Intex Challenger K2 - Review 2023

A Serviceable Budget Kayak

This inflatable boat from Intex is an excellent option for beginner kayakers who haven’t gone all-in on the paddling lifestyle. It’s also a fun boat for people who just want to get out on the water, with a friend, a cooler, a canine.

That also includes people who want to try to fish–carefully, though, because of the single-layer vinyl material–and people who want to get some cardio and strength training in their core and shoulders.

When packed, the Challenger K2 is also more easily transported–without the need for racks–and stored. Kayak storage, is, generally, a big challenge for kayakkers.

Sure, it’s not the best, but the Challenger K2 is a total standout within its price category.

Aesthetically, it’s got a sporty look. The versatility of the seats is also a plus. So whether you’re out in the waters solo or with a partner, you can use this Intex kayak. Its single-layer skin is more delicate than its dual-layer counterparts, but its vinyl sheet is durable enough and won’t give up after a handful of sessions, as long as you stay away from debris.

Take it out as a beach toy or use it to get from point A to B for your short trips. The Intex Challenger K2 is in no way a premium inflatable boat. But it does what it’s supposed to decently for such a relatively low price.

Construction and Design

This budget kayak from Intex is a simple model yet surprisingly durable and sturdy for its price. The Challenger K2 is 11’6″ long, 2’6″ wide, and 1’3″ high with shades of green, blue, and gray.

This inflatable boat is only a single-skin model made with 30-gauge Vinyl. Since it’s a budget kayak, this is understandable. However, it also means you need to be careful with punctures because there is no extra layer protecting the material like expensive alternatives with dual skins such as the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame have.

On the other hand, the Challenger is easier to wipe clean and dry after each session. Repairing is also easy too, with an included repair kit.

30 gauge vinyl in itself is durable and waterproof. It can also endure hot and cold weather and is very flexible. The 30 gauge only translates to its thickness, which is 0.030″. Now, that’s not enough to keep up with abuse, and it’s only a single layer. With that in mind, it’s best to paddle using the Challenger K2 in sheltered inlets and for light recreational purposes only. Always wear a life jacket for safety so you can reach the shore without putting yourself and your passenger in danger if you ram it into debris and puncture it.

There’s also no drop-stitch floor like in Aquaglide Blackfoot 160. Basically, it’s Vinyl all around. Again, this is acceptable since this is an affordable inflatable boat.

But overall, the Intex Challenger K2 is a pretty sturdy budget kayak. If you’re running low on finances, the paddling sessions you’ll reap from this one will return more than the money you invested.

Features

Let’s take a closer look at Intex Challenger K2 Inflatable Kayak.

Bungees

Instead of regular bungees, this Intex inflatable kayak has a netting cargo space on top of the font deck. So whether you’re carrying a small drybag or a big waterproof backpack, it won’t slip. At the back, there’s the typical 5-point bungee system for other items you must haul for your journey.

There’s also enough room inside the Intex Challenger K2 for items you want to keep dry. No need to worry about splashes like you would with the Airhead Montana. You can travel with all your supplies, whether you’re out for a quick trip at the inlet or out for a multi-day kayak camping adventure.

Kayak Seat

The package comes with a couple of inflatable kayak seats. They’re super easy to inflate and set up inside the Challenger K2. There’s enough cushioning to support you, but foam-padded alternatives still need to be more comfortable than foam-padded alternatives like the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame.

Valves

This Intex kayak is equipped with a couple of Boston valves. It’s a one-way valve but sealed with two different screw caps: the top is for inflation, and the one behind (also known as the collar) is for deflation. It’s typical for almost any inflatable boat. But you might also come across Halkey-Roberts valves like in the Switch, where you only need to press the pin at the center to let the air out.

There are no mounts to rig your camera, cup, or fishing rod. So if that’s something you need for your paddling adventures, you might as well go ahead and check out AquaGlide Blackfoot 160 or Elkton Outdoors.

Accessories

Included in your purchase is a pair of a 5-piece paddle, the slip-on skeg, dual-action hand pump, and the storage duffle-style storage bag.

There’s also an inflatable insert that needs to go inside the stern to help keep its shape firm while adding some buoyancy at the front.

Setting Up

Since the Intex Challenger K2 is quite a simple inflatable boat, setting it up and packing it up is a straightforward process. There are only two valves to inflate: one inside and the other at the top.

There’s a printed ruler near the valve to guide you so you don’t under/overinflate your Intex kayak. The entire inflatable boat will be floppy and might invite water in or cause you to capsize when there’s not enough air in its chambers.

Setting up the entire inflatable boat takes roughly 5 minutes, 10 minutes max. After you pump air into the valve, grab the insert, inflate it and sneak it into the stern. Then, blow up the kayak seats, attach them to the floor via the Velcro tabs, and adjust the straps. Add the skeg underneath and assemble your paddle, and off you go. No complicated and time-consuming setup like with the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame, where you need a couple of different adaptors to inflate seven valves.

