Kayaking has long been one of the best ways to enjoy nature and to enjoy great exercise at the same time. But, what are the best kayak brands you should consider?
Top Kayak Brands
If you want to get into kayaking, but you don't know which brand of kayaks to buy, this list of the best kayak brands can help you decide which one will be right for you.
Wilderness Systems
Known for its sit-on-top kayaks and quality customer service, Wilderness Systems is one of our favorite brands.
Their best product is arguably their Dagger kayak, a versatile model that works well in all sorts of water conditions. It's also got plenty of room to store your gear. It's not an outrageous expense either.
If you're looking for a solid kayak at a decent price, you can't go wrong with Wilderness Systems.
Perception Kayaks
Perception Kayaks are made by a California-based company and are popular for their performance. This is also one of the most known kayak companies.
In particular, paddlers love Perception Kayaks with kayak outriggers for their comfort, stability, and tracking. They have even been used to explore caves! Perception Kayaks also provide paddlers with storage options and can be customized in many ways to fit individual needs.
Perception Kayaks are definitely considered one of the top brands on today's market. This is a good option to consider when searching for the best brands of kayaks.
Tributary Canoes
Tributary Canoes produces some of the best kayaks in terms of safety and durability.
Their paddles are superior to many other brands and they produce a wide range of models that are affordable yet still high quality.
In addition, they manufacture collapsible kayaks, which makes them perfect for taking along on vacation. If you want a trustworthy brand that's proven to be dependable, choose Tributary Canoes.
Dagger Kayaks
Dagger Kayaks' sit-on-top kayaks have been around for more than 20 years. The brand produces a range of boats including recreational, fishing, and whitewater models.
It’s perhaps best known for its Sit-On-Top Recreational (SOTR) boats such as Quest, Ambush, and Apex. If you're looking for a good all-around boat that can hold its own in white water but is still safe to use on calmer rivers and lakes, take a look at Dagger’s SOTR line.
Keep in mind that many Dagger kayaks are considered sidey – meaning they’re designed so both paddlers can face forward or backward when needed.
Advanced Elements
Advanced Elements is a company that creates affordable inflatable kayaks for all your water sports needs. Their kayaks, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes, are great for fishing and other recreational activities.
Advanced Elements' boats are made from 100 percent polyester materials and weigh much less than their hard-shelled counterparts. That means they're easy to carry to any body of water you want to get to and easy to store in small areas when not in use.
They can even be folded up if you have limited storage space at home or simply don't need them anymore, which makes them an incredibly convenient option for many people.
Bending Branches
Bending Branches began making mountain bikes in 1987 and then branched out into kayaks in 1992. The company is based in Longmont, Colorado, and makes several lines of sit-on-top kayaks and canoes.
The company offers four types of kayaks for both beginners and intermediate paddlers, including a fishing kayak line. Additionally, Bending Branches has moved into making SUPs recently with its Enviro line of stand-up paddleboards.
These boards are constructed from eco-friendly materials such as recycled soda bottles. Since being founded nearly 30 years ago, Bending Branches has grown to be one of America's largest manufacturers of outdoor recreation equipment.
Delta Kayaks
Delta boats have a very simple, modular design. The kayaks can be broken down into several pieces, making them easy to transport from one place to another. There are many different models, including angling and fishing kayaks, as well as recreational and tour models.
This is a good brand for someone who is looking for a mid-level boat that they can use while they’re on vacation or wants something durable enough to do some serious fishing.
Many of their boats come with all of the accessories you need right out of the box so you don’t have to spend extra money on gear later. Also, most models allow you to add things like lights and rod holders so you get extra features without needing to replace your boat.
OceanKayak
If you're new to kayaking and want a boat that will get you started, check out OceanKayak. This brand offers a variety of kayaks from beginner models to more advanced boats for those who want to take on rougher waters.
If you're looking for a model with great performance, durability, and a low price point, choose an OceanKayak. The brand makes sit-on-top kayaks, fishing kayaks, and touring kayaks. It even has one model called The Goat, which is built specifically for whitewater conditions.
OceanKayak also offers accessories such as scupper plugs (so water doesn’t get in your boat), seats, and paddle holders that help customize your kayaking experience to meet your needs and interests.
Old Town Canoe and Kayak
Founded in 1973, Old Town Canoe and Kayak is one of the good kayak brands specializing in building recreational boats. With an initial focus on whitewater kayaks, Old Town has since expanded to include sea kayaks and even fishing kayaks.
Today, Old Town makes boats for all types of water sport enthusiasts. The company also manufactures a variety of accessories for use with its boats, including paddles, seats, and life jackets or good fishing jackets.
The brand's success led to it being acquired by global sporting goods giant Amer Sports in 2007. The acquisition helped boost sales over time, allowing Old Town to become one of North America's most well-known brands.
Eddyline Kayaks
If you're looking for a sturdy, long-lasting brand of kayaks, Eddyline might also be one of the best kayak brands for you.
This Colorado-based company designs and manufactures its own kayaks with such high attention to detail that they are often used by professional outdoor sportsmen who need a durable but easily maneuverable vessel in which to explore or hunt.
They offer seven models of boats designed for a variety of uses including fishing, hunting, surfing, and snorkeling.
All are made of laminated fiberglass as opposed to weaker plastic resin because fiberglass is better at resisting punctures and flexing to adapt to waves or other water conditions.
Conclusion
So that's our top brands list. However, the best kayak brands really depend on your personal preferences. In fact, we'd be willing to bet that many of our readers will have a different opinion from ours.
Of course, it's your decision and you should choose a brand with confidence. If you want to make sure you're making an informed decision, follow these tips. First of all, go for top kayak brands with high reviews across multiple platforms.
Second, make sure to get something that matches your experience level and budget expectations. Good luck!
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