Halo 130

I bought this boat last spring after waiting 2 years for a Compass 14. When I finally got a call from the guys at Billington Sea Kayak in Plymouth Mass (great place to buy a kayak) that they had a few just come in. Was originally planning on the 14 Compass but I also own a 15.5 Perception and when I saw into the Halo next to the compass, I felt it was the smarter choice for me. Zero regrets, gave up a foot of length and nothing else.

I'm a 6'3" , 230 lb guy and I have no problems with space or comfort. I think the seat is quite good for the price, however the backrest tends to slip a bit so I find I do need to adjust it more than I'd like. The hatches are very good, and the bulkheads are excellent. The fit and finish of the boat is a solid 9/10 so for the cost I couldn't complain. They had six of these to choose from and I couldn't find a flaw with any of them.

Its not the fastest boat at 13' or the most agile, but it's dimensions are very good for a casual paddlers boat. Not to narrow but not Pungo or Dirigo wide either. It is easy to edge and super stable when on it. The thermo plastic is quite stiff, and it tracks nicely requiring minor corrections at times. The bow is a very cool shape and cuts nicely, but because it sits a bit tall in the front it will weathercock mildly in the breeze. I found the rudder to be very usable and although some find it difficult to steer with the foot pedals, I don't find it so at all. It's wat easier than my daughters Hurricane 14.

I think one of its best qualities is that it's special. You are unlikely to see another one of these on any given day. Boreal boats aren't mainstream like WS or Perceptions. It's a beauty as well, outside of the Delta 14, it's the nicest looking rec tourer out there.

As someone who has owns a couple dozen kayaks over the years I can confidently recommend the whole SR series as a niche looking boat with mainstream qualities and a good value for sure. Boreal has been making some truly wonderful kayaks for a long time. I've enjoyed every one I've paddles, and found all of them to offer their owners something a little out of the mainstream, and special.

I paddled this boat briefly this past weekend while shopping for a new kayak. I was not unimpressed, as the Halo has its good qualities, but it was not the boat for me.

I am 6'1", 195 lbs. I had difficulty getting into and out of the cockpit as this boat's deck sits comparatively low to the water compared to the ocean and creek boats I have paddled before. Once I had squeezed and twisted my legs into the Halo, life got better. It tracks well and still turns quickly. Its primary stability is good and I felt confident edging it while turning.

I was admittedly paddling a demo model that was not brand new, but I noticed that on both this and a used Compass, the white paint on the plastic was flaking off in large areas. I also had difficulty with the day hatch, which did not want to twist open and closed easily.

The plastic itself is stiff and light, and I think this would be a decent boat for anyone who is not planning to take it near rocks or down rapids. It did not feel sturdy enough for whitewater, and I would worry that the hull would crack on a hard impact. If you want a lightweight, maneuverable touring boat with enough room for a few days' camping on calm or deep water, this is probably a good choice. If you are looking for a crossover boat, look elsewhere.

I have two of these now. Track great, even in fairly tough water. Lots of storage for trips. They look great. Lighter than other kayaks of same length so easier to load on my sailboat. Good small storage compartment by cockpit but it gets in the way of taller paddlers entering and exiting the kayak. Hull is more fragile than other types, do more care is needed. Bulkheads appear to be very well attached.