Stratos 12.5 L

by  Dagger
12' 6"
Length
25"
Width (in)
53
Weight (lb)
$1,399
MSRP

Stratos 12.5 L Description

Playful and sporty in the surf, yet equally capable for a day trip on the lake, the all-new Stratos 12.5 offers infinite possibilities. The compact shape accelerates easily with a considerable nod to maneuverability, with the capacity fitting of a lengthier boat. Plus, it's equipped with all the features you need and want – bow and stern bulkheads, TruTrak skeg system, Contour CFS Seating System, and, best of all, Dagger’s new touring bulkhead footbrace for added connection.

Stratos 12.5 L Specs and Features

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

Dagger
Stratos 12.5 L Reviews

Read reviews for the Stratos 12.5 L by Dagger 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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5

I purchased the 12.5L in…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 9/20/2021

I purchased the 12.5L in Cosmos recently, having had most of my paddling experience in canoes.

My only other kayak was a Necky Elaho which I sold rather quickly as it was way too twitchy and hard to turn for the kind of paddling I wanted to do. As most of my paddling is downriver, usually tame but with a few Class I and II, a manoeuvrable kayak with capacity to store camping gear was the criteria.

I was pleasantly surprised that the Stratos 12.5L can carry all my gear and me, at 188cm and 96kg without an issues. Time will tell how it takes to the river, but so far on the lake it's a dream to use, very stable, easy to enter and exit and fast enough for casual paddling. I'd even say it's pretty quick.

I spent hours comparing it against the 14.5L and even the Tsunami boats, but was drawn to a couple points that won me over with this one.

The foot brace is a solid plate and not flimsy pedals and the skeg is great for the river as I can turn to avoid rocks but have it there for the long straight stretches. The quality is excellent and the seat is comfy and has plenty of adjustment.

I haven't had the 14.5L to compare, but for me, the main criteria was nimbleness on the rivers and still be able to carry gear. Coming from a canoe where I could bring half my possessions, it's meant being clever with camping gear.

I'd highly recommend the 12.5L to those considering both. Even being fit and young I don't enjoy lifting kayaks above the roof of the car, but the 12.5 size is easy. It's still heavy, but being shorter it's less awkward and I'm not worried about overhang.

What don't I like so far - not much, if anything. But it's early days.

4

I’m giving this kayak a solid…

Submitted by: paddler543837 on 7/10/2020
I’m giving this kayak a solid four star rating. This kayak has lots of pros and a few cons . On the positive side this yak is clearly made to take some punishment. It invites play and it’s definitely a yak you can grow your skills in . For a size comparison I’m 6’5” and weigh around 212 lbs . I wear a size 13 shoe . The adjustable/ sliding wall behind the bow bulkhead is a really great feature. Instead of foot pegs your entire foot can rest against the wall and this gives additional contact control and helps in preforming leaned turns . I’m very confident a person who is about 6’”8 or maybe even 6’9” with a size 15 shoe can fit in the cockpit but it’s already a very “ snug “ fit for me after I removed the hip pads and I keep them behind the seat . The drop skeg is required when trying to maintain tracking otherwise it fishtails a bit . There’s enough rocker built in to really encourage you play in this yak and the secondary stability allows for quite a bit of leaning before it’s past the tipping point. I’ve taken my Stratos out in three torrential downpours and so far the hatches are keeping my belongings dry . On the downside, this yak weighs in at 53 lbs so it’s not light and I usually am solo loading and unloading and the balance seems off while shoulder carrying. The worst thing about this yak for me is the seat or actually it’s the complete lack of back support. The seat itself is ok , not super comfortable but it’s good for a four hour trip . Every time I take my Stratos out my back hurts afterwards. There’s just no back support. If I can work something into the seat back and improve that than this would be a really great yak . Btw I’m also the owner of sandpiper 130 and a riot Edge 11 and their seats are far far more comfortable.
Stratos 12.5 L

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