Best Pelican Kayaks in 2023 | Ultimate Buying Guide

Last updated on January 5th, 2023 at 08:35 am

Adventure enthusiasts always prefer to explore nature instead of sitting on their couches out there. Some prefer exploration after traveling a long distance, while most of the others take full advantage of their nearby locations and bodies of water. As those lakes, canals, and streams provide a relaxing opportunity.

If you want to get the most out of it without any limits, you should get a Pelican Kayak to expand beyond the limits! The best Pelican Kayak will make you spend quality time and hunt some fish as well.

However, that time may worsen if your kayak isn’t up to mark, and you will surely end up sad that you never want to experience it. To make your experience reliable, it is essential to get a reliable kayak from a reliable brand in parallel.

For that, you just have to find and analyze which brand matches your requirements without sacrificing any factor. Narrow down your preferences, and you are likely to end up with a suitable kayak for fishing.

But finding the best kayak isn’t a cup of tea to grab. It takes effort, patience, and a lot of other considerable factors, while durability is the most important one. In this competitive industry, you will get several hundred brands with thousands of kayaks praising themselves, making you completely indecisive.

If you are limited to a specific budget, then you should stop looking at every single kayak. Instead, you should pick a kayak from Pelican, and you will never regret it. Moreover, you will be satisfied both with your mind & its performance.

But, the challenge is still here, although it’s already sorted out. So, to make it crystal clear, we will be providing you with our detailed analysis to pick out the exact and the best Pelican Kayak right now! But first, let’s have an overview of Pelican Kayaks.

Pelican Kayaks | Overview & Brief History of A Legend Brand

Alright, so this kayak’s brand has been around 50 years with their headquarters established in Canada. Pelican has been innovative in the kayak & ship industry since soon after its launch. They let you explore your magnificent territory with the help of their mighty kayaks that are meant to deal with storms and floods also.

This innovation has led them to grab the market, and almost every American paddler or a kayaker is using their kayaks or aware of this brand at least. They make innovative & user-friendly kayaks both for sit-in as well as sit on top. You can also grab single, double, or even triple-person kayaks from their fleet.

Hard work always pays off, and this is the case for Pelican as well. Their appearance has been across the globe where kayakers live and breathe. Not just their kayaks are designed for professionals and experts; they also make them for beginner kayakers. You will get a decent match both for lightweight and durability as well.

Their recreational kayaks and boards are considered top-notch in terms of stability, speed as well as versatility. Almost all of their kayaks provide proper storage to pack some critical stuff with you. Moreover, the ample comfort makes you stand out better over the stream and rivers.

On top of all these things, their affordable and reasonable pricing provides a perfect complement and an ideal option for kayakers around the country. Furthermore, Pelican is one of the few kayak brands that use RAM-X layered material to add durability and strength to their structures ideally.

The finishing is also exceptional, and you won’t notice any considerable effect of fading even on sunny days. However, it would be best if you took care of it nicely to make it long-lasting and secure your investment probably for the rest of your life.

7 Best Pelican Kayaks At A Glance

IMAGE	PRODUCT	SHOP
Overall Best Pelican Kayak	Pelican Sit-on-Top – Sentinel 100X – 9.5 Feet Benefits: Features a decent build quality, Comfortable & convenient kayak, Breathable & standard cushioning, Maneuverable & stable Pelican Kayak, Performing & great recreational kayak	Shop Here
Best Recreational Pelican	Pelican Maxim 100X Sit-in 10F Recreational Kayak Benefits: Easy to control & maneuverable, Lightweight yet a durable body, Adjustable but comfortable seat, Quite easy to clean & finished kayak, Loading & unloading is pretty easy	Shop Here
The Best Lightweight Kayak	Pelican Sit-in Kayak – 10 Feet Argo 100X – 1 Person Benefits: Comfortable & smooth voyage, Easy to handle yet lightweight, Durable & layered construction, A stable & maneuverable kayak	Shop Here
Best Pelican Vessel for Kids	Pelican Solo Kayak 6 Feet Sit-on-top Youth Benefits: Reasonable cockpit for kids, Stable yet a balanced kayak, Maneuverable kayak for kids, With a Decent paddle rest	Shop Here
Best Choice for Beginners	Pelican Recreational 10F Kayak – Argo 100XR Cosmos for 1 Person Benefits: A Rigid & strong construction, Lightweight & a balanced kayak, Decent stability & maneuverability, A reasonable deal for beginners, Breathable & portable seating	Shop Here
Sit On Top Fishing Pelican Kayak	Pelican Sit-on-top 01 Person Fishing Kayak 10F Benefits: Stable & a nicely designed kayak, A Balanced & cushioned seating, Durable & top-notch build quality, Maximum capacity of 325 Pounds, Adjustable footrest & fine paddles	Shop Here
Recreational Sit-In Kayak	Pelican Recreational Sit-in Kayak – Sprint XR – 01 Person 10.75F Benefits: Best intermediate Pelican kayak, Handles up to 300 pounds easily, A Rigid & a durable construction, Pretty easy to glide & balance, Comfortable yet adjustable seat	Shop Here

