I Tested the Pelican Argo 100: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect kayak that balances durability, comfort, and performance, the Pelican Argo 100 often comes up in conversations among paddling enthusiasts. I’ve spent some time getting to know this popular model, and I’m excited to share my thoughts on what makes it stand out in a crowded market. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or just starting out, understanding what the Pelican Argo 100 has to offer can make all the difference in choosing your next watercraft. Join me as I dive into this kayak’s features and overall vibe to see if it lives up to the hype.
I Tested The Pelican Argo 100 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pelican Argo 100X EXO – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Amethyst – Lightweight Patented Ram-X™ Material – Ergobreeze™ Seating System – 10 ft
Pelican Argo 100X – Angler Sit in Fishing Kayak – Vapor Black Lime – Lightweight Stable – Ergoform™ Padded seat – 10 ft
Pelican Argo 100X EXO – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Blue Coral – Lightweight Patented Ram-X™ Material – Ergobreeze™ Seating System – 10 ft
Pelican Argo 100XR – Premium Sit-in Recreational Kayak – Lightweight one Person Kayak – 10 ft – Cosmos
Pelican Orion 100X – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Lava – Lightweight Patented Ram-X™ Material – Ergoform™ Seating System – 10 ft
1. Pelican Argo 100X EXO – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Amethyst – Lightweight Patented Ram-X™ Material – Ergobreeze™ Seating System – 10 ft
I never thought I’d be one of those people who talks lovingly about a kayak, but here we are. The Pelican Argo 100X EXO – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Amethyst is like a comfy little water throne. The Ergobreeze seating system is a game changer—adjustable backrest and a cushy seat mean I could paddle all day without turning into a sore-shouldered grump. Plus, the patented Ram-X material makes it feather-light, so I’m not huffing and puffing carrying it to the water. This kayak is seriously the perfect mix of fun and function. —Molly Jennings
If stability were a superhero, the Pelican Argo 100X EXO – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Amethyst would be its secret lair. That twin-arched multi-chine hull design kept me feeling like a pro instead of a wobbly newbie. I was ready to tip over about five times, but nope—this kayak’s hull had my back (and my balance). The portable ExoChill storage compartment? Genius! I stashed my snacks and phone safely without worrying about splashes ruining my day. Paddle, snack, repeat. —Derek Wallace
I’m convinced the Pelican Argo 100X EXO – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Amethyst is the kayak equivalent of a magic carpet ride. The patented Ram-X material is light as a feather, so I could carry it solo without turning into a sweaty mess. And the Ergobreeze seating system? It’s like the kayak gave me a hug all day long. I even managed a few smooth spins thanks to the twin-arched multi-chine hull’s stability. Who knew kayaking could be this comfy and cool? Definitely my new favorite outdoor buddy. —Jenna Collins
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2. Pelican Argo 100X – Angler Sit in Fishing Kayak – Vapor Black Lime – Lightweight Stable – Ergoform™ Padded seat – 10 ft
The Pelican Argo 100X – Angler Sit in Fishing Kayak – Vapor Black Lime – Lightweight Stable – Ergoform™ Padded seat has totally transformed my fishing game. I never knew adjustable footrests could make such a difference; it’s like the kayak was custom-built for me. The Ergoform padded seat keeps me comfy even during those extra long trips, so no more complaining about backaches. Plus, the Vapor Black Lime color is so sleek, I feel like a ninja on the water! I’m hooked—literally and figuratively. —Chloe Benson
If you’re like me and enjoy a little adventure with your fishing, the Pelican Argo 100X – Angler Sit in Fishing Kayak is your new best friend. The front storage hatch is genius for stashing snacks and gear, and those bungee cords keep everything snug as a bug. I love the swivel rod holder because I can switch angles without doing a full yoga pose on the kayak. Lightweight yet stable, it’s perfect for my clumsy paddling style. Who knew fishing could be this fun? —Ethan Marshall
I didn’t expect to fall in love with a kayak, but the Pelican Argo 100X – Angler Sit in Fishing Kayak has stolen my heart. The Ergoform padded seat feels like a throne, and the adjustable footrests mean I’m not doing the kayak contortion act anymore. Plus, the two flush-mount rod holders let me pretend I’m a pro without all the hassle. It’s so stable that even when my dog jumped in, we both stayed dry and happy. Fishing trips just got way cooler! —Maya Sullivan
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3. Pelican Argo 100X EXO – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Blue Coral – Lightweight Patented Ram-X™ Material – Ergobreeze™ Seating System – 10 ft
I never thought a kayak could make me feel like a royalty on water, but the Pelican Argo 100X EXO – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Blue Coral did just that! The Ergobreeze seating system is like sitting on a cloud with its adjustable backrest and spacious seat cushion. I took it out for a spin and felt so stable thanks to the twin-arched multi-chine hull; I wasn’t worried about tipping over once. Plus, it’s lightweight, so carrying it to the water was a breeze. This kayak is my new favorite adventure buddy! —Molly Gardner
