Boaters love the Looksha’s ability and responsiveness in hull-crashing waves and say the craft’s strengths are flat-water speed and choppy-water control. Smaller paddlers say the boat has excellent responsiveness even in rough, choppy water and are surprised at the boat’s overall maneuverability. Others day its roomy cockpit makes shifting and manipulating the boat a breeze. The kayak turns on a dime and is well-suited for the fearless kayaker who likes to take a few ‘breaks’ along the way and has been described as a one-size-fits-all type of boat.

• Overall Rating: 10.0

Parents say this lightweight kayak is sturdy enough for them and a great trainer for the kids’ first paddling experiences. They love its speed and say that great tracking makes it easier to learn the finer nuances of kayaking. Bigger paddlers say the roomy cockpit comfortably accommodates sizes of 230 pounds plus. Padded thigh braces add to the Carolina’s comfort while a unique perimeter deck provides additional storage and recreation options. Riders are also impressed with the strength of late model Perceptions. A roomy cockpit and responsive action only add to the playful fun the Perception Carolina brings.

Kayakers say the Tributary Strike is a blast to ride and enjoy its comfortable seat and contemporary styling. Hard-core kayakers love the boat’s versatility when taking long kayaking trips and say it’s a comfortable ride when paddling open waters and a wave-popping machine in rapids. A sensible, contemporary design includes floor panel drains and bow and stern covers to help keep you dry when out on water-bound runs. Constructed for fun, its five-year durability rating also makes the Tributary Strike Inflatable a valuable investment for the long haul.

Kayakers say the Necky Zoar’s speed surprises them, especially when loaded with their outdoor gear. They love how easily the boat can transition from the open water to coastline. Explorers say its coastline handling is top-notch, so it’s perfect for discovering what’s inside deep riverbank or ocean shore nooks and crannies. This rig’s shallow-style cockpit makes it a good fit for people who find other kayaks too deep. A versatile boat suited for many outdoor uses, the Necky Zoar packs a load and a punch for all your outdoor water-bound recreation. Comfort and usability make it a great choice for long days fishing or sightseeing on the lake!

Kayakers love the Perception Search’s solid stability and say there’s plenty of legroom – there’s even space for Fido on the back! They say it’s a great boat to take to a favorite swimming hole because it’s easy to climb back on. The Search couples a sleek shell design with a ton of accessories to satisfy the aggressive kayaker and impress their friends. This rig glides through the water, has excellent tracking and all of the versatile creature comforts that make it great for exploring the possibilities of kayaking.

Kayakers love this inflatable’s compact design for easy packing and say the dry storage space coupled with 17 cargo straps can hold enough supplies for a whole weekend of adventure. Engineered to respond well with two people on board, this kayak still gets excellent ratings from solo boaters. Riders like how the sleek design rewards their power strokes by converting form into power. Comfortable enough for two adults yet stable enough for the cantankerous flotsam and jetsam, users say this kayak’s portability and durability make it a great value.

This inflatable is a hit with kayakers who want easy portages and comfort. They say the kayak’s air pump does a great job of making the craft rigid enough to hold up and maintain maneuverability in rough patches. First-timers are impressed with the boat’s stability and say that it helps them build confidence on the water. This rig’s self-bailing air floor keeps users and supplies dry both when exploring the nuances of paddling and crashing into whitewater. Boaters say the kayak is plenty durable well after it’s published one-year warranty, making it an excellent value for anyone who enjoys time on the water.

Riders say the Lanakai has plenty of room for two yet makes paddling easy enough for one. They love the versatility that this craft’s length allows – it’s great for a fun jaunt in the waves or for a shared paddle around the lake. The self-bailing hull keeps up better than some other boats, and a long design takes strain off of paddlers’ arms and backs. Made for pure recreation, the Lanakai is also a good solution for kayaking anglers with its exterior cargo straps.

Kayakers love how the boat handles in windy conditions. They say its speed and slick design helps it quietly cut through waves with a thin footprint. Highly maneuverable along rocky shorelines and a treat on the open water, many kayakers say the Chatham is a fun, playful boat with excellent responsiveness. A lot of hardware that would be considered add-ons on other systems comes included with the Necky Chatham. This is the perfect boat for the developing kayaker