Inflatable Kayak Standoff – Intex Explorer K2 vs. Sea Eagle 370 Pro

If you ever spent time in nature you know that it has a soothing effect on body and soul. Whatever you do, if it’s outdoors, it’s fun, interesting, fulfilling, and simply therapeutical. One of those activities is kayaking, and in this particular article, we’ll focus on the freshwater type.

It is a hobby that does not require a lot financially, but not everyone can take up on it. The one main reason for that is geographical. If you live in an area where you have a lot of rivers and lakes, you are pretty much ready to go.

All you need is a couple of hundred dollars to get yourself a nice kayak, and you’re all set. On the other hand, if you are geographically located in the area without a body of water, there’s no need to buy a kayak because you won’t be able to use it.

While you have numerous makes and models to choose from, most of them are professional grade, and not suitable for beginners. For that reason, we are going to compare Intex Explorer K2 vs. Sea Eagle 370 Pro, which will not leave your pockets empty.

Before we do that, let’s check out some of the health benefits of this fulfilling hobby. Kayaking is one of the activities that do not overstress your muscles nor joints. It improves the body’s flexibility as well as strength, but that is not all.

If you devote yourself to kayaking at least once a week, you’ll improve your cardiovascular health as well. As mentioned above, another great benefit is increased muscle strength. Paddling will build the muscles in your arms, back, shoulders and chest, and since it’s low impact, it won’t affect your joints negatively.

Physically it can be beneficial, but psychologically it can do wonders. It can be very exciting, but more often it is meditative. It will completely relax you and relieve you of any stress.

However, the kayak is not the only piece of equipment you will need. You will also need some paddles, which come with both kayaks. You’ll need a personal floatation device, or in other words life jacket or a vest. You might also need a wetsuit, and a helmet, depending on the body of water you’re going to be kayaking in. It is always a good idea to take a first aid kit with you as well.

Everything else, like drinkable water, snacks, dry clothes, etc., is up to you.

1. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak

The first kayak in our comparison is an Intex Explorer K2 Kayak. It is a kayak made for two people with a 400-pound capacity. It is an ideal option for beginners since it is not expensive, nor is it hard to maintain or operate. Fully inflated it is 10 feet long, and it weighs only 35 pounds.

Its streamlined design makes it very maneuverable and easy-moving, which in the end makes paddling easier. It also has a very attractive design characterized by bright colors. On the water, this is always good since it increases the visibility of your vessel. Keep in mind that this is not a professional kayak, so you can’t really take on the rapids with it. It is intended more for calm rivers and lakes.

One of the great things about it is that it is a breeze to assemble. Since it is inflatable, all you have to do is blow it up with a pump that comes in the package. Although it is not a hard body kayak, it is still very durable. It is made from high-strength puncture-resistant vinyl that will last you a very long time.

3 separate air chambers and an inflatable I-beam bottom also add to rigidity. Practical features include grab handles on both sides, removable skeg, and inflatable seats with backrests. The package also includes 2 paddles 86 inches long, a high-output inflation pump, and a carry bag.

If you are looking to start kayaking, this could be a perfect kayak for you. it is ideal for beginners and it doesn’t cost much. On the other hand, if your kayaking is more serious, it might not be for you. In the end, it is a great product that will definitely satisfy your needs, both with functionality and with durability. For those reasons it is a great contender in our Intex Explorer K2 vs. Sea Eagle 370 Pro comparison, but will it take the win?

View on Amazon

2. Sea Eagle 370 Pro

Our next contender, the Sea Eagle 370 Pro is a 3 person kayak with a weight capacity of 650 pounds. It weighs only 32 pounds and it is classified for class 3 whitewater which means that you can be a bit more extreme with it. It is made from 38 mil PolyKrylar (K80 PVC) which makes it very durable and resistant.

Just like our previous contender it has an I-beam floor which makes it even more rigid along with separated chambers for port and starboard. As mentioned above, it is strong enough to carry three people with all of the equipment, but you can use it on your own as well. One thing that differentiates it from its competitor are movable seats which are extremely comfortable.

Another neat feature is the self-bailing drain valve, which can come in handy if you are using it on whitewater rivers. You can fully assemble it in only 10 minutes, and you are ready to go. It glides effortlessly through the water, and it is a perfect inflatable kayak for any beginner. It is as good as the inflatable kayak can be, but it does have one big drawback.

That drawback is its price. It costs double the money of its competitor which is not a small amount considering that it is an inflatable kayak.

View on Amazon

Verdict

Although both of these are great kayaks, our Intex Explorer K2 vs. Sea Eagle 370 Pro has to end with a winner, and that winner is Intex Explorer K2. There were many factors we considered, and while Sea Eagle 370 Pro is a better-built kayak, its price is its downfall. Intex Explorer K2 is simply better value for money, and for that reason, it is our winner overall.

Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API