The Intex Challenger k2 is almost certainly the cheapest kayak on the market. Or at least the most economical of the tandem inflatable kayaks. That makes it attractive to many buyers, but I’m going to talk to you honestly about this model.
I was able to use a friend’s Intex Challenger for a few days. That’s why I can give you a pretty accurate opinion, and I recorded my impressions in a YouTube video.
In my opinion, the Challenger k2 is a beach toy, cheap and in kit format (it has almost everything). Speaking of toys, don’t leave your children alone in this kayak, as you may get a scare.
CHALLENGER DEFECTS: WEAK CONSTRUCTION
This kayak is built with a fairly thin layer of PVC. That makes it light and cheap. And it also dries quickly. On the other hand, it must be inflated with less pressure than other inflatables. This means less rigidity than in other inflatables. And that is the Achilles heel of almost all inflatable kayaks when sailing. That’s why the sensations of this Challenger k2 are going to be more like a mat than a kayak.
That construction compromises resistance to friction, scratches and punctures. It also compromises how long the kayak can last, something that they don’t put very well on foreign websites.
ONLY TWO FLOATS
Another defect is that it only has two floats: one for the floor and one for the rest. That makes it easier to inflate and deflate the canoe. But it compromises safety in the event of a puncture. Not to mention that it is less rigid than an inflatable kayak with three floats (the normal configuration). Its structure implies a slightly more closed cockpit than other inflatables. But in practice, water enters just as easily, and does not come out. In addition, that inflatable edge at the top bothers the knees.
Another negative point are the seats, almost the same as my Intex Explorer k2. Being inflatable, they are very uncomfortable, at least in the lumbar part. They are so soft that you can’t lean on them because if you do, you deform them. Also, when using classic valves, they are difficult to fill and empty. And from experience, it is best to do it with your mouth.
The other kayak valves are luckily Boston which facilitates filling and emptying. That’s really cool.
TOO SHORT FOR TWO ADULTS
Another defect of this kayak is that it is very short for two people. The person in the back will go with their legs bent and very careful that their paddle does not touch the person in front every other time. In these kayaks you can move the front seat so that one person can navigate.
Another point to take into account is that the interior of the intex challenger k2 inflatable kayak is a bit dark, and that the green color is not the one that offers the most visibility in the water.
It has a drain plug in the hull. That helps to empty the kayak of water, sand or algae. But the inflatable cockpit makes it difficult to wash and dry the inside of the kayak well. This makes it more cumbersome to pick it up when we go home.
PROS OF THE CHALLENGER K2
Let’s go with good things. The price is very tight, and in kit format with what you have almost everything to navigate. That low cost point can be important for those who simply want to try. But I insist that as soon as you like this sport, it falls short.
The paddles are not bad, despite being very basic. They may be a little short for this kayak so wide. But this accessory is beyond the possibilities of this kayak.
It is lower and narrower than other two-person inflatable kayaks. That makes it less sensitive to the wind. And it also has a keel that helps minimize the effect of the wind. Even so, as soon as the air blows it can become ungovernable. Especially in inexperienced or nervous hands. In any case, the little rigidity that I have mentioned makes it bend too much with two people, and it will not navigate very well. Therefore it is only valid for very calm waters (without wind or waves).
It has a transport bag that is great. It helps a lot to store it. That bag is not so useful to carry it many meters because it is neither comfortable nor especially resistant. There are a total of about 17 kg of kayak and accessories, which it seems like not, but they are difficult to carry. It also carries patches but they are stickers, which are valid to get out of the way, not for a lasting or reliable repair.
It also does not have transport handles. Although as it has nets in the front or rear, you can take them from there, if two people are going to carry it. Although one person alone can carry it if they take it from one side. In those bow and stern nets you can carry things although you do not pass and hold them well since the rubbers deteriorate relatively quickly.
CHALLENGER K2 CONCLUSION
This kayak is too basic, and it is preferable to go for the Intex Explorer k2 kayak, or its rival the Sevylor Tahaa. More resistant and with three cameras. And also easier to wash and dry. There is a one-seater version.
INTEX CHALLENGER K2 FEATURES
- Measures 351 x 76 x 38 cm
- For 2 people (or one)
- Maximum weight allowed 180 kg
- Removable rear keel
- Boston valves on the floor and side (two in total)
- Inflatable seats with classic valve, adjustable in the tension of the backrest
- Two removable and asymmetrical paddles 218 cm long
- Double action inflator
- The inflatable 2 complies with Standard ISO 6185-1 and with TUV GS marking
- Front and rear deck net
- Basic repair kit
- Instruction manual
