Intex Challenger K1 Kayak
Summary
Price At Time Of Writing | £117.00
Our Overall Rating | 65 out of 100
Pros - Handles ok, easy to dry, price
Cons - Small cockpit, slow, poor tracking, thin materials
Overall - Feels more like a pool toy than a kayak
Technical Specifications
Open Size - 274x76cm
Weight - 13kg
Load Capacity - 100kg
Packed Size - 59x41x22cm
Our Analysis & Ratings
The cheapest among the kayaks we tested, this comes off feeling more like a pool toy than a kayak. The Challenger K1 has a few disadvantages: a narrow cockpit, thin materials that make it susceptible to puncture, and its inability to constantly move in a fast and straight line chief among them.
Our takeaway is that you can invest in a better quality kayak then we really recommend you do - but if your budget is limited, this is still a good pick around this price range.
Performance (speed, tracking, manoeuvrability, stability, load handling): 3/10
Speed: It doesn't go that fast and isn't that suitable for rough conditions.
Tracking: This moves around a lot when trying to paddle in a straight line, and it's hard to keep it going straight.
Manoeuvrability: One bonus, though, is that it’s easy to manoeuvre around corners.
Stability: One reason why this kayak is so good for beginners is that, despite not being great for rough conditions, on calm water, it has some really good stability due to its width. It makes it a good kayak for beginners and kids alike.
Construction (materials, seams, valve quality, durability and fittings): 2/10
Made from vinyl, this is a flimsy construction that we have concerns would puncture if snagged or rubbed up against rocks.
Setup/Pack Down (inflation time, valves, folding and drying): 5/10
Fairly easy to inflate. The pump it comes with is difficult to work with, so it's best to bring your own pump, and we are not a fan of the valves on the kayak.
Like the Excursion Pro, it's easy to dry and that is a big plus in our book.
Portability (weight, packed size, ease of carrying): 3/10
Quite lightweight and compact at 13kg, easy to get in and out of the car boot. We mark down its portability significantly though, as the thin materials that make it lightweight and compact significantly reduce the kayak quality and increase the risk of puncture.
Comfort (seat support, legroom, fatigue over distance): 2/10
We are not a big fan of the inflatable seats, in all inflatable kayaks that have them in general, as they are a bit uncomfortable and make it hard to create a good surface to paddle against.
Our big issue is the size of the cockpit though, as it is a real squeeze to get into it.
Value for money:
If you're on a budget, this is one of the better options around at this price point. That said, we'd suggest spending a bit more if you can, to get something you'll actually want to use.
Best for:
Very budget-conscious buyers
Casual, calm-water use rather than rough conditions
Paddlers who don't mind a compact, snug cockpit
Anyone prioritising light weight and easy drying over durability
Overall:
Manageable when handling and has an average stability, but poor in construction and goes slowly in the water.
