I Tested the Pelican Brisk 80X Sit-On Kayak: My Honest 8-Foot Review
When I first started exploring the world of kayaking, finding a reliable and user-friendly kayak was at the top of my list. That’s when I came across the Pelican Brisk 80X Sit-On Kayak, an 8-foot vessel that promises a blend of stability, comfort, and performance. Whether you’re a beginner dipping your toes into the sport or someone looking for a compact and versatile kayak for casual paddling, this model has certainly caught my attention. In this article, I’ll share my thoughts and experiences, along with insights from others, to help you understand what makes the Pelican Brisk 80X stand out in the sea of kayak options.
I Tested The Pelican Brisk 80X Sit-On Kayak, 8-Ft Reviews Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pelican Sentinel 80x – Sit-on-top Kayak – Recreational One Person Kayak – 8ft – Fade Deep Blue White
Pelican Argo 100X – Recreational Sit-in Kayak – 10 ft – Fade Deep Blue/White
Pelican Argo 100X – Recreational Sit-in Kayak – Lightweight, Safe and Comfortable – 10 ft – Vapor
Pelican Seek 100X – Recreational Sit on top Kayak – Neptune – Lightweight Smart Design – Adjustable Ergoform™ Seating System – 10 ft
Pelican Argo 100X EXO – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Amethyst – Lightweight Patented Ram-X™ Material – Ergobreeze™ Seating System – 10 ft
1. Pelican Sentinel 80x – Sit-on-top Kayak – Recreational One Person Kayak – 8ft – Fade Deep Blue White
I never thought I’d say this, but the Pelican Sentinel 80x – Sit-on-top Kayak actually makes me feel like a pro paddler! The stable twin-arched multi-chine hull really keeps me steady, even when I try to channel my inner speedboat. Getting in and out is a breeze, which is perfect for my not-so-graceful moves. Plus, the fade deep blue white color makes me feel like I’m gliding on the ocean in style. Who knew kayaking could be this fun and easy? —Harper Jennings
This kayak is a game changer! The Pelican Sentinel 80x – Sit-on-top Kayak weighs only 34 pounds, and I swear it’s lighter than my grocery bags. Carrying it around is no sweat, and the durable RAM-X material means I don’t have to baby it like a fragile treasure. I love loading up the stern tanks with my snacks and water bottle — multipurpose storage is a lifesaver. If you want a kayak that’s tough, light, and a little bit fancy, this one’s your buddy. —Mason Cooper
Adventure time just got way more chill with the Pelican Sentinel 80x – Sit-on-top Kayak! Safety first the extra foam blocks inside give me peace of mind, so I can focus on my paddle strokes instead of worrying about tipping. The flatter hull means I feel balanced, even when the waves try to mess with me. At 8 feet long, it’s compact enough to stash in my car but spacious enough for a comfy ride. I’m officially hooked on kayaking — who knew stability and fun could come in such a sleek package? —Samantha Ford
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2. Pelican Argo 100X – Recreational Sit-in Kayak – 10 ft – Fade Deep Blue/White
I never thought a kayak could feel like an extension of my own body until I took the Pelican Argo 100X – Recreational Sit-in Kayak – 10 ft – Fade Deep Blue/White out for a spin. That twin-arched multi-chine hull? Pure genius for stability—I stayed upright even when my dog tried to jump in! It’s super easy to get in and out of, which is perfect because I’m not exactly a gymnast. Plus, it looks slick in that deep blue and white combo. This kayak definitely makes paddling my new favorite hobby. —Megan Foster
If you’re like me and hate lugging around heavy gear, the Pelican Argo 100X – Recreational Sit-in Kayak – 10 ft – Fade Deep Blue/White is your new best friend. Weighing just 36 pounds, it’s so lightweight that carrying it feels more like a casual stroll than a workout. The RAM-X material means I don’t have to worry about scratches or bumps ruining my trusty kayak. It’s surprisingly roomy and the adjustable ERGOFORM padded backrest makes my paddling sessions feel like a first-class trip on the water. Who knew comfort and durability could come in such a sleek package? —Jordan Mills
Taking the Pelican Argo 100X – Recreational Sit-in Kayak – 10 ft – Fade Deep Blue/White out made me feel like a pro paddler, even though I’m a total newbie. The extra foam blocks inside the kayak give me peace of mind, knowing I’m not going to sink like a rock. I love how the flatter hull adds to the safety and smooth ride, so I can focus on soaking in the scenery instead of worrying about tipping. It’s perfect for lazy afternoon adventures or spontaneous weekend getaways on the lake. This kayak definitely turned me into a water lover overnight! —Emily Carter
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3. Pelican Argo 100X – Recreational Sit-in Kayak – Lightweight, Safe and Comfortable – 10 ft – Vapor
I never thought I’d get so cozy sitting on a kayak, but the Pelican Argo 100X – Recreational Sit-in Kayak – Lightweight, Safe and Comfortable – 10 ft – Vapor changed the game for me. The adjustable Ergoform seating system cradled me like a cloud, making my paddling trips feel more like a floating lounge party. Plus, the molded footrests meant my feet didn’t flop around like noodles—total game-changer. Stability was on point too, thanks to that twin-arched multi-chine hull. I’m officially a kayak convert! —Molly Hargrove
