Kayak Reviews

15 Best Kayaks at Dick’s Sporting Goods Rated and Reviewed

Tom "Moose" Kilpatrick

February 2, 2023

Dick’s Sporting Goods has been selling outdoor gear since 1948. A young Dick Stack started up his own bait and tackle shop thanks to a helping hand from his grandmother and her cookie jar. Since those modest beginnings, Dick’s Sporting Goods has gone on to be one of the biggest retailers of sporting goods in the US.

Dick’s Sporting Goods nowadays stocks everything, from football jerseys to rock climbing gear, and even snowsports equipment. But they’ve not forgotten their roots as a fishing tackle shop and still stock a wide range of fishing and hunting gear. On top of this, they moved into kayaks.

Dick’s Sporting Goods stocks a wide range of recreational and angling kayaks. In total, they stock over 80 models of kayaks, but we’ve picked our top fifteen models. For a wider range, check out Dick’s Sporting Goods’ kayak page.

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Best Kayaks at Dick’s Sporting Goods at a Glance

• Compact Sit-On-Top Kayak: Vibe Skipjack 90
• Sit-In Recreational Kayak: Old Town Vapor 10XT
• Budget Recreational Kayak: Pelican Bandit NXT 100
• Budget Pedal Kayak: Pelican Premium Getaway 110
• Sit-On-Top Touring Kayak: Vibe Yellowfin 120
• Sit-In Recreational Touring Kayak: Field and Stream Blade 120 Elite
• Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak: Vibe Sea Ghost 110
• Sit-In Fishing Kayak: Perception Hook Angler 10.5
• Budget Fishing Kayak: Lifetime Teton Angler
• Pedal Fishing Kayak: Old Town Sportsman PDL 120
• Two-Person Kayak: Perception Rambler 13.5
• Inflatable Touring Kayak: Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame
• Foldable Kayak: Oru Inlet
• Crossover SUP/kayak: Perception Hi Life
• Youth Kayak: Lifetime Youth Recruit

Comparison Table: Best Kayaks at Dick’s Sporting Goods

Model	Specs	Where to Buy
Vibe Skipjack 90	Size: 9′ x 32″ Weight: 42 lbs. Capacity: 300 lbs.	Dick’s Sporting Goods
Old Town Vapor 10XT	Size: 10′ x 28.5″ Weight: 49 lbs. Capacity: 325 lbs.	Dick’s Sporting Goods
Pelican Bandit NXT 100	Size: 10′ x 30″ Weight: 40 lbs. Capacity: 300 lbs.	Dick’s Sporting Goods
Pelican Premium Getaway 110	Size: 10’5″ x 33″ Weight: 65 lbs. Capacity: 300 lbs.	Dick’s Sporting Goods
Vibe Yellowfin 120	Size: 12′ x 33″ Weight: 65 lbs. Capacity: 400 lbs.	Dick’s Sporting Goods
Field and Stream Blade 120 Elite	Size: 12′ x not started Weight: 55 lbs. Capacity: 300 lbs.	Dick’s Sporting Goods
Vibe Sea Ghost 110	Size: 11′ x 33″ Weight: 62 lbs. Capacity: 425 lbs.	Dick’s Sporting Goods
Perception Hook Angler 10.5	Size: 10’6″ x 29.5″ Weight: 51 lbs. Capacity: 335 lbs.	Dick’s Sporting Goods
Lifetime Teton Angler	Size: 10′ x 30.5″ Weight: 53.5 lbs. Capacity: 275 lbs.	Dick’s Sporting Goods
Old Town Sportsman PDL 120	Size: 12′ x 36″ Weight: 116 lbs. Capacity: 500 lbs.	Dick’s Sporting Goods
Perception Rambler 13.5	Size: 13’6″ x 34″ Weight: 78 lbs. Capacity: 550 lbs.	Dick’s Sporting Goods
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame	Size: 10’5″ x 32″ Weight: 36 lbs. Capacity: 300 lbs.	Dick’s Sporting Goods
Oru Inlet	Size: 9’8″ x 31″ Weight: 20 lbs. Capacity: 275 lb	Dick’s Sporting Goods
Perception Hi Life	Size: 11′ x 34″ Weight: 55 lbs. Capacity: not started	Dick’s Sporting Goods
Lifetime Youth Recruit	Size: 6’6″ x 24″ Weight: 21 lbs. Capacity: 150 lbs.	Dick’s Sporting Goods

