Intex is a very-known brand for inflatable products. The Intex Challenger and the Intex Explorer are one of the most popular entry-level kayaks on the market. Both kayaks cost about the same. At the first glance both inflatable kayaks differ only visually, but there are some more differences between the two boats. We have reviewed the Intex Explorer K2 and Challenger K2 under the same conditions and would like to present you the two inflatable kayaks in a direct comparison. We definitely enjoyed both inflatable kayaks. For about $100 you get a functional inflatable kayak. But it is doubtful how long such a cheap inflatable kayak will last. The material of the boat skin is not very robust and also the paddles included are only suitable for short kayaking tours. Both inflatable kayaks should rather be seen as fun boats for sunny days on calm lakes than as real inflatable kayaks.
Table of Contents
INTEX EXPLORER K2
for 2 persons
pump and paddle incl.
easy access
INTEX CHALLENGER K2
for 2 persons
pump and paddles incl.
front deck
Assembly: a bit faster with the Intex Explorer
Both inflatable kayaks are very similar in construction and easy to set up. Only inflating the seats by mouth was a bit more challenging. The setup time for the Intex Explorer K2 was about half a minute faster than for the Intex Challenger K2.
Comfort: Intex Explorer K2 is a bit more comfortable
The inflatable seats are identical on both inflatable kayaks. The seats are attached to the floor with hook-and-loop closures and straps including clip fasteners on the side tubes. On the Intex Explorer, the backrests can be adjusted more easily as the belts are easier accessible. Due to their low air pressure, both inflatable kayaks are soft and quite comfortable, which is great for relaxing on the lake. The boats are not suitable for longer paddling tours, as the air pressure is quite low and the seats do not provide enough support. All in all, the Explorer K2 is a little more comfortable. It is an open kayak, which gives more space for the paddlers and makes it easier to get in and out.
Material and quality: No difference
Both inflatable kayaks are equally well made. Both the Challenger and the Explorer are made of PVC only. This is definitely thicker than any air mattress, but very thin for an inflatable kayak. This is not a good basis for a long life, which is not surprising considering the price of the two boats. With high quality kayaks there is an extra nylon cover (e.g. Sevylor Adventure) or the boat skin is made of a fabric material (e.g. Gumotex Twist).
Space: More space with Intex Challenger K2
The Challenger K2 offers more legroom due to its length. The Intex Explorer K2 has thicker side tubes, so the interior is narrower. For paddlers there is more space in the Challenger K2. Also the Challenger K2 offers a luggage net on the bow, which is very useful and which Explorer K2 does not have. All in all the Challenger offers more space for paddlers and luggage.
Speed: Intex Challenger is faster and more sportive
The Challenger K2 reaches a higher speed. We measured 0.6 km/h (0.35 mph) more. This is because the Challenger K2 has a longer hull. When paddling comfortably both boats are equally fast, about 3.5 km/h (2.2 mph) mph. Both boats surprised us regarding the speed. However, a fast paddling is only possible in good conditions, i.e. no wind and no waves.
Directional Stability: Both kayaks come with a fin
Both inflatable boats are equipped with a fin, which is indispensable. Without a fin the boats do not have a good directional stability. With the fin the boats have an acceptable directional stability. On longer distances and in light winds you have to correct the direction more often. There is no difference between the two inflatable kayaks in terms of directional stability.
Splash guard: Intex Challenger K2 protects better
Unlike the Explorer K2, the Intex Challenger K2 is a semi-open kayak, so it has a deck. This means that less splash water gets into the boat when paddling. The Explorer K2 has a splash cover at the bow and stern. But these are very small and serve more as decoration.
Overall, both boats need several strong paddle strokes from the paddler in the back to change direction and they react slowly to changes in direction. The Intex Explorer K2 is a little bit more agile than the Challenger K2 because of its wider hull.
