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Emotion Kayaks Spitfire 9 Sit-On-Top Kayak
Outfitted with comfortable features, the Emotion Kayaks Spitfire 9 sit-on-top kayak offers fun on the water at a great value.
- 9 ft. length adds a touch of speed but maintains the confidence-inspiring stability of the smaller Spitfire 8 model
- Slight rocker adds maneuverability and defined keel aids in tracking
- Specially compounded polyethylene hull resists abrasion and UV light and offers durable good looks
- Specialized blow molding process produces a strong hull of consistent quality
- Seat back increases support and folds down when storing the boat, and bottom cushion enhances comfort on the water
- Easily accessible cockpit hatch stores items out of splashes
- Molded-in footwells offer supportive bracing for paddlers of different heights
- Paddle ledges with bungees secure paddle when you need your hands free
- Aft storage tank well with bungee rigging and cargo netting secures your gear; cargo netting works well with bulky items such as an extra paddling jacket or PFD
- Small bow storage area secures accessories with bungees
- Scupper holes drain water from cockpit to ensure a dry ride
- 45 lb. weight allows kayak to be transported by the solo paddler
- Toggled carry handles and 2 side handles of the Emotion Kayaks Spitfire 9 ease transport to the water
Made in USA.
Item 830931
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Emotion Kayaks Spitfire 9 Sit-On-Top Kayak Customer Reviews
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Easy in/out (10)
- Stable (10)
- Compact (7)
- Comfortable (6)
- Good maneuverability (6)
Cons
- Poor tracking (4)
Best Uses
- Flat waters (8)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual/ recreational (11)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (12)
Reviewed by 12 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-10
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Pros
- Comfortable
- Dog Compatible
- Easy Entry & Exit
- Easy to Paddle
- Good Maneuverability
- Modifiable
- Stable
Cons
- Awkward Side Handles
- Poor Tracking But
Best Uses
- Day Trips
- Flat Waters
- Kayak Camping
- Ocean Swells
- Rapids
- Rivers
Comments about Emotion Kayaks Spitfire 9 Sit-On-Top Kayak:
So i've read the reviews, heard all the stories of this boat not tracking well, and have come up with the solution.
First let me say that I have paddled in the Blackfoot River/Clark Fork with this boat and yeah it tossed me around a little bit, it was difficult to track, and at first was very discouraging. However I have found a solution for my Spitfire 9, possibly the 8, and any other kayak that doesn't track as good as you hoped it would.
ADD A FIN or SKEG.
I have found the perfect one that fits this kayak, it is quite easy to install the way I did, and actually held up very well crashing through the rocky shoreline of the Flathead Lake at Big Arm this weekend.
I have found this to be a really fun recreational kayak with this fin/skeg modification. There is plenty of leg room (even enough for an english bulldog), the front tank well fits a 5L dry bag (the 5L also fits perfectly into the hatch), and the rear tank well is sized to fit a pfd perfectly (so you can always have one with you if needed).
I replaced all the bungee cord with quality shock cord from REI as well. The front and rear handles are great and comfortable but the side handles are practically useless which makes loading the boat on and off the roof of your vehicle a task. However the boat feels waaay lighter that 45lbs, which is nice.
All in all I love this kayak, I could see myself getting the blue one also in the future. With the addition of the fin/skeg mod, this is a great recreational kayak...and to everyone that has this kayak and isn't happy with the tracking I suggest you do the same. It makes all the difference!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by EJD
Cutting through choppy 1ft waves.
Images shared by EJD
Big Arm State Park (Flathead Lake) Montana.
(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)
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Pros
- Easy Entry & Exit
- Stable
Cons
- Poor Tracking
Best Uses
- Flat Waters
Comments about Emotion Kayaks Spitfire 9 Sit-On-Top Kayak:
This is my second Emotion kayak I have. My other is a sit-in type. I bought this sit-on-top specifically for being able to jump in the water and easily get back in without having to go to shore. It is great for this purpose. For actually paddling this kayak leaves much to be desired. The tracking is horrible. The amount of effort to keep this thing going in a straight line almost makes it not enjoyable. I store my kayak outside under a deck (because I don't have any other options), even though I always have to hatch shut the boat still gets a lot of water inside from rain and dew. Nothing stays dry inside the boat.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Compact
- Easy Entry & Exit
- Easy To Lift
- Stable
Cons
- Tracking not great
Best Uses
Comments about Emotion Kayaks Spitfire 9 Sit-On-Top Kayak:
I'm not an experienced kayaker, but the kayak is very stable and easy to enter/exit. The kayak is a little challenging to paddle straight, but that probably has something to do with my lack of experience. It's fun and very maneuverable! Although the product was said to be in stock when I ordered it, it still took several weeks to get shipped to the store. But REI gave me a discount for the trouble, so I can't complain too much.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy Entry & Exit
- Easy To Lift
- Stable
Cons
- Fills with water
- Smells like trash
- Solace Hatch is useless
Best Uses
- None
Comments about Emotion Kayaks Spitfire 9 Sit-On-Top Kayak:
I bought this kayak because I wanted one for a calm lake where I like to take photos of wildlife and such. I really wanted a sit-on-top kayak for this purpose. I picked this one because it had a compartment to put stuff in, so it won't get wet. Well, this was not the case with my kayak. It totally leaks and because lake water got into it and then sat inside the kayak in the hot sun, it now literally smells like garbage. I can't even store it in my garage because the smell is so overwhelming. I'm completely disgusted with it and sent a message to the manufacturer and got no response. :(
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy to load unload
- Good Maneuverability
- Great for fishing
- Stable
- Tons of room
Cons
- Poor Tracking
Best Uses
- Day Trips
- Fishing
- Flat Waters
Comments about Emotion Kayaks Spitfire 9 Sit-On-Top Kayak:
I got this kayak for fishing and paddling the local lakes. I wanted something stable, with room for all my gear (tackle box, net, dry bag, pole, etc), would easily fit on my Trooper, and would be able to get me to the best fishing spots. This kayak didn't disappoint!. It's really easy to get on and off of my little SUV, and the carry handles make a great spot for the tie-down straps. The in haul storage and rear cargo net gives enough storage for everything I could want to take and then some. I've taken it out fishing a few times already and it's so stable I haven't even gotten close to tipping over. The haul design makes it easy to maneuver into tight spots or around objects.