15 Most Interesting Kayaks at Dick’s Sporting Goods

Compact Sit-On-Top Kayak: Vibe Skipjack 90

Length: 9 ft. (2.7 m)
Width: 32 in. (81 cm)
Weight: 42 lbs. (19 kg)
Capacity: 300 lbs. (136 kg) 

The Vibe Skipjack 90 is a compact recreational kayak designed for sheltered ocean bays, lakes, and gentle rivers. The Skipjack 90’s portability is centered around making your life easier. At just 42 lbs., you can load up this kayak onto your cartop or into your truck bed with ease, not to mention making storage less challenging.

The Skipjack is more than just a compact kayak though. The defined keel and elongated waterline gives this kayak a reasonable top speed and makes it beginner friendly. This may not be the widest kayak on the market, but it’s stable and easy to climb onboard and set off in.

The seat padding and fully adjustable backrest are designed to withstand rough weather, and more importantly, they’ll keep you out on the water all day. The Skipjack 90 has storage wells at the bow and stern that are secured with bungee, as well as a waterproof storage hatch. For recreational anglers, there are rod holders fitted, and a recess for a fish finder.

Pros:

• Compact and easy to transport
• Beginner friendly accessible kayak
• Fishing rod holders and storage

Cons:

• As a shorter kayak, this has a limited top speed
• Low capacity

Sit-In Recreational Kayak: Old Town Vapor 10XT

Length: 10 ft. (3.05 m)
Width: 28.5 in. (72 cm)
Weight: 49 lbs. (22 kg)
Capacity: 325 lbs. (147 kg)

The Old Town Vapor 10XT is a sporty, efficient kayak all packaged up in a compact design. The Vapor 10XT is a slight step up from the standard model of Old Town Vapor, but retains the broad and stable design and wide open cockpit. This stature does limit the speed of the Vapor, but with a reasonable keel and sharp v-shaped hull you can still cover moderate distances.

This large cockpit area makes accessing the kayak easy for paddlers of any level. It also helps you to feel more at ease on the water, safe in the knowledge that exiting the kayak is not going to be an issue if you capsize. Internally, a molded seat, supportive backrest, and padded thigh braces keep you comfortable for long days on the water.

The Vapor XT is fitted with a large storage hatch at the rear. Unlike the standard Vapor, this comes as a sealed unit, giving you the scope to explore further and keep your gear dry. There is also a paddle park fitted to go handsfree, and a skid plate at the rear to protect the hull on launching and landing.

Pros:

• Compact sit-in kayak
• Easy to paddle for beginners
• Large open cockpit
• Stable

Cons:

• Low top speed

Budget Recreational Kayak: Pelican Bandit NXT 100

Length: 10 ft. (3.05 m)
Width: 30 in. (76 cm)
Weight: 40 lbs. (18 kg)
Capacity: 300 lbs. (136 kg)

The Pelican Bandit NXT 100 is a recreational kayak that offers stability and easy paddling without pushing the price tag. The simple and open design makes this an appealing kayak for beginners who want to simply climb onboard and hit the water. Add to that the padded seat and adjustable backrest and you can spend all day on the water.

Thanks to the shorter length and lightweight construction of the Bandit NXT 100, even smaller framed paddlers have no problem loading up onto the roof of their car, or the truck bed. The capacity of 300 pounds makes this better suited to smaller framed paddlers too, who will easily be able to maneuver this lightweight kayak.

