Dagger Stratos 12.5 L

Size, weight, capacity

The Stratos 12.5L has a compact feel to it at just 12’6” (381cm) long and 25” (64cm) wide, allowing it to track and carry speed easily but also to maneuver easily and perform as a recreational kayak as well as a progressive touring boat.

Designed to carry equipment as well as a range of paddlers, the Stratos 12.5L has a capacity of 300lbs (136kg).

Weighing in at 54lbs (24.5kg), it’s likely you’re going to want some help moving this kayak around on the land, especially if you’ve loaded it up with your camping kit to go away for a night.

Features

The Stratos 12.5L is a lot of boat in a relatively compact design. The 12.5L differs from the smaller brother, the Stratos 12.5S by having a higher cockpit, allowing the same model to be accessed by larger paddlers or those who want more capacity without the extra length and width of a larger boat.

Inside the cockpit is the Dagger Contour CFS outfitting, a comfortable padded seat with an adjustable, supportive backband system to keep you connected and upright in the boat. There are also hip pads and thigh braces to keep you locked in and in control, especially important for taking the Stratos into surf and more challenging environments.

The footrest is Dagger’s new touring bulkhead system which gives you extra connection and security. This is still adjustable but harder to move around on the water than the old slidelock foot pegs.

Bulkheads seal off the spacious hatches, one at either end, and make sure that no water gets in even in the case of a wet exit. These are sealed from the top by domed covers to keep the water out.

Deck lines around the edge of the boat are fitted for moving the kayak around externally while on the water, and bungees cross the top deck for extra, easy to access, wet storage.

An adjustable skeg system at the rear of the boat, controlled from the cockpit, allows you to alter the Stratos’ tracking capabilities on the go depending on your environmental needs.

Soft grip grab handles are fitted at the bow and stern, essential for moving this weighty boat.

Performance

For a 12.5’ kayak, the Stratos is surprisingly fast and keeps up with longer, lighter boats even on long day trips on the water. This is particularly surprising for a kayak which has enough bow rocker to turn quickly and efficiently and play in some full on surf conditions.

The Stratos is versatile enough to accommodate entry level paddlers but progressive enough that experienced paddlers will see a wealth of possibilities from this kayak. The rounded, forgiving hull and aggressive v-shaped bow and stern are what give this boat the range of capabilities, but they can catch out the unwary beginner and it can take a little while to get used to how this boat handles.