Equinox 10.4

I have had my kayak for about 7 to 8 years now. Had 2 of them and sold one. I paid only $350 for the set and they were well worth it!!! Love mine still!!! It is so sturdy and hard to tip. I am 5'7" and weigh around 130#. Only major issue with these is the seats, clips break and they do come off, but I just put a towel down because I'm gonna need it anyway when I get wet. Lol I take my pole and cooler and go enjoy the day. I have laid on mine too to soak up some rays, just put my cooler in the middle hole and laid out on top (very sturdy!). I have enjoyed my kayak since day 1 and it has never let me down. Like I said, the seat snaps do break and come out, but it doesn't bother me at all. I leave the seat out anyway. Thanks and keep on yak'n!

Similar to many of the other reviews. I’ve had the kayaks for five years and have used them quite a bit however I agree that the seats are cheap and uncomfortable. There’s not enough support in the seat back which causes back pain. The material ripped out from around the plastic plugs that hold the seat in the first time out. The J hook that holds the paddle kept falling out and when it was in I kept hitting my knuckles on it. The small compartment in the front ripped and kept Falling out. Granted this is not a high and expensive kayak but still these are basic things that shouldn’t happen. The storage compartment in the back gets wet every time and I am just paddling on a flat lake. I have had to put my belongings in an extra dry bag. For those of you who have said that you put better seats in I would love to know what seats you chose that could be installed in it. I don’t really want to go out and purchase expensive kayaks and would love to know if equinox has made any improvements to these issues that I could purchase

We love our kayaks! We've had our first two for about four years. We bought another a couple of years back. Great for flat water. We've used them on the Spokane River, the Little Spokane, and on several lakes in the Great PNW. Hey, they're nothing fancy, but they work for my family and me.

They're fairly light when getting them in the truck. They're stable and easy to maneuver on the water. I suppose I could have spent a few more buck for something else, but I really don't know why I would have done that. My Equinox 10.4s (two yellows and a green) are pretty awesome!

Just purchased the equinox 10.4. Have enjoyed it very much. Have used it on the river and it worked wonderfully. Used on the lake while it was calm and on a windy day with 1 1/2 ft waves. Paddled for 1 hr into the wind. And went sideways for a while playing around. Felt very comfortable and stable. Would recommend for beginners or intermediate kayakers.

My brother and I purchased (2) equinox Extreme 10.4 both with in a year the back of the seats came off . The material had shrank so bad that we could not get them back on . Contacted the company , they said , sending one out today , 3 months later ,contacted again ,must have been a mix up we will send one in two day s. Waited 3 weeks , called back two more time ,no response . If any one knows where to get a replacement seat let me know . Please don't say get one from there company ! I have tried for three months . It comes down to join pay pal or your out. Two years my kayak has been setting .

We purchased two of these Costco variety Equinox 10.4 kayaks based on the price ($239 each) as we are relatively new to the kayaking world. As other have stated there are quality issues--after all it is a sub $300 kayak. The seat is cheap and uncomfortable, so we've changed ours out through some we found on Amazon. The front and rear handle grab hooks are cheap plastic and we changed those out before our first lake outing. We purchased metal ones from the hardware store and used wide flat washers on top and bottom with locking screws to secure them. Making simple upgrades to any inexpensive piece of sporting equipment that will see lots of abuse is a necessary thing.
The boat tracks relatively well, and is pretty stable out on the lake. The foot pads take some getting used to and feel somewhat cheap. But as with all sub $300 kayaks everyone has to modify them a little to make them their own--based on their own needs. I recommend this kayak to any beginner. For us and as little as we kayak, it is a good bang for the buck.

Bought the boat at Costco this spring (2017). The first time out, about 2 hrs max., I could not set the seat straps to get back support. Afterwards found that one of the plastic rivets fastening the rear bottom of the seat in place had ripped out of the seat fabric. The other rivet was beginning to tear.

Second time out, using a portable folding cloth seat with decent support, my right hand hit the plastic paddle holder about twice while paddling. Minor but memorable pain. I made a mental note to fasten its screw tighter when I got home. A couple of paddle strokes later, my hand brushed it again and it wiggled free into the river.

