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Delta 12s
Delta 12s Description
The Delta 12s offers outstanding versatility for medium to smaller framed paddlers craving a lightweight and stable kayak that makes no compromises. The finely tuned hull of the 12s provides speedy and responsive handling far beyond what its small stature would suggest. Feature highlights include Delta’s proprietary Press Lock Hatch System, low profile front day-hatch, and multi-position Contour II Seat System.
Delta 12s Specs and Features
- Structure: Rigid / Hard Shell
- Cockpit Type: Sit Inside
- Seating Configuration: Solo
- Ideal Paddler Size: Smaller Adult/Child, Average Adult
- Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
- Ideal Paddler Size: Smaller Adult/Child, Average Adult
- Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Additional Attributes
- CONTOUR II SEAT SYSTEM
Delta Kayaks
Delta 12s Reviews
Read reviews for the Delta 12s by Delta 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!
I had a previous kayak as a…
I had a previous kayak as a used one made for a child. It was frustrating to paddle as it was hard to keep in a straight line and not a good fit. I am 4’9” and female but have really good upper body strength. I love this kayak and feel so confident in my ability to paddle now. I can steer and navigate with ease and the lightweight material is a breeze for carrying. Love this. I’ve had it out now four times and I hate leaving the water every time. Highly recommend this, especially for more petite women.
I have had my Delta 12S…
I have had my Delta 12S since early 2019. I absolutely love it and can't say enough about my experience. It is lightweight, easy for me to handle alone, and handles really well in the water.
Hello, I like the boat.. i…
Hello, I like the boat.. i have used it a lot and I love that I can lift it solo from the side onto any car by myself. the negative not mentioned so far is that after 2 years of use and only indoor storage, all of the hatch seals have deformed and don't really seal like they used to (on our 2 boats). At this point the bungees just hold them roughly in place but they are not snapping into place any more. the Neoprene seal idea used by other mfrs lasts much longer than the seal used in these boats. I plan to buy all new seals if I can get them.
If I could give zero stars I…
If I could give zero stars I would. I owned my kayak for less than two years and it broke on the Kennebec. Wasn't even going through swift rapids. Class 1 maybe 2 at best where we were. The ONLY good thing was that the front hatch is sealed off, so I stayed afloat and didn't even know my kayak had a huge gouge until we loaded it and saw all the water dripping out. I wasted $1000 on a kayak that should have lasted a lot longer than 2 years. I watched videos of people saying this kayak could take a beating and the only way it would crack would be if it is hit in JUST the right spot. One guy even took a hammer to it. I am not a white water paddler. Not my jam. So I didn't need a white water kayak. My husband owns the 12.10 and his cracked the year before mine! Be warned - THIS IS FLAT WATER ONLY. They really need to specify that better. Now we are out $2500 AND have to buy new ones. Yes, I could likely repair them, but I do not trust the kayak with my life.
I have very little paddling…
I have very little paddling experience and the only thing I have to compare this to is an inflatable I owned about a month before deciding to upgrade. I did a lot of research as I didn't want to have to upgrade again this year and since selection was down due to covid and late in the season, testing wasn't possible. I bought this based on reviews alone and the fact it's so light. I use Malone Sea Wings and load assist to easily slide it on my Outback.
I'm still learning correct paddling. I recently started edging and am fascinated by how responsive this boat is! I am really appreciating the dry storage and well thought design including adjustable foot pegs. I find the seat gets a little tiring on my not so cushioned behind. I am glad this will give me the option to explore some open water and shorelines of larger lakes instead of just the small lakes and rivers I started with. Maybe I'll even do am overnight! This kayak could do it!
I’ve had my 12s a couple of…
I fell in love with kayaks by…
Having read previous reviews…
Due to the small number of…
The 12s is a delight to paddle. Great primary and secondary stability, accelerates and glides very well and it's small size makes it quite nimble. The bulbous nose makes easy work out of choppy waters and small waves. (Haven't tried it in large waves yet.)
The build quality is exceptional and its thermoformed construction makes it look 3 times as expensive as it is. So eye catching that I decided to keep it indoors as opposed to storing it on my roof rack.
The only negative I can comment on is the seat. The adjustment plate which allows you to move the seat forward/back just happens to be located where you'd normally step in to enter the cockpit. Making it a little tougher to get in and out. A minor thing but that's how close to perfection this kayak happens to be.
First, a little about me to…
In short, I think the Delta 12s is one heck of a kayak. For us oldsters, its 38lb. weight makes it very easy to heft around and load on the rack. It a very comfortable kayak and I’ve not had to pad the seat at all. I have added hip pads and thigh brace blocks to make it easier to roll.
It paddles like you wouldn't believe for a 12-foot boat. Acceleration is good and it glides very well. In wind and chop, it needs no skeg or rudder because is tracks very well. I've grown to appreciate the day hatch in front of the cockpit. It holds all I need for a day's outing and means you don't have to clutter the deck with a bag.
I am quite impressed with the Delta's thermoforming. This boat scratches less than any other touring boat I know. The hull is quite rigid which contributes to its impressive performance for a 12-footer.
In short, I highly recommend anyone demo the Delta 12s. Especially for older folks, I think you’ll enjoy not only the light weight, but also the excellent performance.
We bought a 12s for my wife…
Due to being slightly narrower than the 12.10 I have, my wife is actually faster on the water in the 12s. The high bow handles waves really well with minimal splashing. Initial and secondary stability are very good. Because it weighs only 38 lbs, my wife has no problem carrying the 12s to the water herself.
We've done only lake paddling so far, but we'll be trying them out in the river sometime in the future to see how they handle rocks and current.