Table of Contents

• boat choice - yes, I DID use search :) - rocdoc - Oct-12-12 3:38 PM
  • Keep looking - Seadart - Oct-12-12 4:24 PM
  • one of the downsides to REI - Peter-CA - Oct-12-12 5:05 PM
  • Thanks, but I actually AM locked to REI - rocdoc - Oct-12-12 5:21 PM
    • the Inuit 13.5 is a tight fitting boat - trvlrerik - Oct-12-12 6:45 PM
    • Last time I checked - bowrudder - Oct-13-12 1:58 PM
  • Dagger AlchemyS - RavenWing - Oct-12-12 8:16 PM
    • Where? - edzep - Oct-12-12 8:39 PM
      • a bit away from you, but - Peter-CA - Oct-12-12 9:12 PM
      • not in SE U.S. - RavenWing - Oct-14-12 10:57 AM
        • Ok, thanks. - edzep - Oct-14-12 12:11 PM
  • Modify padding - enjoy the REI points - willi_h2o - Oct-12-12 8:21 PM
  • no refund possible? - Patuxent - Oct-12-12 8:35 PM
  • many options... - rocdoc - Oct-12-12 9:08 PM
    • I think you would fit - sapien - Oct-12-12 10:39 PM
  • Expression 15 - ShadyClip - Oct-13-12 11:31 AM
  • Wait! Until a SALE comes - Kocho - Oct-13-12 12:14 PM
    • REI Refund - ShadyClip - Oct-13-12 12:39 PM
      • We don't know what the OP bought... - Kocho - Oct-13-12 4:24 PM
  • maybe this? - bowrudder - Oct-13-12 1:53 PM
  • lots of choices in DC area - Patuxent - Oct-13-12 2:08 PM
  • thanks for the additional tips - rocdoc - Oct-13-12 7:33 PM
    • Try with low-profile paddling shoes on! - Kocho - Oct-14-12 9:28 AM
  • End of season - Waterbird - Oct-13-12 8:07 PM
  • some additional info - rocdoc - Oct-15-12 10:18 AM
    • My Inuit is one of the most used boats - trvlrerik - Oct-16-12 9:39 PM
  • location - RobG - Oct-15-12 9:49 PM
  • Stay away from Point 65N - PHILIPJEDLICKA - Oct-16-12 7:08 AM
  • I ended up with the Inuit - rocdoc - Oct-18-12 9:39 PM

Messages in this Topic

 

	Keep looking   Posted by: Seadart on Oct-12-12 4:24 PM (EST)
	REI is not a great place to buy a kayak. You can find a much better used boat for a much lower price.

 

	one of the downsides to REI   Posted by: Peter-CA on Oct-12-12 5:05 PM (EST)
	One of the downsides to REI is that you can't go and test boats except the few times they have their demos. Also, they don't usually have a lot of these boats on the floor for you to even sit in. Unless you are using rebate money and are locked in to REI, it might be better to look at local kayak shops instead. That said, I am a little surprised. Not normal to find someone who can roll who doesn't have some idea of what boats work (unless you are coming over from whitewater, so just don't know much about touring).

 

	Thanks, but I actually AM locked to REI   Posted by: rocdoc on Oct-12-12 5:21 PM (EST)
	Excellent points all around, but I am sort of locked into REI here. I had ordered a boat they were closing out, and they messed up the order. They are therefore offering to match the price with any of their boats up to 1100. I had ordered a Perception Expression 14.5. That one would have been a relatively tight fit. I wonder how the Inuit compares - I know that numbers tell a partial story at best, so I can't really go by that. Anyone else have some insight into this?

 

	the Inuit 13.5 is a tight fitting boat   Posted by: trvlrerik on Oct-12-12 6:45 PM (EST)
	It is quite a bit tighter than the 12.5 and 14.5. The Inuit is a great all around boat, just a little heavy. I have a 12.5 and It sees a lot of use in choppy water and winds. I am 6' 190lbs with a 32" waist and the larger 12.5 and 14.5 are a snug fit for me. Unless you are very slender and have shoes under size 10.5 I would go with the 14.5 Inuit over the 13.5.

