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I paddled this boat briefly this past weekend while shopping for a new kayak. I was not unimpressed, as the Halo has its good qualities, but it was not the boat for me.

I am 6'1", 195 lbs. I had difficulty getting into and out of the cockpit as this boat's deck sits comparatively low to the water compared to the ocean and creek boats I have paddled before. Once I had squeezed and twisted my legs into the Halo, life got better. It tracks well and still turns quickly. Its primary stability is good and I felt confident edging it while turning.

I was admittedly paddling a demo model that was not brand new, but I noticed that on both this and a used Compass, the white paint on the plastic was flaking off in large areas. I also had difficulty with the day hatch, which did not want to twist open and closed easily.

The plastic itself is stiff and light, and I think this would be a decent boat for anyone who is not planning to take it near rocks or down rapids. It did not feel sturdy enough for whitewater, and I would worry that the hull would crack on a hard impact. If you want a lightweight, maneuverable touring boat with enough room for a few days' camping on calm or deep water, this is probably a good choice. If you are looking for a crossover boat, look elsewhere.