Intex Explorer K2 Kayak Review: Read This Before Buying It!

Intex Explorer K2 Kayak review

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I will give you three reasons why you need to go and buy it:

  1. It is affordable, which makes it perfect if you are on a budget or a newcomer who wants to start off for a low-cost
  2. If you are a mother or father who wants to introduce their child to kayaking, then it is perfect, because it is super stable and very safe
  3. Nice for big guys, thanks to being highly spacious and having an excellent weight capacity of up to 400 pounds.

Can you see it now? The Intex Explorer K2 Kayak is a very good inflatable kayak, and now you have three reasons to buy it, but let’s continue with this review.

Intex Explorer K2 Summary: Why Is It Worth Purchasing?

Let’s start with the aesthetics, which are an important part. It looks like a banana honestly, but that’s not a bad thing, because thanks to the bright yellow color it is effortless to spot, which as you can easily guess, is a significant aspect regarding security.

But what about stability and durability? These are two major points, and fortunately, the Explorer K2 performs very well in both. Let’s start with the fact that it is built with SUPER-TOUGH™ 30-gauge vinyl over a 1200 denier nylon-shell with internal tubes (I know, it sounds quite strong), so, it has been built with stability and durability in mind.

But well, there’s something I don’t like: the paddles. This is something that most cheap kayaks like this one and the Challenger K1. It’s not so bad. Otherwise, I’d not even bother reviewing it, but it could be better. If you are looking for different kayak paddles then we have created our top kayak paddles that you could upgrade to.

Moreover, it also has another flaw: it doesn’t perform so well in choppy water. But well, that shouldn’t come as a surprise, because it is budget-friendly, and more often than not, kayaks in this price range are not designed for that kind of environment. But for lakes and tranquil rivers, it is an excellent pick.

Currently, this kayak is on sale until the end of [todaysdate format=”F Y”]

Intex Explorer K2 Overview:

Pros
  • Very affordable price
  • Very comfortable
  • Perfect for two people
  • Highly spacious
  • Easy to spot
  • Super stable
  • Superior weight capacity (up to 400 pounds)
Cons
  • Paddles are not the best

Intex Explorer K2 Kayak top view

Features
  • Adjustable inflatable seat with backrest
  • Inflatable I-beam floor for rigidity
  • 2 separate air chambers
  • Boston valves for quick inflation/deflation
  • Removable skeg for directional stability
  • 86″ Aluminum Oars & High-Output Air Pump

And what about comfort?

This is something where this kayak stands out from the crowd: it is very spacious and the inflatable seats with adjustable backrests feel quite well. It is even good for big and tall guys because there is enough space and the weight limit tolerates it because it’s a two-person kayak.

What’s Inside

This is what you can expect to find the packaging when you receive your order:

  • The kayak
  • Two inflatable seats.
  • A storage duffle bag.
  • A repair patch.
  • A skeg.
  • Two aluminum oars that go up to 86 inches with padded handles for comfortable paddling.
  • A high output air pump.

>>Check Customer Owner Reviews<<

Specifications

Dimensions
Overall Length11.5ft (3.5m)
Overall Width2ft 6in (76cm)
Capacity
Max Weight400 lb (182 kg)
Passengers 1 - 2
ComplianceCertified by the National Marine Manufacturers
Association using ABYC standards.
MaterialHeavy duty puncture-resistant vinyl
Number of Chambers2 separate air chambers
Warranty90 day limited warranty
Fins/Skeg1 Removable Skeg

Designed for Comfort and Durability: Welcome the Intex Explorer K2!

It is available in the following sizes:

  1. 2 Pack
  2. 3 Pack
  3. 4 Pack
  4. 5 Pack
  5. 36x20x123 inches

Similarly to the Intex Challenger K1, there’s plenty where to choose from.

The most remarkable aspect where it beats many of the other inflatable kayaks in this price range is the space. It is so spacious you won’t believe it is inflatable. And yes, this has much to do with the comfort factor, because the lesser space, the more uncomfortable you will feel.

The fact that it is so spacious also allows you to bring more storage on board like water, food, gear, etc. It doesn’t come with a net, which is a downside, but nothing to worry about in fact.

Two people can use this kayak and feel comfortable the whole time because there’s enough space for your legs and the seats have been designed with comfort in mind. So, I can say it scores very high regarding comfort.

It is also very lightweight at only 30 pounds, something that makes it very easy to transport and store.

It is very resistant because you already know that it is made of SUPER-TOUGH™ 30-gauge vinyl over a 1200 denier nylon-shell with internal tubes, this guarantees you that it will stay with you for ages to come. Although, you also need to take care of it by never exposing it to areas where it could get damaged, because after all, it is inflatable.

