$300 vs $1600 Kayak - What's the Big Difference?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025
- Choosing the right kayak can be one of the mosts challenging decisions. In this video, I compare two sit-on-top recreational kayaks that are at both extremes of the price range. The $300 kayak is about as cheap as they come. The $1600 kayak is one of the more expensive ones. The question is, what exactly are the big differences between the two, and is it worth it?
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Would be great to see a similar video for middle of the range sit inside kayaks for recreational use.
Coming soon!
We need to see a video of an on the water review of the €300 kayak! Love the videos
Good point! I think I'll do that...
Hey Ken: Good contrast! But the more they cost, the heavier they tend to be. For buyers who need to rooftop transport their chosen sit-on-top each trip like me, I think that weight is a more limiting factor than budget.
That changes a little bit. Sometimes the more they cost, brings about tech in the layup. For instance a 5000 dollar, 17 foot long surfski sit on top kayak becomes fiber glass and starts weighing 50 lbs. At 8000 dollars it becomes 30lbs and is made of carbon fiber.
Good point. Most sit-on-tops do get heavier as they get more expensive. If weight is a big factor, I think sit-inside kayaks are a better option. They tend to be significantly lighter. There are also some sit-inside kayaks made of lighter materials, which make a really big difference. So many options... :)
Thank you for making this video!!!
You're welcome!
Thanks, Ken. I'm looking forward to more of your reviews. 👍🙂
More to come!
I started kayaking with a used Sevylor Colorado inflatable and then upgraded to an Advanced Elements AirVolution inflatable. At the same heart rate, I went 55% faster with the AirVolution. Neither came with foot pegs but I rigged them up. Both are comfortable. Tracking on the Sevylor was terrible until I added a skeg. The AirVolution has an effective skeg. So if a person is willing and able to add things, a cheap kayak can be improved. They can’t turn a $300 kayak into a $1600 kayak.
Good point! I actually just finished doing a full gear review on the Advanced Elements AirVolution kayak. I'll be releasing that in the next couple of weeks. I tested a few different inflatables, which was really fun to do for comparison. Coming soon...
$1300! What do I win?
You win a free KBF T-shirt. I know this guy...
have done months of research and found Boost 100 to be the best platform designed for a kayak ever. It's probably the most stable as well. Does not have many bumps and curves so much easier to mod. Trust me I bought this guy for 300 new (2023) and spend $100 Amazon you can turn it into a much better kayak than those $1600. My opinion but give the boost a try you'll see the difference.
Don't forget sit on top surfski kayaks from Epic and Think for people into fitness, fun and waves!
Surfskis are such a different breed though. Calling them to sit on tops just seems wrong. For instance, sit on tops typically have the floor above waterline, so that any water that enters can drain out, even when stationary. Surfskis on the other hand you sit in a deep well, as deep as good paddling posture allows. To drain them you require speed, and lots of it, some even flood if you stop, or just paddle too slow. In other words, you sit IN a surfski, but ON a sit on top.
So I have a dilemma. I'm tired of renting kayaks. It's like 40 to 50 dollars each for me and my girl to go out. So my issue is I found one I like for 995 plus tax. It's got paddle drive capability as well as motor mount if I were want it later. Great seat and all the bells and whistles. But I'll have to save for a bit. Or I can just get a 400 dollar one and enjoy it while I save up more. One is the sensible choice and the other is what I want lol. Not sure what to do. :( any advice ?
Yikes. That's a tough decision for sure. There's no doubt that the $995 kayak will be much nicer and more comfortable... but any kayak is better than no kayak, if it means you can't get on the water. The good news is that there's a great market for 2nd hand kayaks, and so if you buy the $400 kayak, you'll likely be able to sell it when you're ready for the next level. That being said... I'm just about to release a video that compares a $300 kayak with a $570 kayak, and the bottom line is that you get a LOT more kayak for $570. Maybe there's something in between $400 and $995 that you can get instead?
I'll take the $300 one. I wouldn't pay 16 for a kayak without pedals...
It is hard to justify $1600, unless you really want all those features. I think the best value kayaks are probably between $600 - $1000, where you get a quality kayak that will perform well, last a long time, and be comfortable.
All of those are very cheap by comparison with a good Sea Kayak. A good new basic composite Sea Kayak is going to cost you €3500 at least. I'm thinking thats about $4200 +
Very true. You can even spend a lot more! Although I haven't tried it yet, there's a kayak that costs $11K (Apex Watercraft). I'm looking forward to reviewing that one.
If you are not using the boost 100 then please parcel it to me 😅
Ha! Trust me... if I don't end up using it, it will go to a good home!
I will wait 😌
Whoever is doing your recording, tell them to quit panning up to Ken! We like him, yes, but the video is about the boats! We can barely see the features he's pointing out!
Ha! You're right, and we've already planned to do these videos differently in the future for that very reason.
if you start out cheap and then decide you like it......you will start spending money in a hurry.
That's certainly true! One good thing, is that there's a great second hand market for kayaks, and so you can recoup a lot of your costs as you upgrade.