journal k ayaker’s
Arctic Tern. Voted the
Top Kit Kayak in North America.
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Elite Series Strait 120 XE
BY PELICAN
THERE’S TRADITIONALLY been a divide between the recreation- al kayaks that drive the growth of our sport and the high-end models for enthusiasts, but now one of the biggest recreational kayak makers, Pelican International, is leaping across the rec/touring chasm. From the world’s largest thermoforming machine in the suburbs of
Montreal, it is producing the mischievously named “Elite Series,” a line of affordable kayaks with premium touring features like adjustable foot pegs, bow and stern bulkheads, waterproof hatches, deck bungies and rudders. Don’t underestimate four decades of plastic kayak moulding know-
how. I can’t think of another manufacturer that’s been in the biz since 1968 and it shows. Pelican kayaks are made of a unique triple-layer thermomoulded plastic that the company says is 30 per cent stiffer than conventional rotomoulded poly and also lighter and strong enough to be driven over by a truck (and bounce back). We were surprised to find it feels as rigid as composite, albeit with a much rougher finish than other thermoform kayaks or gel coat. Te Strait 120 has a very comfortable, ergonomic padded seat, pad-
ded thigh braces and plenty of cockpit room for paddlers of all sizes. All the kayaks in the Strait series, which includes 12- and 14-footers
28 ADVENTURE KAYAK | SPRING 2010
with and without rudders, have very attractive lines. Te aggressively tapered bow and semi-hard chine give an edge-able, surf-worthy appear- ance. Stability on the shallow-V hull is moderate, nudging the paddler to try edging. It tracks very straight for such a short boat and also turns quickly, as you’d expect.
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