Best Rated Kayaks in 2020 – Tested & Reviewed by Expert Anglers
Loves to escape every weekend from the hassle and fussy routine of 9 to 5 along with your watercraft and some foods and drinks to enjoy peaceful fishing in the middle of the sea? Oh yeah? You are a fishing freak and wants to have the best watercraft? Well, canoe, sailboats, motorboats are all too old fashioned to fulfill your everlasting lust for fishing.
My unfaltering opinion is for a kayak. Yes, you read it right. Kayak; highly recommended and best reviewed among all. Kayak is the gaining publicity on a much faster pace. It is being called the best watercraft to deal with all types of water situations and for all kinds of fishers. No matter if you are a newbie or a professional one, whether you are lake bound or river bound. Kayaks are the best choice to be your partner in lust for fishing because they are super durable, steady, space, versatile and naturally attractive to one’s eyes.
But the market is full of hundreds and thousands of models of it offered by different brands? How can I have the highly rated one? Well, if you have these sort of questions popping up in your mind then you have come the right way to gain information for the best rated kayak to have for your next trip.
Best Rated Kayaks Comparison:
Image | Product Name | Color | Weight | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 6 colors | 40 pounds | ||
| Green | 65 pounds | ||
| 3 colors | 44 pounds | ||
| 3 colors | 60 pounds | ||
| Camo-Sonar | 52 pounds |
Kayaking is knocking several minds now and is gaining more and more buyers with the every tick of the clock. Kayaking is becoming the most favorite outdoor sport of today. Well, what’s the reason behind it? Kayaks are super sleek and portable. Always easy to fit in the back of your truck and make it to the sea. They are versatile enough to come in several different designs, every single one intended to face a particular water situation.
We have joined heads to analyze the market of kayaks. We went through thousands of models and studied their performance and features deep down inside. We also compared their ratings and went through several customer reviews to meet the requirements of the clients who want to buy the best rated kayaks. After all this, we ended up making the following list for the most highly rated kayaks available in the market today. They vary a bit on features.
Be clear on the fact that the ones that are best rated are also best in their selves and offers you with the best combo of performance and features. However, there is nothing to be amazed on high price tag then. If you desire to have the top rated kayak to bring quality to your fishing then take a look:
5 Best Rated Kayaks in the Market
Bringing out the best one from a stock of thousand models is not as easy as it sounds. It will surely break your back. Stepping in a market will make your eyes ran here and there over attractive and incredible designs and colors of a single product that you are looking for, and you will end up getting mad enough and buying the one that just looks attractive on the outer side.
Well, the above-explained situation of a confused buyer has got nothing new in it. Oops! I forget to talk about creepy salespeople who just eats your mind with exactly no guilt and straps a ribbon on your eye by lying about the fake features of the one that is most expensive. Hah! No worries.
Calm down! No more hassles
We have done a detailed research and then made up the following list of to top rated kayaks available to you in the market today. Thinking why we came up with five best rated models of kayaks and not a single best choice? Well, we could have done that but let’s face reality. Not everyone is rich enough to spend several dollars on their passion.
So following is the list of 5 best rated kayaks varying a bit in features and of course price. However, let me make you clear that all of these are best rated! That is because if they lack one feature, so they evidently cover at the second one.
The following list is made to guide you to spend your money on the perfect one for you. Hurry up! Get your eyes over it and choose the best one.
More photo & price on Amazon.com
Well, if you are the recreational one trying to convert you old mastered passion or lust for fishing into your new watercraft then this kayak is the right choice for you. Keep in mind that it also fulfills your high rating requirement.
This Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 sit-in kayak is one the highest rated kayak in the market today 4.4-star rating out of 5. Is specially designed to meet the expectations of fishing on flat-water surfaces. That explains that low price doesn’t always state low on quality. This kayak does well on the quality and other features in spite of this much low price and thus makes up to the 4.4-star rating.So if you are a lake or slow water bounder fisherman, then this is the best for you.
This 10 feet long and 30-inch wide kayak offers you with 250lbs loading capacity that is comparatively small, but it covers that on weight. This kayak weighs only 40lbs that are super light to be dragged anywhere all alone.
Moreover, it has a padded back rest, an open cockpit for easy exit and entry, a vessel holder and of course useful storage compartment. It also has shock cord deck rigging and adjustable footrests. Lastly, it has a high-density polyethylene hull.
