Kayaking is an excellent way to enjoy the great outdoors, and the Intex Excursion Pro Kayak is a perfect option for those looking for a durable and easy-to-use inflatable kayak.
In my Intex Excursion Pro Kayak review, I will go over my personal experience on the water with the product, including its benefits and drawbacks.
I purchased two of the Intex Excursion Pro Kayaks on Amazon for a family vacation to the lake. I picked this particular model since it was on sale for a great price and had 2 seats so a couple people could go out at a time.
Setting it up was straightforward, and I was pleased to see that the package included everything we needed, from paddles to a high-output pump.
We found the kayak to be incredibly sturdy and durable, even when we were in rougher water with the wind blowing against us.
The adjustable bucket seats and floor-mounted footrests were comfortable, providing us with support throughout our long day on the lake. We were also pleased with the ample storage space, which allowed us to bring along our supplies.
However, we did notice a few limitations. The included carry bag felt flimsy and not very durable, and we had concerns about how long it would last.
Additionally, the paddles were a bit short, which made paddling occasionally uncomfortable. Finally, the rod holders were not very functional, although we found creative ways to use them.
All-Inclusive Kit
The Intex Excursion Pro Kayak Series comes with everything you need to get started on the water, making it an excellent starting kit for beginners.
The package includes not only the kayak itself but also a strong pump, two 86-inch aluminum oars, and a carry bag for easy transport.
There are two removable skegs for deep and shallow waters, two floor-mounted footrests, two integrated recessed fishing rod holders, and two adjustable bucket seats.
It also comes with a removable and adjustable mounting bracket for additional accessories, such as GPS systems, fish finders, and swivel fishing rod holders.
Rigid and Durable Construction
The Intex Excursion Pro Kayak Series is built to last, with a super tough laminate PVC construction and a polyester core that makes it lightweight yet highly resistant to damage from abrasion, impact, and sunlight.
The high-pressure inflation provides extra rigidity and stability, while the high-pressure spring-loaded valves make inflation and deflation fast and easy.
The kayak also features 3-ply super tough construction that employs a high molecular PVC that is unaffected by gasoline, oil, and saltwater, making it highly durable and resistant to damage.
Spacious and Comfortable Design
The Intex Excursion Pro Kayak Series is designed for maximum comfort and convenience, with plenty of storage space in the bow and stern and stainless steel D-rings for tying down dry bags and gear.
The kayak features two adjustable bucket seats that provide ample support for comfortable all-day paddling. It also includes footrests that provide genuine support for strong paddling, and inflatable seats that are comfortable even after paddling for around 3 hours.
It’s weight capacity can hold up to 400 pounds, making it suitable for solo paddling or for paddling with a partner or child, and still having gear the kayak.
Excellent Performance on the Water
The Intex Excursion Pro Kayak Series is an excellent performer on the water, with great stability, tracking, and maneuverability.
The kayak comes equipped with two removable skegs for deep and shallow waters, allowing for excellent tracking and maneuverability. The body is very rigid and shows no flex even when rocked by good wake, while the boat tracks very well and turns quickly when needed.
With a strong paddle, it is possible to turn in place and never run into anything uncontrollably. The kayak is also pretty light and easy to maneuver, making it great for use in a variety of water conditions.
Upgradable and Customizable
The Intex Excursion Pro Kayak Series is a highly upgradable and customizable kayak that can be easily modified to suit your individual needs and preferences.
The removable and adjustable mounting bracket allows for the addition of various accessories, such as GPS systems, fish finders, and swivel fishing rod holders.
The common yak system of the back supported by forward hooks allows for easy upgrading of the inflatable seats, and the metal D-rings can be used to attach additional tie-downs or anchors.
With a little creativity, it is possible to customize the kayak to suit your individual needs and preferences.
Possible Drawbacks
While the Intex Excursion Pro Kayak Series is an excellent and highly versatile kayak, there are a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind.
Like I mentioned earlier, I was concerned about the strength of the carrying case included but it has still held up well.
The paddles are a little short and may not be suitable for people with smaller arms.
Finally, the bow and stern could benefit from additional webbing or tie-downs to secure gear, as there are only foot space and aft space for secure storage.
However, these minor issues are easily remedied with a little creativity and additional customization.
Pros:
- Comes with everything you need for a day on the water.
- Super tough construction makes it highly resistant to damage.
- Lightweight and easy to pack down for transport.
- Excellent price, very affordable comparatively
Cons:
- The included carry bag is not very sturdy.
- Paddles may not be a good length for all users.
- Bow and stern could use more tie-downs for gear storage.
Conclusion
Overall, I would highly recommend the Intex Excursion Pro Kayak.
Despite a few minor drawbacks, it offers excellent value for its price and is a great option for those looking for an inflatable kayak that is easy to set up and use.
My family was impressed with its durability, comfort, and stability, and we will definitely be using it again the next time we go kayaking.
Questions & Answers:
Here are some common questions and answers about the Excursion Pro.
How long did it take to set up and tear down the kayak?
It only took about 15 minutes to blow up and set up, and 20 minutes to tear down, including a fresh water rinse.
Is it possible to upgrade the inflatable seats?
Yes, the seats are not proprietary and can be easily upgraded if needed.
Can an electric motor be mounted on the back of the kayak?
No, the shape of the kayak does not allow for mounting of an electric motor on the back, but I’ve read that you can possibly do side-mounted motors.
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