What next? Haven't yet decided whether to return it under warranty. Even at a sale price it's not a used kayak and shouldn't need to be fixed after every use. It should've had at least a $100 rebate, instead of $50.
Good luck if you buy one.

This kayak is a great boat and it tracks like a missile. You can stop paddling to give your arms a break and this thing just glides right along, nice and straight. This yak is super stable as well. You'd almost have to try to roll it.

There is a couple cons, the paddle holder is pretty much useless. No problem, I just installed a taco clip in its place. Another bad is the smaller compartment. The liner is terrible. Keeps falling out. I haven't figured a fix for this yet. I'm also a larger guy and the backrest isn't quite tall enough for me, so I'm gonna replace the seat. No biggie. I'll get this thing dialed in and I'll have a perfect kayak that will last me a long time.

Great boat and even better because of the price. I found them at Costco on sale for $249.

The first outing with the kayak the handle at the front of the boat broke because the screws ripped out of the plastic. We're taking it back.

just tested this product on Loch Lomond in Scotland and found that both front and rear hatches leak, hopefully a simple cure of silicon sealant around the under side inner lips but this design fault should have been rectified a long time ago as forums mention it on a number of occasions apart from that issue its a good boat for the price and handles well even in rougher condition,am a six foot tall guy and found the foot supports need to be moved fully back or better still removed completely this gives your feet a bit more freedom...

I've been on the water all of my life. Lakes and streams to flooded lagoons. I can't get enough. I paddle, row, and I have a 17 foot wind powered model which is incredible fast. I have a pontoon and a jet ski. I like all of my crafts, but in favor my 10 foot boat. I use it most. I throw my little kayak in the back of my beat down pick up truck and I'm on the water in 30 minutes. Only work I have to do is a 40 pound lift. One lift out and one in. No gas to worry about or charging of batteries. I store my kayak in the basement with my little pickup. So easy. Everyone that catches me floating around the dock spinning little blue gill in talk to me and admire my little vessel. Very satisfying. Very relaxed after a day out on my little boat. I bought mine at Costco for 199. Last one in stock.

I've rented this kayak and I like it a lot! I would like to buy this model this year! It tracks better than a lot of similar cost kayaks that I've been in. Plus it has a paddle holder that you find on more expensive models. I've taken this up on rocks in shallow creeks and gotten stuck in mud and it always took a beating and was very easy to get back on track! If you are looking in this price range you won't find a better kayak for still water!

Just bought 2 at Costco. Maiden voyage last night. The kayak tracks straight, doesn't take much effort to paddle. Very stable, got in off a dock and didn't feel tippy at all. Good to fish from as it moves through the water well and sits stable while casting.

The only complaint was with each paddle stroke, my thumb hits the plastic clip for the paddle-holder bungee on the right side. I emailed the company regarding the problem. They responded the same day, Friday. They asked for pictures and I sent them on Saturday. They responded first thing Monday morning with a solution to the issue. Great service! Other than that, love the boat.

Very nice kayak, but there are some important considerations! First, they SERIOUSLY messed up the design in 2013+. The classic was has the front compartment and the more squarish/stable hull. Probably a corporate cost saving move.

You can still get this kayak though (the good version). What happens is that "Equinox" is a made up brand just for Costco sales (this thread is filled with Costco customers!). This is really a Future Beach kayak that you can buy at places like Dick's.

What you probably REALLY want is the Patriot 126 (10.4'). That is the old classic Costco kayak that so many of us love for it's stability, great roomy cockpit and good tracking (although, yes the foot pedals do break). Most of the individuals submitting reviews are actually doing so for this puppy...

The current 2013/2014 Costo Equinox seems to be now using the Future Beach Vector class instead of the Future Beach Patriot class which is most unfortunate.

The Patriot 144 is an intriguing option as well. Think the Patriot 124 but with two more feet in length and with better speed (only $600). Dicks should have this.

All the other future beach boats seem inferior IMO...but do your own research. Shame on Future Beach/Equinox for confusing customers over a terrific entry level boat!

This is an excellent Kayak. I have been Kayaking for years and needed a more stable boat. At this price how could I go wrong.

