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.
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
Length | Width | Weight | Capacity |
10 feet | 28 inches | 41 pounds | 300 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
Cons
Pelican Sprint 100X
Excellent value for casual paddlers
SPECIFICATIONS
Length | Width | Weight | Capacity |
10 feet | 28 inches | 41 pounds | 300 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
Cons
Pelican Catch Mode 110
An affordable and stable fishing kayak
SPECIFICATIONS
Length | Width | Weight | Capacity |
10 feet 8 inches | 34.5 inches | 63 pounds | 375 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
Cons
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.
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.
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.
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.