Due to the short length and haul design, you trade stability and maneuverability for tracking and speed. If you take it out into an area with current you are going to get pushed around. This might not be the best kayak for little kids, because it could be frustrating trying to keep it on track.
If you are a beginner wanting to start paddling around or a fisherman looking to get to the best spots on the lake, this kayak will work for you!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easy Entry & Exit
- Easy to Paddle
- Good Maneuverability
- Very Comfortable
Cons
Best Uses
- Flat Waters
- Kayak Camping
Comments about Emotion Kayaks Spitfire 9 Sit-On-Top Kayak:
I've used this kayak for more than a month now. It is very easy to use. I've only used it in flat waters (lakes). Little bit difficult to lift because of the handles. It is very roomy. All pad eyes are great.
I love it. I recommend it to everybody.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Stable
Cons
- Difficult to Paddle
- Poor Tracking
Best Uses
- Flat Waters
Comments about Emotion Kayaks Spitfire 9 Sit-On-Top Kayak:
I guess you get what you pay for. This kayak is only comfortable to kayak on super calm water. A slight swell will make this track very poor. Also the side handles are almost useless and the dry hatch is not waterproof.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easy Entry & Exit
- Easy To Lift
- Easy to Paddle
- Good Maneuverability
Cons
- Unstable
Best Uses
- Flat Waters
Comments about Emotion Kayaks Spitfire 9 Sit-On-Top Kayak:
Manueverable, but a little unstable.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Compact
- Easy Entry & Exit
- Easy To Lift
- Easy to Paddle
- Good Maneuverability
- Stable
Cons
- Location of drain plug
- Side handles worthless
- Water pools won't drain
Best Uses
- Flat Waters
- Rivers
Comments about Emotion Kayaks Spitfire 9 Sit-On-Top Kayak:
Finally got out on the James River this past week with my Spitfire 9. Water was high & fast. Got in trouble & hit a downed tree which flipped me & jak upside down. I keep all my fishing gear, paddle, anchor, etc. attached, so didn't end up losing anything. Was worried about water getting into jak thru the hatch, but got it uprighted, gear put in & only had a small amount of water enter. So was very happy with this cheap little jak. Like I stated in previous post ... I wish they had done a few things differently ... but definitely worth the $$.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easy Entry & Exit
- Ideal size for a woman
- Nice storage
- Stable
Cons
- Hatch not waterproof
- Side handles worthless
- Water pools won't drain
- You get wet
Best Uses
- Flat Waters
- Lakes
Comments about Emotion Kayaks Spitfire 9 Sit-On-Top Kayak:
So much hype for the 9ft coming out. They should have done a better design, since the 8ft is the same kayak, minus a ft. The side handles are completely useless & just hold water. You will get wet. The floor design encourages water to stay where you don't want it & won't drain to the front holes. All of the floor needs to slant toward the front holes. I have to use a sponge constantly on both sides just before the foot rests. Lots of kayaks have holes right there in addition to the ones in the very front of the foot rests. The hatch cover easily comes off (not supposed to)& does not keep water out & the hard plastic it is made of worries me that it will crack easily. Have to wait & see on that one. Would have been nice to have a more comfly seat bottom w/padding. The back rest is comfortable. I haven't been in the river yet, just ponds & lakes, since I've only had it a couple of months & won't comment on the tracking til I do. Not sure how long it will last either, compared to my husband's rotomolded kayak with no side seams, but that's where "you get what you pay for" comes into play. It is not an expensive yak. For it's size, you have lots of storage & I like the net in back instead of just bungees. With just a few changes,this would be a great jak that I would gladly pay more for.
Lastly, the Emotion web site for parts & accessories has been down forever & the company did not respond to my e-mail.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-10
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