 

	Last time I checked   Posted by: bowrudder on Oct-13-12 1:58 PM (EST)
	REI had a sort of 'no fault' return policy. You could return anything for any reason. A return policy that good shouldn't be abused, but if they screwed up the order (as it sounds), then why don't you simply get a refund? I have NEVER heard of anyone being "locked in" to a purchase at REI. You are a first.

 

	Dagger AlchemyS   Posted by: RavenWing on Oct-12-12 8:16 PM (EST)
	-- Last Updated: Oct-12-12 8:18 PM EST -- is online at rei.com... at $1299 but if you can make the stretch - a 14 foot kayak for rivers, lakes and ocean that should work for you and be a helluva lotta fun besides. p.s. too bad you are tied to rei the Alchemy (in both sizes) can be found for $700-$800 in more than a few places. Edit: Dagger AlchemyL same price if your long legs need it.

 

	Where?   Posted by: edzep on Oct-12-12 8:39 PM (EST)
	I just did a search for 'dagger alchemy 799' and didn't get anything. Had recently done similar searches for sale, close out, etc.

 

	a bit away from you, but   Posted by: Peter-CA on Oct-12-12 9:12 PM (EST)
	Here is a listing from a California shop (close to me, but not you) that has them for $949. http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=f9ornedab&v=001OuIQBzTwSHnMS_NJoP6pM1nGTAY-xIKKadkS3TDXnk2nbqbsSaUrXoL5sw3kUpWq6DW6zPIo8BA4A8fi7_DHWeB3TpqZcD_zlg3_yA7ZViLm-P5J8IvoazYxOYt3XQxMAE3DJkqUTYo%3D

 

	not in SE U.S.   Posted by: RavenWing on Oct-14-12 10:57 AM (EST)
	way north of you. These prices were for new and floor model Alchemies in both S and L sizes. Not online. Not everything is online ;)

 

	Ok, thanks.   Posted by: edzep on Oct-14-12 12:11 PM (EST)
	Well, I could hope. Those prices would be too good to resist.

 

	Modify padding - enjoy the REI points   Posted by: willi_h2o on Oct-12-12 8:21 PM (EST)
	Paddling and seating can always be modified, shaved, sculpted, glued, added to, taken away. Enjoy those REI co-op points next year :-)

 

	no refund possible?   Posted by: Patuxent on Oct-12-12 8:35 PM (EST)
	Its too bad that you can't just get a refund and look at better selections elsewhere - or take the cash and buy a lighter used fiberglass boat. Online, REI has reduced the Inuit 13.5 15% to $907; their online prices seem odd: I think they are selling the Dagger Alchemy 14S for $100 over "suggested list". My concern about the Inuit is that the cockpit seems very wide for someone only 150 lbs. That will take lots of retrofitting.

 

	many options...   Posted by: rocdoc on Oct-12-12 9:08 PM (EST)
	Thanks everyone, The cockpit too wide? I thought most people see this as too small a boat for my size. The Daggers are boats I actually sat in. The S was a bit too small. The L is nice, kind of left me wondering if there was a size in between the two - it would be perfect. Little Goldilocks me… They are not on the table for in this REI deal, and I agree, the price they list is over the one most places list as "full price". A refund is possible, actually. I may go that route. But since they were offering me as much as 33% off on any boat up to 1100, I thought I should take advantage. But I have to agree, looking at this I may not have an option. Too bad. I was kind of hoping the Inuit would fit, but realistically, the crowd here seems to confirm my fears that with that deck height it would be a really tight boat… Thanks everyone for chiming in. Any further thoughts are welcome, of course.

 

	I think you would fit   Posted by: sapien on Oct-12-12 10:39 PM (EST)
	in the Inuit 13.5, and it's a nicely-made boat with a very comfortable seat... but yeah, you would want at least a test-sit. the hip pads are adjustable. I see you're in the DC area, if you want to come by and sit in my Tsunami 135, which is similar dimensions but actually a bit smaller than the Inuit. the review posted on REI for the Inuit compares the two. if the Dagger Alchemy appealed to you, and you are interested in something really unique -- Appomattox River Co. has a demo Venture Islay 14 in emerald green at a killer price. I was tempted to buy it but can't really justify yet another kayak! email me if you want to see pics.

