Thank you so much for your reviews! I'm looking for a step up for another folding kayak that is a step up from my Oru Inlet and I really appreciate the honest and down-to-earth insights you're providing here. You're a great help in this process!
I own and use a wide range of paddlecraft and am fortunate to count the TRAK 2.0 as well as its predecessor, a TRAK Seeker ST-1600, among that collection. I consider my TRAK 2.0 my flagship. While the company may be plagued by production and customer support issues, I truly enjoy the kayaks. They perform very similarly to my Necky Elaho hardshell kayaks, but far easier to store and transport. As always, great video and honest content.
Wow you have both! Is the Seeker much different to the 2.0? I've only seen it on some TH-cam videos and they look similar but I am sure the technology has improved immensely. Also, I really appreciate your comments!
@Fishaholicboy the Seeker is a bit heavier and doesn't seem quite as agile, but is still an amazing kayak. My only complaint is that the frame breakdown length is slightly longer than the 2.0, and uses the golf bag style carry bag. I find this bag bulky and inconvenient and much prefer the 2.0 travel size and bag. The jacks of the 2.0 are also an improvement from the Seeker, but I am still fortunate to have them both. I noticed you tend to keep your deck pod at the stern. My experience has been that bow placement allows for much easier access when needed. Also, dependent upon your preferred method of capsize reentry, stern mounted objects interfere with cowboy reentry as well as stern deck ending position rolling. While I love deckbags with my inflatables and open cockpit kayaks, I maintain internal, clean packing/storage with my sea kayaks to increase performance in the surf and less hindered, more efficient recovery. Happy paddling!
It is a nice kayak, one I am very interested in, and your review is helpful to me, thanks. One thing I have not been able to determine is what exactly can you do with the travel bag once the kayak is set up and in the water. It looks like it has a rigid back and cannot be put into the kayak (nor strapped to the deck), which would mean leaving it at the launching site if you do not have a car with you. This represents a problem if I am say taking the bus to a national park and doing a 7 day expedition, if you cannot pack it up into the kayak (or if it just takes too much space). So can tell me if it can be packed up on the kayak or something? Oh and your speed test was most likely thrown off by the difference in paddles, Greenland paddles are not known for high speed or high power delivery vs that of of a performance Euroblade. They were designed for stealthy hunting and longer distance lower effort paddling. Your Trak did beat the pakayak when using similar paddles, and would hit 9kph+ with a good Euroblade.
Hi! Just thinking about your question about the bag.. I don't think you can roll it up and fit it into the kayak and take it with you. I will try it out and let you know how it goes! But if it doesn't I suppose it defeats the purpose of a convenient portable kayak. Have you tried reaching out to Trak and ask them this question? They may already have the answer you're looking for!
@@Fishaholicboy Ya i did several months ago without a response, although oddly it now says on the website for the carrier that it can be rolled up and put in the kayak, when it did not before. I was also considering just getting a soft nylon 120l duffle bag and using that, as they can pack up quite small. Thanks
Hello!!! Hope you’re well! From comments from other Trak owners, seems like my cleaning regime is an overkill 😂 but I like to make sure everything is cleaned thoroughly so I wanted to share my process.
Thanks! I realised that my cleaning process is quite thorough when speaking with other Trak owners and could be overkill 😂 how do you clean your kayaks?
@@Fishaholicboy For the most part, I just use a sponge with freshwater. I should be better at rinsing off after use in salt water, admittedly, but much of my paddling takes place in freshwater as well.
Must say I like the look of that Black one in the photos. This time that's all I will say because you know my thoughts about the Jigsaw puzzle lol Great video very interesting and honest.
@@Fishaholicboy Well that is good news, and I'm sure after a few more months you will be able to get it set up even quicker. (But not as quick as the !!!) lol
What a great review and comparison... I didn't think about the cleaning and salt water... We only have fresh water in our area... But we do clean when going from one body of water to the next because of invasive species... Great information.... Thanks Chad... Jim
Cleaning the kayak to prevent invasive species is new to me.. something I learnt today! Thanks for watching Jim! Happy to see you back on the kayak but please take it slow!
