5 min read
Old Town Vapor 10XT Kayak Review
The successor to the Vapor 10, Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Vapor 10XT recreational kayak is an excellent all-round tool, designed to offer a relaxed and comfortable ride. Paddlers looking for something that is stable, comfortable, has enough space and tracks well in a variety of circumstances, such as ponds, lakes, rivers, as well as some occasional mellow ocean paddling, will want to take a close look at this. The Vapor 10XT offers plenty of stability, as well as load-bearing capability, mostly due to the large volume and stable comfort, and all without affecting the handling. The huge cockpit also means that you will be able to get in and out of it with little to no effort. Interested yet? Read on for the full Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Vapor 10XT recreational kayak review to find out more, and see if this is where your money should go.
Description and Features
- ComfortFlex seat, which is adjustable and well-padded for optimum comfort, as well as a very comfortable padded backrest
- Click Seal Hatch stern, keeping the gear both close, and above the waves
- Molded-in tray in the cockpit, which has a cup holder
- Molded-in paddle rest and e-pad with bungee keepers
- Adjustable Track foot braces and thigh pads, made to offer a comfortable, as well as secure paddling position for anyone
- Molded carry handles bow and stern, so you can transport it with ease
- Dimensions: 10’L x 19.5”D x 28.5”W, with a 19.5” x 48” single-seat cockpit
Performance
As mentioned at the beginning, the Vapor 10XT is an excellent all-round tool. It’s made for beginners and advanced paddlers as well, and people who would like to get a lot of comfort and space, both for them and their gear. The first thing to notice is the cockpit, and more specifically, its size. It’s incredibly big, and that makes getting in and out of the kayak a breeze. The size also means that you will have enough room to wiggle a little during longer trips, which will undoubtedly help you avoid that feeling of being trapped inside the kayak. The seat in the kayak is known as a ComfortFlex seat, and it comes with enough padding to make your trip comfortable with little care of how long it is. The backrest is also fairly comfortable and well-padded, meaning you won’t have back issues as with some more stiff solutions. The cockpit also includes a couple of things that not all of the competition has. Among those you will appreciate most are the molded-in tray with a cup holder, and the adjustable foot braces and thigh pads, which mean you can basically set the kayak up exactly how you like it, and enjoy paddling it without worrying about comfort. The dry storage is also a great plus for anyone traveling with gear that shouldn’t really get wet.
The kayak is made of single-layer polyethylene, and when you take into consideration the large volume, it comes out on the heavier side of things. Handling-wise, however, the kayak is extremely stable. It isn’t really built for speed, but it is easier to maneuver than you might think, and you can easily make your way through any obstacles that might get in your way, such as rocks and logs poking from the water. The paddle holder is also very simple, yet functional, as it keeps the paddle out of the way, yet at the ready.
Conclusion
When you sum everything up, the Vapor 10XT is an incredible kayak for anyone who isn’t extremely demanding. It comes with plenty of bells and whistles that will keep almost everyone happy, but if you’re after a fast kayak that will overtake anything, this isn’t for you. If, however, you want something that you can maneuver with ease, that offers a solid, stable platform, and comfort that will last you for days, look no further. The Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Vapor 10XT recreational kayak has a huge cockpit and dry storage area, which means that you can take your gear and go on a long trip, and enjoy it to the fullest.
