Five stars because it's…
Submitted by:
User
on 7/26/2022
Five stars because it's really good at what it's intended to do, be comfortable and easy for beginners. It's extremely stable and it's rugged and durable. All at a low price and relatively low weight.
The only downside is that it's kind of slow, even for a 10' SOT.
I was a long-time canoe paddler that was testing whether he liked kayaking. This was the perfect starter kayak For my situation. I knew if I liked it, I would upgrade to something better and give this to my son. And if I didn’t, it was a minimal investment.
It got me hooked. It is light enough that it can be easily racked and carried overhead by one person. I’m a pretty good sized guy at 6’4” and between 230 and 260 and this fully held my weight. It sits high enough up in the water that on ponds I have been canoeing for decades, I got into places so shallow I never contemplated that I could get a boat.
Yes it dances on the water it is so light - so longtime kayakers may scoff at the tracking - but it is so light that it is easy to recover even for an inexperienced paddler like my son. In my next yak, I will look for moveable foot pegs (my feet fall in between two of the molded in positions) and a higher seat (this is low for someone my height).
But this was the perfect gateway yak to get me addicted and as soon as I can find a new yak amid this Covid mess, my son will love this one.
The Pelican Bandit kayak is…
The Pelican Bandit kayak is durable and glides through water easily. It is not tippy and has enough room for a cooler on the back. I like the netting on the back as well to have my life vest under. The bottle holder does not get in the way and the footrests are just right. The seat has been upgraded in this model and is very comfortable. Minus one star for the finish on the kayak--paint bleeds and the logo/sticker emblems have air bubbles, but overall, it's been a great first kayak for a good value.
Got my wife this new boat,…
Got my wife this new boat, she prefers "Sit On Top" style. She loves the boat. It is lightweight, Stable and smooth.
Phantom Pelican review. I…
Submitted by:
guest-paddler
on 5/17/2020
Phantom Pelican review. I bought a used Phantom last summer online. It pulls in a bit of water, about three or four gallons after three hours of paddling which i think could be the reason the prior owner sold it. But i really like it. It is made of a super thin plastic making it light to carry. It fits in our smaller mini van with the seats down when too lazy to strap it on the top. I kayak a lot already tired from a physical job; so this is helpful. It carries like a surfboard with weights. If you need to take it from the car to a put in somewhere.. you can. I lift it with the middle handle like a suitcase, and just drop in the water at a sea wall binding the ICW in Florida to the mainland. Small yaks because there's more water and less plastic between paddler and birds etc. come with a lot of benefits. My fiance owns a really good Ocean tandem sit on top - Paradise from Wilderness systems. Its better. He bought his used too. Its so much better. But too much of an issue to carry. I can't wait to try the pelican out on the surf. And we wouldn't know his Paradise was better.. if we didn't have our cute, little, go anywhere.. especially tight mangroves.. just you and the water pelican phantom. Love it.
blessing
happy paddler
I give this beginner kayak a…
I give this beginner kayak a 5-start rating. Extremely stable for those shy of rolling their ride. I purchased two at the start of the summer, one for me and the other for my wife. Although you will not speed through the water, the Bandit is great for leisurely outings on the rivers or lakes. The storage area behind the seat is excellent for holding various bags or items. My son has used the kayak for fishing and does not have a problem standing in the kayak to throw his hook and sinker. Wise shopping can get this sturdy recreational kayak at a decent discount. Highly recommend.
