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Name: paddler233776
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Did a test paddle on this kayak last week and it's a big let down. Why? Read: first off, the kayak uses the standard weight PVC light material on the bottom and if you think this will hold up on white water..good luck, it won't. The kayak is just not made well enough for heavy duty use. For the same price one can get into the tried and true Aire Tomcat series or the NRS Bandit series that are of a much higher quality (valves, material, warranty, performance). Pass on this one.
Long time paddler here (some say old:)) and after owning WS Tarpon 12 &16', OK Prowler 13 &15', Necky Vector 13', Perception Search, Bic Scarpa, Malibu X-13 (second fav) and a West Marine Pescador 12' (old Wilderness mold), this Perception Triumph 13' is my all time favorite. Why? It's all about speed and speed. Seriously, I can hang all day with the sit inside crowd in their 15-16' kayaks it's that fast. Someone noted in another review about plugging the scupper holes for better speed and I was skeptical..but it's true as it gave me even more speed and longer glide. Tracking and glide is excellent, you can lean this kayak hard for a sweep turn as it handles very well. I was going to use my 16' P&H Capella for a circumnavigate Lake Tahoe (72 miles) over 3-4 days, but for longer distances, I'm finding the Triumph more comfortable with allowing me to raise or spread my legs to stretch. Speed difference between the two is very close..amazing. I'm 6-2/220lbs and even loaded with camping gear, this sot handles my weight with ease. One heck of a kakak and bonus is it's lighter than the rest. Keeping this one!
Best sot I've owned and I've had quite a few: Tarpon 120 &160, Prowler 13 & 15, Necky Vector 13, Biic scarpa, and West Marine Pompano 120. What's outstanding about the Triumph is it's speed..easily the fastest sot I've paddled. It's glide and tracking are excellent, fairly lightweight and easy to cartop with it's rigid handles built in. Front hatch seals tight, seat if comfortable. It's a high quality made kayak. They can be hard to find and got mine at West Marine on sale.
Just Get It!
I test paddled 3 SUP's and while all were good, this Body Glove won me over! It's high quality durable materials and construction, built in stringer (unlike Red Paddle where you must insert them which is tedious and made worse with getting sand in the slots), reinforced nose for added protection, large padded area for grip and comfort, built in fins (no worry about breaking or losing them), and excellent performance. I took them down a river with good flows and the stability and ability to turn with the Performer 11 was better and I think this is do to it's balance and upswept nose..it works. Every included item like the 2 stage pump, spare valve (very nice) and patch kit in the sealed container, paddle is top notch and made from high quality aircraft aluminum, leg/board leash, water proof/resistant cell phone bag, and a very well made and roomy bag that works as a backpack with comfy straps. Listed as being able to carry 325 lbs and I believe it as my 220lbs barely made it sit down.
Others test paddled: Red Paddle Sport 12' and the Isle Air Tech 12'6". I liked both and gave 2nd place to the Isle board for speed, build quality, and handling. The Isle board was not as stable as the BOdy Glove and speed between the two are very close. The Isle paddle is 3 piece and did not feel like the high quality of the Body Glove paddle. Red Paddle makes a nice board, but for me, the stability was not as good as the others. Speed was close on all, but overall, the BG just performed better all around. It's durability is one reason why many sup rental companies are going with their Outfitter model with the same specs as the Performer 11'. Price: Body Glove wins big! Available online or at Costco online at a great price. The other boards were priced $200-$300. higher. Although these boards are all made very well, the Body Glove's high quality and attention to detail helped make it my Number 1 pick.
If your needs are anything less than a Class III/IV rated kayak, these are perfect, especially as they run much less than Aire or NRS inflatables. C/S at Red Star was excellent as I lost a air fill adapter, they sent one right out at no charge! Very pleased with my purchase.