

Seatsīoth the Intex Challenger K2 and Explorer K2 come with inflatable seats that are adjustable and removable. Improved visibility is essential when you are paddling, and there are motorboats around. Both are brightly colored and sporty, improving the kayak’s visibility when you are on the water. The other noticeable difference from a design standpoint is the color scheme. We do recommend that you are aware of the weight limit when you load up your boat. The Explorer K2 also has a wider hull, which allows you to carry more equipment. The open design of the Explorer K2 gives the paddler more legroom and more room to store gear compared to the Challenger K2. The Intex Challenger K2 is a closed cockpit, known as a sit-inside kayak. The Explorer K2 is an open cockpit kayak, known as a sit on top kayak. The primary design difference between the Explorer K2 and Challenger K2 is the cockpit. The Explorer K2 provides more stability with a wider hull. The Explorer is 36 inches wide, compared to 30 inches with the Challenger. The low-profile design has a lower center of gravity, which helps each kayak with stability.īoth the Explorer and Challenger are stable with two paddlers, or if you are solo. The wide hull and inflatable I-beam floor add comfort and rigid elements to the kayak. Both kayaks are excellent for beginners or if you are kayaking with children. The Explorer K2 and the Challenger K2 are great from a stability standpoint. These kayaks are not as nimble as the solo version of the Challenger, though. If you run into windy situations, you can expect some difficulty handling the kayak and getting it to go where you want it. When the conditions are favorable, both kayaks are solid. These are entry-level inflatable kayaks, but they do move well on calm water. The nice thing is, with two paddlers, you can maneuver the kayak well, and even as a solo paddler.Įither kayak is excellent for beginners or people who are paddling with kids. Challenger battle, both kayaks perform well. When talking about how well each kayak moves on the water in the Intex Explorer vs. If you are looking for precision on the water, you may want to look at other models. You have to understand that these kayaks are entry-level inflatable kayaks.Įither kayak will track reasonably well, give it’s in an inexpensive, entry-level model. How well this kayak tracks depends on many factors, including the paddler’s skill level, the weather, and water conditions (especially if it’s windy). Tracking improves with the addition of the skeg. The skeg helps you keep the boat pointed straight (tracking). The Intex Challenger K2 and the Explorer K2 both come with a removable skeg. Other than that, you can hit the water right away. The only thing you need to have that doesn’t come with the kayak is a life jacket. When it comes to accessories, you are all set with these inflatable kayaks. Two inflatable seats that are adjustable and removable.You don’t have to spend a bunch of extra money on kayak equipment.īoth the Explorer K2 and Challenger K2 come with: One of the features that make these kayaks so appealing is that they both come with all the accessories you need to get started. The added weight will slow down the kayak and make it more challenging to maneuver. When you start adding the paddler’s weight, gear, like a cooler, etc., it’s easy to get carried away, and extra weight can add up in a hurry. We recommend that you pay attention to the weight limit, as it can be easy to overload the inflatable kayak. Weight capacityīoth kayaks have a weight capacity of 400 pounds, great for two paddlers or a solo kayaker and gear. It depends on how you will be using the kayak to give you the most room. The open cockpit (sit on top) design of the Explorer leaves more space for gear than the Challengers closed cockpit (sit inside) design. If you are interested in a wider kayak, the Explorer wins this side of the argument.

The Explorer is slightly wider at 36 inches wide than the Challenger, which is about 30 inches wide. If you are looking for legroom, the Challenger is the longer option. The Challenger K2 is longer at 11’6″ long than the Explorer K2, which is 10’3″ in length. RoomĮach kayak can hold up to two paddlers, making it great for a leisurely day on the water. You don’t need to spend extra money on accessories, as everything you need to hit the water is included (except a life jacket). You will be hard-pressed to find a comparable inflatable kayak at this entry-level price point. The price to value ratio is off the charts.