Remember, avoid dragging your Intex Challenger K2 from the banks to the water to avoid damaging the skeg. It’s also best to avoid attaching it if you’re paddling in shallow waters. You can easily lift this inflatable boat or use the bungees as handles for portaging with a helping hand.

Now post-use, open up the second cap in the valves to deflate it. Make sure to wipe the inflatable kayak and dry it up properly before storage to avoid causing any damage. You might also have a bit of trouble with getting water out, a pretty common dilemma for inflatable kayaks. It dries quickly anyways since it’s only a single-layer model.

Intex Challenger K2 vs. Intex Explorer K2

We will look closely at how the K2 Challenger performs compared to its closest competitor, the K2 Explorer.

First off, let’s start with some similarities. Price-wise, both are relatively budget kayaks. They have a single-layer construction and a couple of valves. The rest of the package is also the same: the paddles, hand pump, kayak seats, and storage bag.

Although with lots of similarities construction-wise and a few differences in design, there’s a noticeable gap in their performance.

Stability

These inflatable kayaks from Intex can carry up to 400 lbs. without sinking. But maxing that out in real life is not a wise move. It can carry you and a child, but two hefty adults, and they would start struggling. Challenger K2 can also be tricky to paddle when going against strong winds.

Tracking

Both the Challenger K2 and the Explorer K2 have a center skeg. But surprisingly, the latter was a pain to keep in a straight line. It’s just zig-zagging all the way through. It won’t be an issue if you’re by the beach with your little ones, just having fun. But for those short trips, the Challenger K2 is a better option. Otherwise, you’ll waste your entire day and energy paddling and going nowhere.

The touring-inspired stern also made cutting through the water easier with less drag. In the Explorer K2, the upturn style of the stern attracts a lot of resistance.

Maneuverability

With its tapered stern and bow, the minimal drag that the Challenger K2 has makes it very maneuverable. The paddle’s length is just right to match the size of the inflatable boat. It’s easy to make turns, so even if you’re in a small body of water, you can do laps without hassle.

The center skeg of this budget kayak also allows you to pivot it to either left or right, adding more ease to its maneuverability. This is a reasonably long inflatable boat, so making sharp turns can be challenging. But in general, the Intex Challenger K2 is a very responsive model you can steer without trouble. 

Comfort

If you’re a tall paddler going tandem with another tall yakker, the Intex Challenger won’t be as comfortable using a K2 as if you ride it as a K1. Going solo will give you enough legroom, but it can still be manageable with a small child as an extra passenger.

All in all, this inflatable boat can carry a pair of average adults just ok. But if you want a more spacious cockpit, the Explorer K2 would be a better option (although splashes can quickly get your cargo).

The paddles offer a good grip and are easy to put together. You can adjust the blade angle, whether you want them to face the same direction or crooked a bit to suit your paddling style. It’s a budget kayak, so the floor won’t be as solid as drop-stitch models are, but it’s enough to do its job without sinking.

With the inflatable kayak seats, it’s not the best out there. There’s a bit of back support, but you will still feel some of your muscles compensating.

Again, the Challenger K2 is on the affordable end. If you want an inflatable boat that gives you the best time and most comfy setup, you’ll need to invest in a more expensive option.

Portability 

At 38.24 lbs., the Challenger K2 is a relatively lightweight inflatable kayak. It’s not the easiest to pick up, but you can still easily carry it in its storage bag. Its sibling Explorer K2 is only a bit lighter at 35 lbs. But if you’re a frequent traveler or just want an ultra-portable 2-person kayak, you might find the Switch Hybrid interesting. Of course, some features will be traded off for portability.

Price/Quality Ratio

The Intex Challenger K2 is the best budget kayak in the market today. For roughly $250, you can enjoy its basic and balanced performance and make new memories without digging holes in your pocket. It’s already a complete package, so there’s no need to fork out additional money for any accessories.

Nothing fancy with this Intex inflatable kayak’s build, but it keeps you afloat and transports you from point A to B without making your journey miserable. Fairly easy to set up, lightweight and portable. Whether you’re just looking for a quality beach toy or need a budget kayak for short trips, it can keep up.

And compared to its sibling Explorer K2, the Challenger is way better in every aspect, and there’s barely any price difference.

Both have the same construction, although different in design, but the Challenger K2 can handle a bit more abuse, very responsive with better tracking.

The Intex Challenger K2 delivers a lot of value for its affordable tag. And with proper care, you can rack up tons of journeys over the years with this budget kayak.

Do we recommend this inflatable kayak?

Yep!

Challenger K2 is ideal for anyone who only needs an inflatable boat for fun. It’s also a serviceable option for short journeys for a very affordable price. It’s an excellent budget kayak if you can’t afford expensive alternatives yet. Of course, there are some tradeoffs: you can’t paddle with it in harsh conditions, and the construction is more vulnerable because of its single-layer skin. But for its tag, this Intex inflatable kayak is a steal.