Best Kayak for 2018 – Kayak Reviews & Buyers Guide

With such a large selection of kayaks available today, you might not know where to start looking to find the best kayak for your skill level or desired purpose. To help you out, we’ve poured hours of research into finding and reviewing the best kayaks. After paddling through the vast number of options and considering over 25 different kayaks, we’ve selected the Riot Kayaks Edge LV kayak as the best kayak for 2018. This is a well-rounded kayak that performs well in any water condition. These small boats offer casual outdoors beginners and experienced adventurers a chance to explore nature and get a good workout while doing it. Don’t forget to check out the list of our other top kayaks below, accompanied by a kayak buying guide that can help you decide which features you should consider when making a purchase.  

The Top Rated Kayaks of 2018

#1 Riot Kayaks Edge LV – Best Inflatable Kayak

Pros:

• Unique rudder system for more responsive tracking
• Slim design works well in any water condition
• Seat includes custom fitting features

Cons:

• Longer length makes for hard transportation
• Heavier than other kayaks
• No accessories included

The Riot Kayaks Edge LV kayak is well-rounded and makes for a perfect choice for beginners and advanced kayakers alike. It offers a variety of advanced features that seasoned kayakers will enjoy and beginners can easily learn to use, such as adjustable sliding foot braces and integrated thigh braces. This kayak features an extra-long hull, measuring in at 14.5 feet. This makes it longer than most kayaks, but it also makes it more efficient in the water when it comes to tracking and maneuverability. It also features two sealed bulkhead compartments that can protect your belongings while on the water. These compartments, along with the included bungee cord storage areas, mean you can store more gear for longer trips. While it doesn’t include any accessories like paddles, it does have an integrated, retractable skeg which you can use or stow depending on where you are kayaking. Remember that the longer hull on the Edge LV might make this kayak a little more difficult to transport on your vehicle and heavier to lug around, weighing in at 60 pounds.

#2 Old Town Vapor 10 – Best Value Kayak

Pros:

• Large cockpit for more leg room or gear
• Adjustable, comfortable seat
• Roomy storage compartment on the back of the hull

Cons:

• Doesn’t maneuver as well
• No lashing
• Drain plug inefficient due to placing

The Old Town Vapor 10 offers a lot of kayak for a small price. With a comfortable seat and a foot brace system that can both be easily adjusted, this value kayak can be customized to work well for kayakers everyone. It also features a large cockpit where you can stretch out and store more gear. If you need more room, you can utilize the roomy and handy storage compartment in the hull behind the seat. Unfortunately, the Old Town Vapor 10 doesn’t include any lashing where you can store additional gear. The hull is 10 feet long and weighs 55 pounds, which makes it easier to transport and carry than other kayaks. This kayak is very stable in the water. While this is a nice feature for beginners, it can unfortunately lead to a loss in maneuverability that more advanced users may come to expect from a kayak. This loss in maneuverability limits the ways in which you can use the kayak, and as a result we'd rank it as the best recreational kayak.  

#3 Ocean Kayak Malibu 2 – Best Tandem Kayak

Pros:

• Can hold up to two people and a small child
• Best for kayak touring
• Unique, overlapping foot wells
• Two seats included

Cons:

• Minimal gear storage
• Heavier than most kayaks
• No paddles included

The Ocean Kayak Malibu 2 is a barebones tandem kayak that offers a stable, versatile experience for anyone wanting to kayak with friends or family members. With a weight capacity of up to 425 pounds, this kayak can fit up to two adults with room to spare for a small child, if desired. When you purchase this two-person kayak, you get two adjustable and comfortable seats in the package. Each kayaker can use the overlapping foot wells to find the perfect position for their legs. This also eliminates the need for adjustable foot braces that need to be customized and changed between people who use the kayak. If you’re using the kayak to seat two people, you will have minimal to no room for storing gear, but it you’re kayaking solo, you can use the extra space to store some gear. However, if you’re planning on kayaking solo, you might experience some difficulty carrying the kayak around, as it weighs 62 pounds. Overall, the Ocean Kayak Malibu 2 is a good tandem kayak for recreational use, as long as you don’t plan on taking gear with you on the water.

#4 Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 – Best Fishing Kayak

Pros:

• Unique pedal drive system keeps your hands free
• Super comfortable and ergonomic seat
• Tons of rod storage
• H-rail system allows you to add more fishing accessories

Cons:

• Expensive
• Very heavy
• Wide hull is harder to maneuver

The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 is made specifically to cater to the needs of serious fishing enthusiasts. With a unique pedal drive system, the kayak allows you to move without using a paddle, therefore keeping your hands free to present your bait more naturally. This Hobie kayak also includes a comfortable, ergonomic seat that allows you to be out on the lake for longer periods of time. Standing is made easy with a wide hull, at the expense of more nimble maneuverability. However, fishers may not need the traditional amount of maneuverability as found in other kayaks. When it comes to storing your gear, the Pro Angler 14 is unmatched. It features four horizontal rod holders and two vertical rod holders so you can fish with all your rods. It also features both lashing and sealed compartments to store additional gear like tackleboxes. This kayak also offers an H-rail system where you can attach additional fishing tools like fishfinders and more rod holders. The two major downsides of this fishing kayak are its price and its weight. Weighing in at almost 150 pounds, you absolutely need a kayak cart to carry this kayak to the water.