Pros: High Back Seat, Super Stable, Easy to use foot holders and adjustments, reasonably weight, great handle carriers, a drain plug, cup holder, water tight storage.. both are quick release not twist type, seems very sturdy, tracks very well, easy to paddle and doesn't have much resistance, reasonable bungees, doesn't tip excessively when boarding or getting out, turns and handles exceptionally.

Cons: Not really bad points but you may want to consider: The kayak is quite wide on the 'J' racks, seat is one piece molding. I couldn't grab hold of the middle of the cockpit to lift as other seats are suspended in the opening, I recommend this kayak for everyone especially anyone wanting a stable fun day in the water.

We sold our canoe and bought 2 of the Equinox Kayaks. They are great but we have already broken all 4 plastic brackets on each end that hold the rope handles in place. Now looking for metal replacements but should not be a big deal. The kayaks are very stable and great for fishing or just paddling.

Three days before Memorial Day of 2012 she says, "Gee, I think I'd like a kayak too." I was amazed! She had never wanted to go to demo's, or even read about kayaks. I said, "Gee, you've picked the perfect time of year to look for a great discount on a new kayak." She said, "Hey, let's go to Costco." That's how we came to acquire what has come to be known as the "The Little Yellow Costco Kayak."

I though, "I can't imagine how she can like this little yellow 'thing' that looks like the creation of someone who fell asleep on their CAD keyboard while trying to design a cross between a plastic drift boat and jon boat"....but....she LOVES IT!

TLYCK is a lot of boat for the buck. The company that makes Equinox must have taken to heart the advice given to Dustin Hoffman in "The Graduate" about the future and plastics. (They make everything from storage bins to furniture.) TLYCK has a bulkhead and is unerringly stable. She happily bounces over boat wakes with her feet out of the cockpit and resting on the front deck. My over six foot frame finds it cramped and clunky, but her five foot frame finds it divine.

The seat has been a continuing problem. (The 2013 models have a new seat.) I corresponded with Melissa at Equinox, but after sending pictures, she declined to send a new seat. (With a drill and some cable ties, you can remedy the seat problem.)

I don't think she'll ever say, "Gee, I think I'd like to paddle with Freya Hoffmeister," or even, "How do I roll this thing?" But, you never know. Stranger things have happened. TLYCK and the big mango Tsunami...that's us.
You gotta love the journey.

I purchased one of these 10.4's. love it. I'm retired and needed an upper body lo/no impact exerciser. It met all of my expectations. Only problem was the seat. The two plugs that they used to hold the center of the seat back in place pulled thru the seat material. Costco made it right (replaced kayak!). The fix is a piece of plastic strip. This gives a bigger attachment footprint. No more problems. Have great Kayak days ahead

I live in N.W. Oregon and decided I wanted a kayak for retirement exercise and adventure. I wanted to build a wood kit boat but took my wife's advice and bought at Costco (no waiting / no work). I love the stability and the tracking this boat has after trying three other brands. Only negative is the foot peg brackets broke soon so I designed and built two new stainless steel brackets and installed.

Just bought two of these at Costco. They're great rec boats for the price! Quite fun! The design and configuration is a little different than pictured here on paddling.com, check the equinox website for current info. Price here in AZ was $299 including paddle (no included roof blocks/straps as it seems were previously part of the package).

The kayak itself is very stable and sturdy, however the seat shrinks and curls from heat/sun exposure and the manufacturer refuses to replace it, so plan to spend another $50 to $100 for a replacement seat. My seat is attached to the kayak with rivets/screws so it is not easily removable, and the shrinkage caused the seat to pull up the rivets and detach itself from the kayak.

Bought this Kayak at Costco and absolutely love it. For a first kayak it is the perfect boat for me to hit the water in a short amount of time. It is super stable and tracks well. It is an awesome entry into water-sporting for a small investment.

I have two of these kayaks. They track great and come ready to go with a roof rack (cheap and cheesy, but it works) and a paddle. I would have given it a 10 for value, but when one of my paddles broke at the base of the blade while paddling in fairly calm river conditions, I was left without a paddle. It broke well within the warranty period, and the customer service rep kept asking me for more pics, detailed summary, the original Costco receipt and finally asked for my address. Two weeks later not a word. When I contacted them for a status they sent me an order form for a new paddle with $24.95 for shipping.

Bottom line it's a good boat, I don't know that they would stand behind it if you have any problems, but definitely figure on having to buy a new paddle, you'll need one.

