Submitted by: susanwizer
08-20-2008
     I have been out on my Delta 12.10 about four times now and each time I like this boat more. Previously I had a Necky Zoar which is very stable and comfortable but heavy and difficult for me to car top by myself.

The Delta is light and very maneuverable and tracks true. It is also very durable. I hit a big submerged rock and there wasn't even a scratch. This is a sweet little boat! Good job Delta!
Rating: 10 of 10

Submitted by: Mike Conner
08-18-2008
     Just bought my 12-10 and took it out. I bought the boat having no experience with other kayaks. I sailed small boats all my life. I simply looked at all the boats in this class, asked questions and watched a few videos on kayaks. I then tried 6 other boats in a lesson. I then took my 12-10 out on a river. Wow! I love it. Stable, turns great, easy to get back in after a role, and I got a lot of questions from people with all the other boats. I was especially happy to load this thing on my Yakima incline roof rack. I think it is possible reason your way into a good decision. But buying from REI is 100% guarantee. The boat is everything I was told and what I expected...
Rating: 10 of 10

Submitted by: Nfry
07-07-2008
     For the last 10 years I’ve owned a 17’ 7” Current Design Solstice GT which, although a great kayak, was becoming too cumbersome to store, load, and carry (arthritis). Of mixed blessing was its strong tracking with the downside being slow to turn (I edge & never use the rudder). I’d intended to downsize to a 14’ to get into the weight range and storage dimension I was looking for but after much research, inspection, and demos of several kayaks, I paddled a Delta 12.10 (43 lbs.).

Tracking was a pleasant surprise. The 12.10 would exhibit only a slight tendency to yaw with the strongest of strokes, and once edged, will turn on a dime. A look at the underside of the hull viewed from the bow or stern explains why. The boat has a very pronounced keel to aid tracking but once on edge with its semi-hard chine, the keel loses much of its grip and the boat swings around easily. Initial stability is similar to the Solstice GT (good) but the secondary feels more prominent and it’s very reluctant to roll beyond its tipping-point.

Also a surprise was the 12.10’s efficiency while paddling straight. It moves through the water with nearly the ease of my old kayak, the noticeable difference being less glide but nothing really bothersome. By contrast, the Current Design Kestral 140 paddles like a barge and would quickly lose momentum when paddling ceased.

Construction and quality of the 12.10 are superb, belying its $1,400 price tag. Reservations about the plastic material vs. composite should be put to rest after watching Delta’s YouTube hammer video and by examining the hull after dragging it across a rocky beach.

Bulkheads fore and aft, secure hatch covers, comfortable cockpit with seatback and fore & aft adjustment, comfortable adjustable foot pegs and thigh braces, perimeter rescue lines, and paddle float rescue straps all add up to one very secure boat to say nothing of the boat’s appearance. Many boats of this size are classified as recreational kayaks with the classification implying a lack of serious capabilities. Classifying the 12.10 as such would be a mistake. This boat would more accurately be described as a light touring boat in all respects.

I would urge anyone looking for a smaller sea kayak with most of the capabilities a larger kayak, to demo the 12.10. You’ll likely come away with a big grin.
Rating: 10 of 10

Submitted by: Bear
07-02-2008
     bought it a couple of months ago. New to kayaking. This boat has great initial stability and secondary stability. Had it out rain or shine in local lakes. Now out on the Puget Sound, handled very well for a high boating day with swells. In fact I learned quite quickly to enjoy them heading straight into them with no problems. Love this boat, tried several others but this on glides through, no heavy plastic barge to paddle. For a small boat feel that it has a lot to offer for advancement without growing out of it to soon!
Rating: 9 of 10

Submitted by: Stewart Midwinter
09-20-2007
     My comments are pretty much in line with the previous reviewer's. I also bought a 12.10 a couple of days ago. Prior to buying this boat, I paddled (and have reviewed a few) an Impex Mytic, Necky Looksha Sport, Venture Kayaks Orca 14, Old Town Loon 120 (I own one of these), Delta Fourteen Five, Seaward Cosma TX, Current Designs Kestrel 140, Seaward Passat G3.

I find the 12.10 tracks well, particularly, say, in comparison with the Necky Looksha Sport, while still being maneuverable with body leans or paddle sweeps or draws. In a 20 km/h crosswind, I didn't find any real weathercocking tendency; I have the seat about in the middle of its on-the-water-adjustable range. I don't think this fairly short boat needs a rudder or skeg, and so far I don't miss the lack of one.

I was initially confused on how to adjust the footpegs. I flipped the locking lever arm and tried pulling it or pushing it without success; finally I realized that I had to use my feet or hands to move the pegs and all the lever did was unlock them. Doh!

The molded and padded seat was comfortable, and I appreciated the in-flight adjustable seat-back. I also liked the padded thigh braces. I rolled the boat several times and found it fairly easy; only a little harder than the much narrower Impex Mystic that has rounded chines (21.5" beam versus the 12.10's 25" beam).

The primary stability of this boat is higher than, say, the Mystic, but obviously less than a wide recreational kayak like the OT Loon 120. Due to the hard chines, the secondary stability is great. I felt at ease in the boat.

The hatches were bone-dry after my rolls, and a T-shirt I'd put in the rear was not even slightly wet. The gasket system seems quite good, and the hatches are held down by double bungees.

There's a groove just aft of the cockpit that holds a paddle blade for ease of kayak entry or maybe rescue.

I raced a friend in a Seaward Tyee 17' for a while, and of course he eventually pulled ahead of me. But while we were paddling around a wetland, his longer length didn't confer any advantage, and in fact he was less maneuverable than I was.

The finishing of this boat is superb, and it looks like a much more expensive fiberglass boat. I've heard that the price will go up next year, so grab it while you can! This is a very capable, small, sea kayak that will be ideal for day trips or some overnights on a variety of water conditions.
Rating: 9 of 10

Submitted by: raynik01
06-05-2007
     Purchased the Delta 12.10 a few weeks ago. I haven't had it out very much -- about five times. Two of those times were on tidal rivers, with wind 15-20mph. The other times were on a very calm lake. I'm 6'2", 220 lbs.

Initial impression: The kayak is very stable -- able to enter and exit easily. Top speed for me was 4.9mph. Able to cruise at around 3.5mph. Tracks very well, and heading into the wind was enjoyable. I felt very confident in the little boat. It's also comfortable -- my legs never cramped, and they have in other kayaks. The only problem encountered were small leaks in both bow and stern compartments. Found an extremely small leak in forward bulkhead which will be simple to repair. Did not see one in stern bulkhead, concluded that stern hatch leaked. It is a large hatch, held in place by bungee cords. Hopefully tightening those cords will help. The boat is very light and easy to cartop. It appears well made, and is quick and responsive. I consider the leaks a minor irritation, and rate it a 9 only because of those leaks. Everything else about it is excellent and I intend to keep it.

I sent several emails regarding leaks to the company. They were very responsive and helpful. I understand a new gasket is being developed, so this problem should be corrected shortly. Having read the horror stories about dealing with some companies, I was very surprised and pleased at this company's response. I would not hesitate to purchase another of their kayaks. In my opinion, a great kayak and a great company.
Rating: 9 of 10

Don't Miss the Paddling.net Weekly Newsletter!

85,000+ people can't be wrong!
The Paddling.net Newsletter is a must if you like to canoe or kayak! Each week it is packed with great articles, photos, product reviews, and special features. Better yet, we promise not to sell your email address to anyone; that's right ZERO spam! Sign up today and find out what you've been missing!