Introduction
Table of Contents
For those trying to get the most value for their money, the Pelican Trailblazer 100-NXT kayak is a fantastic choice. This low-cost, high-quality kayak is perfect for beginners or any recreational paddler looking to explore the water in style and comfort. It’s no surprise that this boat has grown so popular in recent years, given its sleek style and amenities!
Have you recently considered purchasing a kayak that is both economical and effective for leisure purposes? Then you’re on the right page. While there are numerous postings about the top few kayaks, we will give you detailed and comprehensive Pelican Trailblazer 100 nxt kayak reviews. Continue reading to learn more about what makes this kayak such a good pick.
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Pelican Trailblazer 100 nxt Kayak
The Pelican Trailblazer 100NXT is a 10-foot sit-in recreational kayak. Most casual paddlers and beginners around the country choose it because of its modest weight, outstanding stability, and ease of use. This model is excellent for novice paddlers and has fans of all levels of experience. Its worth and stability are the reasons behind this. This sturdy kayak has a large cockpit and plenty of storage space. It’s small and lightweight, making it ideal for most calm-water excursions.
At first glance
The two-tone color scheme used by Pelican sets this boat apart from others in the recreational kayak class at first glance. We were also astonished to hear that it comes in a variety of hues. It includes adjustable footpegs, bungee cords on the front deck, a small non-watertight storage compartment on the back deck, and is 10 feet long and 28 inches wide. They incorporated a small tray into the dashboard for storing small items, and the seat features a small cup holder. The Trailblazer is made of RAM-X, Pelican-exclusive material. Let’s go over its features one by one for more in-depth information.
Features Of The Pelican Trailblazer 100 NXT Kayak
1. Stability and Tracking
The Trailblazer 100 NXT, like many entry-level boats, has gone to great lengths to ensure as much stability as possible. In most recreational activities, the 28-inch wide hull keeps you upright and comfortable. The Trailblazer’s sturdy hull is one of its best qualities. It has a twin arch design with a multi-chine hull for optimal stability on flat water and moderate flowing water. It makes it excellent if you wish to paddle in a variety of bodies of water. For new kayakers, the high level of stability may make them feel more comfortable.
The boat’s hull is low in the water, and the wide base provides a stable center of gravity that makes tipping difficult. Some people have successfully taken their well-behaved medium and small canine friends out on the lake with them. You will be impressed by how solid it feels underneath, even in a small chop. However, the Trailblazer 100 lacks a skeg or rudder, leaving the paddler to keep their course and direction on their own. If you stop paddling when the boat is in the wind or waves, it will drift.
2. Maneuverability
The narrow and smooth surface of the kayak provides less traction on the water, allowing it to cut through it with ease. As a result, when paddling evenly, the boat maintains stable tracking in a straight line. The short keel allows for flexibility and responsiveness. More experienced paddlers will be astonished at how tight they can get the Trailblazer 100 NXT to turn when they incorporate their hips. The boat’s overall performance decreases in rougher water, and its response diminishes notably.
3. Size and Weight
The Pelican Trailblazer 100NXT is 10 ft (305 cm) long, 28 inches (71.4 cm) wide, and 14 inches (35.5 cm) tall, with enough room for one person to sit comfortably. This kayak is one of the lightest 10-footers on the market, weighing only 35.6 lbs (16.2 kg). In comparison to other Pelican kayaks of the same size, the Trailblazer is the lightest, at 35.6 lbs (16.2 kg). This characteristic allows the boat to be more portable, float better, and provide an organic connection with the water for the paddler.
4. Roomy Cockpit
The cockpit is another feature that can be beneficial to beginners. This kayak may be easier to get into and out of than narrow touring or sea kayaks. If you want to go fishing, this may be more convenient. The cockpit is a little more than 42 inches long and 20 inches wide. Molded foot braces are available to assist you to balance yourself and improve your paddling posture. The seat has a padded seat bottom and a padded Ergoform backrest that can be positioned for maximum comfort.
5. Durability
The strong plastic hull can withstand a lot of pounding. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be cautious with it. If you treat your kayak badly, it will exhibit signs of wear and tear. Always take your kayak to the water’s edge rather than dragging it to ensure a long life for your kayak. When you’re out on the water, keep an eye out for submerged rocks or branches that could scrape or harm the hull. Approach beaches with caution and aim for soft landings.
6. Construction and Material
Pelican builds their kayaks using RAM-XTM, a unique multi-layer very high-density polyethylene, using Twin Sheet Thermoforming (TST) technology. This material is made up of three layers of High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE): The manufacturer adds brilliant colors, UV, and scratch resistance to the first layer. The high-density plastic is the second layer, with a third layer of extra sturdiness and endurance applied for incredible overall structural rigidity. RAM-XTM polyethylene is a lightweight but durable material that requires little upkeep. It does have two flaws: 1) sharp items can puncture it in rare instances; and 2) patching a hole requires some expertise, time, and right materials.
