This blog post is about Pelican Trailblazer 100 nxt kayak review. You will almost certainly see someone paddling one of them while traveling about. It’s a budget-friendly recreation sit-in kayak produced by Pelican International Inc. It has been operating for over 50 years and was granted prestigious Canada’s Best Managed Companies award.
Pelican trailblazer 100 nxt kayak Buying guide:
The Pelican Trailblazer 100 NXT kayak is a compact and lightweight kayak that is great for recreational paddling on calm waters. Here are some things to consider when buying a Pelican Trailblazer 100 NXT kayak:
Size and weight:
The Trailblazer 100 NXT has a length of 10′ and a weight of only 29 lbs, making it easy to transport and store.
Capacity:
The kayak has a weight capacity of 250 lbs, which is suitable for one adult.
Comfort:
The kayak has a padded seat, and adjustable foot pegs for added comfort during long paddling sessions.
Storage:
The kayak has a small storage hatch in the stern for keeping gear and snacks, as well as bungee cords on the bow for attaching additional equipment.
Durability:
The Trailblazer 100 NXT is made from polyethylene, a tough and durable material that can withstand impacts and abrasions.
Price:
The Trailblazer 100 NXT is an affordable kayak perfect for those starting in the sport.
The Pelican Trailblazer 100 NXT is an excellent kayak for recreational paddling on calm waters. It is lightweight, comfortable, and durable, making it a perfect choice for beginners.
At a quick view:
We must confess that the two-tone color scheme used by Pelican in this boat stands out from the rest of the recreational kayak class because of its unusual appearance. We were shocked to learn that it comes in ten distinct hues.
It’s 10 feet long and 28 inches wide, with adjustable footpegs, bungee cords on the front deck, and tiny non-watertight storage space on the rear deck. The built-in dashboard has a small tray for keeping little valuables, while the seat sports a tiny cup holder.
Instead of utilizing polyethylene, as most recreational kayak producers do, the Trailblazer comprises RAM-X, which Pelican only manufactures. It’s resistant to impact and usually returns to its original form following significant impacts.
This kayak was light for a 10-foot recreational kayak, weighing only 38 pounds. It was simple to pick up and put down from the top of a car. This is beneficial because many in this category weigh 45 lbs. or more, which at first sight does not appear to be much, but when loading alone, it makes a significant difference.
The cockpit is generous in size and allows for a lot of movement. It is easy to enter and exit the boat, with a length of 51.25 inches and a width of 23.5 inches.
With a capacity of 275 pounds, the Explorer is on the lower end of this category. Yes, there are others with capacities of 300 or more, such as the Perception Swifty 95, Old Town Vapor 10, and Ascend D10, but none come close to matching the price of the Pelican.
On The Water:
The twin-arched boat offers outstanding stability and a dry ride, allowing the novice paddler to feel at home rapidly. The Trailblazer tracks pretty well for a ten-foot kayak without a skeg on calm, smooth water, and while it isn’t a quick boat, it is simple to steer and performs as you would anticipate an entry-level kayak to do. When you cease paddling, though, it has the propensity to turn.
The seat is thinly padded, and the adjustable backrest provides little support compared to other, more expensive kayaks. We needed a rest after spending an hour in the Trailblazer cockpit.
When we exposed the Trailblazer to windy conditions, it became apparent that it is highly vulnerable to weather-cocking, making it difficult to maintain on course.
Conclusion: Pelican trailblazer 100 nxt kayak review
We liked the Trailblazer for what it was intended for: light recreational paddling on still, flat water. It’s a fantastic kayak to cruise your favorite lake or pond, a slow-flowing creek, or an enclosed seaside ocean. While it can be used in choppy and windy situations, we don’t think it is the most excellent option for that trip.
It’s for the individual who wants to go boating but doesn’t want to sink a lot of money into it while still getting a well-made boat. It’s an excellent entry-level kayak that won’t break your budget and won’t feel like you’ve wasted your money as long as you understand its benefits and limitations.