Pelican Ram-X Kayaks: Unmatched Durability and Value

Pelican Ram-X kayaks are a great option for beginners seeking a durable and affordable boat. Pelican offers kayaks made from their Ram-X material, blending strength and value, although these kayaks might be slightly heavier and slower than higher-end models.

Pelican Ram-X Kayaks

 In this article, I’ll share my hands-on experience with Pelican’s Ram-X kayaks, closely examining their distinct features, such as their robust yet budget-friendly construction, and assessing their performance on flat water, rivers, and other settings. 

My dream is to provide a helpful overview for paddlers considering these boats, highlighting their notable qualities as well as any trade-offs when compared to Pricer Kayak.

What is Ram-X?

The Ram-X material is a special blend used in the hulls of Pelican’s kayaks and canoes. Coleman first created it in the 1980s and went through some tough tests. Just picture throwing your canoe against big rocks in wild rivers or dropping heavy 70-pound rocks. That’s what they did!

While I haven’t tried these extreme tests on my own Pelican kayak (and I don’t recommend you do either), it’s good to know that the material has been proven to be super durable under such extreme conditions.

The Ram-X material is a special blend used in the hulls of Pelican’s kayaks and canoes. Coleman first created it in the 1980s and went through some tough tests. Just picture throwing your canoe against big rocks in wild rivers or dropping heavy 70-pound rocks. That’s what they did!

While I haven’t tried these extreme tests on my own Pelican kayak (and I don’t recommend you do either), it’s good to know that the material has been proven to be super durable under such extreme conditions.

The Pelican Ram-X Kayaks is a special blend used in the hulls of Pelican’s kayaks and canoes. Coleman first created it in the 1980s and went through some tough tests. Just picture throwing your canoe against big rocks in wild rivers or dropping heavy 70-pound rocks

While I haven’t tried these extreme tests on my own Pelican kayak (and I don’t recommend you do either), it’s good to know that the material has been proven to be super durable under such extreme conditions.

Key Features of Pelican Ram-X

Before you decide to get a Pelican Ram-X kayak, it’s crucial to know what they’re good at and where they might have some drawbacks. Here’s what I think:

Multi-layer Material

Pelican Ram-X Kayaks is a strong, flexible plastic that is made up of many layers. The main ingredient in the Ram X kayak is high molecular weight polyethylene, Which is a type of plastic that is very strong and resistant to impact and breakage. This makes Ram-X better than other plastics at staying stiff and not breaking, even when it is hit hard.

Exceptional Durability and Longevity

Pelican’s manufacturing process and Ram-X material make these kayaks very durable.

I’ve used my Pelican Ram-X kayak for several years. It has withstood lots of bumps and scrapes, but the sturdy Ram-X hull is still holding up well. The boat has proven to be resilient through regular use and minor impacts that can happen while paddling or transporting it. Even with some wear and tear over time, the hard construction has allowed my Ram-X to remain in good condition overall.

I aimed to convey the key ideas (durability from materials/process, and first-hand experience showing resilience) using straightforward language and examples.

UV-Protected Exterior Finish

Pelican Ram-X Kayaks have a special coating on the outside that protects them from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. This means that your kayak or canoe will not fade or crack over time, even if you keep it outside.

Ideal for Recreational Paddlers

Pelican Ram-X kayaks and canoes are made for people who want to have fun paddling on lakes and rivers. They are very strong and don’t cost much money, usually less than $800.

Trade-offs: Flexibility and Weight

The Pelican Ram-X Kayaks material does have some minor trade-offs. It’s more flexible than fancy composite materials, so the hull may flex a bit when paddling. Ram-X also tends to be heavier than lightweight options like fiberglass.

However, Pelican Ram-X Kayaks has worked to minimize these issues in their Ram-X boats. They add strengthening parts to stiffen the hull and use rigid hull shapes.

This shows Pelican’s commitment to delivering quality, performance, and value – things I appreciate after years of paddling. In my experience, the durability and affordability of Ram-X are worth the small weight penalty. And for plastic kayaks, Pelicans are pretty light.

