Recreational Kayak Review: Perception Tribe 9.5

The Perception Tribe 9.5 kayak is a bestseller for good reason. This sit-on-top is perfect for recreational paddlers who want to do it all. While best on lakes and calm rivers, the Tribe can handle some waves and let you start surfing or running class I and II rapids. Unlike cheaper sit-on-tops, the Tribe’s comfy, supportive seat means you can adventure all day long. 

At just 48.5 pounds, the Tribe 9.5 is easy to cartop solo or with a friend. Though similar-sized kayaks weigh about the same, the Tribe stands out in fitting larger paddlers. With a 300-pound capacity and molded footrests for all leg lengths, even bigger and taller folks find it comfortable.

Unless you’re near the weight limit and need space for gear, the 9.5 fits most people well. 

PERCEPTION TRIBE 9.5

LENGTH	WIDTH	BOAT WEIGHT	DECK HEIGHT	MAX CAPACITY
9′ 5″ / 287cm	31.25″ / 80cm	48.5 lbs. / 22kg	12.8″ / 32cm	300 lbs. / 136kg

The Tribe 9.5 is a cheap, fun, nice-looking kayak that you can use on small waves, calm water, and slow rivers. It has handles on the sides and the ends, so you can carry it and put it in your car easily. The Tribe 9.5 has a new seat that is very comfy. It has more padding and support. You can also change the angle of the seat to any position you like. 

This makes it a great place to relax and enjoy the sun dolphien while you are on the water. The kayak is lightweight and you can stack it with other kayaks. It has many handles, so you can move it to the water without any trouble. The Tribe 9.5 is cheap, fun, and nice-looking, and you can use it on small waves, calm water, and slow rivers.

FEATURES

Perception Tribe 9.5 Performance

On the water

The Perception 9.5 kayak is pretty versatile. It maneuvers well but also tracks straight, making it fun for surfing but easy to paddle long distances. The 31.5-inch width offers decent stability without being too wide like some fishing kayaks. Beginners will feel stable and secure.

Longer, skinnier kayaks may be faster, but the 9.5-foot Tribe keeps up with most 10-foot models. It’s a good balance of speed, tracking, and maneuverability.

Market & demographics

The Perception Tribe 9.5 kayak is great for beginners who want to paddle all day comfortably. Like other recreational sit-on-top kayaks, it works well on lakes and calm rivers. Unlike cheaper boats that are uncomfortable and hard to steer, the Tribe 9.5 has nice outfitting and tracks straight. So you can stay out on the water longer without getting tired or frustrated.

The Tribe 9.5 is also maneuverable enough for small rapids, waves, and choppy water. Most recreational kayaks should only be used on flat, protected waters. But the Tribe 9.5 can handle more challenging conditions.

However, if you want to kayak long distances or run rivers, a touring or whitewater kayak would be better. The Perception Tribe is a good choice if you want a versatile boat for adventurous day trips in varied conditions.

About the Perception Tribe 9.5

The Perception 9.5 kayak is made out of polyethylene plastic using a process called roto-molding. They pour melted plastic into a mold and spin it around while heating it. This is a quick and inexpensive way to make durable kayaks. The plastic holds up well and doesn’t need a ton of maintenance. 

Just rinse off the kayak with fresh water if you’ve paddled in the ocean to prevent salt buildup. One tip is to be careful not to overtighten the straps too much when transporting the kayak on a hot day. The heat softens the plastic a bit, so straps that are too tight could dent or warp the kayak.

 But overall these rugged plastic boats are designed to take plenty of wear and tear with minimal care needed. The rotomolded construction makes them affordable and hassle-free for most paddlers.

Buying a used Perception Tribe 9.5 kayak

If you are looking for a used Perception Tribe kayak, you have a good chance of finding one because they have been popular and durable since 2010. However, you should check some things before you buy one. The kayak should have been stored inside and away from the sun, and upside down on a rack. 

Otherwise, it could have been deformed by the ground or the UV rays, and it would not perform well on the water. You should also inspect the parts and accessories, such as the handles, the bungees, the seat, and the straps. They should not be broken or worn out, or you might have to replace them. 

You could also use them to negotiate a lower price. Another thing to consider is the age of the kayak. The older ones are still good, but the newer ones have a more comfortable seat that was updated in 2020. For more tips on buying a used kayak, you can read this article: Everything You Need To Know About Buying A Used Kayak. 

