Intex Challenger K1 Kayak Review

Today, we’re going to share information about the Intex Challenger K1 Kayak. It’s an inflatable kayak with a budget-friendly price tag. Despite its low price, it offers some impressive features. As well, it is easy to inflate and fun to use.

Highly-rated with most consumers who post reviews online, this Intex-brand kayak provides users with cost-effective performance.

Most popularly used as a recreational kayak, (this design isn’t right for “open water” sea kayaking!), this inflatable vessel isn’t perfect, but it’s one of the most dependable and well-made models in its price range, which is well under one hundred bucks (prices may vary).

That’s pretty cheap, right?

Now, let’s look at its specific features and pros and cons…

Intex Challenger K1 Kayak: The Details

The Look

This inflatable kayak has sleek and sporty style. It features a blue-and-lime palette with bold black accents. Overall, it’s an attractive model. Its lines are clean and the addition of the Intex brand name, as well as the model name, give this kayak a little welcome personality.

If you value modern design, you’ll probably like the appearance of this best-selling inflatable kayak.

The Intex Challenger K1 weighs in at 23.9 lbs. This is a very light weight for a kayak! While it isn’t heavy, it’s quite rugged, thanks to its heavy-duty vinyl material.

The total length of this kayak is nine feet. This is a shorter kayak length and shorter kayaks are simpler to maneuver. Longer styles tend to produce a bit more speed on the water. However, they don’t maneuver as easily.

Comfortable to sit in, thanks to a seat with light back support, this model feels as good as it looks.

Specs

• Weight: 23.9 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9′ X 2’6″ X 1’1″
• Capacity: 1
• Weight Capacity – 220 lbs.

Accessories

This kayak comes with two 86-inch aluminum oars. It also includes an air pump with high output. As you can see, everything that you will need to inflate the unit (and then paddle it in the water) will come with your order, so you’ll be able to enjoy this kayak without buying anything extra.

The Company

The Challenger K1 comes from Intex Recreation Corporation. This manufacturer is based in Long Beach, California, USA. In the mid-70s, Intex got its start by making beach balls. Now, it’s a trusted name for a host of practical and fun inflatables, from kayaks to pool toys to airbeds and beyond.

Since the company has four decades of experience, Intex is definitely a brand with a proven track record. Over the past decade, this company has been taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint. It’s a company that cares about the environment.

Features

This kayak is built to stand the test of time. Its durability is excellent, thanks to its material, which is welded. The welding process adds strength to seams. If you want a kayak that lasts, you’ll find that this model is a good choice, Like many inflatables, it’s surprisingly tough and rugged.

Also, this inflatable kayak is agile. You’ll find that it’s easy to steer and turn this nimble design. If you’re a beginner, you’ll feel secure in this design, because it is simple to control.

Stylish and modern, you’ll like the bold graphics on this green and blue kayak. Its black accents add visual impact. This is an inflatable that you can feel proud of.

This kayak’s cockpit was created with your comfort in mind. It’s a cockpit which includes i-beam floors which are also inflatable. The cockpit is roomy enough for most, because it was designed to optimize available space. The back rest on the kayak’s seat is a big plus. It offers a good level of back support, which makes for a more comfortable ride.

The Intex Challenger K1 Kayak comes with a net for cargo. This net is the perfect place to stash your items, from bottles of water to snacks to sunscreen. The net is easy to access and use.

Also, this kayak includes a grab line on each end. This is an important safety feature. You’ll be able to hang onto a grab line if you happen to capsize.

If you weigh two hundred and twenty pounds or less, you’ll be right for this model. Anyone over two hundred and twenty pounds should look for a kayak with a higher weight capacity.

This boat measures thirty inches by fifteen inches by one hundred and eight inches (weight by height by depth). It weighs 27.2 pounds. It’s nine feet long (84 inches). This is a solo model, which means that it’s designed to hold just one paddler.

If you want to go solo, in a kayak that isn’t too large, long and heavy, this model may meet your needs. Those who want “two paddler” or “three paddler” designs should look at tandem kayaks.

Intex Challenger K1 Kayak Review

Source: Amazon

The Positives

There is a lot that’s good about this kayak.

Naturally, its low price tag is one of its key selling points. However, paying less for poor quality is never a good deal. This inflatable kayak does have good quality and that’s probably why it is such a strong seller.

The relatively short length of this design does make it easy for newbies to operate. if the kayak length was longer, the learning curve would be longer, too. However, it’s really fun for everyone. It’s nice to know that this model suits the needs of novice, intermediate and advanced paddlers. It’s not meant for extreme kayaking. It’s perfect for fun days at the beach or cabin.

Inflation should be easy and it is with the Intex Challenger K1. You’ll be able to inflate the kayak in mere minutes. Usually, it doesn’t take more than three or four minutes to pump it up completely. However, you will need to blow up the foot cushion and seat separately. Inflating them will take just a minute or two. You may use the included pump for both tasks. This is very fast inflation overall and speedy inflation definitely boosts convenience.

The oars that come with this design are nice. Some people upgrade them, but it’s great to know that they are included with purchase.  The oars are easy to use and they aren’t heavy. They are crafted from aluminum. It’s also nice to get a pump with the kayak and oars.

Overall, the roomy cockpit of this kayak is impressive. Some people take their canines along as they kayak and this may be something that you want to try, too, although how well things will work will depend on the size of your dog.

Portable and fun, with few real drawbacks, this inflatable solo kayak delivers for most people who buy it. You’ll probably be very happy with it, too. Oh, kids can use it, too, as long as they are eight years of age and up! So, it’s a good choice for families.

The Negatives

When you choose this kayak from Intex, you are not going to stay dry while you paddle.

The inflatable seat offers a “sit-on-top kayak” experience. If you don’t mind a little water on your person, especially on a hot and sunny summer day, the fact that you’re going to get wet isn’t going to bother you much.

It’s actually possible to deflate the seat in order to access more of a “sit-in kayak” experience. Doing so may keep you a little drier. However, most people do not deflate the seat, because they like the comfort that it provides.

This isn’t the type of kayak that you’ll take out to conquer the wildest rapids. It’s a tough and durable design, but it’s not right for high-intensity kayaking. For example, you might not want to try and cross the English Channel in this inflatable kayak! it’s designed to be the perfect inflatable for recreation. Take it on holiday or use it in your home town or city. You’ll find that it’s portable and convenient enough to use at an array of locations.

The tracking (the ability to paddle in a straight line, without the kayak veering to the right or left) is also good. You’ll find that paddling where you want to go is pretty easy.

Overall Verdict

The Intex Challenger provides a B+ level of performance within the budget price bracket.

It has a lot of good points and very little downside.

This is why we recommend this model. It’s fun and easy to use, won’t take a big bite out of your budget and it delivers quite a bit of durability to consumers.