will use it 90% solo.
I wanna buy the Chelan but the closest seller is in the UK (I'm in Sweden) I've been stuck for weeks between the 140 or 120. Just deep diving reviews...
Can't decide.. the pro and con list ends in a tie every time..😂
Or would it be better with a 120 and just divide the gear front and back on the floor for a lower center of gravity.. maybe even using a drybag in the front as footrest..
I don't have a car, but I live where I can travel to waters by train, bus, bike very easily.)
Hi, great questions.
Manoeuvre wise, the 120 is far superior. At your weight, even with your kits you are still under my body weight. My option would be to pack clever front and back.
The 140 is still a huge bag and is very awkward to carry far. (I have a review of the Cirrus going live in a month, I’m so far behind on my editing!)
The 120 super easy to pack down and carry.
I would happily take the 120 down class 1 and maybe some class 2 that was sure had enough water to keep me off the rocks.
I’m 6ft 3 and so the 140 paddles fine with me solo BUT is effected by the winds much more than the 120.
My best advice on what you have stated is go for the 120, if I was mostly solo and I could have one boat, the 120 would be it. They surf really well too! Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate you having a look at my content. Good luck .
@aquaglide @ASWatersports can we get this guy a boat to Sweden?
@@TheOptimisticAdventurer thank you so much for your answer, you're a Godsend!
figured about the maneuverability.. just seems with that much rocker the 120 has a waterline of like 10ft.. But I do have a hardshell for my longest trips so this one I'd likely need less storage and speed. But it's easy to want the bigger and more versatile boat when it's only €50 extra:)
At 15kg the 140 still seem very light for that much boat... Taking the front seat (like you in the caves with your friend) you could carry weeks of gear behind you strapped to the floor.
Cirrus" I'm looking forward to! Get to editing!. Sadly it's super pricey here. €1800.
Oh that's interesting about the wind.. I would've thought it's less affected by winds due to its length volume and your position in it:0
This is why first hand info is so vital🙏🏽
Anyways thanks again' I think your answer will be great for others in my position as well. It's not a purchase you want to do twice:)
I'll likely go for the 120..
All the best to you!
I'm 18 minutes into this. When does the review begin?
I’ll save you any more time Brian. It’s an outstanding boat, my favourite 1 man inflatable I’ve tried. I went for the 140 as my personal kayak but this one is way nippier and fun in a bit of swell. Thanks for stopping by and I’ll take this as valuable feedback when I review my next inflatable (next week). Cheers. 🍻
Great video as always! :) Got my first inflatable kayak from A/S Watersports 20 years ago and was still going strong until recently. Sadly, some bumhole thought they'd steal it, so I'm looking for a new kayak and the Chelan seems to be the best out there. Been trying a Story 1 kayak for a few months but its high sides mean it gets blown about by any breeze over 5mph and the high sides also make it really hard to get back into from the water. As it's pretty unstable in the sea I need to get one like my original kayak, which was similar to a Chelan. Super stable, lots of fun in the waves and tough build quality.
I know you do the amazing stand up tests in most kayaks, so I'm guessing the Chelan 120 is pretty stable when you're not paddling too. If you fell out, in deep water, do you think it's easy to get back into? And if you just wanted to bob about, with your legs dangling over the side, do you think it's stable enough for that? Would it be good enough for surfing on the waves (1 - 4ft) at the beach too?
Have you ever tested the AquaMarina Steam kayaks? Was considering one of those as they seem pretty good, for what I need from a kayak, but not as pricey as the Chelan. Sorry for all the questions - keep up the great videos! :)
The Chelan 140 (the model i own) surfs really well, took it to Croyde recently. The 120 is very stable, i often rest my knees by hanging my legs over the side. I would have no problems getting back into the boat in deep water and i think if you’re reasonable able you shouldn’t either. I will do a video on this and also add that to subsequent videos, thanks for the idea. The Chelan 120 was brilliant, fast, responsive and stable (moving and whilst drifting) and i really want one, the reason i went for the 140 is because i wanted to option of going tandem and loading up with kit.
Gutted you had yours taken, if you’re in the Exeter area and fancy a sea trial of mine you’re more than welcome. just ping me a message on instagram @the_optimisticAdventurer
Great review, was a fab day, thx for letting me tag along as safety boat lady! 😂
New kayak to test now! Need more caves.
I brought the chelan 155 for Christmas and with 2 people in it I was shocked how quick it is it just glides
It’s so well designed isn’t it. Have you gone for any extras? I’m considering the phone holder for the little panel.
@@TheOptimisticAdventurer I’m thinking of getting the scotty fishing rod holder as i fish a lot of rivers and having this kayak I have found some amazing spots to fish that you could never get to by walking
@@challyho2u244 awesome. Tight lines!
