
Imported.
Item 816755
Outside Magazine’s
2011 Gear of the Year Winner
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Reviewed by 6 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-6
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Comments about Elie Strait 140 XE Kayak with Rudder:
I have had this kayak for a few months now. I have had it out about 6 times, once on a 40 mile overnight trip down a river.
The hull: Extremely stiff, much like the stiffness of a fiberglass/composite yak.
Stability: This yak is pretty stable. I find it equal to some of the more stable ones (at least stable feeling to me) I have been in. I think this yak would be more suited for an intermediate kayaker to advance though. However, I don't think a novice would have any trouble what so ever.
Cockpit: Has ample room for me (I'm 5'10" 160lbs). I personally don't think it would be well suited for some bigger people (6'2" or above may be a little tight).
Seat: Most comfortable seat I have sat in as far as any kind of kayak goes.
Hatches: Well designed. No neoprene covers to mess with, just a simple latch. I did roll the kayak once, and in the end had about 3 drops of water in one compartment. However, in a pretty heavy rain, it remained dry. I love the hatches and the amount of storage space they provide (110L combined, I believe). The dry hatch it has (day hatch) is a screw on cover.
Rudder: The rudder is a nice edition. A lot of "purists" don't like rudders. I have never had one on a yak, but currently own another kayak that has a skeg. I like the rudder a lot. I tend not to use it when I am paddling, but in a strong wind, you can drop it down and use it as a skeg and it will track in gail force winds at that point! With the skeg up, it tracks very well anyway. I do like the skeg when I am fishing and just floating. I can steer 80% of the time without picking up the paddle.
The Look: This yak looks a lot better to me in person than in the picture. The two tone hull, usually only seen in the fiberglass or composite type (more expensive) yaks, is really appealing. Also, it is just plain sharp and sleek looking. I have received multiple compliments on looks alone.
If you are looking for a spray skirt and/or cockpit cover, I have Seals size 1.7 and they both fit like a glove.
Stability: 8 out of 10
Tracking: 9 out of 10 (w rudder up) 15 out of 10 with rudder down!
Pros
Cons
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Comments about Elie Strait 140 XE Kayak with Rudder:
It's much faster and sleeker and rolls through the water fantastic as compared to other same priced yaks. I think my average speed has increased almost 1 mph.
At first I was wondering about the stability of this yak, but after only 1 trip that worry was gone - its agile as can be for a 14ft yet stable as can be too.
For the price, it has to be one of the best purchases you can make -easily copmarable to others costing 500-700 bills more.
I'm a happy yakker.
Pros
Cons
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Comments about Elie Strait 140 XE Kayak with Rudder:
Nice, well made boat with excellent comfortable seating and storage compartments are the most well designed I have seen. But, the boat is VERY heavy and shorter length, ergo slower and difficult to lift, maneuver etc. I am a beginner, but didn't want to be locked into a slower boat so I did end up returning it. REI is so great to stand behind their products and great customer service, thank you!
Pros
Cons
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Comments about Elie Strait 140 XE Kayak with Rudder:
I really like this kayak. I've only gotten to take it out once so far, but it moves and tracks great. This is an upgrade for me from an Old Towne Otter. I am having one problem with it at the moment, the rear bulkhead is not completely sealed, so I will need to do some research to see how I can fix the problem (if it weren't for this issue I would have given it the full 5 stars). I plan on updating this review as I get to use it more.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elie Strait 140 XE Kayak with Rudder:
I have had this kayak just short of a year now and overall its not a bad yak for the price.
Looks wise I have to say, I think its one of the better looking kayaks out there and I receive lots of compliments about it.
The kayak is very stabile and has handled well whether on a river, small lake, or lake Michigan.
The seat is the most comfortable seat i have found in a kayak.
At 5'8" 210lbs I found that the weight capacity is lower than kayaks of the same specs.
The hatches did not perform well for me however. After an afternoon on lake Michigan in larger waves and surf I found both hatches leaked. I also discovered that the foam dividers were not cut to proper size nor were they glued in properly.
I have spent the winter cutting the foam to proper size and gluing them in properly.
The biggest concern I have is the fact that the two halfs of the kayak are glued together. On the same trip on the big lake I noticed that the seam had opened up at the cockpit and was leaking water in. I don't know at what point the seam had been stressed enough to allow it to open up but it is something to be aware of.
Overall I do like the kayak and have made the necessary repairs to keep this kayak in my fleet but I do suggest doing your homework before buying this kayak.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elie Strait 140 XE Kayak with Rudder:
This is the first kayak I have owned, had it about 8 months now and love this kayak, it tracks awesome, is very stable, and tons of storage. The rudder is great, I can't imagine not having it. I'm no pro and it's a great help.
Displaying reviews 1-6
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