 

	Expression 15   Posted by: ShadyClip on Oct-13-12 11:31 AM (EST)
	Just looking at your choices at REI and the kayak specs it would seem that the Expression 15 would be your best bet. It sounds like your fit issue is due to long legs and deck height, is that right? It seems you are probably skinny and you may have room in the hip width area but you can always add hip padding, which is fixable unlike deck height. It sounds like you at least sat in the Expression 14.5, if you found that a bit tight then it would seem that the 15, which gives you more room for your legs and an extra inch of deck height for a 6" longer and 3/4" wider boat would be a better fit for you. I have never actually tried out any of the REI kayaks you are looking at beyond the Inuit 14.5 (I found it very tight but I am more linebacker sized). As for if you should buy from REI or not, if you initially bought a discounted kayak from REI then that purchase is not going to be included in your member check and my guess is any replacement kayak for that one will also be counted as not being reliable for the member refunds. That being said, REI is a great place for customer service and returns. I am sure they will ship the kayak to the store for you and if after you sit in it you don't like it, they won't have a problem with refunding your money, as long as you have that membership card they really do bend over backwards to help a customer out.

 

	Wait! Until a SALE comes   Posted by: Kocho on Oct-13-12 12:14 PM (EST)
	-- Last Updated: Oct-13-12 4:28 PM EST -- This time of year, look for their sales events. You should be able to find, for about $1,200 something like Tempest 165, with luck. Sounds like you want to progress in kayaking and this would be a great kayak for this purpose. The Alchemy will also fit the bill and is more maneuverable but will be slower. EDIT: just read your under 15 feet requirement, so the Tempests do not fit as they are too long... Pitty -;) I'd say, pay-up the difference, since you have already committed to REI. If you wait till your annual divident comes (you did sign to be a member when you first bougt, right?) that will pretty much cover the difference. Alternatively, if that's an option you have and want to pursue, sell your REI credit to someone else at 10% off and buy elsewhere or used at 30-60% off and pocket the difference -;)

 

	REI Refund   Posted by: ShadyClip on Oct-13-12 12:39 PM (EST)
	Just keep in mind that are a bunch of exclusions on what gets included in the refund, according to REI: "Your refund is based on eligible purchases, which exclude REI-OUTLET.com and sale and clearance items, (prices ending in $._9 or $._3), items discounted 15% or more, gift cards, REI Adventures trips, REI Outdoor School classes and outings, sales tax, postage, mounting, engraving, labor, rental fees and membership fee." Doubt he will get a refund on his kayak purchase.

 

	We don't know what the OP bought...   Posted by: Kocho on Oct-13-12 4:24 PM (EST)
	... and wether got the 10% refund. But, if the OP did get it, I think it can be used on anything, right? And he's got store credit as far as I understand, so that should be good on just about anything too... Might not get a new divident on using it... I suppose just a thought, in case it applies ...

 

	maybe this?   Posted by: bowrudder on Oct-13-12 1:53 PM (EST)
	http://www.rei.com/product/801050/hurricane-kayaks-tracer-165-kayak-with-skeg

 

	lots of choices in DC area   Posted by: Patuxent on Oct-13-12 2:08 PM (EST)
	-- Last Updated: Oct-13-12 2:11 PM EST -- The OP stated he has a 15' max length limit. Otherwise i would have suggested the Eddyline Nighthawk at $999 at Bel Haven in the Pine Barrens. It was on their website last night - honest!: http://www.belhavenpaddlesports.com/kayak_specials.php Its still there. Scroll to near the bottom, past all the Grummans: http://www.belhavenpaddlesports.com/usedkayaks.php

 

	thanks for the additional tips   Posted by: rocdoc on Oct-13-12 7:33 PM (EST)
	I'm pretty sure the refund wouldn't be an issue, I had already checked that I could return the boat in store if it didn't fit when I ordered it. What happened is that they messed up the shipment, it never got to me, and being the great customer-oriented business they are (I am just learning this about them and liking it…) they wanted to offer me additional options. I really need to find a store that carries these boats… The Alchemy 14S was a very tight fit, but I think it would be possible to make some adjustments and end up fitting in it. The official recs I have seen around in terms of paddler weights put me in the 14S rather than the L for the Alchemy, so maybe I just need to get used to the properly tight fit… I would love to be able to try the Inuit out. What concerns me is what seems to be a VERY low deck. There are sparse reviews out there, but some folks seem to think that medium and even slightly larger adults fit well in the 13.5 inuits. Anyone had the chance to compare it directly with the Alchemy 14S? Damn, this is hard :)