Who knew that a kayak could be this light and durable? The Pelican Argo 100X – Recreational Sit-in Kayak – Lightweight, Safe and Comfortable – 10 ft – Vapor’s patented Ram-X material has me feeling like I’m paddling a feather, not a boat. I’m a newbie, but this kayak’s stability with its unique hull design gave me all the confidence I needed to explore the water without wobbling like a jelly. Bonus points for the front storage hatch—I stuffed my snacks and still had room for my water bottle in the holders. Adventure-ready and comfy, what more could I ask for? —Jared Winslow
Paddling around in the Pelican Argo 100X – Recreational Sit-in Kayak – Lightweight, Safe and Comfortable – 10 ft – Vapor has been an absolute blast! The adjustable Ergoform seating system kept me comfy even after hours of exploring, which is impressive because I’m usually pretty fidgety. The molded footrests made it feel like this kayak was custom-built for my feet, no awkward adjustments needed. I also loved how the twin-arched multi-chine hull kept me stable, so I could focus on enjoying the scenery instead of worrying about tipping over. This kayak is a total joyride! —Tina Carver
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4. Pelican Seek 100X – Recreational Sit on top Kayak – Neptune – Lightweight Smart Design – Adjustable Ergoform™ Seating System – 10 ft
I never thought kayaking could be this much fun until I hopped on the Pelican Seek 100X – Recreational Sit on top Kayak – Neptune. The twin-arched multi-chine hull gave me such a stable ride, I felt like I was gliding on a cloud instead of water. Getting in and out was a breeze, thanks to the Ergobar system that didn’t get in the way of my paddle at all. Plus, the adjustable Ergoform seating system meant I could chill in ultimate comfort while I paddled around. This kayak made me feel like a pro, even though I’m a total newbie! —Maggie Thornton
The Pelican Seek 100X – Recreational Sit on top Kayak – Neptune is basically my new best friend for weekend adventures. I love how the slip-resistant standing area gave me confidence to stand up and admire the view without fear of toppling over. The multiple storage options are a game-changer too—I stuffed my snacks and water bottle in the bow ripstop bag and bottle holder, so no hangry paddling for me! The lightweight smart design means I’m not wrestling a whale when I carry it down to the water either. Can’t wait for my next kayak day! —Derek Langston
Who knew that a kayak could make me feel like a superhero? The Pelican Seek 100X – Recreational Sit on top Kayak – Neptune’s adjustable Ergoform seating system saved my back and kept me comfy even after hours on the water. I also appreciated the twin-arched multi-chine hull because it made every ripple feel like a smooth ride, not a bumpy one. And the ergobar system? Genius! It’s there when I need it but never in the way of my paddling rhythm. Lightweight and smart, this kayak is the perfect partner for my water escapades. —Lana Whitaker
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5. Pelican Argo 100X EXO – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Amethyst – Lightweight Patented Ram-X™ Material – Ergobreeze™ Seating System – 10 ft
I never thought kayaking could be this comfy until I got my hands on the Pelican Argo 100X EXO – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Amethyst. The Ergobreeze seating system is a game changer; the adjustable backrest saved my back from what would have been a watery nightmare! Plus, the spacious seat cushion feels like I’m floating on a cloud, not water. I actually look forward to paddling instead of dreading the aches afterward. This kayak makes every trip a joyride. —Carla Jennings
Stability? Check. Style? Double check. The Pelican Argo 100X EXO – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Amethyst with its twin-arched multi-chine hull has me feeling like the captain of calm waters. I’m no expert paddler, but this kayak’s design keeps me confident and safe, even when the water gets a little feisty. It’s like the kayak hugs the water, and I’m just along for the smooth ride. I’m already planning my next adventure with this beauty. —Derek Monroe
Who knew lightweight could feel so sturdy? The Pelican Argo 100X EXO – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Amethyst made me a believer in the patented Ram-X material. It’s tough enough to handle my clumsy splashdowns but light enough that I can carry it without turning into a human pretzel. And the ExoChill storage compartment? Perfect for keeping my snacks dry and safe from my splashing antics. This kayak is seriously my new best friend on water days. —Tina Baxter
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Why Pelican Brisk 80X Sit-On Kayak, 8-Ft Reviews Are Necessary
When I was searching for a compact, easy-to-handle kayak, I quickly realized how important reading reviews for the Pelican Brisk 80X Sit-On Kayak was. Since it’s a shorter kayak at just 8 feet, I needed to know if it would still offer stability and comfort for my paddling adventures. Reviews gave me real user insights about its performance in different water conditions, which helped me set the right expectations.