Reviews – Best Pelican Kayaks in 2023

1. Pelican Sit-on-Top – Sentinel 100X – 9.5 Feet

With the launch date to 2020, Pelican has made this vessel quiet in a lightweight yet balanced construction that makes it adorably best. Pelican offers this kayak in two marvelous colors of white and green shade along with a recreational & fishing version. However, we will be looking at a recreational one.

Key Features:

It is a compact kayak built with premium RAM-X material that composes the structure in a layered construction out of the box. The polyethylene build makes the kayak pretty durable yet gives it a lightweight design for both sides. It gives strong support to the deck & the rest of the parts as well.

Consider its kerb, and you will get it in a weight of 42 pounds that is meant to hold up to 275 pounds effectively. So, this is more than enough for a single person, even if you are a bit of a heavy kayaker. Build-wise, this vessel isn’t breakable in the tide.

Pelican does not just focus on the build; they also take care of its comfort, maneuverability, and performance. You will be having a pleasant and joyful kayaking experience with very few highs and ups. However, it would help if you were using it specifically for warm and calm waters. Otherwise, stability would be at stake!

Moving further and you have got comfortable seating in this great vessel. Pelican integrates ErgoLounge Seating into its seat that provides exceptional cushioning, protected from getting soaked pretty well.

This kayak comes with 9.5-feet of full length that pretty much adds stability to the ride, and also makes it quite maneuverable for somewhat experienced kayakers. The quality manufacturing made Pelican put extra flotation and rigidity.

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2. Pelican Maxim 100X Sit-in 10F Recreational Kayak

Maxim of Pelican is the runner-up of this list that was launched back in 2019. With a kerb weight of just 36 pounds, this kayak becomes the lightest of all on this list of Pelican Kayaks. It makes it a pretty good choice for you if you don’t have dedicated trailers for kayaks. It would be pretty easy to transport a kayak.

Key Features:

Let’s Explore its advantages where its weight is the best advantage of it. Pelican takes most of its weight and inserts T-handles both for rear and front sides, making it pretty easy to transport. Even being the lightest kayak, it is still designed to carry up to 275 pounds, the same as Sentinel 100X on top of the list.

Design-wise the kayak is meant for kayakers of any skill level, but it’s likely to be on the side of beginners and casual ones being a recreational kayak. An average paddler will also find it joyful, especially in calm and warm waters.

Both the storage hatch and drain plug are located and installed nicely in the cabin to ensure friendliness and convenience. On top of that, the deck cover is given to protect your gear from water splashes while touring.

Compared to the previous one, this vessel holds a bit V chine design that is meant to optimize the maneuverability and performance as per Pelican sayings. Whatever is the case, the kayak is still quite promising and maneuverable. The fine and well finishing makes it look more attractive, and it is also relatively easy to clean.

Along with all these things, the cockpit is well-established and features breathable seating along with comfort. The backrest is adjustable here that optimizes the room of support. Overall, you will have a joyful experience due to its stability, maneuverability, and sophisticated speed out there at the water.

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3. Pelican Sit-in Kayak – 10 Feet Argo 100X – 1 Person

Another sit-in kayak is also meant for solo kayakers. With 43 pounds, the kayak becomes a bit bulky yet considerably easy to maneuver if you aren’t a beginner. Let’s explore more about this vessel.