 

	Try with low-profile paddling shoes on!   Posted by: Kocho on Oct-14-12 9:28 AM (EST)
	I much prefer to have a kayak that fits me with paddling shoes on - even if they are low profile. Unfortunately, most kayaks do not fit me with shoes as I have very large feet and long legs. For you it should not be an issue, hopefully, but consider that when you test-sit. Unless of course, you like to be barefoot, in which case it would be OK to have a tighter fit under a low deck...

 

	End of season   Posted by: Waterbird on Oct-13-12 8:07 PM (EST)
	I think your challenge is going to be that it's the end of the season and selection is going to be very limited. How about waiting until next season and asking if they will give you the same conditions (sale or whatever applied to this purchase)? Personally if I had $1100 I would buy a great used kayak off Craigslist. Now is a good time to do that. While REI has little stock, many people try to sell their kayaks in the fall. And you can bargain with them because most people aren't buying now. I think you should get a refund, do some more research, and hit Craigslist.

 

	some additional info   Posted by: rocdoc on Oct-15-12 10:18 AM (EST)
	Hi everyone, Thanks again for all the advice. I actually wrote to Liquidlogic, and I got a reply suggesting that I would be "well within" the specs of the Inuit 13.5, in spite of my size 11 feet and 5'10 frame. I wonder if some of the recommendations for size have to do with the fact that this boat is marketed sometimes as a rec boat, so more space is factored in. I would plan to use it as a more responsive fit, to grow some maneuvering skills with. It is very tempting to take the Perception Expression 15 instead of the 14.5 which I was planning on initially, but it really seems that it would be too big for me. It may also be better for going out to sea, but less suited form smaller river/rock garden type of environments. Somewhat related point: anyone know why the Inuits are significantly heavier that similar sized boats? They keep advertising a tougher hull - is that why? If true, it would be a good thing, for a noob who might run into rocks...

 

	My Inuit is one of the most used boats   Posted by: trvlrerik on Oct-16-12 9:39 PM (EST)
	The Inuit 12.5 is the shortest "touring" boat in my fleet but it is nearly never left at home. The Inuit design may be overlooked by many as a rec boat for being short and wide but it is a great rough water boat, and it can keep up with boats several feet longer with not much higher effort. The seating is adjustable to who ever gets in it, and is comfortable for long trips. I do not think you could go wrong with any of the Inuit boats.

 

	location   Posted by: RobG on Oct-15-12 9:49 PM (EST)
	Where are you located? I haven't seen that in any of your posts. If you're anywhere near NW Oregon, email me or something. I have a Tempest 165 and a Perception Essence 17 you're welcome to come sit in or even test paddle. From what I've read, the Expression 15 sounds like a good boat. It's a hair smaller than my Essence (in terms of cockpit and deck height), but the deck height will help fit your shoe size I think. I'm no expert at this; I've been working through my own fitment issues in another thread with all of these fine people on this site. But if you can get a refund, I strongly recommend it. I picked up my Tempest and Essence for about $600 each. Both are a few years old, but they're in good condition. If you have an iOS device (iPhone or iPad), get one of the Craigslist apps and plug in all the regions around you that you'd be willing to travel to if you found something you liked, then search. It's better than trying to do it on the computer. But that way you'd have a better selection of boats to choose from. Rob

 

	Stay away from Point 65N   Posted by: PHILIPJEDLICKA on Oct-16-12 7:08 AM (EST)
	Point 65N has horrible quality. I will never buy anything again from them. As a previous poster recommended, try the Dagger Alchemy. As for the best 15' kayak, hands down the P&H Delphine!

 

	I ended up with the Inuit   Posted by: rocdoc on Oct-18-12 9:39 PM (EST)
	Hi everyone, I actually ended up getting the Inuit. Because of the order mess-up, REI actually sold it to me at a discount that amounted to an offer I couldn't refuse :) It didn't even involve a horse head! Thanks all for the advice. So far the fit seems quite fine, even before doing any adjustments.

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