Nice review Chad! I hope to have time to make some TH-cam videos myself soon, been very busy. I was 5 weeks on Antartica and hope to have a video about kayaking there soon. And I now have 8 kayaks and will do a video comparing all of them. Busy, busy 🤣. The Trak 2.0 certainly looks to be an interesting kayak. A bit of Greenland style. I like! I use a sea sock in my sof's but made of canvas, I think that will be nicer to sit in.
Nice review with some good comments made about the pros and cons. That whole cleaning regime is horrifying though! That would definitely stop me from using it 😳🤣. I'll stick to my awkward but straightforward rotomoulded Venture Islay thanks 👍.
Thanks for watching! Yeah it's really dependent on the purpose of owning the Trak.. for people that don't have the storage, it's a great alternative. I might rent a kayak storage space and get hard shelled kayak soon.
Hi, I made a video of the Trak vs the Pakayak. Trak 2.0 vs Pakayak - BEST KAYAK for YOU th-cam.com/video/3bcZJLkHit8/w-d-xo.html It really depends on what you want in a kayak. Hope the video helps!
Quick Tip if u feel lil bit unstable, just remove the seat top rubber stuff completely. U dont need that for comfort! It gives u 1,5 cm lower center of mass which is recognizable and improves stability a lot.
I was able to test a Pakayak as well as the old version of the Trak and the owner set up the kayak in about 8-10 minutes while talking to me. He said that once you get to a point where you are setting it up without thinking about it then the assembly becomes a non-issue. Nothing about the assembly looks complicated honestly, it's all very straight forward and a matter of practise. I've said it before, the only problem that I see with the Trak is the fact that you could potentially be waiting months or even years before you actually get the kayak. Which is completely unacceptable in my opinion. As for Pakayak vs Trak I'd say the Trak is better in every way. Shame about the price and potential delivery issues.
Wow 8-10 minutes.. I better get practicing. Actually the setting up isn't an issue for me at all. I agree with your comments but I've seen some comments mentioning the shipping times has reduced immensely! If they can improve on delivery times, I am sure more people would be interested.
I worried about the same thing for years before purchasing. I have a friend currently awaiting resolution of a refund of payment due to a nearly 2 year wait and loss of patience. I decided to purchase used and have been satisfied. TRAK was contacted and both numbers have been associated with my name in their database as TRAK keeps owner records. I have been able to easily purchase additional accessories and restock of INOX lubricant. I'm ultimately happy with my purchase.
If u have water entering your boat that much I assume your large back sliding thingy, sry forgot name, is not completely closed to the coaming. It must 'click' and slide in completey. Try to figure out how to get this closed easily for this can sometimes be annoyingky hard 😅
Thanks for the tip! I’m getting better at closing the keder.. the one time the water entered was when I didn’t hear the click. I make sure I hear the click each time now!
This was definitely not the kayak for me. I received a faulty one and the company has been an absolute nightmare. Despite saying they would honor the warranty a year ago, they still have not. Consumer beware.
Great review - thanks for your insights and clear explanations of the pros and cons.
Hope it helped!
Thank you so much for your reviews! I'm looking for a step up for another folding kayak that is a step up from my Oru Inlet and I really appreciate the honest and down-to-earth insights you're providing here. You're a great help in this process!
Happy to hear this video helped with your decision process!
I own and use a wide range of paddlecraft and am fortunate to count the TRAK 2.0 as well as its predecessor, a TRAK Seeker ST-1600, among that collection. I consider my TRAK 2.0 my flagship. While the company may be plagued by production and customer support issues, I truly enjoy the kayaks. They perform very similarly to my Necky Elaho hardshell kayaks, but far easier to store and transport. As always, great video and honest content.
Wow you have both! Is the Seeker much different to the 2.0? I've only seen it on some TH-cam videos and they look similar but I am sure the technology has improved immensely. Also, I really appreciate your comments!
@Fishaholicboy the Seeker is a bit heavier and doesn't seem quite as agile, but is still an amazing kayak. My only complaint is that the frame breakdown length is slightly longer than the 2.0, and uses the golf bag style carry bag. I find this bag bulky and inconvenient and much prefer the 2.0 travel size and bag. The jacks of the 2.0 are also an improvement from the Seeker, but I am still fortunate to have them both. I noticed you tend to keep your deck pod at the stern. My experience has been that bow placement allows for much easier access when needed. Also, dependent upon your preferred method of capsize reentry, stern mounted objects interfere with cowboy reentry as well as stern deck ending position rolling. While I love deckbags with my inflatables and open cockpit kayaks, I maintain internal, clean packing/storage with my sea kayaks to increase performance in the surf and less hindered, more efficient recovery. Happy paddling!
