Spree 1P Inflatable Kayak (Spree One-Person Kayak)

by Stearns

Product Description

Spree One-Person Kayak:Patented design performs similar to molded/rigid kayaks. Designed for flat water use. Lightweight

Product Details

• ASIN: B0002M77R0
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of Both Worlds, October 20, 2005

By 

Robert Beltrami (Northern California, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Spree 1P Inflatable Kayak (Spree One-Person Kayak) (Misc.)

I've owned my Stearns Inflatable since early 2001 and would highly recommend it to "recreational" kayakers as an excellent alternative to a hard-shell. It's not for the hard-core.

The big benefit of the inflatable is the convenience of transportation. The Stearns kayaks fold-down and fit into a convenient case (included) that's about the size of a small suitcase. Whether heading out for an afternoon on the river or packing up for a week camping in the wilderness, the Stearns is easy to load, unload and setup, and it takes up about the same room as a camping stove. Quick note: Buy a good quality air pump, whichever style you choose.

One would think that the inflatable would be less durable than a hard-shell. However, the reinforced shell of the Stearns has a thick rubber layer on the bottom and a canvas type material on the top. I've hit rocks on the river and haven't come close to a tear or puncture. I also fish and have caught the hook in the canvas material. The point did not penetrate to the tube and I was able to continue. However, in the event that a leak actually occurs, a repair kit has been included.

In the water, the Stearns tracks like a "normal" kayak due to fins on the bottom. There is also a plastic reinforcement that protects the front when beaching. There are convenient pockets to store compass, map, snacks, etc and there are handles to make it easy to carry after inflation.

The only knock is the relatively high price. But watching folks struggle to put the hard-shells on their car while I just empty the air, fold and throw behind the seat of the truck? The looks I get and the questions I'm asked tell me I made the right choice.