As a kayaking enthusiast, I always invest extra effort to find a product that holds great value. This time I decided to go a step further and get a high-priced kayak that can meet my needs.
After extensive market research, I found the Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem. It seemed like just the perfect choice for me and my partner. Highlighted by a highly maneuverable and durable construction, I decided to give it a try.
Throughout this article, I will provide you with its highlighting points, as well as the drawbacks that I would like to see corrected. Let’s get started.
Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem Review
Driftsun is a company with years of experience in this sphere, which made me quite confident that this product offers excellent quality. It comes in a Rover 220 design and is advertised to offer superb stability. Consequently, the manufacturer suggests that this inflatable tandem kayak is perfect for touring on the open water.
It is made out of reinforced PVC and includes a series of innovative design details that make it suitable for different adventures. With that in mind, I was eager to find out whether it performs as well as the advertisement suggested.
Who is This Kayak For?
In my opinion, anyone who enjoys spending time on the open sea or lake should invest in a reliable kayak. I understand that the Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem is slightly expensive, so I can’t recommend it to everyone. However, if you are working with a more flexible budget and want to make a long-term investment, then it is a suitable choice.
Most importantly, although this kayak can be used by a single person, it is ideal if you have someone to team up with to have a fantastic adventure.
What’s Included?
The kayak is accompanied by a tracking rear fin, two aluminum paddles, and EVA padded seats that can be attached in different positions. Furthermore, it comes with a spacious travel bag that is perfect for transportation and storage.
Lastly, a high-output pump inflates the kayak within minutes. Among the items that I was most impressed by is the detailed manual that includes all the relevant information on the setup and its potential.
Overview of Features
The first point that I want to discuss is the design of the Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem kayak. It is made out of 1000D reinforced PVC that allows it to be durable and lightweight at the same time. The bottom is made out of PVC tarpaulin, which is considered to be the best solution when it comes to protection from punctures.
Regarding the specifications and dimensions, I found this product to be quite convenient considering that it is a kayak for two. It is set at 12’6″ in length, 3′ in width, and 13″ in depth. Surprisingly, it weighs just 28 pounds while providing an impressive load capacity of up to 600 pounds. With the major design details out of the way, I was happy to see that the dual-action pump inflated the kayak in less than eight minutes.
As I mentioned above, the manufacturer advertised that the Driftsun Rover 120/220 is great for adventures. I found that the rear tracking fin and the sturdy floor allow for impressive maneuverability in both calm and wavy seas. It also features an action camera mount that I used to film my adventures.
Regarding the security features, this kayak comes with several tie-down ports and eight self-bailing ports. With a class IV structure, it is suitable for both professional and amateur use. The main issue that I had with it is the skeg/fin, as it is difficult to remove and reattach. Other than that, this is a durable and reliable product that is well worth the price.
How to Use Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem Kayak
To get started, you should read the user’s manual to understand the setup process. I activated the pump and the kayak was 100% inflated in a short time. Once it is up, it all comes down to adjusting the EVA padded seats, attaching the fin and aluminum paddles, and embarking on your kayaking adventure.
Pros
- Made out of 1000D PVC
- Impressive load capacity
- Comfortable, adjustable seats
- Great maneuverability
- Puncture-resistant floor
- Inflates in eight minutes
Cons
- Skeg/fin is difficult to remove
Alternative
If the above model is not quite what you are looking for, take a look at this alternative model.
Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
Understanding that the product discussed above may be too pricey for some of you, I found a fantastic alternative. With a rugged polyester and PVC core and highlighted by high-pressure inflation, it is a product that is suitable for kayaking newbies who are on a tight budget.
Apart from regular kayaking, it is suitable for fishing because it features a mounting bracket that you can use to attach different equipment, including tracking systems and fish rod holders. Overall, this is a tough kayak that performs well in saltwater and freshwater.
Wrap Up
I can say with confidence that the Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem is a worthy choice. It is sturdy, easy to set up, and highlighted by several design details that support its great maneuverability.