Stability: Both are quite stable
The two kayaks do not differ in stability. Paddling is not a shaky affair, but compared to other inflatable boats (e.g. Gumotex Swing 2) you can definitely capsize with the Intex kayaks. It is recommended to wear a life jacket.
Dismantling: Intex Explorer K2 is easier to dismantle
The Intex Explorer is easier to dismantle. Bow and stern are easier to reach inside. There is no deck, only small spraydecks. So the boat can be wiped out better. The Intex Explorer K2 also has a drain valve. It should be closed during the trip, because otherwise water can get in. But this a very useful feature for dismantling. The boat only needs to be tilted and the water in the boat drains off without any problems. In the Challenger K2 the water has to be wiped out with a sponge, especially in the front interior it is very difficult to reach. In addition, it is easier to let the air out of the Explorer K2. This is thanks to the three separate chambers instead of 2 chambers from the Challenger. The boat skin of both boats dries very quickly.
Transportability: Intex Explorer K2 is lighter
The Intex Explorer K2 is about 1 kg (2.2 lbs) lighter and when folded is slightly smaller than the Challenger K2. The Explorer K2 also has carrying handles at the bow and stern, which makes it easier to handle. Compared to the Challenger K2, the Explorer K2 is the more transportable inflatable kayak, both when inflated and folded.
Accessoires: Both kayaks come with the same accessoires
Both boats had two double paddles and an air pump included. These are identical. The paddles are not designed for longer paddling trips, because they are a bit wobbly. Also the paddles are a bit short and you can always easily get against the side tubesof the boat when you stick the paddle into the water. Here 90 inch paddles would be better. The air pump serves its purpose.
Final Result: Intex Challenger vs Intex Explorer
INTEX EXPLORER K2
for 2 persons
pump and paddle incl.
easy access
INTEX CHALLENGER K2
for 2 persons
pump and paddles incl.
front deck
In a direct comparison it is 9:7 for the Intex Explorer K2. You can see that both inflatable kayaks are very similar. In the individual categories the Explorer or Challenger impresses with slightly better characteristics. For those who like it more comfortable, the Explorer K2 is the better choice. You sit more open and comfortable, the assembly and especially the disassembly is less complex. Who likes it more sporty and wants to take more luggage with him, should take the Challenger K2. It is a bit faster and you sit more sporty in the kayak. Also for tall people the Challenger K2 is more suitable. You will find detailed reviewreports on both boats in the boxes below.
Alternatives to Intex kayaks
If you are looking for another kayak than the Challenger K2 or Explorer K2, then you should check out the Sea Eagle 330. This one is also an entry-level kayak and comes in a complete set with paddles, air pumpt and bag. The Intex Excursion Pro looks quite similar to the Explorer K2 but the biggest difference here is the material and quality, which is why this kayak is also more expensive.
Hi there, I am curious if these could fit into a larger backpack to be carried? I live 2km (way up hill) from a river and would like to be able walk down and paddle around and hike back home. There are only 3 parking spots near the river so being able to walk would be best.
Hello Sarah,
it depends on the size of your backpack and especially on the opening. But there are backpacks where it’s no problem to fit them in.
Christian
Hi Christian,
So you feel that the Sea Eagle 330 is similar to the 2 entry level Intex kayaks but will last longer due to the materials of the kayak? Are the paddles with the Sea Eagle better than with the Intex? I am only 5’4 and have kayak’d maybe twice in my life but after an unexpected divorce have decided to do more fun things like kayaking.
We haven’t paddled the Sea Eagle kayak yet and can’t tell if we think that the kayak could last longer. Buthe model from Sea Eagle is similar to the Intex kayaks. Paddles from the package seem also close to the ones from Intex. They are good for starting if you are a beginner and not sure about kayaking yet but they can’t compete with high-quality inflatable kayaks.
Xlnt article! Thank you for this great bit of info. We bought the Explorer simply due to an amazing sale price, not knowing there was a Challenger version. Your detailed look eased our minds and we are ready to get in the water(we live a few short blocks from a pretty calm estuary in Seaside, Oregon).
