Intex Explorer K2 vs Challenger K2: Kayak Comparison

It’s common for people to ask the difference between the Intex Explorer K2 vs Challenger K2 kayaks.

We couldn’t find a short, t0-the-point guide, so we went and created one.

Below we’ve listed the main differences and similarities of the two kayaks, and also suggested which one might be better for you and why.

Note that the Challenger also comes in a K1 (1 person) model as well, so you may choose to explore that option as well (view Intex Challenger K1 on Amazon).

Let’s get to this Intex Explorer K2 vs Challenger K2 comparison…

Intex Explorer K2 vs Challenger K2: Kayak Comparison

Intex Explorer K2 vs Intex Challenger K2  – Which Is Better For You?

You would get the Intex Explorer K2 IF

• You want a yellow, wider, slightly more comfortable kayak with upturned ends that stick up out of the water more, and has carry handles

View the Intex Explorer K2 2 Man Inflatable Canoe on Amazon

You would get the Intex Challenger K2 IF

• You want a green color, longer, narrower kayak with a cargo net, flat head and tail ends, and a higher stated weight capacity

View the Intex Challenger K2 2 Man Inflatable Canoe on Amazon

Intex Explorer K2 vs Intex Challenger K2  – Differences

• Weight Capacity – Explorer weight capacity is 350 lbs, while the Challenger weight capacity is 400 lbs
• Nose and Tail – Explorer has upturned nose and tail, whilst the Challenger has a flat nose and tail
• Colour – Explorer is yellow, whilst the Challenger is green
• Cargo Net – Explorer has no safety net, whilst the Challenger does have a safety net for extra storage
• Carry Handles – Explorer has carry handles, whilst the Challenger doesn’t
• Dimensions – Explorer dimensions are 123 x 36 x 20 inches, whilst the Challenger dimensions are 138 x 30 x 15 inches – Challenger is longer, but you might feel less cramped in the Explorer as its a bit wider
• Seats – Explorer has high backed seats, while the Challenger has lower profile seats
• Kayak Models Available – Explorer comes with only 2 person model available, whilst Challenger comes with both 2 (K2) and 1 (K1) person models available
• Weight – Explorer weighs roughly 31.13 lb inflated, whilst the Challenger weighs roughly 33.57 lbs

Intex Explorer K2 vs Intex Challenger K2  – Similarities

• Material Gauge – Material gauge for both kayaks is 30
• Number of people – Both kayaks fit two people
• Inclusions – Both comes with 86 in. Aluminum Oars, Hi-Output Manual Hand Pump and Repair Patch
• Boston Valves – Both have a 2 valve Boston valve system
• Design – Both are designed for recreational activity, and have similar multi air chamber, I beam floor designs

Intex Explorer K2 Kayak 2 Man Inflatable Canoe Review

You can read the full Intex Explorer K2 Kayak review here. Otherwise here is a summary:

What’s Good About It?

• Very affordable – great value for money
• Designed for easy paddling
• Bright yellow color for high visibility
• Designed for use in lakes and mild rivers
• Will fit 2 adults
• Multiple air chambers
• Has upturned ends on the kayak unlike the Challenger
• Has a weight capacity of 350 pounds total (158.7kg) – but you can unofficially fit 400lbs if you want
• Lightweight – all equipment and kayak weigh only 35.31 lbs total
• Easy to assemble – takes only 15 to 20 minutes to inflate put together
• Kayak dimensions are 20 x 36 x 123 inches
• Made with a vinyl construction main body, and I-beam floor for comfort and rigidity
• Has a removable skeg that provides directional stability
• Has adjustable inflatable seats with backrests
• Has a Boston valve on each side of the Kayak for inflating and deflating
• Has a grab line at each end of the kayak
• Comes with a U.S. Coast Guard I.D., and a repair patch kit
• Accessories included are two 86 inches aluminum oars and an Intex high-output pump for easy inflation and deflation.
• Can be switched over to a 1 person kayak – look how this guy manages to commute to work in London:

What Could Be Improved?

• You need to buy life vests separately
• You’ll need to buy glue for the repair patch separately if you use it
• Not a heavy duty kayak – really only meant for light paddling, and recreation type activities – but it works well for those activities – keep your expectations realistic
• Doesn’t handle or control like a hard kayak – but, you can still get to where you need to go
• No boston valve in the floor like the Challenger K1 model has

What Else Would You Get With It?

• Adult Life Jacket – Stearns Adult Watersport Classic Series Vest (on Amazon)
• Youth Life Jacket – Stearns Youth Boating Vest, Youths 50-90 lbs (on Amazon)
• Childs Life Jacket – Stearns Child Classic Series Vest, Children 30-50 lbs (on Amazon)

Where To Check It Out?

View the Intex Explorer K2 2 Man Inflatable Canoe on Amazon

Intex Challenger K2 Kayak 2 Man Inflatable Canoe Review

Read more in the Challenger K2 Kayak review here. Otherwise, here’s a summary:

What’s Good About It?

• Very affordable – great value for money
• Designed for easy paddling
• Bright green color for high visibility
• Designed for use in lakes and mild rivers
• Will fit 2 adults
• Multiple air chambers
• Has carry nets
• Has a weight capacity of 400 pounds total
• Lightweight – all equipment and kayak weigh only around 35 lbs
• Easy to assemble – takes only 15 to 20 minutes to inflate put together
• Kayak dimensions are 30 x 15 x 138 inches (W x H x D) inflated
• Made with a vinyl construction main body, and I-beam floor for comfort and rigidity
• Has a removable skeg that provides directional stability
• Has adjustable inflatable low profile seats with backrests
• Has a Boston valve system for inflating and deflating
• Has a grab line at each end of the kayak
• Comes with a U.S. Coast Guard I.D., and a repair patch kit
• Accessories included are two 86 inches aluminum oars and an Intex high-output pump for easy inflation and deflation.

What Could Be Improved?

• You need to buy life vests separately
• You’ll need to buy glue for the repair patch separately if you use it
• Not a heavy duty kayak – really only meant for light paddling, and recreation type activities – but it works well for those activities – keep your expectations realistic
• Doesn’t handle or control like a hard kayak – but, you can still get to where you need to go
• Flat nose and tail – unlike the Explorer K2 which has turned up nose and tail
• Narrower than the Explorer K2
• No carry handles like the Explorer K2

What Else Would You Get With It?

• Adult Life Jacket – Stearns Adult Watersport Classic Series Vest (on Amazon)
• Youth Life Jacket – Stearns Youth Boating Vest, Youths 50-90 lbs (on Amazon)
• Childs Life Jacket – Stearns Child Classic Series Vest, Children 30-50 lbs (on Amazon)

Where To Check It Out?

View the Intex Explorer K2 2 Man Inflatable Canoe on Amazon

Intex Explorer K2 vs Challenger K2 Kayak Comparison: Resources

1. http://www.intexcorp.com/