What we liked
- Has a meager price
- Has exceptional open cockpit
- Has a wider leg room
- Its more extensive body and flat bottom makes it super durable and stable
What we didn't like
- It is only for beginners since it featured for small lakes and slow rivers
- Its seat is plastic and hard at the bottom
- It is not suitable for the rough weather
More photo & price on Amazon.com
This Lifetime 10 Foot Sports Fisher Tandem Kayak is 4.3 stars rated and relatively expensive than others on the list. This kayak comes with two padded seats and can easily accommodate three persons in it. Well, the loading capacity of this kayak has some exception. It can bear up to 500 pounds. Incredible that is! That means that even after getting three persons on your kayak you will still have sufficient pounds to adjust your catching and other stuff.
This best rated kayak has an interior storage hatch that measures exactly 6 inches. Enough to save your smartphone or others alike and especially the stuff that you want to keep from the water. This interior storage keeps your stuff dry and safe. This kayak is the best manufactured since it is made up of high-density polyethylene. It is the formed of blow molded plastic that makes it super smooth and leaves No sharp edges to cause any scrape.
Moreover, its hull design makes it super smooth and stable to face any water conditions. Like all others on the list, this one has also got multiple footrests to be super fit and convenient for riders of all sizes. It also includes two double sided paddles and clips.
Lastly, it is 10 feet long and has a weight of 65lbs. That is the factor that makes it to 4.3 rating rather than 5. But OH well, its weight of 65 pounds is well justified by its loading capacity of 500 lbs.
What we liked
- It’s paddling also have cradles that secure your paddle with clips.
- It has an exceptional cargo capacity of 500lbs, so you can bring a good stock of fishes even when with a friend,
- It is very spacious and enables you to carry various things
- You can use it solo and as well as with friends
What we didn't like
- It is not very speedy
- It is heavier than others on the list
- Its tracking is only useful when in speed
- It has an exceptional load
More photo & price on Amazon.com
The Ocean Kayak Frenzy Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak is also another 5 star rated to note on your list. This incredible fishing beauty is guaranteed to face 2-4ft high waves with a 15mph wind with no hurdles at all.
This one even makes an exception with size. It is 9 feet long and 31 inches wide and weighs 43lbs only. Woah! It must Easy to carry and small enough to settle even in your car backseat.Additionally, this one makes an exception with the seat; it has a super durable padded seat along with a back cushion support and 4-way adjust ability to fit well for riders of all sizes.
As far as the storage is concerned, then this has the stern tank well that has removal bungees and bow deck bungee that can sufficiently store your food, clothes, and other belongings well Moreover, it also has molded handles on the side, cup holder and bow and stern carry handle for your ease. Over all, it an easy to handle one.
Lastly, this incredibly five stars rated kayak also comes up with a skid plate and thread hull drain plug.The skid plate is present for added durability
What we liked
- It is very compact
- It is very light weight
- It has a maximum loading capacity
- Has an exceptionally comfortable seat
- Has a drain plug
- Has a skid plate for increased durability
What we didn't like
- It is only suitable for flat water
More photo & price on Amazon.com
The Perception R15 Pescadores 120 Kayak is the highly recommended one with the latest rating of 5.0 stars. This one doesn’t skimp on quality today.
This best rated kayak is designed to meet universal expectations of maximum storage capacity, weight bearing, and stability. The product doesn’t only has first storage but also comes up with rear and center hatch.
Moreover, it has a standard size that is not too big not too small. Measuring 12 feet in length and 12 inches in width. The incredible Pescador R15 kayak is super best for the both professionals and newbies. It has two-rod holders; one flush mounted, and the other one is Scotty installed.
Lastly, it makes an exception at keel and loading capacity since it comes up with a multi chine hull and keel for tracking and enables you to dumb 350lbs in, it.
That is an ideal one for a newbie who wants the best rated one in the market.
What we liked
- It featured for the people of all entry level
- It gives you some space to make errors without misbalancing
- Suitable for both choppier and smooth water conditions
- Has an ample leg room
- Has sufficient storage capacity
- Has an exceptional loading capacity
- It is steady and stable
What we didn't like
- It weighs more than others on the list
More photo & price on Amazon.com
The WILDERNESS SYSTEMS Tarpon 100 Angler Kayak has got the most incredible features among all. However, it is 4.6 stars rated rather than whole five just because of a slightly higher price. But that’s well justified for a 4.6 star rated product that offers you incredible features that are not at all available in other on the list.
This kayak comes up with a full cockpit; a Phase 3 AirPro sit on a top seat that is just not comfortable but also offers you with drainage and proper ventilation. The ventilation criteria make this kayak exceptional and thus strike 4.6-star rating.
Secondly, it has an XL foot brace system-super perfect for a 7 feet man too. Moreover, this one has also got self-bailing scupper holes.
