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To sum up the Old Town Dirigo 120, I’d say it’s a sturdy, well-designed kayak primarily for flatwater kayaking. Its 3-layer polyethylene body, Stabil-form hull design, and comfortable, adjustable seat all seem to be carefully curated for those who value durability, stability, and comfort on the water. The addition of storage space, safety features, and adjustable footbraces show an attention to detail that could be appreciated by both novices and seasoned kayakers.
However, the Dirigo 120 might not meet the needs of all kayakers. Those who enjoy whitewater or ocean kayaking, for example, might find it lacking in some areas. The weight could be an issue for those with difficulties handling hefty items, while the storage capacity might not suffice for multi-day trips. The kayak doesn’t come with a paddle, and the cockpit size could be a snug fit for larger individuals.
In the end, it all comes down to personal preference. The Dirigo 120 has a lot to offer, but, like any product, it might not be the perfect fit for everyone. That’s not to say it won’t be perfect for many others. As I’ve mentioned before, these are just my humble opinions, the final decision always lies with you!
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Old Town Dirigo 120 Review: Who is it for?
In my humble opinion, the Old Town Dirigo 120, or let’s just call it Dirigo 120 for brevity’s sake, seems like it’s primarily built for people who love flatwater kayaking. The design and features of the Dirigo 120 seem to have been meticulously crafted keeping in mind the needs of those who adore the tranquility of flatwaters.
The Dirigo 120, with its 3-layer polyethylene body, is made to last. That’s a big plus for people who don’t want to be buying a new kayak every couple of years. It’s also quite affordable given its durability and features, so it could appeal to those who are budget conscious or those just starting out in the kayaking world who aren’t committed to splurging on high-end gear yet.
One of the things I noticed about the Dirigo 120 is its Stabil-form hull design. This design is intended to offer high stability and speed, which may be a significant bonus for those who are new to kayaking. The exceptional tracking the design promises could be a selling point for those who value a smooth, easy-to-control ride.
Comfort seems to be a big factor in the design of the Dirigo 120. It comes with a cushioned, adjustable seat. Therefore, if you’re someone who plans on spending a good chunk of their day on the water, this kayak could be a good fit. The built-in cup holder is also a nice touch for those who prefer to stay hydrated during their trips.
The small “glove box” hatch could be beneficial for those who like to keep their essentials within reach but safe and dry during their adventure. There’s also additional storage space secured with bungee deck rigging at the bow and stern, which could be useful for those who like to carry extra gear.
The Dirigo 120 also comes with thigh pads and adjustable footbraces, and a Glide Track foot brace system. These features could be a lifesaver for those who value stability and control in their kayaking experience.
The kayak also has a safety perimeter line, which could be a significant feature for those who worry about safety, especially in the case of a wet exit. The toggle carry handles may not seem like a big deal, but for those who have experienced the hassle of transporting a cumbersome kayak, they’d appreciate this feature.
The Dirigo 120 does not come with a paddle, which could be a minor inconvenience for some. However, it does come equipped with a paddle keeper, a useful feature for those who enjoy taking breaks for birding, fishing, or photography.
The Dirigo 120 weighs 50 pounds and can support a weight capacity of around 300-350 pounds, making it suitable for a wide range of individuals, from lighter to heavier paddlers.
In conclusion, I feel the Dirigo 120 is a solid choice for those who value durability, stability, comfort, and storage space in their kayaking experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned kayaker, it seems like this kayak has a lot to offer. However, as with any product, the ultimate decision lies with the individual and their specific needs and preferences.
Old Town Dirigo 120 Review: Who isn’t it for?
So after going over the features and specs of the Dirigo 120, I’ve been thinking about who might not find this kayak to be the perfect fit for their needs. Remember, this is just my opinion, but I’ll try to explain my reasoning as best as possible.
First, if you’re someone who is heavily into whitewater or ocean kayaking, the Dirigo 120 might not be your top pick. Although it has many great features, it’s primarily designed for flatwater kayaking. In rough waters, this kayak could potentially become a little bit of a handful due to the lack of a specific tracking system. So, if you’re an adventurous paddler who loves the thrill of rapids or the challenge of ocean waves, you might want to look into a kayak that’s specifically designed for those conditions.
Secondly, the Dirigo 120 weighs in at a fairly hefty 50 pounds. If you’re someone who has trouble with hefty weights or if you need to carry it a considerable distance to your launch point, this might be a bit of a challenge. The toggle carry handles do offer some convenience, but the weight might still be an issue for some.
Also, if you’re a kayaker who likes to embark on multi-day trips, you might find the storage capacity of the Dirigo 120 a little lacking. The “glove box” hatch and the bungee deck rigging provide some storage, but there’s no mention of the precise capacity of the hatch. If you’re someone who needs to pack a lot of gear, you might want to consider a kayak with a larger storage capacity.
Another thing to consider is that the Dirigo 120 doesn’t come with a paddle. For some folks, that’s not a problem, but if you’re just starting out and don’t have a paddle already, you’ll need to factor in the additional cost and time it takes to find one that suits you.
Lastly, while the Dirigo 120 has a fairly generous weight capacity of 300-350 pounds, it might not be the best fit for particularly tall or large individuals. The cockpit size is 18.5 x 38 inches, which could be a bit snug for those with a larger build or long legs.
While I think the Dirigo 120 has a ton to offer for the right person, these are the user profiles that might want to consider other options. Everyone’s kayaking needs are different, and it’s important to find the kayak that suits those needs best. Just because the Dirigo 120 might not be the best fit for these users, doesn’t mean it won’t be the perfect fit for many others. Remember, these are just my personal thoughts based on the information available, the final decision always lies with you!
Old Town Dirigo 120 Review: Conclusion
To sum up the Old Town Dirigo 120, I’d say it’s a sturdy, well-designed kayak primarily for flatwater kayaking. Its 3-layer polyethylene body, Stabil-form hull design, and comfortable, adjustable seat all seem to be carefully curated for those who value durability, stability, and comfort on the water. The addition of storage space, safety features, and adjustable footbraces show an attention to detail that could be appreciated by both novices and seasoned kayakers.
However, the Dirigo 120 might not meet the needs of all kayakers. Those who enjoy whitewater or ocean kayaking, for example, might find it lacking in some areas. The weight could be an issue for those with difficulties handling hefty items, while the storage capacity might not suffice for multi-day trips. The kayak doesn’t come with a paddle, and the cockpit size could be a snug fit for larger individuals.
In the end, it all comes down to personal preference. The Dirigo 120 has a lot to offer, but, like any product, it might not be the perfect fit for everyone. That’s not to say it won’t be perfect for many others. As I’ve mentioned before, these are just my humble opinions, the final decision always lies with you!