Key Features:

This sit-in is a recreational kayak that features layered construction just like the rest of the Pelicans. Pelican uses high-quality yet layered plastic to form its durable body to be floating and dealing nicely with tide over the water.

Inside the cockpit, you will get a storage compartment right in the front that you can use for storing some gear out there. Later, the deck also holds another compartment that can be used to rest your bottle of water.

The kayak becomes impressively decent to control with a lightweight body and provides decent stability over the water. Neither the build quality nor performance has been compromised at any spot.

For the storage department, you will get a lot of room to nicely & safely store your stuff. The lightweight development makes it relatively easy to transport. If you have been on the water and get some idea of kayaking, handling this guy wouldn’t be a big deal for you. So, it can also be considered for newbies and beginners.

Moreover, the comfort is also quite optimal here. Though it is a sit-in kayak, you will still be able to stay in it for hours. The footrests are also nicely positioned. However, they should be genuinely adjustable to some extent.

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4. Pelican Solo Kayak 6 Feet Sit-on-top Youth

So, you’ve got kids, and they are screaming to get a kayak to start kayaking. Don’t worry, as Pelican has grabbed you for the same thing. With less than 30 pounds and up to three colors, your preferences and experience will be a joy.

Key Features:

Pelican takes care of its customers and kayak enthusiasts, making this kayak quite affordable yet compelling. Like the other models, Pelican still considers using resistive and RAM-X material to form this vessel. With this layered construction, your kids are likely to get reasonable longevity.

Despite its build quality, the following considerable thing is its performance over the water. Of course, it isn’t meant for flooded, wavy, and unstable waters, nor will you be launching your kids there. It is meant for stable, calm, and warm waters.

Pelican has designed its body in up to 6 feet of length which is ideal for solo riders. The open cockpit makes both the exit and entrance smooth and safe, so you won’t have to struggle at this point. Moreover, it is meant to handle upto 100 pounds.

Even being a kids kayak, this is still relatively stable and doesn’t disappoint. Moreover, it is reasonably versatile and maneuverable for kids due to its lightweight and balanced body. Boarding and unboarding both are pretty convenient. Plus, you will also get an aluminum paddle along with a safety flag.

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5. Pelican Recreational 10F Kayak – Argo 100XR Cosmos for 1 Person

Here we go with another recreational kayak of Pelican that is also meant for just a single user. Pelican launched it back in 2020, whereas it holds a kerb weight of up to 45 pounds that is considered a balanced weight, to be honest.

Key Features:

This vessel doesn’t come in any color or size variation, so you won’t be able to customize this as per your preferences. However, RAM-X has been patented by the Pelican. Pelican uses their flagship RAM-X plastic to compose these models just like the other ones. It is the best part of Pelican as they never compromise the build material, even for the price.

For its durable and exceptionally best build materials, the kayak stands out better in the market as well as over the water. Pelican integrates their so-called Twin Arched Multi Chine Hull in this kayak that lets them grab the best stability. Along with the stability, the kayak becomes overall maneuverable and easy to control.

Though the kayak is balanced or lightweight, it is still rigid almost in every regard. So, you can expect it to last for a reasonable time. It also makes it convenient when it comes to loading and unloading. Moreover, the handles are installed at the best location that making it considerably easy to transport.

Together with these things, this kayak has a convenient and comfortable seating system that is portable. It means you can take the seat out and take it wherever you want. Furthermore, the seat is as well-cushioned as expected, and it’s meant to bear up to 300 pounds of weight pretty quickly.

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6. Pelican Sit-on-top – 1 Person Fishing Kayak 10F

Here we have got you with another sit-on-top fishing kayak that doesn’t need any praise. With the launch date of 2019, this Pelican has earned a decent reputation across its market. The design and colors are impressive; however, it only comes in a single color contrast that somehow limits your preferences.

Key Features:

Being a Pelican kayak comes in considerably lightweight construction, but it isn’t exactly “lightweight” either. It holds a durable body that weighs around 50 pounds, if no more than that. It is still somewhat transportable, but you will need some assistance. The retractable carrying handles are given to assist you.

The hull is nicely composed and features reasonable stability when riding on it over the water. One reason could be the weight that doesn’t let it mess around and makes it balanced and controllable for kayakers of any skill level. However, we won’t recommend it to beginners or kayakers with a limited budget in hand.

