Itiwit X500 2P Review
Rating
Performance: 9
Size/Weight: 6
Durability: 9
Setup: 9
Value: 8
OVERALL: 8.2
Quick to set up, quick on the water.
The Itiwit X500 improves on its single-person version in nearly every way, especially in build quality. It's clear they took customer feedback seriously (we'd like to believe our review of the 1P model helped). The stiff, high-pressure floor gets our immediate approval, and somehow, it turns even better than before. While it's definitely a large kayak, we loved that it packs neatly into its included wheeled bag.
Comparison
Open Size: Narrower and very long
Packed Size: Bigger, but packable
Weight: Heavy
Capacity: Medium
Perfect For: Peaceful lakes and gentle rivers
Pros: Tracks straight, handles better than the solo version
Cons: Limited storage room, heaviest option we tested
Verdict: Fast performance despite the weight
Skip ahead to First Impressions, Setup/Packdown, Paddling Experience, or the Final Verdict, check out how the Itiwit X500 2P 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: 27.6x17’6in
Packed Size: 39.4x17.7x15in
Weight: 53lbs
Capacity: 460lbs
Approx Price: TBA
First Impressions
The 2-person Itiwit X500 feels like a big step up from the single-seater version. To be fair, we did buy this one a while after the 1P model, so they probably made a few design changes by then and it really seemed like the build quality and toughness had improved.
The first thing we noticed was how comfy the seating is, with lots of legroom, soft foam seats and footrests you can move to suit your size. These were clearly made to work for people of different heights, especially those with longer legs.
The V-shaped bottom is still part of the design, which helps it glide better across the water. It also has a drop-stitch floor that boosts performance, so we really enjoyed taking it on calm rivers and lakes. Just keep in mind that because it’s quite narrow, it can feel a bit shaky, like the 1P version, so we wouldn’t suggest it for those just starting out.
Setup/Packdown
The big downside here is that it weighs about 53 pounds. It’s helpful that it comes with a wheeled bag, but our usual launch spot involves stairs and a bunch of rocks, so it’s still a bit of a mission to carry around with its 39.4-inch packed length.
Putting it together was pretty straightforward, though, and the parts were easy to figure out. We didn’t have any issues opening it up or connecting the pump (which comes with it) to the right valves.
We started with the main chamber, which is the floor, then moved to the middle ones (the sides and finally to the smallest ones) the arches. We especially liked how simple it was to attach the footrests by sliding them into place and clipping the buckles in. The seats had thick foam that felt great to sit on. It took about 10 minutes to get everything ready.
The part that really impressed us was how the outer material didn’t soak up much water, so it was quick to dry and easy to fold back up when we finished.
Paddling Experience
Even though we liked how it felt to paddle this kayak, we’re not sure we’d feel the same in every kind of water. For something this long, it handled turns alright, though it was a little wobbly, but once we picked up some speed, it cruised along nicely.
There are definitely more stable kayaks out there, so we’ve decided this one’s best for still water and probably not ideal for rougher areas or the ocean.
The speed really stood out. Thanks to the V-shape, it cuts through the water with less drag and tracks better. That said, it did take some getting used to and we had to work on our paddling to find the right rhythm and balance because it felt a bit unsteady at times.
Final Verdict
The Itiwit X500 2P is a good pick for a relaxing paddle on the lake. It wasn’t hard to get set up, you just have to accept that the extra chambers come with the extra length. It’s not the right kayak for beginners, though, because of the balance. It’s also on the heavier side and costs more than some others, but if you and your mate have some experience and want something that’s quick in the water, this could be a great kayak for you.
Want to see how the Itiwit X500 2P compares to other kayaks we tested? Head over to our 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Review.
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.