If you’re in a hurry and want the main points of this article, here they are:
To sum it up, the Tribe, with its sturdy construction and versatile features, seems to be a solid option for a variety of kayakers. Whether you’re a beginner seeking stability, a frequent paddler wanting durability or someone who enjoys both shared and solo paddling, the Tribe might be a good match for you. Its adjustable seats are a bonus for those who value comfort and its storage options might be sufficient for the average user.
That said, the Tribe might not be for everyone. It’s not ideally suited for rough water or long-distance kayaking, and its lack of a tracking system might be a little off-putting for some. Its weight might not be the best for speed enthusiasts, and while its weight capacity is decent, it may not be sufficient for heavier users or those with a lot of gear. On top of that, it comes without a paddle, so you’d have to factor in the additional cost.
In essence, the Tribe seems like a promising choice for a broad range of users, but it might not cater to everyone’s needs. I recommend doing your own research to see if it’s the right fit for you.
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Perception Tribe 13.5 Tandem Sit-On-Top Kayak Review: Who is it for?
From reading about the Perception Tribe 13.5, or as I’ll call it hereafter, “the Tribe,” I’d say it’s a versatile kayak that fits a broad range of users. The Tribe seems to cater to different types of paddlers, from those who enjoy a few hours of tranquil flatwater kayaking to the more active types who might spend an entire day out on the water.
First off, it seems like the Tribe is built to last. Its high-density polyethylene construction promises sturdy performance, and the replaceable skid plate adds another layer of durability. Based on this, I’d speculate that this kayak is suitable for those who want a long-lasting, durable kayak. Not that I’m an expert or anything, but if you’re the type who frequently visits bodies of water, the Tribe might be a good fit for you.
Another point in favor of the Tribe is its versatility in terms of user numbers. Its default setup allows for two paddlers, which makes it a potential candidate for couples or friends who like to paddle together. However, the Tribe doesn’t limit itself to two-person use. The molded seating area in the center allows for solo paddling. So, if you’re someone who enjoys both solitary and shared kayaking experiences, the Tribe seems to offer the flexibility you might appreciate.
The Tribe is also quite accommodating when it comes to comfort and storage. Its adjustable padded seats not only offer ventilation and drainage but can also fit any size paddler, thanks to the molded-in footbraces. The dual 6-inch hatches and the molded-in storage tank wells are a nice touch for all the gear you might need for your outing. So, those who value comfort and storage space might find this kayak to their liking.
When it comes to specifications, the Tribe isn’t a lightweight at 67 pounds, but it’s not excessively heavy either. Given its weight and size (13 ft. 5 in. in length and 33.75 inches in width), I think it would offer stability on the water. Hence, beginner paddlers or those who prioritize stability might appreciate the Tribe.
The Tribe does come with a limitation, though – it doesn’t come with a paddle. It’s not exactly a deal-breaker, but you’d need your own paddles. So, if you don’t mind purchasing accessories separately, this might not be a significant concern for you.
Finally, with a weight capacity of 500 pounds, the Tribe can accommodate a decent amount of load. So, if you’re someone who carries a lot of gear or if there are two of you paddling, this kayak seems capable of handling that.
In conclusion, while I don’t claim to be an expert, based on my understanding, the Perception Tribe 13.5 seems to cater to a wide range of users. Whether you’re looking for durability, versatility, comfort, storage space, or stability, this kayak appears to offer all these features. However, remember that it doesn’t come with a paddle, so you’d need to account for that. But overall, the Tribe seems like a promising option for a wide range of kayak enthusiasts.
Perception Tribe 13.5 Tandem Sit-On-Top Kayak Review: Who isn’t it for?
Now let’s turn our attention to the other side of the coin. Who would the Tribe probably not be a great fit for? Remember, I’m not claiming to be an expert, and I don’t own the Tribe. I’m just looking at the specs and features to give my humble opinion.
First off, if you’re someone who’s into kayaking in rough, challenging waters, this kayak might not meet your expectations. The technical specs mention that it’s best for flatwater kayaking. So for those seeking adrenaline-pumping, white-water adventures, this might not be your best bet.
The Tribe also lacks a tracking system, which could be a bit of a turn-off for some paddlers. I can imagine that if you’re an advanced kayaker or someone who’s seriously into long-distance kayaking, a vessel with a tracking system would be more up your alley. This kayak might not satisfy your needs in that regard.
At 67 pounds, the Tribe is somewhat on the heavier side. While this can translate into great stability on the water – a feature that beginners and casual kayakers might appreciate – it might not be the best choice for people who prioritize speed and agility. If you’re a seasoned kayaker who loves the thrill of slicing through water at high speeds, you might find the Tribe a bit sluggish.
While the Tribe’s 500-pound weight capacity is pretty decent, it might not be sufficient for some. If you’re a heavy-set individual, or if you plan on going tandem with a friend who’s on the heavier side, the Tribe might not be able to accommodate both of you comfortably, especially if you also carry a lot of gear.
Also, the Tribe comes without a paddle included. Now, for seasoned kayakers with a collection of their favorite paddles, this might not be a biggie. But for beginners or those who’d prefer a ready-to-row package, this could be a disadvantage. You’ll have to shell out extra for a paddle, and that could be a downside if you’re on a tight budget.
Lastly, the Tribe’s two 6 in. hatches are great for storing small items, but if you need to carry larger gear or equipment, you might find the storage options a bit limiting. So, if large storage space is a priority, the Tribe might not serve you well.
In the end, while the Tribe seems like a solid option for many, it has its limitations. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, an advanced kayaker, or someone who needs more speed, a tracking system, bigger storage, or a higher weight capacity, the Tribe might not exactly meet your needs. And remember, you’ll have to buy a paddle separately. But as I said, this is just my humble opinion based on the specs and features. Always do your own research and consider what works best for your individual needs before making a decision.
Perception Tribe 13.5 Tandem Sit-On-Top Kayak Review: Conclusion
To sum it up, the Tribe, with its sturdy construction and versatile features, seems to be a solid option for a variety of kayakers. Whether you’re a beginner seeking stability, a frequent paddler wanting durability or someone who enjoys both shared and solo paddling, the Tribe might be a good match for you. Its adjustable seats are a bonus for those who value comfort and its storage options might be sufficient for the average user.
That said, the Tribe might not be for everyone. It’s not ideally suited for rough water or long-distance kayaking, and its lack of a tracking system might be a little off-putting for some. Its weight might not be the best for speed enthusiasts, and while its weight capacity is decent, it may not be sufficient for heavier users or those with a lot of gear. On top of that, it comes without a paddle, so you’d have to factor in the additional cost.
In essence, the Tribe seems like a promising choice for a broad range of users, but it might not cater to everyone’s needs. I recommend doing your own research to see if it’s the right fit for you.