Intex Challenger K2 Review
Rating
Performance: 4
Size/Weight: 6
Durability: 4
Setup: 7
Value: 6
OVERALL: 5.4
The no-frills budget option.
The Intex Challenger K2 is built for relaxed, easygoing paddling trips. What surprised us was how steady this kayak feels in the water, with a shape that even beginners can handle without trouble. While it's not the most comfortable ride and feels a bit tight inside, you can't argue with the low price tag.
Comparison
Rank: #10
Open Size: Smallest
Packed Size: Small
Weight: Light
Capacity: Low
Perfect For: Peaceful lakes and gentle rivers
Pros: Surprisingly stable, wallet-friendly price
Cons: Uncomfortable seating, poor straight-line tracking, won't last forever
Verdict: Basic but functional, with the low cost makes it worth considering
Skip ahead to First Impressions, Setup/Packdown, Paddling Experience, or the Final Verdict, check out how the Intex Challenger K2 compares to others in our list of the Top Ten 2 Person Inflatable Kayaks or see how we choose the best inflatable kayak.
Specs:
Open Size: 11’6x2’6in
Packed Size: 28x18x12in
Weight: 36.41lbs
Capacity: 400lbs
Approx Price: $194.99
First Impressions
At such a low price, you wouldn’t expect much going on with this kayak, but there are actually a few surprising features packed in. This 400lb-capacity kayak comes with aluminium paddles, a pump and a repair patch, and it’s built with an inflatable I-beam floor and a low-profile shape that puts you in a better sitting position, making paddling feel more natural. More to note are the adjustable seats, a fin you can take off, grab lines and mesh storage at the front and back.
Still… like its single-person version, it’s hard to shake the feeling that you’re sitting in a giant pool float. The vinyl is slick and thin compared to others, and the seams are pretty obvious, wrapping around the edge in a way that makes it look a bit like it’s wearing a skirt. It’s fair to wonder how long it would last. Then again, the price is ridiculously low.
Setup/Packdown
This is one of the easiest kayaks to get ready. The included pressure gauge was helpful, giving us a clear way to check when it had the right amount of air. It took under 8 minutes to get it fully set up using the three separate valves. We brought an extra pump on purpose, because we didn’t fully trust the included one based on how it looked when it arrived. While it’s great that a pump comes with the kit, the one they send definitely isn’t our favourite, as it takes more effort than it should.
Packing it up again was the easiest bit. Since the kayak is small, drying it off and letting the air out was quick and painless.
Paddling Experience
We expected this kayak to feel a bit cheap on the water, but it was more steady than we thought it would be. One thing that was annoying were the large air tubes on the sides, as they sit high and make it harder to stretch out and paddle cleanly. Still, the paddles that come with it are long enough to help you reach the water without too much strain. At times, it actually felt bigger than it is, just based on how well it floated and stayed balanced.
That said, let’s not sugarcoat it: paddling this thing feels kind of like dragging one of Intex’s airbeds around a lake (though this turns corners better than an airbed would). You won’t tip over, and you’ll stay mostly dry, but you’re not going to get anywhere in a hurry.
In terms of space, it’s also a tight fit for two adults, just like how the one-person version doesn’t really give one person much room. And because it’s soft, there’s not much pushback when you dig in with your paddle.
Final Verdict
The Intex Challenger K2 is, without a doubt, a kayak. It’s tight, floppy, and doesn’t give the best ride. Would we suggest something else instead? Honestly, yes, but if you’re not really diving into kayaking seriously and just want something cheap and ready to go for casual paddles now and then, this is probably the one to grab.
Want to see how the Intex Challenger K2 compares to other kayaks we tested? Head over to our list of the Best Two-Person Inflatable Kayaks.
Water & Outdoors reviews are written by our staff writers, who combined have over fifty years of experience on the water and outdoors. We may earn commissions if you choose to buy through a link you’ve clicked on our website, however this does not influence our reviews. For more information, please see our Editorial Policies.