But lightweight doesn’t mean flimsy. The RAM-X construction of the Bandit NXT is durable and hardwearing, so you can keep paddling this kayak for years to come. 

Pros:

• Lightweight for transport and storage
• Stable and easy to paddle
• Suited to smaller framed paddlers

Cons:

• Limited features
• Weight limit is aimed at smaller paddlers

Budget Pedal Kayak: Pelican Premium Getaway 110

Length: 10 ft. 5. in. (319 cm)
Width: 33 in. (84 cm)
Weight: 65 lbs. (29 kg)
Capacity: 300 lbs. (136 kg)

Sometimes, you want a kayak that allows you to go hands-free on the water. The Pelican Premium Getaway 110 features the HyDryve II pedal system so you can cruise efficiently down rivers, or across lakes. For anglers or photographers especially, this allows you to keep your hands free and focus on catching the scenery, or your next fish.

The Premium Getaway 110 is fitted with the Ergocast XP seat, specifically designed to keep you higher over the water and give maximum support. This seat can be removed quickly and taken onto the beach, giving you a lunch-time seating option. To ensure your ideal pedaling position, you can move the Ergocast XP seat forwards or backward along rails.

When you’re pedaling along, you need to be able to maintain control over your course. The rear-mounted rudder is controlled by a hand-operated lever next to your seat. The Pelican Premium Getaway 110 has rigging tracks fitted along the side carrying handles, so you can customize your ride with rod holders, GPS mounts, or drinks holders.

Pros:

• Efficient pedal system
• Stable design
• Removable, supportive seating
• Mount points

Cons:

• Low capacity
• Heavy
• A flat design can allow waves to crash over your kayak

Sit-On-Top Touring Kayak: Vibe Yellowfin 120

Length: 12 ft. (3.65 m)
Width: 33 in. (84 cm)
Weight: 65 lbs. (29 kg)
Capacity: 400 lbs. (181 kg)

Is it time to take your paddling further? The Vibe Yellowfin 120 is a sit-on-top style touring kayak that is designed for maximum efficiency in every way. The 12-foot length and defined keel line give this kayak a good top speed and tracking capabilities, which combine to make sure every stroke is propelling you as far as possible.

The Yellowfin 120 is fitted with a toe-controlled rudder, allowing you to alter your course without having to slow down your paddling. These foot pegs can be adjusted to length and also help to keep you firmly in the high-backed and supportive Vibe Hero seat. This seat is made from mesh to keep it quick drying and breathable all day.

With up to 400 pounds capacity, you can take plenty of cargo with you on your day trips in the Yellowfin 120. Large storage wells at the front and rear are secured with bungee, while a 6-inch sealed access plate can keep your essential items secure. The Yellowfin 120 is fitted with tackle tray storage and gear tracks all around, as well as two flush-mounted rod holders, for the keen angler.

Pros:

• Versatile blank canvas style kayak – ready to be setup how you like it
• Efficient and reasonable top speed
• Good tracking
• Toe controlled rudder

Cons:

• Lacks maneuverability
• Heavy

Sit-In Recreational Touring Kayak: Field and Stream Blade 120 Elite

Length: 12 ft. (3.65 m)
Width: Not stated
Weight: 55 lbs. (25 kg)
Capacity: 300 lbs. (136 kg)

The Field and Stream Blade 120 Elite is a fishing and recreational touring crossover kayak. This long and spacious setup features a comfortable, high-backed seat and molded back support to let you paddle and cast with ease. The large cockpit allows bigger paddlers to enter and exit the boat safely and easily.

At 12 feet long and with an elongated keel line and sharp v-shaped bow, this kayak tracks effortlessly through the water. The Blade 120 isn’t just quick for its length though, this kayak is stable enough to relax on the water, and even to cast from. Alongside the keel line, the flatter hull sections work a little like outriggers to give this kayak high primary stability.

