12'
Length
28"
Width (in)
54
Weight (lb)
$899
MSRP

Solara 120 R Description

The medium sized Solara 120 roto is a kayak the whole family can enjoy. Sized to fit kids to full size adults, it is a great kayak to keep at the lake or take out for a weekday jaunt on the local pond. The durable rotomold polyethylene can take a beating in shallow rocky areas or beach landings. The open cockpit and Revolution Seating System standard on all Solaras provide serious comfort. If you're looking for the best length/weight/price value out there, the Solara 120 roto is hard to beat.

Solara 120 R Specs and Features

  • Structure: Rigid / Hard Shell
  • Cockpit Type: Sit Inside
  • Seating Configuration: Solo
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
  • Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
  • Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Additional Attributes

  • Revolution Seating System
  • Dimension Adjustable Seat Back
  • Roto Foot Brace
  • Paddle Park
  • Flip Lock Hatch Covers
  • Solara Roto Colors
  • Swede form

Current Designs Kayaks
Solara 120 R Reviews

Read reviews for the Solara 120 R by Current Designs Kayaks as submitted by your fellow paddlers. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community!

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1

Zero support from Current…

Submitted by: paddler2534081 on 12/27/2023

Zero support from Current Designs for warranty work. No support from dealer (The backpackers Shop) where I purchased the Solara 120 less than a year ago. The kayaks forward and aft compacts leaked from the first time I used it. Called the Backpackers Shop and they said, we don’t fix kayaks here. I called Current Designs and they recommended that I reseal the hatches, gave me the brand of “glue” they use, so I had to remove the hatches and reseal them myself. Seemed okay after the reseal. I kayaked over 400 miles in the kayak spending 3 - 4 nights out on the River. I found the bulkheads were leaking after 1 month of use. Not good to be out in the wilderness with wet food, clothes and bedding. I contacted Current Designs again and said that this is not acceptable and was told to take the kayak to the dealer. I asked them if I could use the kayak the rest of season, didn’t want to loose a whole season. The company said that would be fine to bring it back at the end of the season and they would have it shipped back to the factory for repair. I took the kayak in November to the dealer 7 months after purchase. I live in Florida during the winter. Received a call from the Backpackers Shop that Current Designs would NOT and DOES NOT repair bulkheads and they considered the used and would not cover any warranty work. DO NOT BUY A CURRENT DESIGNS KAYAK THEY DO NOT HONOR THEIR WRITTEN WARRANTY AND LIE TO YOU. BUY A WILDERNESS SYSTEMS KAYAK!!!
The Solara 120. Does not track at all. Very difficult to control in Class 1 - 2 whitewater. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN CURRENT DESIGNS.

5

I currently own four kayaks…

Submitted by: SouthsideYakker on 9/29/2020
I currently own four kayaks -- and this one is by far my favorite. Even loaded down with gear in the twin storage compartments and me (at 6' 1" and 200 lbs) in the cockpit she's still maneuverable enough to get to any part of a wide lazy river in a hurry. No skeg on this boat, so if you just float in the current you will end up sideways -- but with even mediocre paddle technique straight line paddling is no problem. The seat is excellent -- and after some experimenting to find the right combination of footpeg and seat adjustment -- comfortable on an all day paddle. The cockpit is enormous and roomy. Excellently mannered on the flat and in Class I. And still good on Class II water -- provided you have a spray skirt. Without a proper spray skirt, the enormous cockpit will swamp if you plow through a wave or drop. I've seen some complaints about boat weight, but this one is easy for me to hoist onto one shoulder. Small and medium sized paddlers might want to consider the Solara 100 or the Kestrel. In my area other brands tend to get more attention, but I am thrilled to have discovered this boat.
4

This was my first kayak…

Submitted by: Wayne-L on 6/19/2018

This was my first kayak purchase and it's worked out very well for me. I was looking for something that would track reasonably well but mostly be maneuverable for the small-medium rivers I prefer. This does that. It's definitely not as fast and straight as something longer and narrower, and I wore myself out trying to keep up with my buddy in his 16.5 sea kayak on bigger water. But it has enough speed for me and tracks pretty well at speed, although it really wants to pull to one side when I let it slow to a stop. It's very roomy and comfortable to sit in and has plenty of space for my long legs and size 12 feet, which ruled out some other boats I'd liked to have had. I also like the dry storage in the bow which is fairly rare in a 12 footer. There's lots of storage space for as much gear as I'll ever carry, and the lever locks are the way to go with hatch covers. I got the console with it, which is great for the small dry hatch (perfect for keys and quick access to my phone) but the cup holders are pretty much worthless for me. A drink in that area gets in the way of my paddling. I'd like to rig a bottle holder underneath it somehow and think CD would have done better to do something like that. Overall, a very good boat at a reasonable price that does what I need it to.

4

Am a bit disappointed in my…

Submitted by: CliftonClowers on 10/2/2016
Am a bit disappointed in my Solara 120 which I have owned for two seasons. I was advised the 12' kayak would track better than something shorter; it does not. The kayak is heavy and difficult to launch from our dock. As a result of all this, I have used it less than a dozen times and am now looking to trade it for a 10' unit. Did not get value for the (high) price that I paid.
4

A great recreational boat for…

Submitted by: rskuhn on 7/14/2016
A great recreational boat for lakes and larger rivers. The boat has both front and rear hatches with lots of cockpit room and easy to adjust and reach pedals. The 12ft. Sit in Kayak tracks well and can be a little challenging in moderate currents. A great kayak to do some overnight trips with lots of room, comfort and storage. A great kayak for a mid size person. It is a little heavy but built rock solid and durable. The seat is comfortable and adjustable. You could do a lot with some epoxy and customizing the roomy cockpit area with holders, boxes, mesh bags etc......
5

This is my first Kayak. I had…

Submitted by: scooterbluz on 8/17/2014
This is my first Kayak. I had tried many of them and found this one to be the most stable. I have two bulging discs in my back and this model is great. The seat and backrest are adjustable which really makes it very comfortable. I have made some trips that have lasted four hours and have no issues with my back. The kayak is very maneuverable and very responsive. I can't wait until my next trip.
5

I Purchased this boat a…

Submitted by: paddler235677 on 7/3/2014
I Purchased this boat a couple years ago, this is great long trips while camping, lots of space inside and water tight compartments. Very stable also. I love it.
5

I have had the Soalra 12 for…

Submitted by: paddler235052 on 6/19/2013
I have had the Soalra 12 for about one month now and I am delighted with this kayak. Current Designs did a very good job at making a good all around recreational boat. The seating is very comfortable and adjustable both under your thighs and lower to mid back as the back support adjust up and down as well as pivots with your movement (great idea).

The boat is well thought out with sealed bulk heads front and rear which is a great feature not just from a safety standpoint but also actual dry storage for all of your gear. The hatches seal well with no leaks noted and the fit and finish is great.

Paddling the Solara is fun and easy for the entire family. It is stable, tracks well and has good glide which was a little surprising. Turning is good but not too loose, and easy to control. The cockpit is on the larger side but not the largest out there and is not too open or confining in any respect. The optional half deck cover is a great option for keeping water out and provides a work surface for when you may be fishing or whatever. The storage is more than enough and a person could pack enough gear for a good weekend or possible for 4 maybe even five days if going ultralite backpacking gear.

Overall a great recreational kayak which could be used for some good flat water day trips or multiday trips at a good price point and exceptional quality. Highly recommended.