Further, it has mid ship and bows orbit hatches that keep your smaller gear dry and safe. It also has a sidetrack accessory system, all good to settle your great accessories such as sideboards or rod holders.
As far as the storage is concerned, so it has a stern tank well with bungee too that provides sufficient space capacity to store your food, clothes, water and other accessories. It also has padded handles that make it even more convenient to carry. Lastly, it is 10 feet long and 30.5 inches wide and weighs 55lbs. That is one can hold 325lbs that is sufficient to accommodate you, your catching and other stuff. Now you can haul in big fishes with no worries at all.
What we liked
- It has a marvelous loading capacity of 325 pounds
- It is compact
- It enables ventilation that no other kayak has
- It can deal with all water situations
What we didn't like
- It is heavier in size
Things to consider before buying Top Rated Kayak
Above is the list of the best rated kayaks available in the market today. You may go through them and then decide on your own that which one seems most attractive concerning features that must be given some thoughts before paying money.
But how can I determine that and get the best one? Well, the following is the list of some features that must be given importance before finalizing your purchase.
Type of water and length of your kayak
- Maximum loading capacity
- Keel or no keel?
- Stability and safety
- Number of seats and quality
- Room for electronics
- Getting an anchor or loves to drift?
Type of water and length of your kayak
Well, the term of the kayak is the most important feature that you must decide before heading towards the market. Now how can I determine the desired length of my kayak? Well, this depends on the type of water you are going to use it in!
If you are going to use in slow and small spaced water, then you must go with the shorter length kayak that is less than 11 feet and super maneuverable. On the other hand, if you are planning to do fishing in bigger lakes, oceans, and rivers then you must opt for larger kayaks that are 12 feet or more and tends to be super steady.
Maximum loading capacity
No matter if you are a professional fisherman or just a passionate hippie, everyone wants maximum cargo capacity in their kayak. The market has several models that have a minimum of 200lbs loading capacity, and it grows to a high of 100lbs. No one goes empty fishing hand. You must take some food, water, clothes and some other accessories too. So firstly, you need to keep your weight in mind and then some extra capacity to accommodate your catching and other stuff. If you are heavy weight, choose the one with minimum 325lbs loading capacity so that it would be sufficient to fit all. However, if you are a skinny person, then you can get a kayak with an average of 250lbs cargo capacity.
Keel or no keel?
Well, it is keel that makes some kayaks exceptional. Keel is a fin shaped piece of plastic that goes down to the surface of water and sticks in there, improving your speed and stability. However, there are three types of kayaks concerning keels. The one that has integrated keel the one that has retractable keels and lastly the ones that have no keel at all.
Well, opt for a keeled kayak if you are going to do fishing in the open deep water. However, if you are in the shallow water, you may go with a kayak that has no keel at all.
Stability and safety
Well, safety comes on top of all. No compromise on it. Usually, all kayaks saved enough to be best for you and your family but still there are exceptions on quality. Make sure you are getting your kayak from the best manufacturers that offer solid body to face any weather condition and all types of high waves.
Number of seats and quality
Before buying your kayak, what you first need to think is that what kind of a person you are to select the number of posts in your dream kayak. Kayaks come with a minimum 1 and maximum three seats.
If you are a solitary person who enjoys fishing all alone in the middle of the sea, then you must go with a single seated kayak. On the other hand, if you are a family person and loves to have a lovely weekend on fishing alongside with your friends and relatives, then you must opt for the three seated kayak.
Further focusing on the quality of the place Well, this is aspect has got the most hearing. Comfort is a priority! Before choosing your kayak, make sure that it doesn’t have a hard plastic seat that will surely break your back, and you will end up taking pills to get rid of the pain. Choose the kayak that has a good cushioned and padded seat that will give you hours of comfortable fishing.
Room for Electronics
That is not something ubiquitous in kayaks. Only a few of them provides space to fit your electronic items in it. Well, if you go through lots of lakes and spend a long time on fishing then you must find a kayak that offers space for electronic items. However, if you usually stay shallow water you just don’t need to think about this automatic thing.
Getting an anchor or loves to drift?
Before buying your kayak, be sure that you want loves to drift or not. If yes, then don’t prefer adding an anchor system to your kayak. However, if you don’t love sailing, so you can think of adding it. It is very beneficial.
Best Rated Kayaks - Videos
Final Verdict
With all the information provided above, I am pretty sure that I made up to you to eradicate your confusion of choosing the best one from a bunch of many. You will not be confused anymore and will inevitably end up buying the best rated kayak to fulfill your everlasting lust of fishing.
Scroll through it and buy the best one to meet your requirements. Good luck!
