12 Best Kayak Brands for Your Next Paddling in 2023

In search of the top kayak brands? Wilderness Systems, Perception, and Old Town are just some of the top kayak manufacturers mentioned in this article. Learn the red flags for certain brands and the features to seek out in a kayak.

Choosing the best kayak brand can be daunting, especially when unsure of what to look for or avoid. Knowing which brands offer the highest quality kayaks and which ones you should steer clear of is essential as kayaking becomes increasingly popular. This article will review the 12 best kayak brands, including what to look for and avoid. Our top pick for the best kayak brand is Old Town, but we will also discuss other top brands for specific purposes, such as Perception and Jackson. So, sit back, grab a bottle, and dive into the vat of the best kayak brands out there.

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Table Of Contents

1. Old Town

Old Town is a top brand for sit-inside kayaks, known for their stability and popularity among kayaking enthusiasts. Old Town has a long history as a canoe manufacturer, and their expansion into kayaks has made them a top competitor in the industry. Buying an Old Town kayak is a safe bet because they produce many high-quality kayaks.

 Key Features:

• They are designed to provide superior stability, making them perfect for beginners or those who prefer a more stable ride.
• Made from high-quality materials that are built to last, ensuring that you get the most out of your investment.
• A popular choice among kayakers, with a loyal following who swear by the brand's quality and performance.

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2. Jackson Kayaks

Jackson Kayaks is the top choice for lake kayaking due to their wide range of lake-focused kayaks, including sit-in and sit-on-top kayaks that can be used for solo or tandem paddling.

Key features of the recommended models include:

• Karma Traverse 10: a versatile crossover kayak with a retractable skeg for straight-line paddling, suitable for both white and flat water.
• Riviera: a durable and easy-to-use sit-on-top kayak with a gear hatch and rear tank storage area with bungees on top; suitable for small lakes and flat rivers.
• Take Two: a popular tandem kayak with adjustable seating system, comfy deck chairs, and plenty of storage space at both ends, suitable for kayak fishing.

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3. Dagger

Dagger stands out as a leading brand specializing in whitewater kayaking and touring. They offer the most comprehensive range of whitewater kayaks with multiple award-winning models.

Key Features:

• Maneuverability and speed are prioritized over stability in their designs.
• Their kayaks are tailored specifically for whitewater paddling and specialty touring.
• They offer various models with varying sizes and shapes to suit different preferences and skill levels.

Here are three of their top-selling models:

• Rewind XS
• Dagger Phantom
• Rewind MD

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4. Wave Sport

Sit-on-top ocean kayaks are best suited for recreational purposes, and Wave Sport is the leading brand for such kayaks. Unlike sit-inside kayaks with a covered deck and spray skirt, sit-on-top kayaks provide easy access and exit from the watercraft, along with added safety and stability.

Key Features

• Sit-on design for comfort and ease of use
• Longer length and increased cargo space for long-distance paddling
• Ideal for efficiency in straight-line paddling, rather than turning ability

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5. Wilderness Systems

Wilderness Systems is a top-rated brand for kayaks, particularly for fishing kayaks. They have three models available for fishing enthusiasts: the ATAK 120, the Radar, and the Recon.

Key Features:

• Open platform, sit-on-top design that is standard on other fishing kayaks
• Multiple spots for fishing gear and rod holders
• Comfortable and adjustable seating for long hours on the water
• Stable and easy to maneuver, even in rough waters
• Built with durable materials to withstand harsh conditions and last for years.

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6. Delta

Delta is a top-rated brand for touring kayaks, providing a wide range of specialty touring kayaks with unique features that distinguish them from general kayaks.

Key Features:

• Long and Narrow Shape enables them to move straight with minimal effort.
• Closed Decks with Sit-inside Seating to add a spray skirt.
• Ample Cargo Space

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7. Perception

Discover the top brand for kids' kayaks - Perception Kayaks. They're a well-known recreational kayak brand with a rich history, having manufactured the first rotomolded kayak in the 70s.

