Recreational Kayaks
Dagger Zydeco 9.0 vs. Emotion Comet Kayak vs. Old Town Vapor 10XT
With temperatures soaring above 100 degrees throughout much of the US, it’s the perfect time to beat the heat by playing in the water. No, we’re not referring to lounging in a blow up pool, running through the sprinkler, or even skidding down a slip and slide. Kayaking on a pond, lake, or river is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors while staying cool. Best of all, even beginners can enjoy themselves. Recreational kayaks are lightweight, easy to steer, and fun to paddle. Looking to pick up one for yourself? Here are three top contenders.
Dagger Zydeco 9.0
The Dagger Zydeco a recreational kayak with touring roots. It’s got a great balance of performance, price, and comfort. Made of rotomolded polyethylene, the Zydeco is a durable choice for around $400.
- The Zydeco is firmly middle of the road; it’s 9 feet long yet weighs only 38 pounds. Reviewers say it turns quickly and accelerates easily, so its small size doesn’t sacrifice performance.
- While the cockpit is oversize compared to touring kayaks, it measures 36x21 inches, significantly narrower than other recreational kayaks. Combine this with its 12.5 inch depth and you’re looking at a smaller seating area, something to consider if cockpit comfort is a concern. Minor adjustments to the seat can be made while in the kayak. The weight capacity is 220 pounds, the lightest of the bunch.
- Looking to carry cargo? The Zydeco has touring style deck rigging like the Comet, but no provisions for electronics.
The Zydeco is an entry-level kayak with the performance of a higher priced model. As long as you’re willing to give up the cruiser-like cockpit in the Vapor, the Zydeco is the best choice. If kayaking does lure you in, the Zydeco can be your boat for a long time to come.
Best for
- Kayakers who usually paddle in flatwater, but sometimes venture out further
- Novice kayakers who want a balance of performance and stability
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Emotion Comet Kayak
The Emotion Comet kayak won Outdoor Magazine’s Gear of the Year Award in 2010. At a mere $279, the Comet comes in lots of bright colors and seems like the perfect inexpensive way to enter the sport. But the low price means a somewhat stripped down boat.
- The Comet is the smallest kayak of the three, measuring only 8 ft 3 inches long. That’s almost two feet shorter than the Vapor. It makes for a very lightweight kayak that’s easy to carry at 38 pounds, but such a light boat may not feel as stable in the water. Reviews are mixed, with some kayakers claiming it veers off course easily.
- Like the Vapor, the cockpit is large at 43x21.5 inches, but the carrying capacity is 260 pounds. You might be able to travel with a child, but the weight limit could interfere. The seat is not adjustable so it’s likely not as cushy as the Vapor.
- The Comet’s feature set is basic. There is a beverage holder and deck rigging for you to attach your dry bag or extra gear, but no covered well.
If you’re looking to try out kayaking with minimal investment, the Comet is a great choice. But it you think you might spend hours on the water, consider spending a bit more to get more.
Best for
- Casual kayakers
- Spare kayak for friends or family
- Solo kayakers who want to easily throw the kayak on top of the car or carry it to the water
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Old Town Vapor 10XT
Old Town is a well-known brand in small boats. Their Vapor XT kayak clocks in at a hefty $489, on the high end for entry level kayaks. But that price tag affords you lots of amenities. The Vapor XT is built for comfort and convenience.
- Its cockpit is a generous 48x19.5 inches, and its weight capacity is rated for 325 pounds. If you’re an ex-rugby player or just reluctant to squeeze yourself into that narrow seat, this is the kayak for you. Reviewers state that a small child can even ride comfortably in front of you in the cockpit.
- The ComfortFlex XT seat has a padded back and bottom. You can also customize the padded thigh and adjustable foot braces to fit you. Owners call it very stable.
- Don’t want to travel light? The Vapor XT also boasts a generous cargo capacity. It’s got a large stern day well and a padded storage area for your iPhone or other electronics to keep them close at hand.
All these features come at a price. The 10 foot long Vapor10 XT weighs almost 50 pounds, and again, costs $90 more than its closest competitor. If comfort and stability are key, though, the Vapor10 XT is worth it.
Best for
- Novice kayakers who want a spacious, stable kayak
- Gearhounds who never travel light
- Families who want to carry a passenger or pet
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