Rating

Performance: 4

Size/Weight: 6

Durability: 4

Setup: 6

Value: 7

OVERALL: 5.4

The uncomplicated budget boat.

The Intex Challenger K2 is clearly made for casual and occasional recreational paddling. We were impressed by the stability of this kayak and the surprisingly streamlined design that even first-timers won’t have a hard time paddling along. It feels a little squishy and cramped to sit in, but is a good deal for the price.

Comparison

Rank: #10

Open Size: Smallest

Packed Size: Small

Weight: Light

Capacity: Low

Perfect For: Lakes and calm rivers.

Pros: Insanely affordable, stable.

Cons: It’s uncomfortable, doesn’t track well, and it lacks durability.

Verdict: Simple at best, but its affordability puts it on our list.

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: 345 x 76cm

Packed Size: 71cm x 46cm x 30cm

Weight: 17.3kg

Capacity: 181kg

Approx Price: $199.99

With its extremely low price, you’d think there’s not much to explore in this kayak. It’s surprising to find a number of interesting features. The 180kg-capacity kayak comes with aluminium paddles, pump, and repair kit, and is built with an inflatable I-beam floor and low profile deck to give a nice kayaking position that allows you to paddle more comfortably. More specifications include adjustable seats, a removable skeg, grab lines, and cargo nets for storage.

But… just like it’s K1 version, it can’t help but have a pool-toy feel to it. The smoothness of the vinyl feels relatively flimsy compared to most other kayaks, and the seams are clearly visible around the outside, giving it an awkward skirted look and throwing up questions about the quality and durability of its construction. But hey, it is insanely cheap.

This is a pleasantly simple kayak to set up. Having a pressure gauge was handy, so there’s a convenient way to tell when the vessel is at its right pressure when inflated. Setting up took less than 8 minutes with the easy 3-point inflation. We were lucky to have an extra pump that we purposely brought after initially inspecting the parts when they were delivered. Though it is a bonus to have a pump included in the package, the included pump definitely wouldn’t be our choice as it’s much harder work to inflate the kayak with it.

If we were to pick the easiest part, it would be the packing down, which was easy for us since it is a fairly small kayak and it was easy to dry and deflate.

We might’ve had initial impressions of this being a flimsy kayak, but it was surprisingly stable on the water. We couldn’t ignore the evidently chunky side tubes that felt it was “in the way” of getting a better reach when paddling side to side. However, the included paddles were rather long and helped to reach the water with less effort. There were times we felt it wasn’t that small because of how well it handled on the lake.

But let’s be blunt - the paddling experience is kind of similar to taking one of Intex’s inflatable mattresses out on the lake (the kayak probably turns corners better than a mattress). It’s stable, you’ll stay fairly dry, but you’re not going to get anywhere fast.

Comfort-wise, it’s also cramped for two people - much like the K1 is cramped for one - and the spongy feel provides very little resistance to paddle against.

The Intex Challenger K1 is certainly a kayak. It’s cramped, squishy, a provides a pretty poor paddling experience. Would we recommend almost every other kayak over it? Yes. But you absolutely cannot beat it on price, so if you’re not fully committed to kayaking and just want to have it around for occasional trips on the water, this might be the best option for you.

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.