Perception Kayaks offer two popular recreational kayaks specifically designed for kids - the Hi-Five and the Prodigy XS.

Key features of the Perception Hi-Five:

• Combines kayaking with paddle boarding in a kid-friendly, open-platform design
• Swim-up deck on the back with handholds
• Tether system to attach to an adult kayak
• Very wide and stable
• Comes with a paddle

Key features of the Perception Prodigy XS:

• Perfect for recreational paddling on slow rivers and lakes or calm sea kayaking
• Made from a single piece of rotomolded plastic (leak-proof)
• Coast Guard-compliant hull ID number
• Lightweight at just 26 pounds
• Custom-designed seat and cockpit for smaller bodies

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8. Sevylor

Sevylor, a well-known manufacturer of affordable inflatable kayaks and other air-filled recreational products, has an unusual origin story. Founded in 1948 in France, the company initially manufactured electrical accessories. However, they stumbled upon a unique PVC-handling process that allowed them to create their first inflatable product, and the rest is history.

Key Features:

• Wide range of inflatable products
• Budget-friendly and affordable, making them accessible to a wider audience.
• NMMA certified
• Featured in multiple kayak roundups
• Inflatable all-rounder

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9. Lifetime Hydros Angler 85

The Lifetime Hydros Angler 85 fishing kayak is a popular sit-on-top model that offers simplicity and affordability. It weighs only 40 pounds and comes with a swim-up deck on the back, which makes it an excellent option for kids. Additionally, the kayak includes a paddle.

Key Features:

• Swim-up deck on the back, which is ideal for kids
• Comes with a paddle included
• Lightweight and easy to carry
• The sit-on-top design provides extra stability and ease of use
• Suitable for both beginners and experienced kayakers.

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10. Hobie

Hobie offers a comprehensive range of vessels, including sailboats, kayaks, SUPs, recreational and fishing boats, and accompanying accessories. Hobie is widely recognized as a high-end fishing kayak manufacturer.

Key Features:

• MirageDrive Pedal System allows kayakers to use their leg muscles for efficient and comfortable cruising.
• Versatile Kayak Models to suit various water activities such as recreational kayaking, fishing, and touring.
• High-End Accessories that are specifically designed to enhance kayaking experiences.

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11. Malibu Kayaks

Malibu Kayaks, previously a kayak retailer, became a kayak manufacturer in 1999 with the release of their Pro Explorer. The brand remains dedicated to disrupting the “one hull fits all” model through innovation, providing unique and affordable options for every paddler's needs.

Key Features:

• Comfortable and dry seating
• Tailored to fit the paddler's needs
• Affordable pricing.
• Enhanced stability
• Versatility for a range of activities

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12. Vibe

If you're looking for versatile kayaks that can be customized to fit your needs, then Vibe should be on your radar. They stand out from other brands for their "blank canvas" kayaks in different shapes and sizes.

Key Features:

• Offers a "blank canvas" for customization, with ten gear tracks to add any accessory you desire.
• It can quickly transform into fishing kayaks or support action cameras.
• Wide Range of Accessories, including dry bags, coolers, and on-deck gear organizers.
• Multiple Sizes to fit different needs and preferences.

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What Factors To Consider Before Buying A Kayak?

Cheap copy kayak imports have flooded the market, making it tempting to opt for knock-offs. To avoid subpar kayaks, consider the following factors:

• Kayak transportation and storage
• On-water performance, including stability, maneuverability, and speed.
• Typical water conditions and environment
• Your preferred type of kayaking activity
• Your body type (height and size)

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Final Thought

Choosing the right kayak brand can be overwhelming, but knowing which offers the best quality and features is essential for an enjoyable kayaking experience. Wilderness Systems, Perception, and Old Town are among the top kayak brands mentioned in this article. Keep in mind that the type of construction and quality of materials used determine a kayak's performance, so don't fixate on specific brands.

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