Prodigy 10.0

This was my first kayak purchase a couple years ago. I fell in love with everything about it, and it lived up to my expectations. I love the large cockpit and the stability this boat has. I have done several rivers and lakes from flatwater to class ll. It had a little bit of a different coloring than any other Prodigy I have seen. The only down side I would say about it is it could track a bit better, and I have nowhere to put my beer! Needs a cup holder of some sort!! The dry hatch was always bone dry, but not accessible on the water, you have to be out of it to seal it’s Tupperware like cover. I really like the handle grips to carry with, so much better than those molded type. Great starter kayak for anyone getting into this great sport. Sadly I lost mine, I had a bit of an accident this past month. I don’t expect I will ever see it again... very sad about this loss.

We own two of these and would recommend them to first time owners if you're planning to stay on fairly mild water conditions, if you're into fast water or ocean and waves then go with a bigger, more appropriate yak.

My wife and I have enjoyed paddling these boats on many of the lakes and streams in Marion County and other parts of Florida.

I've tried fishing with it a few times; a little cramped but you get used to it pretty quick. I recommend buying some side mount hooks to keep your paddle on while holding your fishing rod. Funny, if you're casting, the drag from the lure pulling towards the kayak makes the boat turn easily! I do a circular casting pattern and complete a complete circle in 4 casts.

Not a bad buy and most of all, I'm super happy with my new outdoor "exercise machine"!

Positives include that it tracks fairly well, even in current, but of course suffers as all rec boats do when it comes to maneuverability due to the rudders at each end. The seat was quite comfortable for me, and the cockpit was roomy. I took it though some class II rapids, and it was very stable and maneuvered quite well. It's width makes it difficult to paddle against current, but that is a trade off for stability. I used a seals sprayskirt, which I highly recommend, it does a great job of keeping water out. In comparison to the Pamlico, it seemed slightly more stable to me, as the Pamlico has lower, edgier sides that can be grabbed a bit easier and cause you to flip.

Some negatives I see are, as with the Pamlico, the width of the cockpit makes it difficult to use the kneepads with your knees under the edges when in any kind of situation that you'd want that(i.e, aforementioned class II rapids). The overall size of the cockpit would make it difficult to stay in the boat if you flipped and roll back up, but honestly, the main reason for a large cockpit is so that you can get out easily in the case of that.

Overall, I think this makes a really nice all around type of boat as long as you don't go into anything rougher than class II, II+.

I find it tracks well and has adequate speed. I sometimes go with others and have no problem keeping up. I use it for coastal Florida exploring and on our slow rivers.

The foot pedal adjusters are handy with extensions to the hip, not the usual clamps that you have to be out of the kayak to reach. It came with a paddle holder. And it has a drain plug. All features not usually found on kayaks at this price. I did not get a hatch or deck bungees, as I do only day trips and there is plenty of room behind the seat for picnic items.

A very good buy and quite satisfactory for my uses.

We ran these kayaks on mountain rivers with class I & II rapids with some rock. Perhaps in a lake the weld point would not fail and they would do better. But until the weld points are redesigned I am not buying another one for my business.

I was looking for an entry-level kayak - strictly recreational (with a 6 and 8 year old), fairly lightweight (which I realize comes as a tradeoff with price), and inexpensive as this was my first foray in owning a boat. I love the Prodigy. I paid $275 for it at a local rental/boat sales operation. I have only used it on local ponds since I'm not ready for the kids to battle currents but it's a great little kayak. It handles super, very stable and comfortable (although our trips are typically no longer than 2 hours). I wish it were a little longer and lighter but I realize that 43 lbs. is lightweight as far as kayaks go.

It can be a little work to get on top of my van, especially after paddling, but I think it seems heavier since the Scout's are only 25 lbs. I definitely recommend the Prodigy. While it lacks any decking and the cup holder is a little too close to the seat it has a nice open cockpit where I can put a backpack with snacks and drinks. The footpegs are easily adjustable while on the go via a simple sliding bar.

If you're looking for an entry-level boat go with the Prodigy. You can't beat it for the price!

I believe this is a great kayak for the money for river running for Class II or less. Although riding high in the water, I still bottomed on some rocks that our loaded Keowee 2 went over and didn't touch.

It doesn't get a 10 because of two things. One is that it didn't come with any deck rigging, I suppose to keep the price down? And two, the drink holder needs to be moved forward a few inches. A common problem in most kayaks that offer a drink holder. It's almost useless in the existing position for an adult. A child or teen should have no problem with it though. While seated, an adult has to keep their lower back tight up against the back of the seat in order to make use of it. If you start to slide down in the seat at all, your drink is right up against your crotch area, which can be annoying!

It tracks and rides exceptionally well for being only 10' long. We have a 20 pound Schipperke dog that rides with my wife with no problems in the roomy cockpit. It is also very light and easy to haul. My friend went out and bought one at my suggestion and loves it!

The price ($299 - 15% ) could not be beat. She got a good deal. She likes it because it is a basic boat. She likes using it on flat water and liked the open cockpit. The fact that it does not have hatch or riggings for gear (there is a small rigging for holding the paddle) was a positive for her... she wanted a basic boat.

Biggest gripe: the seat is not comfortable if you are wearing a PFD. She now prefers to not wear her PFD because of it... not a good idea in my opinion. She also has to use a rolled up towel to give more support for her lower back.
She likes how it looks, how it handles (good tracking and handling).

In comparison to the Pamlico: this boat sits a lot higher in the water and felt less stable to me. It is more tipsy, but one can lean into a turn more than my boat. Handling and tracking, other than this tipsy feeling, is about the same.
The Pamlico seat is much more comfortable. I wear the same model PFD as she does and have no problem.

Good basic boat. It replaced the ever-so popular Swifty from what I have read and heard.