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Name: codebrown

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Have owned the Conduit 13.0 for a few years now (5'11"/180lbs) and have found it to be one of the best kayaks in its price range. I chose this one as my starter yak because it offered many features that I was looking for. This is a solid recreation/day touring boat that gives good (not great) tracking, good (not great) speed and good (not great) maneuverability. It can handle flatwater, slow rivers and some pretty decent chop as well as provide the opportunity for weekend touring with its double bulkhead and hatches.

I found the shortcoming to be the seating system - it can get uncomfortable after just a couple hours on the water - i added a stadium seat cushion to alleviate numb bum. The foot pegs are fairly small, which can feel uncomfortable after a while on the water as well, but for the price point it's great. Bulkheads and hatches are expensive, and I can always supplement seating. Coaming is sturdy and the boat has a very nice line in the water.

If your price range is under $600, I highly recommend.

This boat tracks incredible well. It has an extended keel that makes paddling a breeze. Cockpit is huge so no problems with larger people getting in. Stability is high but the trade off to the great tracking and very good speed is that the 14' takes some real effort to turn sharply - something to consider if you plan to paddle creeks & narrow winding channels. Turns can be accomplished, but this boat is made for going in straight lines at speeds comparable to higher-end touring kayaks. Seating system is great, so you will have little discomfort after hours on the water.

I considered rating this a 1, but the price makes it appealing to introduce people, especially kids, to kayaking.

The price is good if you are looking for something that will get you on the water. For the kit, $175. I've seen a lot of these being purchased around the shore of a small lake I paddle frequently. However, I seldom see them used.

It has a flat bottom, so primary stability is incredible and the cockpit is huge so even the largest paddler can climb in and out. Best use would be for fishing small lakes or letting kids paddle near shore.

The material is a very thin, cheap poly that will break down or warp in the sun fairly quickly.
Instead of slicing through the water, it plows its way through, giving the feeling that the boat is braking between paddle strokes - which can be frustrating after a while.
There is very little gliding or tracking and the stern waggles significantly with each paddle stroke.

Ok for a starter for kids, but I would recommend looking for something that has a little more streamlining.