Argo 100X EXO

Built for calm inland lakes and slow-moving rivers, this ten-foot recreational kayak prioritizes painless logistics above all else. At roughly 36 pounds, it solves the single biggest deterrent for solo paddlers: getting the boat from the roof rack down to the waterline without wrenching your back. Pelican builds the hull using proprietary RAM-X thermoformed polyethylene, an extruded plastic laminate that resists impact and scrapes while yielding a lighter overall package than typical rotomolded alternatives.

On the water, the twin-arched multi-chine hull delivers high primary stability, making entering and exiting the cockpit reassuringly stable even for novices. The trade-off comes in tracking and glide. Its short waterline and relatively broad beam mean you spend noticeable energy fighting weathercocking in crosswinds or choppy conditions. This is a boat engineered for relaxed drifting and casual cadences; pushing it toward touring speeds only results in an inefficient bow wake and sluggish forward momentum.

Interior outfitting is basic but functional for short afternoon excursions, featuring an adjustable padded backrest, molded foot braces, and a removable ExoPod storage compartment tucked into the rear tank well. While the thermoformed skin shrugs off gravel launches reliably, the trim hardware and seat padding are built to a price point. Against competitors in the entry-level recreational class, it stands out primarily for its light carry weight and effortless off-water handling.