7. Storage Deck
The back storage deck, which is a huge place that might be great for carrying dry bags or other items, is a valuable feature of this boat. There’s also bungee rigging to keep all of your belongings safe while you’re on the go. If you wanted to turn this kayak into a fishing kayak, you can use the back deck to store a fishing crate or cooler. There’s also a cockpit table in the front of the cockpit where you can safely store smaller goods and a bottle holder with a bungee wire. A mesh storage hammock sits behind the cockpit rim, where you can store small supplies.
8. Speed
The Trailblazer’s narrow bow and stern, as well as its broad beam, predispose the kayak to swiftly pick up speed, retain it while paddling, and then quickly slow down due to its width for a 10-foot kayak. It doesn’t have enough overall length to maintain the same speed when not paddling. Even though the Trailblazer 100NXT is not a particularly fast kayak, it can provide a lot of excitement and speed in a short amount of time if properly paddled.
9. Portability
The Trailblazer 100’s tiny frame makes it easier to load and carry than many single kayaks that are 15 feet long or more. A 10-foot rack is much easier to fit on most vehicles. The same is true of the weight. With a weight of 35.6 pounds, this is a boat that most people can comfortably transport over short distances on their own. Two-person carrying is made easier by the bow and stern handles.
10. Impact Resistant
The Trailblazer is composed of RAM-X, a tough polyethylene that is only available from Pelican. This material is robust but light, and it’s designed to keep its shape even after being hit. It also has a UV-resistant covering, which is beneficial. The boat is thermo-formed, which gives it a more rigid frame for better strength and performance. It’s perfect for learning because of its increased resilience, which can endure the unavoidable bumps and scrapes.
The Trailblazer is perfect for recreational paddling on calm flat water, which is exactly what it was built for. It’s an excellent kayak for paddling around a favorite lake or pond, a slow-moving creek, or protected inland coastal waters. It is not the ideal choice for a rough and windy adventure. It was created for someone who wants to get out on the lake, have a good time, and not spend a lot of money while yet having a good boat. It’s a wonderful entry-level kayak that won’t break the bank and won’t make you feel like you spent your money as long as you know what it’s for and what it can’t do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pelican a good kayak brand?
- Pelican Kayaks are an excellent choice for first-time and beginner kayakers because they are one of the most stable kayaks available for practicing basic kayaking techniques. While we’re on the subject of performance and durability, Pelican Kayaks also can revert to their original shape after harsh impacts. Pelican has built one of the most impact-resistant kayaks on the market by fusing the hull and deck of its kayaks using intense heat and pressure.
How much weight can a Pelican Trailblazer 100 nxt hold?
- The maximum weight capacity of this kayak is 300 pounds, and if any water seeps inside, the scupper holes at the bottom of the kayak will help drain it. The kayak’s flatter hull form also ensures great stability, giving you peace of mind while you’re out on the water.
Do kayaks flip easily?
- Kayaks are relatively safe to use and don’t tip over very often. However, the risk of flipping depends on the type of kayak you’re using and the type of water you’re paddling in. It’s difficult to tip over when paddling on a moderately calm river unless you try. However, paddling in whitewater (fast water) in an ultra-light or sea kayak carries a considerable risk of the boat tipping.
Is kayaking hard for beginners?
- Kayaking is not as difficult to learn as you may believe. To paddle efficiently, you simply need a few basic skills. You’ll need a good guide or instructor to teach you how to enter and exit a kayak, how to maneuver the boat with the forward and sweep strokes, and a few safety courses. You’re ready to go kayaking once you’ve learned these abilities.
What is the best length for a fishing kayak?
- The length of a fishing kayak has a significant impact on how it performs once on the water. The first step in deciding how long you’ll need it is to think about the type of water you’ll be using it with. Shorter kayaks (less than 11 feet) are generally more maneuverable, whereas longer kayaks (more than 12 feet) are significantly quicker.
How do I determine the type of kayak to buy?
- You must first determine the type of setting in which you will primarily kayak. All sorts of kayaks will float on any water surface. Specific kayak types, on the other hand, are built for usage in specific areas. To put it another way, compare a kayak to a car: while all automobiles can drive on a solid surface, you wouldn’t take a sports car off-road because it wasn’t meant to handle the terrain.
What length of kayak do I need?
- A broader kayak can be an excellent beginner’s choice as you become used to being on the water if you’re new to kayaking. Recreational kayaks range in length from 8 to 13 feet and are designed for use in small lakes, rivers, streams, and other calm bodies of water. They are adept at navigating small inlets and passages. Touring kayaks are longer, ranging from 14 to 18 feet, and are designed to withstand heavy waves, lakes, and rivers.
How do you handle a wave in your kayak?
- If you want to stay on top of your kayak when riding waves, remember to maintain your kayak perpendicular to the incoming wave. To put it another way, turn your boat’s front tip directly towards the direction of the approaching wave. From bow to stern, your kayak is more stable than from side to side.