Purchased two this June. My family spent a week navigating the same 10 miles of a river that had about 20 rapids. The Kayaks would eventually fill and require bailing. I am going to buy skirts to prevent that in the future. Small waves, maybe one foot high will slosh over the bow and flood into the compartment.

Tracks straight but are heavy to carry around. Real tough material. One kayak has a mis-installed foam watertight barrier that deflects the bottom of the kayak and also allows water into the rear compartment. Since it's now August, Costco is selling Christmas stuff and these kayaks are gone. I'll have to remove and replace it myself, don't want to wait until next year to see if they get some in for a trade.

At the store, I noticed all the Equinox 10.4's had big bulges across the entire bottom caused by a too-large foam bulkhead, badly distorting the concave hull. I purchased anyway, this being my first kayak, because it was such a good deal and hoped the flaw wouldn't matter. My first trip out was 16 miles with a group of 30 paddlers, and I clearly was working harder than everyone to keep up. Afterwards, I removed the foam bulkhead and the boat resumed the concave shape as it was originally extruded, except with some minor deviation still where the seat was attached.

I added a set of kayak inflatable pillows for inside the bow and stern (a good idea anyway) and upgraded the paddle because the one you get with the boat has only a single rivet holding each end (didn't want to be up the creek without a paddle!). With the foam bulkhead removed, there is noticeably less resistance and is easier to paddle, and faster. The car carrying kit that was also included with the boat would have cost only about $35, so with buying another paddle, the original package deal on the boat wasn't quite as good as expected, and I'd invest in a better boat to start if could do over. But this is only because I'd like a faster boat to keep up on long rides. If not for that, this is an excellent boat to do about anything and everything else. In comparison, it does have good storage and good fitting lids, a comfortable, upgraded seat, upgraded leg pads, easily adjustable foot rests, and very good stability.

Picked up 2 of these from Costco and appears the reviews should go here. We've put them in rivers, lakes and estuaries around here and they've served very well.

Pros - more boat strength and features versus similar priced plastic ones. Sturdy, stable, track well, good balance.

Cons - slight leak in one bulkhead solved with some silicone. Footrest can jam too far back requiring quick fix.
I purchased better paddles but included ones okay.

Also own Necky Tofino for ocean waters.
May upgrade singles boats in future but will always keep these for simple easy fun.

We recently purchased two of these Kayaks from Costco. So far we love them! We just got back from a vacation to Lake Tahoe, CA. The water was a bit choppy and cool, the boats handled it all with no problems, got a few good sized wakes, took them head on and not a drop of water over the bow. They track straight and we were surprised at how far and fast we went with not much effort. I agree they seem a bit heavy, we had to carry them quite a distance. We do plan on buying some wheels for them. We did a lot of shopping for a Kayak and found that the Costco Equinox was a pretty good deal with the paddles and cartop carrier.

Only problem I have so far is the thigh braces. I am 5'2" with short legs. With my feet on the pegs there is no way my legs can even touch the pads (even with adjustments).

I'm new to kayaking and when I looked around extensively to find an inexpensive boat with good features the Equinox 124 from Costco won hands down. Great storage, real good paddle for a throw in. most comfortable seat in this price range. paid $320. knee/thigh pads make for a truly comfortable ride. had it for a few weeks now and take it almost daily from my lagoon to barnegat bay outside lbi in NJ.

While it isn't lightning fast it tracks straight forever and is super stable. the adjustable foot rests are a nice addition for a starter kayak as is the adjustable comfy seat. I feel comfortable on the bay in the chop because the boat is stable as anything. one issue so far though - bolt holding in foot rest from outside was loose and was leaking water. tightened it and is now ok. no biggie.

All in all I love this kayak and for the money u just cant do better. i was thinking of getting a two person to take my 6 yr old daughter out with me but she fits perfectly in this with me because of the accommodating cockpit. all i can say is i think all day at work about gettin home to my kayak for a nice relaxing paddle to the bay.

I bought this kayak at Costco and liked it so much I bought a 2nd Future Beach Trophy 126. I kayak with my grand daughter and being a 58 yr old women, find it easy to control. I love the easy way it handles in the water and seems to have a lot of features of more expensive kayaks.