Featuring keel inserts in the bow and stern and a removable skeg, the STAR Paragon Inflatable Kayak handles and tracks like a hard-shell with the stow-ability we've grown to love in inflatables. Deflate and pack the STAR Paragon Inflatable Kayak into any rig and any home.
AQ Outdoors STAR Paragon Inflatable Kayak Review
The STAR Paragon series of inflatable kayaks comes in three sizes:
- 10'11 Solo
- 13’5 Solo
- 15’6 Tandem
Cheap Inflatable Kayaks vs STAR Paragon
A lot of people see inflatable kayaks as glorified pool toys, and there is an element of truth to that.
If you do buy a cheaper inflatable kayak, it'll be low pressure. It won't paddle in a straight line. But, the primary thing they have going for them is they're inexpensive and they're transportable. The STAR Paragons are definitely not cut from the same cloth.
STAR Paragon Inflatable Kayak Features
The Paragon is a PVC boat with drop stitch floors, which allow you to put a bunch of air in. This makes the kayak much more rigid and high performance.
In addition to the high-pressure floor and tubes it also has a built-in front and back keel, which helps to displace water. The result is that the Paragon paddles more like a traditional hard shell kayak.
You also have proper adjustable foot pegs.
You have comfortable adjustable seating with storage underneath. They're also super easy to repair if you do happen to put a hole in them, however unlikely that is.
STAR Paragon Inflatable Kayak Accessories
The Paragon packages, in all sizes, come with a few bits and pieces. They come with a high-pressure, high-performance pump, which is a super quick and effective way to pump the boats up.
It also has a pressure gauge so you can make sure you get it to the right pressure.
The Paragon also comes with a bag, which doubles as a backpack.
We also have a video on how to pack the Paragon into the bag easily and effectively.
It also comes with a repair kit. This is a PVC boat so if you do happen to damage it, it's very, very easy to repair. It's basically just some sanding, cleaning, gluing, patching, and you're off to the races.
STAR Paragon Customer Feedback
This is some of the constructive feedback we've received from customers over the years around the Paragon series. The first one is that they're not the lightest boats on the market. For me personally, the performance offsets that weight.
Secondly, we've got feedback that the seats aren't as comfortable as some of the other high performance inflatables on the market. It's a pretty low profile seat pad and seat back, and it sits on a very high pressure floor. But, the lack of comfort isn’t the case for everyone, it's just a little bit of feedback here and there. We've gotten many people who have found this inflatable kayak super comfortable.
They're also a premium inflatable kayak, so they're not inexpensive. But we still believe they're great value given the performance and the features.
The other one is the tube size. They’re built so that they're low profile and stay out of the wind. However, some people prefer a more traditional inflatable with larger tubes.
This model also doesn't have a self-draining floor. So that means for any water that goes in, you're either gonna have to sponge or bail. For flatwater paddling, it shouldn't be a problem. But if you're in moving water with little waves and such, or if the weather gets really windy and water's swamping over the side, that could be something to consider for sure.
STAR Paragon Inflatable Kayak Summary
In summary, the Paragon series of kayaks are some of, if not the highest performing inflatable kayaks we've come across. The keel, the construction, the high-pressure nature of them lends itself to a boa that's gonna help you get out on adventures, cover some ground and do it in a really effective and efficient way.
You also have the benefits of an inflatable where you can pack it, store it easily and transport it in a car and not even need roof racks.
If you have any more questions, feel free to contact us or visit us in store!
How to Pack the Star Paragon
Features
- Bow and stern rigid keel inserts provide outstanding tracking and stability for efficient flatwater touring.
- Non-bailing, high-pressure drop-stitch floor insert gives the boat the rigidity of a hardshell kayak.
- Adjustable high-back kayak seat and foot braces for added support can be repositioned to accommodate your body, gear and paddling style.
- Stash gear under the bow and stern splash covers for protection in choppy water.
- Equipped with the bungee deck rigging for storing gear while keeping it accessible.
- Removable fin contributes additional tracking efficiency when needed.
- Includes seat, carry bag, pump, one All-Water fin, and repair kit.
- 3-year retail warranty, 2-year commercial.
Specifications
| Length: | 3.4 m |
|---|---|
| Width: | 0.9 m |
| Weight: | 18 kg |
| Tube Diameter: | 25 cm |
| Bow Kick: | 0 cm |
| Stern Kick: | 0 cm |
| Number of Air Chambers: | 3 |
| Valve Type: | Leafield - C7 |
| Self Bailing: | No |
| Type of Material: | PVC |
| Weight/Denier of Tube Material: | 44/1000 |
| Weight/Denier of Floor Material: | 44/1000 |
| Number of D-rings: | 10 |
| Number of Handles: | 2 |
| Center Compartment Width: | 41 cm |
| Repair Kit: | Yes |
| Warranty: | 3 Years Retail, 2 Years Commercial |
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