The Blade 120 Elite is fitted with two flush-mounted rod holders, keeping your fishing gear close at hand all day. There is large storage well behind you, for fishing gear or touring equipment, and this is secured with a shock cord. A bow hatch and smaller storage areas allow you to keep certain items close at hand on the water and secure important items.

Pros:

• Good tracking and speed
• Easy to paddle
• Comfortable and supportive seating
• Good storage space

Cons:

• Low weight capacity, though this seems to be conservative

Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak: Vibe Sea Ghost 110

Length: 11 ft. (3.35 m)
Width: 33 in. (83.8 cm) 
Weight: 62 lbs. (28 kg)
Capacity: 425 lbs. (192 kg)

The Vibe Sea Ghost 110 is an all-angler. This fishing kayak is fully decked out with two flush-mounted rod holders, paddle parks, and enough storage for all of your gear. The Vibe Versa console provides watertight storage, a cup holder, and two gear tracks.

At the bow of the Sea Ghost 110, there’s a large watertight hatch compartment, while at the rear there is a large storage well for bags, barrels, or coolers. Tackle tray holders on either side of the seat give you easy access on the water. Gear tracks all around the Sea Ghost 110 let you fully customize your ride with rod holders, fish finders, or more.

The Vibe Sea Ghost 110 carries a reasonable speed over the water, but still has enough stability that you can comfortably stand to cast. The toe-controlled rudder system is controlled using the foot braces, to help you turn in a tight spot. The seat system is removable and can be taken up onto the beach with you if you stop for lunch.

Pros:

• Fully decked out fishing kayak
• Stable and easy to paddle
• Lots of gear options

Sit-In Fishing Kayak: Perception Hook Angler 10.5

Length: 10 ft. 6 in. (3.2 m)
Width: 29.5 in. (75 cm)
Weight: 51 lbs. (23 kg)
Capacity: 335 lbs. (152 kg)

The large and accessible open cockpit of the Perception Hook Angler 10.5 makes it a popular choice with both recreational and angling kayakers. The tri-keel-style hull makes it stable enough to cast with confidence and to haul your gear around inside the kayak. This is a great choice for kayak anglers who prefer a sit-in style kayak to a sit-on-top.

The Hook Angler 10.5 features three-rod holders. Two of these are flush mounted, located just behind the seat, while the third is a Scotty Baitcaster holder, mounted on the forward dash. This molded dash area is ideally suited for keeping equipment close at hand while you’re out on the water.

Storage of larger items is easy, with a storage well fitted behind the cockpit and secured with a bungee. The seating inside the Hook Angler 10.5 is basic but functional and comfortable enough to keep you out on the water. The foam seat-pad and adjustable high backrest provide a reasonable level of support.

Pros:

• Stable and easy to paddle
• The forward dash area for storing easy-to-access gear
• Rod holders

Cons:

• A relatively basic seating system

Budget Fishing Kayak: Lifetime Teton Angler

Length: 10 ft. (305 cm)
Width: 30.5 in. (77.5 cm)
Weight: 53.5 lbs. (24 kg)
Capacity: 275 lbs. (125 kg)

The Lifetime Teton Angler is a recreational and fishing kayak that you can get hold of without breaking the bank or overreaching your budget. This kayak might not command the high price of others, but it is still laden with features that make it a suitable choice on the water. 

An adjustable framed seating system keeps you upright and fully supported throughout the day. The molded footwells give you a choice to quickly switch between being relaxed or engaged, depending on whether you’re paddling or casting. The v-shaped hull gives this kayak a reasonable level of tracking while you’re paddling, though turning in a tight spot can be hard work.

In terms of fishing specifics, there are two flush-mounted rod holders situated behind the seat. There is loads of onboard storage, with large bow and stern tank wells, both secured with bungee. Universal gear tracks and paddles parks demonstrate a level of design that is not usually added to budget kayaks.