#5 Dagger Mamba 8.6 – Best Whitewater Kayak

Pros:

• Can handle whitewater rapids up to Class V
• Hull designed specifically for stability and spin
• Super comfortable seat
• Best for rivers and creeks

Cons:

• No accessories included
• Heavy
• Not as maneuverable as other whitewater kayaks

The Dagger Mamba 8.6 was designed to please both beginner and pro whitewater paddlers. With a hull designed to handle whitewater rapids up to Class V and provide extra stability and spin, this whitewater kayak is a great entry point for newcomers or upgrade for veterans. It features moderate edges, a softer chine, and a progressive rocker profile that all allow you to keep your bow above water and the whole kayak carving through the waves with ease. The included seat is comfortable and the kayak also includes a reinforced foot brace system that prevents your foot from getting caught in the front of the bulkhead. This additional level of safety helps you protect your feet in the case of a crash. Weighing in at almost 48 pounds, this whitewater kayak is a little on the heavy side, and it may take some getting used to. However, this shouldn’t affect the overall performance.

#6 Lifetime Youth Wave – Best Kayak for Kids

Pros:

• Each aspect of the design geared toward kids
• Reverse chine for greater stability
• Lightweight
• Paddle included

Cons:

• No dry storage
• No backrest
• Tracking is not great

If you want to buy a kayak for your kids, look no further than the Lifetime Youth Wave. Each aspect of this kayak’s design is geared toward catering to kids. It features a reverse chine which gives the kayak much more stability than traditional kayaks. It’s also lightweight and easy to transport. Unfortunately, there isn’t a backrest, which can make the kayak uncomfortable during longer periods of use and it doesn’t include any dry storage. The Lifetime Youth Wave is easy to use and very stable, which is nice for kids who are likely experiencing kayaking for the first time. However, because of the reverse chine and other design aspects, your kids may experience some difficulty with the tracking. Overall, this is a great introductory—and cheap—kayak for kids that can introduce them to the world of kayaking before you spend more to buy a more well-rounded kayak.

#7 Sun Dolphin Aruba – Best Kayak for Beginners

Pros:

• Large cockpit with adjustable foot braces
• Stable and easy to use
• Plenty of storage

Cons:

• No padding on the bottom of the seat
• Seat is not adjustable
• Slower than other kayaks

The Sun Dolphin Aruba is a great beginner kayak that offers a lot of features new kayakers might look for and enjoy. With a large cockpit, you won’t feel claustrophobic or trapped, and the adjustable foot braces allow you to get comfortable. The kayak includes a handy water bottle holder directly in front of the seat so you can always stay hydrated. There is also a sealed compartment behind the seat, but it can be a little harder to access, especially if you aren’t very flexible. The seat itself includes back padding, but lacks bottom padding and cannot be adjusted. This beginner kayak is very stable and offers smooth tracking, but it suffers when it comes to speed. You may find yourself envious of others who can go faster, but it also gives you the opportunity to walk before you run.

#8 Ocean Kayak Frenzy – Best Sit-on-Top Kayak

Pros:

• Simple design with integrated foot braces
• Plenty of storage space with lashings
• Adjustable and comfortable seat
• Handy bow and stern carrying handles

Cons:

• Narrow seat may be uncomfortable for some kayakers
• Slower than other kayaks
• Struggles in rough waters

The Ocean Kayak Frenzy is a sit-on-top kayak that offers an extremely simple design and decent tracking that works well for beginners and more experienced kayakers alike. It features a comfortable seat that you can adjust to your liking and includes built-in foot braces with several length options that you won’t need to spend time adjusting. The seat is narrower than other kayaks, and some users may experience discomfort while sitting in it. With a lightweight hull and handy bow and stern carrying handles, you can easily carry, launch, and remove from the water with ease. It also features plenty of storage space for gear while you’re out on the water. While you’re out on the water, you may experience some struggle keeping up with other kayaks. It also tends to struggle on rougher waters, so if it’s a windy day, you might get more frustrated than anything else. Overall, the Ocean Kayak Frenzy is a great choice for casual kayakers that want a calm day on the lake.

#9 Perception Kayak Hi Life – Best Kayak for Dogs

Pros:

• Unique combination design
• Includes rear swim deck
• Integrated gear track allows for accessories

Cons:

• Only appropriate for calm waters
• Minimal storage capacity
• Seat isn’t adjustable

The Perception Kayak Hi Life is the most unique kayak on our list, which is why it’s perfect for our most unique category. This kayak is a combination of a kayak and a stand-up paddleboard. It features a sit-on-top design with a variety of flat spaces where your dog can also sit or lay down, making it incredibly easy to take your best friend with you. The rear of the kayak includes a useful swim deck that makes it easy for your dog to climb on or jump off the kayak. However, due to this design, this kayak is only appropriate for calm waters. It won’t perform well on rough waters. If you want to add accessories, you can use the integrated gear track that runs down the middle of the kayak. Unfortunately, this kayak for dogs doesn’t offer much in the way of storage, so your trusty pal might have to go without a lot of treats while you’re out on the water. There is a small storage container underneath the seat, but it can be bothersome to access it while you’re out on the water.

Top Questions About Kayaks Answered

Best Kayak for 2018 – Kayak Reviews & Buyers Guide is republished from website for GR