 The Key Ideas of the Pelican Ram-X Kayak

Pelican Sprint 100XR

Pelican Sprint 100XR
LengthWidthWeightCapacity
10 feet28 inches41 pounds300 pounds

The Pelican Ram-X Kayaks Sprint 100XR is a fast and easy-to-paddle kayak that is perfect for experienced kayakers looking for day trips on calm waters. It has a sleek design and a V-shaped hull that makes it easy to control and turn. It also has a lot of storage space, including a large hatch in the stern and a smaller one in the cockpit.

However, the Sprint 100XR is not for beginners. It can be a bit tippy and it does not have a lot of load capacity, so it is not ideal for challenging conditions or long trips. Additionally, some users have reported that the hatches can leak.

Overall, the Pelican Sprint 100XR is a great kayak for experienced kayakers looking for a fast and fun ride on calm waters.

Pros

  • Comfortable seat and knee support
  •  Excellent performance and is easy to steer.
  • Lots of storage space.

Cons

  • The drain location could be better
  • It might feel unstable for beginners
  • A few complaints about hatches leaking

Pelican Sprint 100X

Excellent value for casual paddlers

Pelican Sprint 100X

SPECIFICATIONS

LengthWidthWeightCapacity
10 feet28 inches41 pounds300 pounds

My first impression of the Sentinel 100X was that it’s super stable, which is great for beginners or folks who like a relaxed kayaking experience. It also has lots of legroom, making it easy to get in and out of.

What makes the Sentinel 100X stand out is how lightweight it is. It only weighs 40 lbs, and I found it easy to carry even by myself. Plus, it has these T-shaped handles built in, which were helpful when I went kayaking solo.

I tested it on a windy day at the lake, and it felt strong and well-balanced. But keep in mind, it’s more for leisurely kayaking, not rough ocean conditions.

It doesn’t have a dry storage area, but it makes up for it with open spots to store your stuff. I used them for things like my water bottle and sunscreen. The footwells are okay, but not adjustable, so they felt a bit uncomfortable at first. I got used to them, though.

The seat could be more comfortable and offer better back support. Still, the Sentinel 100X is a good choice for beginners and those who want a sit-on-top kayak for easygoing paddling.

For dog lovers, this kayak is dog-friendly. It’s open and stable, giving your furry friend plenty of space to sit comfortably.

In a nutshell, the Pelican Sentinel 100X is a budget-friendly kayak that’s lightweight, stable, and perfect for calm waters. It’s not perfect, but for the price, it offers a great mix of features that make kayaking enjoyable.

Pros

  •  Stable and easy to maneuver
  • Lightweight and easy to transport
  • Ample legroom and an open cockpit.

Cons

  • Seat could be more Comfortable
  • Footwells may feel cramped for some

Pelican Catch Mode 110

An affordable and stable fishing kayak

Pelican Catch Mode 110

SPECIFICATIONS

LengthWidthWeightCapacity
10 feet 8 inches34.5 inches63 pounds375 pounds

The Pelican Catch Mode 110 is a fishing kayak that is stable, comfortable, and affordable. It is perfect for anglers of all skill levels, and it is easy to transport.

The Catch Mode 110 has a retractable skeg, adjustable footpegs, and plenty of storage space. It is also very stable, even when you are standing up. The seat is adjustable and comfortable, so you can stay out on the water for long hours without getting tired.

Overall, the Pelican Catch Mode 110 is a great value for the money. It is a great option for anglers looking for a stable, comfortable, and affordable fishing kayak.

Pros

  •  Stays steady in different positions
  • Comfy, adjustable seats
  • Ample Storage space
  • Provides excellent Value for the price

Cons

  • Can, n’t control the skeg from the cockpit
  • Limited room for tall paddlers to make adjustments

How Do Pelican Ram-X Kayaks Compare With Other Brands and Materials?

kayaks moored in water

Now that we’ve talked about Pelican Ram-X Kayaks, let’s look at how they stack up against kayaks from other brands and different materials.

