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The Perception Tribe meets all my needs for an affordable, well built recreational kayak. It is easy to enter/exit from most any situation(my first priority) and light enough for one person to maneuver on land.

With this SOT, you have many options for sitting position and can easily move about while on the water, making longer paddles more enjoyable. Molded in grab handles and foot rests assist in this.

The Tribe comes equipped with a decent seat, although I use a self-inflating lumbar cushion under the seat for extended journeys. Launching is quick and easy; a replaceable skid pad is a plus.

Most of my paddling is on calm lakes and slow moving rivers/streams. But, for the adventurous, it will handle Class I/II streams, though it is hard to maneuver through rocky places due to the wide beam and forward v-hull. But, it's easy get out and carry when you get stuck on rocks! I understand it is suitable for surf, as well.

There is plenty of room for gear on the front and rear decks (dry bag required), a small child, or if you like to take along your dog. As with any SOT, you do get somewhat wet, especially in choppy water, although with scupper plugs in the seat well I seldom get soaked.

This is my first kayak, so I have no comparison, but the Tribe seems to maneuver exceptionally well for a short and stable boat. It is responsive with better than average tracking and little adverse wind affect. I have no problem keeping up with my husband in his 11' sit-in. I would recommend using a longer than normal paddle because of the wide, 31.25" beam. I get a lot of paddle drip using a paddle recommended for my height.

In summary - great value for a versatile, well-built kayak priced under $500. I highly recommend the Tribe 9.5.