Lifetime Glide 98

Size and Weight

Boasting a 9’8” (294.6cm) length, the Glide 98 is on the shorter end of the spectrum for a recreational kayak. However, this improves its overall portability, which is a plus for paddlers who often have to carry their boat on their own.

This kayak has a 29” (73.6cm) width and a 14” (35.6cm) deck height. Both of these measurements are about average, if not slightly low for a boat this size, but neither is unreasonably small. That being said, the shorter width and height of this kayak does make it more suitable for smaller paddlers.

Additionally, the Glide 98 boasts a 37lb (17kg) weight, which is very light by rotomolded kayak standards. It’s even lighter than the slightly shorter Perception Drift 9.5, which weighs in at 40lbs (18.1kg).

When combined with the boat’s front and rear toggle handles, this kayak is a highly portable option, even if you have to transport it on your own.

Capacity

The Glide 98’s weight capacity measures up at 275lbs (124.7kg), which is decent for a kayak this size. Since one shouldn’t load the boat beyond more than 80% of its capacity, it’s best for anyone under 220lbs (99.8kg).

With both its weight capacity and interior specifications in mind, the Glide 98 is an ideal kayak for a small to mid-sized paddler.

Features

When designing the Glide 98, Lifetime put an emphasis on comfort and functionality.

Unlike many other budget-friendly kayaks, this boat comes equipped with a fully padded Comfort Rest System (CRS) seat. This seat is completely adjustable for added lumbar support and it folds down for convenience in transport. It also has thigh pads around the edge of the cockpit to increase your comfort on longer paddles.

The Glide 98 has a ledge lock paddle keeper system to give you a convenient place to stash your paddle if you stop for a break. Although it doesn’t have a tankwell or a dry hatch, this boat does have bow and stern deck bungees for quickly strapping down smaller pieces of gear.

Performance

Since the Glide 98 is fairly short, even for a recreational kayak, it is somewhat limited in its natural tracking ability. To counter this inherent limitation, Lifetime built this kayak with an ST Performance Hull that’s V-shaped for better tracking over longer distances.

Additionally, while this boat isn’t exceptionally wide, it is certainly wider around the midship than you’d find on a larger touring-specific kayak. This means that it provides great primary stability in calm seas.

Plus, thanks to the V-shaped hull and multi-chine design of the Glide 98, it offers some semblance of secondary stability. While this hull construction isn’t ideal for exceptionally windy conditions, it can hold its own in slightly choppy water.