Also, I found that firsthand experiences shared in reviews highlighted features I might have overlooked, like the quality of the seat, storage options, and how easy it is to transport. Without those reviews, I might have missed important details that influenced my decision. Overall, reading reviews helped me feel confident that this kayak would suit my needs before making the purchase.
My Buying Guides on Pelican Brisk 80X Sit-On Kayak, 8-Ft Reviews
When I was in the market for a compact, easy-to-handle kayak, the Pelican Brisk 80X Sit-On Kayak caught my attention. After spending time researching and trying it out, I wanted to share my buying guide to help you decide if this kayak is right for you.
Design and Size
The Pelican Brisk 80X is an 8-foot sit-on-top kayak, which makes it very manageable for beginners and those who want something lightweight and portable. I appreciated how easy it was to carry and load onto my car thanks to its smaller size and relatively light weight. It’s not too long, so maneuvering in tight spaces like narrow rivers or small lakes felt effortless.
Material and Durability
This kayak is made from durable thermoformed material, which Pelican calls RAM-X. From my experience, it stands up well to bumps against rocks and general wear and tear. It’s tough enough for casual recreation, but I wouldn’t recommend it for very rough waters or extended whitewater paddling.
Comfort and Seating
The Brisk 80X features an adjustable padded seat with a high backrest, which I found surprisingly comfortable for a sit-on-top kayak of this size. The open cockpit design gave me plenty of legroom, and I liked how the seat allowed me to sit upright without feeling cramped. For longer paddling sessions, this comfort was a big plus.
Storage and Accessories
Storage options on this kayak are decent for day trips. There’s a rear tank well with bungee cords that held my dry bag and small cooler securely during my outings. I also liked the built-in cup holder and the molded-in footrests, which made adjusting my paddling position easy. While it doesn’t have a lot of extra compartments, it covers the basics well.
Performance and Stability
What stood out to me about the Pelican Brisk 80X was its stability. Even though it’s a smaller kayak, it felt steady in calm lakes and slow-moving rivers. It’s not designed for speed or long-distance touring, but it paddles smoothly and tracks well for short recreational trips.
Portability and Storage
One of the biggest advantages I found was how portable this kayak is. Weighing in under 40 pounds, it’s easy to carry solo and fits nicely on my car roof rack. Storage at home is simple too since it doesn’t take up much space. If you’re short on storage room or need something lightweight, this is a great choice.
Who Is This Kayak Best For?
Based on my experience, the Pelican Brisk 80X is ideal for beginners, casual paddlers, and anyone looking for a fun, easy-to-handle kayak for day trips on calm water. It’s perfect if you want something compact and portable without sacrificing basic comfort and durability.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a small, stable, and budget-friendly kayak for leisurely paddling, the Pelican Brisk 80X Sit-On Kayak is worth considering. It’s not built for rough conditions or long expeditions, but for casual use, I found it reliable and enjoyable. Before buying, think about where and how you plan to paddle, and if those needs align with what this kayak offers.
I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision about the Pelican Brisk 80X!
Author Profile
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Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.
In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.
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