The inflatable kayaks are like a dream come true for adventure-loving people. Because it is tough to carry the typical kayaks into the tough terrains. That’s when the inflatable kayaks come into the game as they are easily carriageable by taking out the air from these.
Buying an inflatable kayak may be confusing for you about which one to choose. To reduce your hassle in this case, we have two of the best inflatable kayaks of Intex from two different series. Hopefully, the comparison of Intex Dakota k2 vs Explorer k2 will help you to reach a conclusion.
The Comparison Chart Between Intex Dakota k2 and Explorer k2
Before diving into the in-detail review of these inflatable Intex kayaks, let’s take a look at their comparison chart:
| Content | Intex Dakota k2 | Intex Explorer k2 |
| Built-Material | Puncture resistant Vinyl | Rugged Vinyl |
| Inflated Dimension | 10 ft 3in X 3ft X 1ft 8in | 10 ft 3in X 3ft X 1ft 8in |
| Folded Dimension | 16.25in x 13.50in x 23.13in | 16.25in x 13.50in x 23.13in |
| Weight | 30.60 LBS | 36.70 LBS |
| Maximum Weight Capacity | 400 pounds | 400 pounds |
| Person Capacity | Two Persons (Cockpit designed for comfort and space) | Two Persons (Cockpit designed for comfort and space) |
| Oars | Two 86in aluminum oars (Welded with the Oarlocks) | Two 86in aluminum oars (Welded with the Oarlocks) |
| Seat | Adjustable inflatable seats with backrest | Adjustable inflatable seats with backrest |
| Skegs | Standard directional & shallow water directional (Removable) | Standard directional (Removable) |
| Dry Bags | Two | None |
In-detail Comparison between Intex Dakota k2 vs Explorer k2
The main difference between Intex Dakota k2 vs Explorer k2: Intex Explorer K2 is a children’s inflatable kayak, while the Intex Dakota K2 is a fishing kayak. The Explorer K2 is smaller and less expensive, while the Dakota K2 is larger and has more features, including a built-in rod holder.
The in-detail discussion about these inflatable kayaks from Intex is below, and let’s hop into it:
Intex Dakota k2
The Dakota k2 inflatable kayaks from Intex are made with high-quality and durable puncture-resistant vinyl. You can carry it wherever you need and push air with the help of the given hand pump. The folded dimension is 16.25in x 13.50in x 23.13in, but when inflated, it becomes 10 ft 3in X 3ft X 1ft 8in all-around.
It weighs 30.60 LBS which helps to gain more speed in the lakes and rivers. Two persons can easily sit in its cockpit-designed adjustable inflatable seats with a backrest. Moreover, it is capable of carrying 400 pounds of weight at a time. The adjustable skeg will help you both in straight-line tracking and for quick and easy turns.
The two 86inch aluminum oars welded with the oarlocks ensure a smooth and easy cruise all along the way. It comes with sporty graphics for high visibility, along with the repair patch. It comes with the U.S. Coast Guard I.D. – NMMA certification and is approved by the TUV.
Key Features:
- Puncture resistant vinyl body
- Boston valves for quick inflation
- Adjustable skeg for both standard and shallow water direction
- Less weight helps to gain more speed
- There are two dry bags included
Pros:
- Durable kayak body
- Comparatively more speed
- Unidirectional and adjustable skeg
- Inclusion of the dry bags
- Two cockpit-designed adjustable inflatable seats with a backrest
Cons:
- Less weight sometimes creates instability
Intex Dakota k2
The rugged vinyl as the built material makes the Intex Dakota k2 durable and long-lasting. The folded and inflated dimension of Dakota k2 is 16.25in x 13.50in x 23.13in and 16.25in x 13.50in x 23.13in. Though these are the same as the Explorer k2, the weight of Dakota k2 is 6 LBS more than the previous one with 36.70 LBS.
As it has a 400-pound weight carrying capability, two persons can easily sit and paddle this kayak. The cockpit-designed adjustable inflatable seats with a backrest will provide you comfort while kayaking. With the two 86inch aluminum oars, your paddling will be hassle-free. It comes with a streamlined design for easy paddling with a grab line on both ends.
But the skeg is only for standard direction and not suitable for shallow water. In this kayak, you will get the inflatable I-beam floor for comfort and rigidity.
Key Features:
- The two 86inch aluminum oars welded with the oarlocks
- Presence of the inflatable I-beam floor for comfort and rigidity
- Cockpit designed for comfort and space
- 400-pound of weight carrying capability
- Grab line on both ends
Pros:
- Easy paddling with a streamlined design
- The adjustable inflatable seats with backrest
- More stability with excellent weight distribution
- Easy inflation and deflation
- Grab handle at each end
Cons:
- Comparatively less speed
- Not suitable for shallow water
Which Inflatable Intex Kayak to Choose?
The Explorer k2 and Dakota k2 are the best possible service providing kayaks in a lake and mild river. But the Dakota k2 is comparatively new and comes with more advanced functions and a catchy design. Along with that, it has less weight, more speed, operation in shallow water, the inclusion of the airbags.
You won’t get these features in the nine years old Dakota k2. So, you should go with the recently launched Intex Dakota k2. But if you buy an Intex Explorer k2, you won’t be disappointed with the design and top-quality service.
Read More: Sit Inside Vs. Sit on Top Kayak
Final Thoughts
If you are a kayak lover and have a craving for kayaking but facing transportation issues, the Intex inflatable kayaks are for you. It will save you from the carrying issues as they are foldable by sucking out the air from inside.
Both the Dakota k2 and Explorer k2 from Intex are the best of their kind. From the detailed discussion of Intex Dakota k2 vs Explorer k2, you will know everything about these kayaks. Then after checking their price, you can reach a decision about which one to buy.