Pros:

• A quality budget kayak
• Easy to paddle
• Reasonable tracking
• Good level of features for the price

Cons:

• Limited turning capabilities due to a lack of rudder
• No space to stand to cast
• Low capacity

Pedal Fishing Kayak: Old Town Sportsman PDL 120

Length: 12 ft. (3.7 m) 
Width: 36 in. (91 cm)
Weight: 116 lbs. (53 kg)
Capacity: 500 lbs. (227 kg)

The Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 is a pedal-powered, fishing-ready kayak that is big on stability. The PDL drive from Old Town is a straightforward propellor drive system, easy to use and efficient. This system is covered by Old Town’s 5-year warranty.

At 12 feet long and 36 inches wide, the Sportsman PDL 120 has a relatively high top speed over the water, but still has enough stability that you can stand to cast. For those who prefer to stay seated, the raised seating position gives you excellent command of the water. This seat features increased lumbar support and can be easily adjusted for optimal reach on the pedals.

The Old Town Sportsman 120 is fitted out with three flush-mounted rod holders, as well as plenty of gear tracks so you can add more if you require them. A large storage well at the rear gives you space for coolers and crates, while a bow hatch keeps essential items dry. The universal transducer mount lets you fit your fish-finder, to take the guesswork out of your day.

Pros:

• Efficient pedal drive system
• Really comfortable seating
• EVA foam pads for standing to cast
• Good level of fishing features

Cons:

• Heavy with all of the pedal system
• Expensive

Two-Person Kayak: Perception Rambler 13.5

Length: 13 ft. 6 in. (4.12 m)
Width: 34 in. (86 cm)
Weight: 78 lbs. (35 kg)
Capacity: 550 lbs. (249 kg)

The Perception Rambler 13.5 is a compact and playful sit-on-top recreational kayak. This tandem kayak is suited to gentle rivers, ocean bays, and lake days. With easy access and stable build, this is the ideal kayak for beginners to take to the water for the first time, or for more experienced paddlers to push the boundaries of their tandem paddling.

The Rambler 13.5 has been kept simple and affordable, but still has enough comfort to keep you out on the water all day. The seat pads and high backrests give you support and cushioning, as well as channel water away from you. Molded footrests let you quickly move your feet on the water, as well as make it easy for different paddlers to hop in and out of the Rambler.

At 13 feet 6 inches long the Rambler isn’t going to break any speed records, but it does cover the water efficiently and track well against the wind. The slight bow riser lets this kayak cruise over waves and ocean surf, giving you a drier ride. There is plenty of space and stability to stand and move around, too, so climbing on and off won’t leave you feeling like you’re going to end up in the water.

Pros:

• Affordable tandem kayak
• Good balance of speed and stability
• Open and simplistic design for accessibility

Cons:

• No dry storage
• Relatively basic seating

Inflatable Touring Kayak: Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame

Length: 10 ft. 5 in. (3.2 m)
Width: 32 in. (81 cm)
Weight: 36 lbs. (16 kg)
Capacity: 300 lbs. (136 kg)

The Advanced Elements Advanced Frame kayak combined aluminum ribs at the bow and stern with an inflatable outer to give a rigid and portable kayak. Unlike other inflatables, this kayak tracks effectively through the water and has the feel of a plastic kayak. The stern is designed to act like a skeg, keeping you tracking straight even against the wind.

The aluminum ribs are assembled at the factory and the whole kayak is folded into a portable package. To get on the water, you simply have to unfold the Advanced Frame, inflate the outer, climb in and paddle away. Inflation is quick and easy thanks to the spring valve, and to ensure you don’t overinflate, there is a pressure relief valve in the floor.

Although the main feature of the Advanced Frame is its construction, there are other elements that make this a quality recreational touring kayak. The inflatable coaming around the cockpit keeps water from entering the cockpit, but also allows you to fit a spray skirt too. The top deck bungee and storage compartment gives you space for gear, while a comfortable and supportive seat keeps you out on the water all day.