Pelican Ram-X Kayaks

In the world of kayaking, there are various materials to choose from, ranging from classic wood to modern composites like fiberglass and carbon fiber. Each material has its strengths and weaknesses, so your decision should match what you need and what you can afford.

Carbon Fiber Kayaks

Carbon fiber kayaks are the best kayaks for performance, but they are also the most expensive. They are very light and glide through the water easily, but they are also very fragile. If you hit something with a carbon fiber kayak, it can be expensive to fix.

    • Performance: Carbon fiber kayaks are the fastest and most efficient kayaks on the market. They are made from a very strong and lightweight material, which allows them to glide through the water with ease. Carbon fiber kayaks are also very stiff, which gives them excellent tracking and stability.
    • Price: Carbon fiber kayaks are the most expensive kayaks on the market. This is because carbon fiber is a very expensive material to produce.
    • Lightweight: Carbon fiber kayaks are very light, which makes them easy to carry and transport. They are also easier to paddle than heavier kayaks.
    • Fragility: Carbon fiber kayaks are very fragile and can be easily damaged if they hit something. This is because carbon fiber is a brittle material. If you hit something with a carbon fiber kayak, it is likely to crack or break.

    Fiberglass Kayaks          

Fiberglass kayaks are lighter and faster than Ram-X kayaks, but they are also more expensive and easier to damage.

  • Speed: Fiberglass kayaks are faster than Ram-X kayaks because the material is more rigid. This means that the kayak will not flex as much when you paddle, which allows you to move through the water more efficiently.
  • Price: Fiberglass kayaks are more expensive than Ram-X kayaks because fiberglass is a more expensive material.
  • Durability: Fiberglass kayaks are less durable than Ram-X kayaks when it comes to impact resistance. This means that if you hit something with a fiberglass kayak, it is more likely to crack or break.

Thermoform ABS Plastic Kayaks

Thermoform ABS plastic kayaks are a good middle ground between Pelican Ram-X Kayaks and fiberglass kayaks. They are lighter and stiffer than Ram-X kayaks, which makes them easier to paddle and transport.

 However, they are not as impact-resistant as Ram-X kayaks and they are generally more expensive. But overall, they are a good option for paddlers who want a kayak that is both performant and affordable.

Polyethylene Plastic Kayaks

Polyethylene plastic kayaks are similar to Ram-X kayaks in terms of durability and price. However, Ram-X kayaks are more resistant to UV rays and impact damage.

Wooden Kayaks

Wooden kayaks are a beautiful and traditional choice for kayakers. They are often hand-built or assembled from kits, and they can be very lightweight. However, wooden kayaks require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition.

This can be a significant drawback for some paddlers, but others enjoy the challenge and satisfaction of caring for their wooden kayak.

Inflatable Kayaks

Inflatable kayaks, like the ones made by Advanced Elements or Sea Eagle, are popular because they’re easy to carry and store. They might not be as strong or fast as hardshell kayaks, but they’re a great choice for people who don’t have a lot of storage space or who travel a lot. However, they can get holes, and they’re not as tough as kayaks with Ram-X material.

FAQS

Ram-X is a type of heat-molded plastic. It is made from multiple polyethylene layers, making it strong and rigid.

The Pelican Argo 100X is a great choice for kayaking enthusiasts who want a lightweight and easy-to-use kayak for leisurely paddling, fishing, or exploring.

The Rise 100X is a compact recreational kayak perfect for beginners or experienced paddlers who want a stable, comfortable, and easy-to-store boat.

Yes, Pelican Kayaks is a Canadian company. They were founded in Laval, Quebec in 1970 and have been manufacturing kayaks and other watersports equipment in Canada ever since. 

The Verdict: Are Pelican Ram-X Kayaks Worth the Investment?

In conclusion, the kayak you pick should match what you need, like how much you can spend, where you’ll keep it, and the kind of kayaking you’ll do.

Pelican Ram-X kayaks may not be the lightest, but they’re really tough, work well, and don’t cost a fortune. So if you want a strong and affordable kayak, you can’t go wrong with a Pelican Ram-X.

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