Currently, this kayak is on sale until the end of [todaysdate format=”F Y”]

 

fin of intex explorer k2Let’s Not Forget About Stability

If a kayak is not stable, then why even bother with it? It makes absolutely no sense, because at the end of the day you will end up falling off and taking a swim. Fortunately, the Intex Explorer K2 will put that situation far away from you!

Although it is not designed for choppy water or rough conditions, in lakes, calm rivers and the ocean on a calm day it will perform flawlessly. As long as you don’t go over the weight capacity, you and your partner will be able to kayak without problems.

Everything is well-balanced here, so the chances of falling off are quite limited, as long as you use it as suggested: in calm and normal water conditions.

Currently, this kayak is on sale until the end of [todaysdate format=”F Y”]

But There Is Something You Must Know…

To make my review completely unbiased I need to point out the bad side of every product, and yes, the Intex Explorer K2 has a problem other than the paddles.

If you look at it you will notice that the seats are black… so what? Well, the fact that they are black makes them absorb more heat, something that will make them hotter than if they were yellow and originate another problem: make the kayak prone to over inflation.

*This has now been changed in the new models and the seats are now not black 🙂

Over inflating your kayak is something you must avoid at all costs because it makes it more vulnerable to getting damaged. Therefore, during sunny days, it may not be a good idea to use it for too long.

I just don’t get why they didn’t choose other color or simply yellow for the seats. I get that black and yellow look good (it is even the name of a song), they are a good match and everything you want, but the black is a major problem because it retains more heat, and hence, makes the kayak more vulnerable.

Designing a kayak goes beyond the aesthetics, and unfortunately, Intex failed here regarding this aspect.

Who Should Buy the Intex Explorer K2?

Intex Explorer K2 KayakLet’s make this short. If you identify with any of the options listed below, then this kayak is excellent for you:

  1. Short on a budget yet looking for an excellent kayak you can use on the lake or in a tranquil river
  2. Looking for a tandem kayak perfect for kayaking with your partner, boy or girl
  3. A beginner looking to start low on cost
  4. A big guy looking for a good, comfortable, spacious and affordable kayak
  5. For anyone looking for a cool budget-friendly kayak for recreational purposes

Now you can tell if it is the right choice for you or not!

Final Review of the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak

As you can see the Explorer K2 by Intex is an excellent choice. It’s inexpensive, super stable, highly durable and very comfortable. Without any doubts a no-brainer! You should definitively go and get it!

Why not check out the Intex Excursion Pro Kayak, this is slightly more expensive but great for fishing!

Final Verdict

All in all, The Intex Explorer K2 is a brilliant option for those on a budget, it’s a fantastic kayak. For the price, it is a no-brainer because it comes with many advantages and just a few cons. So, if you are looking for an affordable two-person inflatable kayak, then here you have a fantastic choice right in front of you!

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8 Comments

  1. Hi Matt,
    Great review and I specifically looked up for a K2 review as I saw it in action today, it looked great and could see it way out on a lake from shore and wondered just how good a buy it was as we are interested in buying it or a similar one.
    Might you have come across an alternative for choppier seas. We are introducing our children to kayaking but are based near a sea estuary, we don’t go far out but it is chopper than a lake. Might you have a suggestion or two to start us off on our search? Would really appreciate any advice.

  2. Could you recommend a inflatable Kayak which I could use in the sea

    Thx

  3. Thanks for this review! We were looking to buy 4 kayaks for our big family to take camping, but preferred inflatable because of transportability. These are perfect!

  4. Could I use this Kayak at the beach or with a tide??

  5. Avatar für Sammy Dellinger Sammy Dellinger says:

    Hey Matt – Thanks for your updated review on this kayak. Was wondering if you could provide more info though on the comfort level of the seats. Does the inflatable back provide good support? I have been looking at this kayak for some time now, but am quite concerned about the seats being comfortable enough for my 6’2″ hubby, especially in the back area, for use over an extended period of time.
    Your additional thoughts are deeply appreciated – Thanks in advance!

    1. Hi Sammy,

      While the seats are inflatable and not made of foam etc they are very good! If you can get enough air pressure into them so they are not too soft you should be okay!

  6. Avatar für Stacey Strickland Stacey Strickland says:

    I have one of these and for the price, it can’t be beat. I have had it out in open water in 20 it wind and 2 ft chop and it performed surprisingly well. The paddles that came with mine must have been 2nd generation and worked really well.