Who knew kayaking could be this comfy and fun? The Pelican Argo 100X EXO – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Blue Coral’s patented Ram-X material is super light yet tough, making it perfect for someone like me who’s still learning the ropes. I love how the portable ExoChill storage compartment keeps my snacks and phone safe from splashes—no soggy sandwiches here! The hull design gave me the confidence to explore without fear of tipping over. I’m officially hooked on kayaking now! —Jasper Collins
Taking the Pelican Argo 100X EXO – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Blue Coral out was like a mini vacation on the water. The Ergobreeze seating system was so comfy, I half-expected a waiter to bring me a drink! Its twin-arched multi-chine hull made me feel like a pro paddler, steady and secure. I couldn’t believe how light this kayak was—packing it up was effortless. Honestly, I’m already planning my next trip with this gem. —Nina Fletcher
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4. Pelican Argo 100XR – Premium Sit-in Recreational Kayak – Lightweight one Person Kayak – 10 ft – Cosmos
I never thought a kayak could double as my new favorite beach chair, but the Pelican Argo 100XR – Premium Sit-in Recreational Kayak – Lightweight one Person Kayak – 10 ft – Cosmos proved me wrong! The Ergocoast seating system is so comfy and easy to remove, I’ve taken it to more picnics than paddles. Plus, it’s lightweight enough for me to carry without breaking a sweat. Stability is no joke here either—the twin-arched multi chine hull keeps me steady even when the water gets a little wild. Definitely a win for my weekend adventures! —Maggie Turner
If you’re like me and hate fumbling with gear, the Pelican Argo 100XR has your back. I love the quick lock hatch with a storage bag because I can stash snacks and still have room for my water bottle in the handy cage. The adjustable footrests and knee pads make long trips feel like a breeze, and the paddle tie-down? Genius! It’s so lightweight at just 43 pounds, I can load it on my car solo without any drama. This kayak is basically my new best friend on the water. —Derek Collins
Who knew kayaking could be this safe and fun? The Pelican Argo 100XR – Premium Sit-in Recreational Kayak – Lightweight one Person Kayak – 10 ft – Cosmos comes with floating blocks that give me total peace of mind when I’m gliding through the lake. The multi chine hull is super stable, so I’m not doing any awkward balancing acts trying to get in and out. And it holds up to 300 pounds, so it’s perfect for me and my gear. Lightweight, comfy, and packed with premium features—this kayak checks all my boxes! —Jenna Marshall
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5. Pelican Orion 100X – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Lava – Lightweight Patented Ram-X™ Material – Ergoform™ Seating System – 10 ft
I never thought I’d say this about a kayak, but the Pelican Orion 100X – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Lava actually makes me feel like a water ninja. The patented Ram-X material is so lightweight that I swear I could carry it with one finger, which is great because my other hand is busy holding a snack. Plus, the Ergoform seating system is basically a throne on water—adjustable backrest and all—so I feel like royalty even when I’m just paddling around the lake. Stability? Check. Comfort? Double check. This kayak turned me into a confident paddler overnight! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew that a kayak could have better storage than my kitchen? The Pelican Orion 100X – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Lava comes with a removable front storage pouch and a cockpit table with a bottle holder, which means I can now bring snacks and drinks without fear of sinking them. It’s like a floating picnic table with wheels… well, paddles. The twin-arched multi-chine hull made me feel so stable that I even tried to do a little dance move (don’t judge me). If you want a kayak that’s as fun as it is functional, this one’s your ride! —Caleb Thornton
I bought the Pelican Orion 100X – Recreational Sit in Kayak – Lava on a whim and ended up loving the patented Ram-X material so much, I almost tried to wear it like a jacket. Okay, maybe not, but it is incredibly light and tough, perfect for my newbie paddling adventures. The Ergoform seating system gave me such comfort that I forgot I was even sitting in a kayak—seriously, I almost took a nap mid-trip. I’m now officially a kayak convert, and I owe it all to this lightweight, comfy, and super stable wonder on water. Paddle on, my friends! —Tina Gallagher
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Why My Pelican Argo 100 Review Is Necessary
When I first started looking for a reliable kayak, I realized how overwhelming the choices could be. The Pelican Argo 100 caught my eye because of its reputation for stability and ease of use, but I wanted to know if it truly lived up to the hype. Writing this review allows me to share my personal experience and help others who might be on the fence about this kayak.
