REVIEW OF THE DECATHLON ITIWIT X100 2-PERSON KAYAK

My new kayak is the Decathlon Itiwit X100. This is a Decathlon tandem inflatable kayak with many virtues and a few flaws. But in any case, with a very reasonable price for what it offers, and with a significant guarantee if something happens.

As an owner, I can tell you things about this model that has taken me on some easy outings. Through swamps and lagoons when I’ve been traveling. And in a fairly calm river. To go by the sea, be very careful. Only in sheltered areas and on good days. An inflatable kayak at sea, in inexperienced hands, can be dangerous in the wind. I don’t want to scare you, but I also don’t want you to have a bad time.

ITIWIT X100 FEATURES

DROP STITCH BOTTOM

Decathlon has opted for this technology. On the one hand, it sells full drop stitch models . And on the other hand, canoes with the classic configuration of two floats, but adding a drop stitch bottom. This element provides greater rigidity to the kayak. That way you can make longer inflatables that don’t bend. In fact, this X100 has two larger siblings with 3 and 4 seats. Very interesting for families with children.

LESS WATER INSIDE

I must say that I expected greater rigidity from the floor, thinking about the SUP boards. But it still works. I already had the experience of the Intex explorer which has a simple inflatable floor. Another interesting point is that the bottom has two slots where water seeps through. That way it’s difficult to get your butt wet. In addition to this, it has two screw plugs, which, if we leave them open, function similarly to a sit-on-top or self-bailing kayak.

NO PEDALS

A defect of this model is that it does not have pedals. On the contrary, the bottom has a non-slip finish, which prevents the feet from slipping. Therefore, with two paddlers, you forget where to rest your feet. If I go alone, I have to make some kind of invention.

MADE OF LAMINATED PVC

These models change Decathlon’s previous trend of TPU floats (very soft) covered in strong nylon. Now the floats are made of a laminated PVC fabric. That way the floats are more exposed to punctures, and repair can be complicated. On the contrary, they dry much better and faster. That’s really cool.

EYE-CATCHING COLORS THAT DON’T GIVE HEAT

The colors are spot on in this Decathlon 2-person kayak. A very eye-catching yellow on the outside (to be seen in the water), and a light gray on the inside. Let’s not forget that it is an open kayak that we are going to use in the sun, and we must avoid very dark colors.

QUALITY VALVES

The valves are safety valves, and in the case of the seats, they are mini Boston valves. That reduces the possibility of accidentally opening a cap. But the best thing is that it helps to empty the kayak of air. Something very important to fold it well and store it. And not make a bulky mess.

Another quality detail is that the floats in the bow have overpressure valves. These floats go to 3 Psi. If you go over, the overpressure valves release the excess air. This is cool if we leave the kayak in the sun, since otherwise, if they get too hot, the float can break. Or even in extreme cases, burst.

THE BACKPACK

This is an element that may be secondary, because you can buy one. But the one that this Decathlon 2-person kayak carries is spacious, resistant, and designed to be carried on the back with straps. In addition, we can carry the detachable paddles and some other things. To top it off, it has printed instructions for assembling and folding the kayak. Great for dummies like me! However, you cannot use the backpack as a dry bag. On the contrary, the zipper accepts salt water (if we wash it).

DECATHLON 2-PERSON KAYAK FOR ONE OR TWO PEOPLE

This is not exclusive to this Decathlon, but it works to go with two people or one. And that’s cool if, as in my case, it may be the case of sailing alone or in company when I travel. In both situations, an advantage of this model is that it is very spacious, and can carry many things on board.

In this aspect, the seats are comfortable, and you can lean on the backrest. What I don’t like is that the butt part is inflatable and raises the center of gravity too much for my taste. If you sit low, the posture in this model improves because you can rest your thighs on the sides.

HOW THE DECATHLON TANDEM KAYAK BEHAVES

It goes well compared to other inflatable kayaks. Bad, compared to rigid kayaks, which achieve the same (stability and speed) with less size and volume. In this sense, this Itiwit is slow, and the wind affects it because it has a lot of freeboard. It has three skegs (keels) that reduce this effect, but do not eliminate it. You must paddle with care and coordination to make it go straight. In this sense, being so wide, you need a paddle 10 cm longer.

On the contrary, it is very stable, and manages choppy waters acceptably.

ITIWIT X100 DEFECTS

On the one hand, you only buy the kayak. You must get paddles, vests, pump, and dry bags separately. The final price can go out of budget for many of us. Another point against it is that it does not have a lifeline, which is great for many things. But for me, the most important thing is to get back on the kayak from the water.

OFFICIAL DATA DECATHLON 2-PERSON KAYAK

• Size Length: 365 cm Width: 103 cm
• Brand Itiwit
• Folded size: Height: 67 cm Width: 40 cm Thickness: 30 cm
• Weight of the Decathlon inflatable kayak : 16 kg
• Weight allowed up to 195 kg
• Drop stitch floor pressure 5 PSI
• Side tube and seat pressure 3 PSI
• Number of seats: 1 or 2 seats
• Floor material 80% Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), 20% PVC (Polyvinyl chloride)
• Floats 4 layers of 80% Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), 20% PVC (Polyvinyl chloride)

And well, that’s all for my review of the Decathlon Itiwit X100 2-person kayak. If you have any questions, you can send me an email, or post a comment on the YouTube video.