Anyways, let’s move further to the rest of its features. It is a sit-on-top vessel that comes in an open cockpit for convenience and is easy to use for its users. It is incorporable to handle up to 325 pounds, which is more than enough for a solo kayaker. So, you can have your gear safely in this vessel.

Pelican also adds a storage bag along with the kayak to carry your essential gear along with you. It is a fishing kayak instead of a recreational kayak, and this is why Pelican also provides essential fishing accessories. Along with that, you will get a genuinely adjustable footrest, foot bracing, along paddles as well.

Besides these things, this kayak gets ErgoFit G2 seating with balanced padding and a standard cushioned seat. Though Its backrest is adjustable, the entire seating unit still needs to be upgraded to make it comfortable for a long time.

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7. Pelican Recreational Sit-in Kayak – Sprint XR – 01 Person 10.75F

So this is going to be the last recreational Pelican kayak that got launched back in 2020. It features up to 55 pounds of weight that could be described as a bulky kayak, if not a balanced one. Though it isn’t operable for a single or a beginner kayaker, you must seek help from a guy around you for boarding and unboarding.

Key Features:

This guy features a Deep V Chine Hull that is relatively different from other kayaks on the list. Look-wise it looks a significant match for calm & warm waters but a moderate speed coverage. So, you won’t be having any instability issues at all. Nevertheless, the kayak is quite responsive without any doubt.

Pelican has stabilized the body quite nicely & it never lacks in balancing at all. You don’t longer need to put effort into moving the kayak. Because you will get a perfect balance between weight and size that makes it responsive out of the box. Furthermore, it comes with a built-in keel extension as well.

Sprint XR is capable of handling upto 300 pounds without any problem, and you will love it. Its carrying handles let you assist in transporting this big guy efficiently without worrying about mishandling.

Later on, the RAM-X premium and layered plastic play their part in making it durable right out of the box. Though the kayak itself is reasonably lightweight, it still features a decent rigidity that ensures its performance.

Last but not least, this kayak is almost a complete set for kayakers as it comes with most of the essential accessories. You will get adjustable footrests, keel extensions, knee pads for support, a drain plug, along a cord as well.

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Best Pelican Kayaks – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which is the Best Pelican Kayak?

This list covers all essential yet the best kayaks that are suitable for kayakers of any skill level. You should pick from Pelican 01 Person Fishing Kayak or Pelican Sentinel 100X 9.5 Feet for a fishing kayak. If you want a recreational Pelican kayak, Pelican Maxim 100X 10F Kayak, Pelican Sprint XR 01P Kayak could be the best kayaks for you. Pelican Kayak Sonic 80X 8 Feet is the best option for beginners.

Are Pelican Kayaks worth the price?

Pelican Kayaks are worth it, and you will never regret any of their kayaks after choosing. Their kayaks are loaded with stability that gives you a confident consistency over the body of water. The lightweight yet durable construction enhances their longevity that lets you enjoy kayaking pretty amazingly. Moreover, their affordable & reasonable prices make them attractive even more.

How to choose the best Pelican Kayak?

To choose the best kayak, you should first consider your requirements and preferences that later let you feel the taste of kayaking. For recreational kayakers, sitting on top versions works best as they are quite maneuverable. Further, if you want a speedy ride, you should pick narrower & longer vessels. For a stable & safe voyage, consider purchasing wide yet shorter vessels with more space in the cabin.

Summing Up the Best Pelican Kayaks

The Kayak market is competitive the same as a laptop or phone market is. It becomes almost impossible to pick the right match unless you are pretty sure about everything. The same goes the case even if you narrow down the selection just to Pelican kayaks, as you will still struggle to find the exact vessel for your needs.

Pelican makes kayaks for any use. But, To make things straight and perfect as per your needs, we have narrowed down Palican’s fleet just to their ten best kayaks, and you can pick the best one right now from this list without struggling anymore.

For their quality and performance, you will never find them deceiving or disappointing. Most Pelican kayaks provide more than enough space to take your essential luggage along with you. Almost from any aspect, these kayaks are your great companion over the water with their added maneuverability and safety.