Summary

Price At Time Of Writing | £925.00

Our Overall Rating | 84 out of 100

Pros - Easy inflation, stable

Cons - Slower, doesn't track well, hard to paddle because of the width

Overall - This is a strong kayak probably best suited to white water paddling

Technical Specifications

Open Size - 300x100cm

Weight - 14kg

Load Capacity - 179kg

Packed Size - 61x41x15cm

Our Analysis & Ratings

The Sea Eagle 500X Explorer is a compact kayak, built for easy setup/pack down. It’s very nifty, just not quite at the same performance level as some of the higher-end kayaks.

Its compact design with a wide base make it stable in the water, but that does mean a tradeoff between stability and ease of handling, which suffers a little. Still, we think this is a great little kayak, durable enough to handle itself in mild white water or choppy waves.

Performance - This is the main area the 300X suffers in compared to other models. While it is very stable and there is plenty of leg room, its width makes it slow and less efficient. It also doesn't track that well in a straight line.

Construction - This might be the most durable among all the kayaks we tested, which is suitable for class 4 rapids, and appears tough enough not to fall apart. If you consider using this for rough waters, the stability you need is definitely there. Fittings are evidently sturdy and the kayak is clearly the result of a careful, quality manufacturing process.

Setup/ Pack down - With only 3 valves in the Sea Eagle, setting up is pleasantly fast. Packing down similarly so as the materials dry quickly.

Portability - Weighing only 14kg, the 300X Explorer sits at that nexus of light weight and durable materials really well. It fits easily into your car and won’t take up much room in storage. If transportability is one of your main concerns, this is one of the best options we’ve reviewed.

Comfort - This is a pretty comfortable kayak with a good seat and plenty of legroom. It's also quite a stable ride. Where it lets itself down is the width - after a bit of paddling the wide sides are noticeable in that you have to reach around them to get the paddle in the water which reduces paddling comfort a bit.

Overall - This is quite a sturdy kayak, probably best suited for white water paddling. It has its pros and cons, but overall is a good kayak for a more specific use.