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Intex Explorer K2
Review
The Intex Explorer K2 is the best-selling inflatable. On the internet a lot of customers share positive experience with this inflatable Intex kayak. Most of the customers can only make a limited evaluation since they have never paddled any other inflatable kayaks than the Intex Explorer K2. We have examined the Explorer K2 carefully and have paddled it on a bathing lake. We have already paddled many inflatable kayaks and are able to give you a solid recommendation for who the Intex Explorer K2 is best suited for.
If you are hasitating between the Challenger K2 and Explorer K2, make sure to read also our review about the Intex Challenger K2 and our Intex Explorer vs Challenger article.
Technical Specification
No. of Persons: 2
Length: 10ft 3in
Width: 3ft
Weight: 30.6 lb
Pack Size: 10’3″ X 3′ X 1’8″
Max Load: 400 lb
Pressure: 0,069 bar
Material: PVC
Manufacturer: Intex
Set-up and first impressions
The Intex Explorer K2 comes in a thin transport bag which doesn’t make a robust impression. Nevertheless, the bag should be sufficient for a short transportation and is good for storing the kayak at home. The bag contains the boat and the complete accessory. It’s quite surprising that so much accessory is already included for such a low price. Paddling is immediately possible without buying anything extra.
The folded kayak is quickly out of the bag. At first, the material makes a pretty rough impression, but reminds us of a bit stronger material at the second glance, which air mattresses are made of. Compared to higher quality inflatable kayaks, there are huge differences in the roughness of the used material. That’s why you should be very careful with the Explorer K2 and prevent any contact with stones and branches.
The kayak must be unfolded for the setup. The air chambers can be inflated with the included high-output air pump. The Intex Explorer K2 features two side and one ground chamber. We really like this multiple air chamber design because it makes the boat safer. If the kayak were to get a puncture, only one air chamber will deflate and the other two will remain still inflated.
Inflating the kayak was simple and quick (less than 10 minutes). Intex has printed a measuring scale on the chambers. With this scale you can see with the included measuring strip or ruler if the right air pressure is on each chamber. This is very useful and important at the same time. A too high air pressure would damage the chambers for sure and a too low air pressure would reduce the driving performance of the boat. As well as the boston valves have been working great.
The two seats were a bit more cumbersome to inflate. But we really liked the Veclro straps on the floor of the boat. They hold the seats in the right position when paddling. The Velcro strap for the backseat is longer dimensioned so that you can adjust the position of the backseat more individually, either more legroom or more space for you gear behind the backseat. Both seats have a backrest with adjustable belts which are attached to the side chambers. All in all, the seats are a good feature of the boat in this price segment.
Stern and bow are equipped with small spray decks that can be inflated as well. The side chambers are pretty high compared to other Intex kayaks. Moreover, the Intex Explorer is not suited for white-water at all. The question remains for what the spray decks are. We assume that these spray decks shall give a better look to the boat. The carry handles on the bow and stern are really practical for lifting the boat.
After inflating, the boat must be turned to mount the included skeg. The skeg is recommended for a better directional stability. Finally, the Intex is completely set up. We are especially pleased by the appealing design of the boat. The last thing to do before paddling is to plug the paddle together. You will notice immediately that the paddles are not made for longer paddling tours. They are quite wobbly and that even in new state. But nevertheless, two functioning double-blade paddles for that low price, hard to believe.
A big difference between the Intex Explorer K2 and other higher-quality inflatables is the low air pressure that results in very soft air cambers. The Intex Explorer reminds us more of a fun boat than a proper inflatable kayak.
Review of the Intex Challenger K2 on the water
Due to the soft chambers the Intex Explorer is really comfortable to sit in. Also, the seats are very nice to chill on the water. But the seats would not provide enough support for longer or more sportive tours. We were surprised by the speed. You can reach a reasonable speed with the Intex Explorer K2. A change of the direction by the paddler in the back worked well but the boat reacts quite slowly. The skeg is aop really good feature which supports the directional stability. We must also say that we had very good weather conditions (sunny, no wind and no waves). That’s the kind of weather the Explorer K2 is made for.
The side chambers are wide and high. That’s why you touch them with the paddle when paddling. That might be disturbing on longer paddling trips. In the front, there is no space for storing any luggage, such as a day pack. Otherwise the front paddler would have no legroom.
