| Brand Name | Perception |
|---|
Reviews with images
Rec kayak size and weight with touring kayak features
The Expression 11.5 is a great kayak if, like me, you want a kayak with shorter length and lighter weight that has open-water capabilities. With the skeg deployed, it tracks like its on rails and is largely immune to the wind. But with the skeg retracted, it turns on a dime. At 11.5 feet long and 42 pounds, it is easy to handle and store out of the water. The keyhole cockpit with adjustable thigh braces means that you will have much greater control than in a true rec kayak without braces and a wide open cockpit. Because it is only 11.5 feet long, it doesn't have a forward bulkhead. I added a float bag in the bow to displace water and add buoyancy in case of a capsize. The only real shortcoming of this boat is the highback seat. It limits the use of sprayskirts and really gets in the way when doing self-rescues. They don't advertise it, but a factory backband is available for this boat; it is the Zone EXP option that they don't sell in the U.S. but is available in Europe. I called the factory and was able to order the backband but it is not a complete kit, you need to source the 3 straps and buckles that attach the backband to the rear deck of the cockpit and to the seatbase to hold it in position. You can buy them separately from Harmony but they are expensive. I chose to source the buckles and straps separately. A trip to the hardware for some stainless hardware and rubber washers and I installed the backband in less than 1/2 hour. It is much better than the highback seat. It is a proper touring kayak seat, allows you to use a broad range of sprayskirts, doesn't interfere with your PFD and makes self-rescues so much easier. Perception should really make this available as an option when buying this boat and make a kit available. I am very pleased with this very capable kayak, especially now that it has a proper kayak seat installed.
Top review from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2018
Rec kayak size and weight with touring kayak features
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2018
The Expression 11.5 is a great kayak if, like me, you want a kayak with shorter length and lighter weight that has open-water capabilities. With the skeg deployed, it tracks like its on rails and is largely immune to the wind. But with the skeg retracted, it turns on a dime. At 11.5 feet long and 42 pounds, it is easy to handle and store out of the water. The keyhole cockpit with adjustable thigh braces means that you will have much greater control than in a true rec kayak without braces and a wide open cockpit. Because it is only 11.5 feet long, it doesn't have a forward bulkhead. I added a float bag in the bow to displace water and add buoyancy in case of a capsize. The only real shortcoming of this boat is the highback seat. It limits the use of sprayskirts and really gets in the way when doing self-rescues. They don't advertise it, but a factory backband is available for this boat; it is the Zone EXP option that they don't sell in the U.S. but is available in Europe. I called the factory and was able to order the backband but it is not a complete kit, you need to source the 3 straps and buckles that attach the backband to the rear deck of the cockpit and to the seatbase to hold it in position. You can buy them separately from Harmony but they are expensive. I chose to source the buckles and straps separately. A trip to the hardware for some stainless hardware and rubber washers and I installed the backband in less than 1/2 hour. It is much better than the highback seat. It is a proper touring kayak seat, allows you to use a broad range of sprayskirts, doesn't interfere with your PFD and makes self-rescues so much easier. Perception should really make this available as an option when buying this boat and make a kit available. I am very pleased with this very capable kayak, especially now that it has a proper kayak seat installed.
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2018
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