Loved your review. Love this kayak but having trouble with the trim. I'm 6'3" and 255 lbs with 34" inseam. Is the 120 big enough for you? Where did you put the seat? Thank you.
hi, it is big enough for me, but, i went for the 140 in the end. I’ve used it in both two person and one person set up multiple times now, it’s great.
On this trip i put the seat quite far back, it worked well. We are a similar size, i got on with this boat well but knew i’d want space for kit and such. Maybe your dealership will do you a trade up to the 140?
Another good review, although I'm cursing you as I'm now considering spending more due to the ease of paddling. How did you find the seats? Was there much high support?
I love this boat! I actually went for the 140 as I sometimes paddle with my wife and friends but it’s also a very good solo boat. I can’t find any negatives with this boat, absolutely amazing. Seat is fabulous. This model is being discontinued sadly, Aquaglide have sold their boat section to Bote and nobody knows how that’s going to look for spares and such. That said I’ve had my Chelan 140 for 18 months and have not needed any spares.
@TheOptimisticAdventurer Great, thank you. I have Robin Hood Watersports close to me. I think I'll go and have a look! I am very much of the same opinion; cruise, views, enjoy, and the idea of less effort is appealing. Is the 140 basically the s.aller version of the 155 with the same construction and features, etc? What made you choose the 140 over the 155?
Yes, same but slightly smaller. My choice was governed by the fact that I’d be paddling solo quite often. If I had the money I’d have 1 of each of the Chelan models.
it will be interesting what you think cos its the worst 900 quid ive spent in my life I know its the one below the chelan but its convertible which I wanted now im stuck with it lol
Looking forward to having a go. You can test the Chelan 120 and 140 if you wish.
Looked like a great trip, i have the 155 and werner 240 camino touring paddles,(not great to paddle when on my own) I've just ordered the 120 having watched this (looks great fun) , please could you tell me what paddles would you recommend for the 120 ? ( between the sort of £200 to £400 )or there abouts , thanks
The nicest i’ve used is the www.aswatersports.co.uk/shop/paddles/kayak/recreational/tnp-wolferine-carbon-2pc.html Hope you enjoy your new boat, what area you paddling?
@@TheOptimisticAdventurer that was quick ! I live near the lake district, so plenty of padding places, beautiful scenery too, they are 220 long aren't they?
@@mickhill7067 220 and 225, can’t remember what I used but the guys will know what’s best for the boat. I’m looking forward to getting up your way in the summer hols, might take a Cirrus on a long hike and see what I find to paddle. Stay in touch Mick, be good to have a paddle one day.
Thanks for that , the cirrus looks good , very very light , just right for a hike and paddle 👍
I carried the cirrus 150 12km this weekend, the filming was an epic failure but I had a great time in tricky conditions. Stay safe buddy.
I have the Chinook 100. In the market to buy decent paddles for my girlfriend and I. Any suggestions on paddles for beginners? Thanks you.
i love the Wolverine Carbon but i’ve just got a Palm Drift two piece, it’s absolutely fine.
You have tried all 3 Chelans now ? If you could only have one which would it be ?
155. I actually own the 140 now but i wish i’d gone for the 155 for the extra space. Both tuhe 140 and the 155 paddle fine as a one man but the 155 is a more functional two
man.
Can I ask how you found the footrests on the 120
there the same in all the Chelan models. i only tend to use them on longer paddles. what i would like when i own this model is the thigh straps. foot straps work, i just don’t use them all the time.
hi dom its stuart ive got the aqua glide Navarro 145 I paid a lot of money for and I don't like it it paddles like a pig lol wish id never bought it have a good day out mate
Can I borrow it for a review? Cheeky but if you don’t ask you don’t get?
yes mate when I get back from holiday of course you can I will give you a shout in a couple of weeks
I'm watching with great enthusiasm, although my self and partner have decided on the chelan 155, it would appear with a little help of Google that there are some decent discounts to be had 👍, once again great video and well explained... "Are you sure your not part of aquaglides sales team 🤣😂
Definitely independent! I have the 140 now but have access to a 120 too. Taking both out tomorrow so stay tuned for another video, we are off looking for the dolphins.
Have you seen my review of the 155? Review of Aquaglide Chelan 155 inflatable kayak.
th-cam.com/video/e4po6PRu8h0/w-d-xo.html
Indeed we have seen your chelan 155 video complete with swans , it's what has stopped us from buying the sevlor or the itiwit, its all your fault lol 😂
@@owenjones7620 ha ha! I’ll take that! I loved the sevylor colorado until I sat in these. I’m a convert for sure. Where you based? Be great to have a bunch of Chelans for a mass paddle one day.
Sounds good to me, but only if we get to be you tube stars ✨ for a day, we are north near Manchester, 😊