Tribe 9.5 accessories & outfitting

The Tribe 9.5 is a kayak that has a new, very comfortable seat. You can adjust the seat to any angle you like. The kayak has four places to rest your feet, so it fits people of different sizes. The 9.5 is good for tall people too.

The kayak has a lot of space to store your things. It has two areas with ropes to hold your stuff. 

It also has a place for your drink and a small hatch for your keys and wallet. The Tribe 9.5 has more storage than other kayaks that cost the same.

The kayak has six holes that let water out. Some other kayaks do not have holes, but some do. The holes can also let water in when the waves are big. You can buy plugs to close the holes if you want. Look At The Weather Be ready for any weather changes. Think of the worst situation. Remember to check the water level, speed, and direction. 

The Tribe 9.5 does not have a holder for your paddle. Some other kayaks do. A paddle holder lets you put your paddle on the side of the kayak. This is useful if you need to use your hands for something else, like fishing. You can buy a paddle clip from Perception and attach it to the kayak yourself.

Warranty

You can ask Perception to fix or replace your kayak if it has a problem that is not your fault. They will do this for free for five years for the main body of the kayak and for one year for the other things like the seat and the handles.

How the Tribe 9.5 Compare?

Perception Tribe 9.5 vs Perception Zip 9.5

You want to compare two kayaks: the Perception Zip 9.5 and the Tribe 9.5. They are both made of plastic and you can sit on top of them. You can use them for fun on calm water. The Zip is a little bigger and lighter than the Tribe, but it can carry less weight. This means that if you are heavy or you want to bring a lot of stuff, the Zip might not be good for you.

The Zip also does not have a seat. You have to buy one or you will be uncomfortable. The Tribe has a seat that you can fold and adjust. Both kayaks have holes to drain water, a place to put your drink, and places to store things. But the Zip has more holes and no ropes at the front. 

The Tribe has fewer holes and ropes at the front. Both kayaks have places to put your feet.

The Zip is cheaper than the Tribe. The Zip costs $429 and the Tribe costs $699. You have to decide which one is better for you.

Perception Tribe vs Perception Swifty 11

The Swifty is a kayak that has two sizes, the 11.5 and the 9.5. They are very much like the Tribe 9.5, but the Swifty 11.5 is longer than the Tribe 9.5. The Swifty 11.5 is 11 feet and six inches long, and the Tribe 9.5 is nine feet and five inches long.

Woman sitting in a kayak with green, blue, and purple colors Recreational Kayak Review. Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5 The Swifty and the Tribe are both kayaks for calm water, like lakes and rivers. But the Swifty is a kayak that has a cover over your legs. This keeps you warmer and drier. 

You can also put your things under the cover, near your feet, or in the back. You can move the footrests to fit your size better than the Tribe. The Swifty has some things for fishing, like places to hold your rods and a place to put your paddle on the side. This lets you use your hands for fishing.

Perception Tribe 9.5 vs Perception Outlaw

The Tribe 9.5 and Outlaw 11.5 are both sit-on-tops, but that’s where the similarities end. The Outlaw is made for fishing with way more angler features than the basic Tribe. The Outlaw has a huge standing deck, raised seat, double rod holders, accessory mounts, a fish finder scupper, and a paddle park. It’s 2 feet longer, 30 pounds heavier, 3.5 inches wider, and carries more at 425 pounds. The Outlaw also costs $229 more at $929.

The Outlaw is a beast made just for fishing. The Tribe is a simple recreational kayak. Unless you’ll use it mainly for fishing, the Outlaw’s extras are unnecessary overkill.

Perception Tribe 9.5 Kayak vs Perception Tribe 11.5 Kayak

The Perception Tribe 9.5 and 11.5 kayaks are very similar. They have the same features, except the 11.5 has slightly larger front and rear storage since it’s a bigger boat. The 11.5 is 11 feet 5 inches long, weighs 52 pounds, and can carry 50 pounds more than the 9.5. 

Tall and heavy people say the 9.5 has plenty of room, but the 11.5 offers a bit more space and capacity. However, it costs $100 more at $799. So if you want just a little more size and carrying ability, the 11.5 is worth the extra cost. Otherwise, the 9.5 should work well.

Where to Buy?

You can buy the Perception Tribe from many online and physical stores in the US and Canada. Or you can order it from the maker’s website. The Tribe is a good kayak for anyone. You can use it in calm or rough water. It is easy to carry and store. It has holes to let water out but keep the boat floating. You can choose from different sizes and a two-person option.