@@gow_g_rod thanks for sharing! Ah you notice the deckpod.. I put it there as it blocked my camera at the front but I should put safety first!
It is a nice kayak, one I am very interested in, and your review is helpful to me, thanks.
One thing I have not been able to determine is what exactly can you do with the travel bag once the kayak is set up and in the water. It looks like it has a rigid back and cannot be put into the kayak (nor strapped to the deck), which would mean leaving it at the launching site if you do not have a car with you. This represents a problem if I am say taking the bus to a national park and doing a 7 day expedition, if you cannot pack it up into the kayak (or if it just takes too much space). So can tell me if it can be packed up on the kayak or something?
Oh and your speed test was most likely thrown off by the difference in paddles, Greenland paddles are not known for high speed or high power delivery vs that of of a performance Euroblade. They were designed for stealthy hunting and longer distance lower effort paddling. Your Trak did beat the pakayak when using similar paddles, and would hit 9kph+ with a good Euroblade.
Hi! Just thinking about your question about the bag.. I don't think you can roll it up and fit it into the kayak and take it with you. I will try it out and let you know how it goes! But if it doesn't I suppose it defeats the purpose of a convenient portable kayak. Have you tried reaching out to Trak and ask them this question? They may already have the answer you're looking for!
@@Fishaholicboy Ya i did several months ago without a response, although oddly it now says on the website for the carrier that it can be rolled up and put in the kayak, when it did not before. I was also considering just getting a soft nylon 120l duffle bag and using that, as they can pack up quite small. Thanks
@@neonsamurai1348 thanks a good idea to get another bag!
Excellent and fair review. Thanks for pointing out the steps in cleaning the kayak. Cheers!
Hello!!! Hope you’re well! From comments from other Trak owners, seems like my cleaning regime is an overkill 😂 but I like to make sure everything is cleaned thoroughly so I wanted to share my process.
Great and concise review! The notes on cleaning and drying are particularly useful as that's info one might not find elsewhere.
Thanks! I realised that my cleaning process is quite thorough when speaking with other Trak owners and could be overkill 😂 how do you clean your kayaks?
@@Fishaholicboy For the most part, I just use a sponge with freshwater. I should be better at rinsing off after use in salt water, admittedly, but much of my paddling takes place in freshwater as well.
I just received my TRAK after a 28 month wait-- similar to you. I cannot wait to try it out....
You must be so happy! I met someone on a beach today and he told me it took him 4 years to receive it. I hope you can get it out on the water soon!
Really liked the review. The cleaning does seem a big headache, but, as you say, it will prolong the kayak life.
Thank you! I think the cleaning steps I go through is a tad more than what other Trak owners do 😂
Must say I like the look of that Black one in the photos.
This time that's all I will say because you know my thoughts about the Jigsaw puzzle lol
Great video very interesting and honest.
I definitely know your thoughts lol. I am really enjoying the Trak and I'm getting quicker with the assembly!
@@Fishaholicboy Well that is good news, and I'm sure after a few more months you will be able to get it set up even quicker.
(But not as quick as the !!!) lol
What a great review and comparison... I didn't think about the cleaning and salt water... We only have fresh water in our area... But we do clean when going from one body of water to the next because of invasive species... Great information.... Thanks Chad... Jim
Cleaning the kayak to prevent invasive species is new to me.. something I learnt today! Thanks for watching Jim! Happy to see you back on the kayak but please take it slow!
👍💪 great job and makes me appreciate having a big back yard and a solid kayak Lol........
😂 I’m sure it did!
Nice review Chad! I hope to have time to make some TH-cam videos myself soon, been very busy. I was 5 weeks on Antartica and hope to have a video about kayaking there soon. And I now have 8 kayaks and will do a video comparing all of them. Busy, busy 🤣.
