Intex Explorer K2 - Review 2023

Review

• DIVEIN.com Score: 3.8/5
• Construction: 3.5/5
• Stability: 3.5/5
• Maneuverability: 4/5
• Portability: 4/5
• Price/Quality: 4/5

The Intex Explorer K2 kayak is a 2 person inflatable kayak for use on flat water. Featuring a 3 chamber design, this kayak offers a strong level of buoyancy and a suitable amount of stability for kayakers.

The kayak can be inflated in less than 10 minutes using the high-output pump provided by Intex in this package. To inflate the board make sure you follow the instructions by inflating each chamber numerically. You can use the indicated 10cm line to make sure that the Explorer kayak is adequately inflated, although we recommend you inflate slightly above the limit for maximum buoyancy. Having too much pressure in the chamber can damage the chamber or run the risk of blowing it whereas having too little pressure will provide a lack of buoyancy.

The Intex Explorer K2 is easy to use and fun for kayaking around lakes or any flat body of water. The bright yellow color makes it easy to spot in the water for both you and potential hazards such as boats. The removable skeg provides little in terms of tracking, however it does allow for a suitable level of directional stability while paddling. The inflatable seats and backrests are not supportive and it will begin to get uncomfortable if you’re using them for too long.

Overall, the Intex Explorer K2 provides you with a great way to experience the water with friends and family while not having to worry about lugging around a massive kayak. The main features that stand out are how lightweight and compact the design is and how easy the inflatable kayak is to assemble.

Features

• 3 air chambers for strong level of buoyancy
• 2 inflatable seats for connecting to the kayak
• Quick inflation and deflation thanks to boston valves
• Grab lines and handles for convenient transportation
• Two 86” aluminum paddles that each break down in 5 pieces

Accesories

All the accessories that are included in the package are meant to provide you with everything you need for an exceptional kayaking experience. The Intex Explorer K2 kayak package includes a carry bag, 2 folding seats, 2 86” paddles, a high-output pump and a removable skeg.

• Carry bag: The carry bag is made of thin mesh material that is great for transporting all the included accessories as well as the deflated kayak.
• Folding seats: Included in the Explorer K2 package are 2 folding seats that can be inflated and installed on the kayak.
• Paddles: Two 86” aluminum oars that can each be broken down into 5 pieces are included in the package. They are of decent quality, easy to use and quickly assembled.
• Pump: The high-output pump is a rugged pump that allows you to quickly inflate the Explorer K2 kayak. Even though it comes apart sometimes, it is a quick fix and can be working again in no time.
• Skeg: The Explorer K2 skeg is a standard directional skeg compatible with the Intex inflatable kayaks.

Stability

The Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Tandem Kayak offers a suitable level of stability and a decent amount of buoyancy when out on the water. We recommend that you inflate the kayak to just slightly above recommended in order to get the best buoyancy from this kayak. It’s a good idea to make sure that you distribute the weight evenly across this kayak as it can be difficult to paddle and keep stable if the weight is distributed unevenly.

The rigidity of the kayak is also a factor that comes into play when discussing stability and although the Explorer K2 has 3 air chambers, the kayak has a tendency to bend out of shape given the weight that each section takes on. Additionally, the stability of the Explorer K2 definitely comes into question when the water conditions are less than favorable.

Maneuverability

The Explorer K2 kayak has a good level of maneuverability given the nature of this inflatable kayak. This has to do with the construction of the kayak and the material used in the kayak’s construction. The bow of this kayak is rounded and can’t cut through waves or water with the same efficiency as a hard hull kayak. Also the skeg lacks a decent level of tracking when trying to maintain your kayak’s course.

It is easy to turn this kayak as it is lightweight and can be moved around without too much effort. Additionally, while using the Explorer K2 it is easy to change directions.

Portability

The K2 kayak naturally offers a high level of portability as it is inflatable and can be deflated for easy transportation. Each paddle breaks down into 5 sections and can be easily assembled once taken apart. The rest of the accessories can be easily placed within the duffle carry bag included in the package.

It’s important to note that the carry bag is not the best quality and can rip if not properly maintained. It also doesn’t have any wheels meaning that you will have to carry the deflated kayak along with all the accessories using the carry bag’s handles. Generally speaking, the Intex Explorer K2 package is suitably portable given the fact that this is a lightweight 2 person inflatable kayak.

Price/Quality Ratio

Considering the type of kayak the Intex Explorer K2 is, the quality is more than justified by the price. This kayak is not for someone looking to invest in a long term kayak build for traversing distance. The lack of high quality materials and features is a reflection of this. As an affordable inflatable kayak the Intex Explorer K2 is suitable for recreational use on flatwater.

We recommend this kayak for anybody looking for an affordable 2 person recreational inflatable kayak that is easy to use and suitable for a day at the beach or out on the lake. That said, we do not recommend this kayak for anybody looking to invest in a kayak that will be used for competitive or touring purposes. The Intex Explorer K2 is suitable for beginner’s to kayaking that are looking for a recreational kayak that can be used by the whole family.

Optional Accessories from Intex

• Intex boston valve
• Intex boston all-round grab rope
• Intex seat cushion
• Intex skeg for kayak
• Intex aluminum oars
• Intex carry bag