Dismantling of the Intex Explorer K2
After the use, the Intex Explorer K2 dries quickly. Deflating the kayak is easy as well. So, there is no problem to fold the kayak as it was before. We really liked the drain valve. The boat can be tipped backward, and the left water runs out of the drain valve easily. The boat can be wiped dry without using a sponge to get out the water.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Intex Explorer Kayak
The greatest strength of the Explorer K2 is not the boat itself but the offer, i.e. the included accessory and the really low price for an inflatable kayak. The less robust boat skin the main weakness of the Explorer K2 which should not be a surprise considering the low price.
+ complete accessory already included + practical carry handles to lift the boat + very affordable + appealing design + sensitive boat skin
– rather a fun boat than an inflatable kayak – little space for luggage – low air pressure – wobbly paddles – short warranty period of 90 days (from the day of purchase)
Final notes on the Intex Explorer K2
It’s not without reason that the Intex Explorer is the best-selling inflatable kayak. It’s especially for people who like spending time on water to chill out and to explorer the immediate environment a bit. Everyone who wants to make longer distances or bigger tours of several hours is better off with another inflatable kayak. Those should spend more money for an inflatable kayak (e.g. the Gumotex Solar or Swing 2). The Intex Explorer is not designed for longer trips for the following reasons: the seats don’t provide enough support, the space is too little regarding legroom and space for your gear, the air pressure is too low in order to have good or similar driving performance as you would have with a hard-shell kayak. Furthermore, the boat skin is pretty thin and makes the boat suitable for a careful use only. We don’t recommend the Intex Explorer K2 for trips on the water with grounding included, that can happen on rivers.
A lot of people wonder what the differences between the Intex Explorer K2 and Intex Challengers K2 are. We have reviewed both in our article Intex Explorer K2 vs Challenger K2.
Recommended kayak equipment
The Intex Explorer K2 already comes with two paddles and a pump. However, you should also get a life jacket and consider buying a dry bag as well as a backpack.
Life Jacket
Life jackets should always be used when paddling, no matter how well you can swim and how nice the weather is. Large and flowing waters can be unpredictable, and your own clothing can make it difficult to swim if you capsize. A life jacket also gives you the buoyancy you need to get back to the surface quickly. It can also be very helpful to bring the capsized boat to shore. When buying a lifejacket, buoyancy should be chosen according to your body weight.
Dry Bag
A dry bag should not be missing on any paddling trip. Dry bags are available in many different sizes. As a beginner and for smaller trips we recommend a small and compact bag. It offers enough space for valuables like your mobile phone and wallet and protects them from loss or damage. A small packsack does not take up too much space in the boat and can also be placed between your legs if necessary. Make sure that the dry bag has a strap so that you can easily carry it around when leaving your kayak.
Backpack
Many inflatable kayaks come without any backpack, but only with a light carry bag. This is perfeect for storage or to transport if on short distances. But if you want to take your inflatable kayak with you on public transport or carry it without any bid efforts, we strongly recommend a comfortable and large transport backpack. Normal hiking backpacks are not suitable for this because of their small opening. Sevylor offers an additional backpack designed for the transport of inflatable boats. A large opening makes it easy to put the boat inside the backpack. The outer pockets are the perfect place for the paddles.
Other entry-level inftlable kayaks
For just a little more money, there is the Sevylor Adventure that is also a two-person inflatable kayak. The kayak additionally features a nylon cover to protect the rest of the boat from holes. The side chambers have a higher air pressure which makes the Sevylor Adventure stiffer than the Explorer K2. Everybody who is really sure about paddling as a hobby should choose an inflatable kayak consisting of a woven fabric. Woven fabric (e.g. Nitrilion or polyester fabric) is much more resistant than PVC. Even rafting boats are made of woven fabric. The manufacturer Gumotex offers affordable inflatables (e.g. Gumotex Twist or Solar), made from of woven fabric. These boats are really rugged and have a 3 times higher air pressure which results in considerably better driving performance.
High-quality inflatable kayaks
If you want to go on longer tours and get the best performance out of a inflatable kayak, then take a look at Advanced Elements. These kayaks are much more expensive than any model from Intex but they meet the demands of ambitious kayakers. The bestseller AdvancedFramce Convertible is one of our favourite tandem kayaks. The 1-person AdvancedFramce is a great alternative if you are looking for a compact single kayak. Both kayaks are made of robust materials and have a great durability.
About Us
We, Christian und Sebastian, are behind Paddelventure.com – the first place for paddle beginners and enthusiasts. Whether on lakes, rivers or coastlines, we take you with us on our paddle tours and share our know-how in this area. During this season, we are paddling with kayaks from Advanced Elements.
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