The Trak 2.0 certainly looks to be an interesting kayak. A bit of Greenland style. I like! I use a sea sock in my sof's but made of canvas, I think that will be nicer to sit in.
Hi Jonas!! Hope everything is well. I would LOVE to see the reviews of your 8 kayaks.. that would be amazing. Please do post your trip to Antarctica!
Nice review with some good comments made about the pros and cons. That whole cleaning regime is horrifying though! That would definitely stop me from using it 😳🤣. I'll stick to my awkward but straightforward rotomoulded Venture Islay thanks 👍.
Thanks for watching! Yeah it's really dependent on the purpose of owning the Trak.. for people that don't have the storage, it's a great alternative. I might rent a kayak storage space and get hard shelled kayak soon.
Btw, the cleaning regime is what I do.. not sure if other owners would go to that extent 😂😂
@@FishaholicboyNo we dont 😂
@@christianherzinger6653 then my cleaning process is definitely overkill haha
I own a pakayak and thinking about this as an upgrade. Would love to hear your thoughts on if you think it is worth the money to upgrade
Hi, I made a video of the Trak vs the Pakayak.
Trak 2.0 vs Pakayak - BEST KAYAK for YOU
th-cam.com/video/3bcZJLkHit8/w-d-xo.html
It really depends on what you want in a kayak. Hope the video helps!
Quick Tip if u feel lil bit unstable, just remove the seat top rubber stuff completely. U dont need that for comfort! It gives u 1,5 cm lower center of mass which is recognizable and improves stability a lot.
Good tip! I’m ok with the stability now
I was able to test a Pakayak as well as the old version of the Trak and the owner set up the kayak in about 8-10 minutes while talking to me. He said that once you get to a point where you are setting it up without thinking about it then the assembly becomes a non-issue.
Nothing about the assembly looks complicated honestly, it's all very straight forward and a matter of practise.
I've said it before, the only problem that I see with the Trak is the fact that you could potentially be waiting months or even years before you actually get the kayak. Which is completely unacceptable in my opinion.
As for Pakayak vs Trak I'd say the Trak is better in every way. Shame about the price and potential delivery issues.
Wow 8-10 minutes.. I better get practicing. Actually the setting up isn't an issue for me at all. I agree with your comments but I've seen some comments mentioning the shipping times has reduced immensely! If they can improve on delivery times, I am sure more people would be interested.
I worried about the same thing for years before purchasing. I have a friend currently awaiting resolution of a refund of payment due to a nearly 2 year wait and loss of patience. I decided to purchase used and have been satisfied. TRAK was contacted and both numbers have been associated with my name in their database as TRAK keeps owner records. I have been able to easily purchase additional accessories and restock of INOX lubricant. I'm ultimately happy with my purchase.
Very interesting design. I wouldn't mind trying one out just to see how it compares to a full size touring kayak.
Hello! Love your channel btw (and subscriber)! Been watching every video released. Would love to see a video of you in the Trak and doing rolling!
If u have water entering your boat that much I assume your large back sliding thingy, sry forgot name, is not completely closed to the coaming. It must 'click' and slide in completey. Try to figure out how to get this closed easily for this can sometimes be annoyingky hard 😅
Thanks for the tip! I’m getting better at closing the keder.. the one time the water entered was when I didn’t hear the click. I make sure I hear the click each time now!
I had a heart attack the moment I saw the fan. My hand on my chest and said with tears “poor guy had to go through all this “
😂😂 I don’t have to clean the kayak so thoroughly but I want to take care of it :) you can help me wash it next time!
@@Fishaholicboy yes pls. I will bring my family to help
This was definitely not the kayak for me. I received a faulty one and the company has been an absolute nightmare. Despite saying they would honor the warranty a year ago, they still have not. Consumer beware.
That’s a real shame!! Definitely not a good situation you are in.. I’m surprised it’s taking this long for you to get it sorted 😞
Respectfully your stroke mechanics are less than efficient. Get some coaching.
Thanks for the feedback. It’s something I’m working on. Got any tips to share?
Stop turning your head when you paddle, you look funny when u do that
HAHA! Thanks Stanley.. I turn my head to look at you 😂
@@Fishaholicboy stop looking at me when you paddle, makes your stroke less efficient.