$1995

by M. Anders, B. Broudy & G. Schaffer

Shana Novak

Built to withstand rocky coastlines, which are notorious for tearing up hulls, this multi-day touring boat is made from Corelite, a foam-and-plastic laminate that's as comfortable as it is tough. The Scorpio checks in at almost 17 feet but turns and balances easily on its edge, thanks to its radiused chine. Even with the four capped rubber hatches (which are capable of storing up to seven days' worth of stuff), the Scorpio's high bow rocker let testers slice through big seas confidently. The foot pegs are adjustable from inside the boat (a nice touch), and there's a steel security tab that allows you to lock it to your car (even nicer). When you might regret all the cushy features: trying to get this heavy sucker on your car. 16'11", 54 lbs; phseakayaks.com

• Essential Gear: Fly-fishing
• Women's Essentials: Beach Gear
• Kayaks Explained

2009 Summer Buyer's Guide Kayaks Reviews

Emotion Kayaks Temptation Killer Value	$579
Dagger Axiom	$995
Liquid Logic Remix XP	$979
P&H Scorpio	$1995
Old Town Vapor 12xt	$659
Wilderness Systems Zephyr 155 ST Limited Edition	$5000
Hobie i9s	$1549

2008 Summer Buyer's Guide Kayaks Reviews

KayakPro Nemo Gear of the Year	$3700
Wavesport Fuse Killer Value	$925
Valley Sea Kayaks Avocet LV	$3250
Pyranha Everest	$1160
Innova Helios I	$850
Liquid Logic Remix	$1050
Eskimo Speedo	$1000
Delta Sport 17	$2450
Wilderness Systems Tarpon Ultralite	$1575
Riot Thunder	$1100

2007 Buyer's Guide Kayaks Reviews

Jackson Kayak Fun Gear of the Year	$995
Emotion Bliss Killer Value	$449
Delta 18.5 Expedition	$2400
Dagger Agent	$925
Prijon Cruiser	$849
Old Town Dirigo Tandem Plus	$1099
Wave Sport Habitat	$1000
Pakboat Puffin Swift	$940
Liquidlogic Ronin	$1049
Eskimo Topo Duo	$1650
Current Designs Willow	$2799

2006 Buyer's Guide Kayaks Reviews

Wave Sport Project (45, 52, and 62 gal) Gear of the Year	$999
Dagger RX 6.7 and 6.9 Killer Value	$899
Riot Astro 54	$999
Riot Brittany	$1399
LiquidLogic Jefe	$1099
Necky Looksha V	$1619
Perception Rhythm 14	$1600
Wilderness Systems Tsunami 125	$1025

2005 Buyer's Guide Kayaks Reviews

Dagger Crazy 88 Gear of the Year	$1150
Necky Crux	$1049
Wave Sport EZG	$999
DragoRossi Fish	$1400

2004 Buyer's Guide Kayaks Reviews

Necky Mission Gear of the Year	$999
Klepper Aerius Quattrov XT	$5972
Perception Carolina Airalite 14.5	$1450
Prijon Fever	$1099
Pyranha I:3	$1129
Dagger Juice 6.9	$1150
Riot Turbo	$1099

Related Gear Features

• Revolutionary New Gear Outside Magazine, October 2009

  Outside's guide to the best new concepts in gear, garb, human performance, and green.

• Outdoor Retailer 2005 Outside Online

  The gear world's global Big Tent returns to Salt Lake, and things get dirty. The Gear Guy reports.

• Splash Course Outside Magazine May 2003

  Even if you can't throw down a donkey flip—yet—a new flotilla of kayaks guarantees you'll have more fun in raging water

• Make a Splash Outside Magazine, July 2004

  Nine river-ready kicks engineered for endless summer fun

• Float and Gloat Outside Magazine, July 2007

  Not every playboat is for whitewater. Maximize your summer fun on lakes, rivers, and oceans with these versatile sit-on-top kayaks.

The Gear Guy on Kayaks

• Can a single touring kayak accommodate two adults and two dogs?
• What’s your take on paddle vs. pedal kayaks?
• Can one kayak handle well on a lake and the ocean? Or do we need two?
• Which inflatable kayak will serve me well on flat-water outings?
• I want a kayak that’s light and fast. Should I get a sit-in or a sit-on-top?

Recent Gear Blogs

• Simms G3 Guide Waders ( Clothing )
• Dakine District Bag ( Accessories )
• Bianchi San Jose ( Bike )