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WS Pungo vs Pelican Argo

If you are looking at recreational kayaks and trying to decide between a Wilderness Systems Pungo and a Pelican Argo, this comparison will help you understand the key differences in design, performance, comfort, and safety.

Overview of the Two Kayaks

The Pelican Argo is a cost effective recreational kayak that gets you on the water for a low price. The Wilderness Systems Pungo is a more premium recreational kayak with better materials, comfort, and features.

Design and Construction

The Pelican Argo is a simple, stable boat made from basic plastic. It is good for calm, sheltered water, but it does not handle wind or waves well.

The Wilderness Systems Pungo uses stronger, more durable plastic with better finishing. The hull is designed to offer stability while still tracking in a straight line with minimal effort from the paddler.

Comfort

The Argo has a basic seat that is comfortable enough for short paddles but not ideal for long days on the water.

The Pungo features an adjustable, padded seat with multiple ways to adjust height and back support. This makes it more comfortable for longer paddling sessions.

Safety Features

One of the biggest differences is that the Pelican Argo typically does not include a foam bulkhead. A bulkhead is a sealed compartment that helps keep the kayak afloat if it flips over.

The Pungo has a built in rear bulkhead, which helps the kayak stay afloat in the event of a capsize. This can be especially important in moving water or if you plan to paddle further from shore.

Cockpit and Spray Skirt Compatibility

The Argo has a simple cockpit design with a low lip. This means you cannot easily attach a spray skirt, which limits the conditions you can paddle in.

The Pungo has a more aggressive cockpit design that allows you to use a spray skirt. This helps keep water out and extends your paddling season by allowing you to paddle in colder conditions and small waves.

Additional Features

The Pelican Argo is basic and functional, but it does not offer many extras beyond the standard kayak features.

The Pungo adds practical features like molded dashboards, dry storage areas, cup holders, and accessory mounts for cameras or other gear. These features improve convenience and usability.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you plan to paddle on very calm, sheltered water close to shore and do not need long trips or advanced features, the Pelican Argo is a great entry level kayak at a low price.

If comfort, durability, safety features, and performance are important to you, the Wilderness Systems Pungo is worth the extra investment. It is more comfortable for longer paddles, has better safety design, and offers more features for a more enjoyable experience.

Both kayaks are good boats for recreational use, but they are aimed at different types of paddlers and paddling conditions.