One quick question: can one person manage an Explorer K2? My wife is 5’4 and 120lbs, I’m 5’8” and 190lbs.
Hello Conrad,
it’s ok if only one person paddles and the other one relaxes but you will be just much slower or you have to put much more force in. I have also seen people who paddled the Intex Explorer K2 solo. Ideally, you put some weight in the stern.
Hi Christian,
Would these kayaks be ok on the ocean? Thinking more for relatively calm and sunny days at the beach.
Cheers
Hi Nick,
if you stay close to the beach on calm days it should be ok. However, don’t forget to wear life jackets.
Best
Christian
What an excellent write up and comparison. Thanks so much for your work on this. Really helped make a decision. Will use you buy it links!
HI, It looks like both are for 2 people, yet the graphics seem to indicate the Challenger is for 1 person? This is confusing.
Let’s say I’m 5 11” and want to Kayak with my daughter who is 5’4”…
Can either of these accommodate us?
Thanks
Hello Steven,
there was a typo in the graphic, which I have just corrected. The Intex Challenger K2 is indeed for two persons. This kayak would be suitable in terms of size for you and your daughter. Please keep in mind that this is a pretty cheap entry level kayak. For short tours on calm water and sunny days they will do the job. However, I would personally prefer a more quality one like a kayak from Advanced Elements or Itiwit. But it’s also a question of budget.
Best regards
Christian
Hi, thanks so much for the great reviews! I am debating between buying the one person or two person inflatable kayaks. I am mostly by myself, but from time to time I have family come to visit that may like to kayak with me. Would the two person kayak work for one person if I take the seats out? If so any chance you have an idea of which one between the two would be better for that?
Thanks,
Amanda
Hi Christian,
Are both Kayaks better than Dechatlon Itiwit (the green one)?
link for Dechatlon Itiwit: Decathlon Link
Thanks in advance
Hello Shumel,
the Itiwit Touring is the better inflatable kayak. It is more solid thanks to the nylon cover, comes with better seats and also performs better on the water. You can check our review of the Itiwit Touring.
Best regards
Christian
Hi,
Do you know anything about the Intex Sierra K2? For sale on Walmart.com.
Thanks
Hi Alan,
the Intex Sierra K2 seems to be exactly like the Explorer K2, only the colors and name are different in my point of view.
Best regards
Christian
My wife and I bought K1 kayaks five years ago still using them I’ve had no problems no holes they’ve been very dependable the last year we bought a K2 and it was amazing great for River floating. We bought the K2 Sierra this year looks about the same as the K2 Challenger. I would definitely recommend either one of The Kayaks I mentioned above. We had scraped the bottom of the river bounce them off of logs rocks been in the weeds it performed flawlessly.
Hi Christian,
The way you explained everything is awesome. I like inflatable kayaks because they are very handy to use, no more hassle, and hence happy kayaking. I like Challenger K2 for its sporty features.
Hi Christian,
I have the same question as Amanda, can both be paddled solo and which would be better? I’m 5’6″ average weight and would prefer the sportier K2 Challenger and I’m ok with a little extra “work” paddling. And if so should I sit in the front or back seat (leaving the other empty)?
Thanks!
Hello James,
both can be paddled solo. Make sure to place the one seat as much as possible in the middle of the boat to have a good weight distribution. Otherwise you should rather sit in the back and put your equipment and luggage in the front to have some extra weight there.
Best regards
Christian
I have both and like the Challenger better. The floor of the Challenger is flush with the edges whereas on the Sierra (aka Explorer) the floor seems to be a fraction of the width. This means the Challenger is more rigid in the water and therefore more supportive and stream lined, closer to a kayak made of rigid material. The Sierra looks and feels softer, more like a raft. The both work pretty well and are quite affordable but I would give the edge to the Challenger.