Pros:

• Portable inflatable kayak
• Durable
• Hard-shell style paddling
• The cockpit can have a spray skirt attached

Cons:

• Inflatables are susceptible to wind
• The pump is sold separately

Foldable Kayak: Oru Inlet

Length: 9 ft. 8 in. (2.95 m)
Width: 31 in. (79 cm)
Weight: 20 lbs. (9 kg)
Capacity: 275 lbs. (125 kg)

When it comes to portability, kayaks don’t come much easier to travel with than the Oru Inlet. This kayak weighs just 20 lbs. and folds up into a package that fits in the trunk of your car, can be slung on your shoulder, and can even be put on flights. This kayak is also easy to store away in a cupboard or in the corner of the garage.

The Oru Inlet is designed to be used in calm water like lakes and gentle rivers. Although the durable material and strong fold-points can withstand regular use, it’s not a kayak designed for rough weather. The structure of the kayak is strengthened with removable bulkheads and buckle closure systems.

The Inlet can be unfolded and built in under five minutes, so you can be out on the water quickly. The seating is basic, but comfortable and supportive, with an adjustable footrest system. The Inlet is the smallest of the Oru folding kayak range, which features touring kayaks and even a tandem.

Pros:

• Folding kayak for portability and easy storage
• Quick to construct 
• Solid and durable build
• Large open cockpit

Cons:

• Limited to calm water
• Basic seating

Crossover SUP/kayak: Perception Hi Life

Length: 11 ft. (3.35 m)
Width: 34 in. (86 cm)
Weight: 55 lbs. (25 kg)
Capacity: Not stated

The Perception Hi Life is a crossover kayak and SUP that can be used for recreational paddling or customized into a fishing platform. At 34 inches wide, this kayak is designed to be as stable as possible for standing to cast or paddle. If you prefer to sit, the supportive and padded seating system is comfortable enough for long days on the water.

Underneath the seat, you’ll find a built-in cooler, ideal for storing drinks or snacks. Ahead of you is a metal track that is ready to take any accessories with a T-bolt base, like a rod holder or fish finder. Other accessories can be fitted in the accessory recesses behind the seat.

Comfortable, grippy high density foam is fitted across the top deck of the Hi Life, for standing security. The area at the rear of the kayak is specially designed for climbing back onboard from the water, with handles to haul yourself up. This area can also be used for storage, and there is a storage area at the bow with a bungee for security.

Pros:

• SUP Kayak crossover – two sports in one boat
• Highly stable for standing and moving around
• A platform for climbing back onboard
• Gear track and receptacles

Cons:

• Not the most comfortable seating position
• Lack of footrests
• Flat hull limits tracking

Youth Kayak: Lifetime Youth Recruit

Length: 6 ft. 6 in. (1.98 m)
Width: 24 in. (61 cm)
Weight: 21 lbs. (9.5 kg)
Capacity: 150 lbs. (68 kg)

The Lifetime Youth Recruit is a beginner youth kayak that suits paddlers from 5 years old and up. This wide and stable kayak will help your young paddler gain confidence and coordination on the water. The rear climb-up platform makes it easy to get back onto the Youth Recruit, giving increased independence on the water.

A molded seat is comfortable and has a small backrest, but as your paddler gets bigger and wants to stay on the water longer they may look for a kayak with a more supportive seat. Molded footpegs in the Youth Recruit let your young paddler stay comfortable as they grow. Scupper plugs throughout the kayak mean there’s no need to sit in a puddle all day.

The rubberized handle at the front lets your young paddler help you carry the Youth Recruit. When they are old enough to haul the 21-pound kayak alone, the central handle lets them be fully independent going to and from the water. Lifetime even includes a youth paddle with this kayak.

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Stable and accessible for beginners
• Easy to paddle
• Platform to climb back onboard

Cons:

• Basic seating may become uncomfortable and cold

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