Retrospec Coaster Review

Since I could only really find one article that was published a few days ago regarding the Retrospec Coaster, I figured I’d write up a full review in case any one was thinking about purchasing this one. I had initially purchased a Intex Excursion Pro K1 but realized that with the dog and myself, we were right at the weight limit so I was looking for a 1-person, light, mid-priced kayak that could hold my and the pup. Here are a few pros and cons:

Pros:

• Really nice looking kayak…I mean, really nice. I know this should be one of the last things you’re looking for but it made me want to get out on the water so that’s great.

• It has a rip-resistant overlay that is a fabric material which made it really comfy for me and the dog.

• It’s dog friendly. I have a 30lbs puppy that found it very amusing to jump from my kayak to my friends for a good 30 minutes before settling and that thing could take it.

• Really fast and easy to move, even in windy and high current conditions

• It was light carrying it to the water. Got heavier when it got wet so, maybe this should be in the cons section.

Cons:

• The pump they included has an adapter attached to it that DOES NOT fit the valve. No matter how much you’re pumping, it does not stay tight in the valve so you either have to hold it or have someone else hold it almost the entire time you’re pumping.

• The pump also only gives you the pressure to the boat as you’re pushing air into the boat so while you’re pumping AND holding the tube in the valve, you also have to look at the gage to make sure you’re not over inflating.

• The oar that came with the kayak is too short. I would recommend getting a longer one if you go with this boat.

• It does not really track straight but is very easy to adjust.

• When deflating, the valves completely came off. I now have 3 valves loose in my kayak bag.

• The kayak is easy to deflate and folds up nicely. The bag that came with the kayak is awful though, very hard to carry and has just a simple draw string on the side so, it comes loose whenever you lift it and does not secure the stuff inside. Everything did fit inside though, except the oars.

I hope that helps someone. This is my first experience with an inflatable, I returned the Intex before I got it on the water. Overall, I’d give set-up a 2/5, experience with the dog and on the water a 5/5, and deflation and storage a 3/5. For $500, get something else. Sorry for formatting, on mobile.