#7 on this list
Argo 100X EXO
Pelican
The Pelican Argo 100X EXO represents one of the most accessible entry points into sit-inside recreational kayaking. Pelican keeps manufacturing costs low and durability high by utilizing their proprietary RAM-X multi-layer polyethylene material. This thermoformed construction results in a kayak that is notably lighter than traditional rotomolded equivalents of similar size, making the Argo 100X exceptionally easy for solo paddlers to lift onto a car roof or carry down to the water's edge. On sheltered water, the Argo's twin-arched multichine hull provides steady primary stability, reassuring nervous or first-time paddlers immediately upon sitting down. The open cockpit design ensures that getting in and out does not feel constricting. The EXO package incorporates practical conveniences including an adjustable padded backrest, molded footrests, bottle holders, and a removable storage compartment that can be taken along into camp or the car. The trade-offs correspond directly with its budget positioning. At ten feet in length with a relatively flat hull profile, the Argo lacks tracking precision; it wanders under aggressive paddling and struggles to maintain headway against stiff breezes or choppy water. It also lacks sealed bulkheads, relying instead on internal foam blocks for flotation, meaning paddlers should stay strictly within calm, near-shore zones. **Highlights** - Lightweight RAM-X thermoformed material allows effortless solo cartopping - Twin-arched multichine hull delivers reliable, beginner-friendly initial stability - Roomy cockpit profile avoids the claustrophobic feel of tight touring rims - Removable EXO storage container offers portable utility for dry gear - Accessible price point suited for casual, seasonal lake paddlers **Watch-outs** - Lacks sealed bulkheads, limiting safe use to sheltered, near-shore flatwater - Wanders easily under power and requires steady corrective paddle strokes
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#8 on this list
Tarpon 120
Wilderness Systems
The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 is the full-sized sibling to the 105, delivering the added speed, glide, and tracking needed for coastal bays, wide lakes, and extended day-trips. By extending the waterline to twelve feet, Wilderness Systems smoothed out the hull's entry and exit, significantly improving paddling efficiency over distance. For paddlers who prefer the self-bailing freedom and open deck of a sit-on-top but refuse to sacrifice forward tracking, this hull is a perennial favorite. The deck layout is meticulously organized for multi-use adventure. The Phase 3 AirStream seating system keeps the paddler dry and supported with multi-directional lumbar and leg adjustments. Generous SlideTrax accessory channels line the cockpit and rear tankwell, making it straightforward to add rod holders, camera mounts, or GPS units without drilling into the plastic. Dry storage is handled via an internal bow hatch and an accessible center hatch, paired with a massive rear cargo well that easily accepts heavy dry bags or crates. The primary drawback of the Tarpon 120 is its physical bulk. At twelve feet long and over sixty pounds, muscling it onto vehicle racks requires good leverage or a rolling cart. Additionally, its sit-on-top deck profile naturally catches more wind than a low-profile sit-inside boat during gusty days on open water. **Highlights** - Twelve-foot hull geometry balances swift forward tracking with rock-solid stability - Phase 3 AirStream seat offers top-tier lumbar and thigh adjustment - Full-length SlideTrax system for seamless, non-destructive gear rigging - Dual dry storage hatches complemented by an oversized rear tankwell - Self-bailing scuppers clear deck wash efficiently in rough coastal water **Watch-outs** - Substantial weight makes solo car-topping physically demanding - Higher open-deck profile catches crosswinds more than sit-inside touring boats
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Argo 100X EXO | Tarpon 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Kayak Style | Sit-inside recreational | — |
| Hull Length | 10 feet | — |
| Hull Construction | Thermoformed RAM-X polyethylene | — |
| Hull Profile | Twin-arched multichine | — |
| Flotation Type | Internal foam blocks | — |
| Target Price | Around $550 | — |
| Hull Style | — | Sit-on-top |
| Length | — | 12 feet |
| Seating System | — | Phase 3 AirStream ergonomic seat |
| Deck Rigging | — | SlideTrax accessory channel system |
| Storage Layout | — | Dual sealed hatches plus open rear tankwell |
| Hull Material | — | Rotomolded high-density polyethylene |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Argo 100X EXO
- Lightweight thermoformed hull allows effortless solo lifting and car-topping
- Twin-arched multichine design provides exceptionally stable primary balance
- Spacious cockpit opening ensures easy entry and exit without feeling cramped
- Removable EXO rear storage unit adds practical packing convenience
- Lacks sealed bulkheads, restricting safe paddling strictly to near-shore waters
- Short hull yawns and tracks poorly when paddled aggressively or in wind
- Molded-in foot braces lack the micro-adjustability of track-mounted pegs
Tarpon 120
- Twelve-foot hull offers superior tracking and glide for a sit-on-top
- Phase 3 AirStream seat delivers comprehensive lumbar and thigh adjustment
- Factory-installed SlideTrax rails simplify gear mounting without drilling
- Self-bailing scupper design drains deck water quickly in rough chop
- Substantial overall weight makes solo roof-rack loading physically demanding
- High deck profile catches crosswinds more than traditional sit-inside hulls
- Open cockpit provides no protection from cold water splashes or windchill
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