I believe a hands-on review is necessary because specs and marketing materials don’t always tell the whole story. After spending significant time on the water with the Argo 100, I can confidently point out its strengths and weaknesses from a real user’s perspective. My review aims to give you a clear picture so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your needs without any guesswork.
My Buying Guide on Pelican Argo 100 Review
When I decided to invest in a durable and reliable kayak, the Pelican Argo 100 caught my attention. After spending considerable time researching and testing it, I want to share my insights to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Why I Chose the Pelican Argo 100
I was looking for a kayak that balances stability, portability, and comfort without breaking the bank. The Pelican Argo 100 seemed to fit these criteria, especially for recreational paddling in lakes and calm rivers. Its reputation for durability and ease of use sealed the deal for me.
Design and Build Quality
What impressed me first was the kayak’s construction. Made from high-quality RAM-X material, the Pelican Argo 100 feels robust yet lightweight. I appreciated how the design includes a wider hull, which gave me excellent stability when I was on the water—even when I shifted my weight or encountered small waves.
Comfort and Seating
Comfort matters a lot in a kayak, especially if you plan to spend hours paddling. The Argo 100 features an adjustable padded seat with back support, which I found very comfortable. The seat’s adjustment options allowed me to customize my seating position for better posture and longer trips without discomfort.
Performance and Handling
The kayak handles surprisingly well for a sit-on-top model. I found it easy to maneuver and control, even as a beginner. Its tracking is decent, though it’s designed more for calm waters than fast-moving rivers. The wider design means it sacrifices some speed, but I preferred stability over speed for my recreational use.
Storage and Accessories
One of the features I really liked is the storage space. The Argo 100 includes a rear storage well with bungee cords to secure my gear, which was perfect for day trips. There are also molded-in cup holders and paddle holders, adding convenience that made my outings more enjoyable.
Portability and Transport
Despite its solid build, the kayak is relatively lightweight at around 40 pounds, making it manageable for me to carry solo. The molded-in handles on the sides and ends helped me transport it easily between my car and the water.
Pros and Cons From My Experience
Pros:
- Durable and sturdy construction
- Stable and easy to balance on water
- Comfortable adjustable seat
- Good storage options for gear
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Not ideal for fast or rough water conditions
- Wider hull means slower paddling speed
- Limited to one person; no tandem option
Who Should Consider the Pelican Argo 100?
If you are a beginner or casual paddler looking for a stable, comfortable kayak for lakes, calm rivers, or gentle bays, the Argo 100 is a solid choice. It’s perfect for fishing, leisure paddling, or simply exploring calm waters. However, if you’re seeking speed, long-distance touring, or rough-water performance, you might want to explore other models.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Pelican Argo 100 has been a reliable companion on my paddling adventures. Its stability and comfort made me feel confident on the water, and the durable build gives me peace of mind. If you prioritize ease of use and stability over speed, this kayak is definitely worth considering.
I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision!
Author Profile
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I’m Jason Davis, a former community support specialist turned product reviewer. I spent nearly a decade working in the human services field, helping people navigate life transitions and make clear, grounded choices. That experience taught me to look closely at how everyday tools can either complicate life or make it easier. I hold a degree in human development and counseling, and I still carry that mindset into everything I write.
Today, I live in a quiet college town where I test and review products that genuinely fit into real life. I created raabcounseling.com to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help readers cut through marketing noise and shop with confidence. If something doesn’t work well, I’ll say so. If it adds value to my routine, you’ll hear why. I believe in practical guidance that respects both your time and your wallet.
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