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Outdoor Expert

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Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS Review

November 12, 2018 by Outdoor Expert

  • Editor Rating
  • Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS
  • Reviewed by: Outdoor Expert
  • Published on: November 12, 2018
  • Last modified: November 11, 2018
  • Build Quality Editor: 82%
  • Storage Capacity Editor: 84%
  • Comfort Editor: 80%
  • Stability Editor: 80%
  • Maneuverability Editor: 86%

While advanced paddlers often set their sights on kayaks brandishing several-thousand-dollar price tags, kayaking newcomers are usually keen to spend as little as possible on their first kayak. While this is a completely understandable notion, many anglers who shop at the low end of the cost spectrum end up disappointed with their purchase. Often, these bargain-priced kayaks are poorly built, handle terribly and lack the features anglers want in a fishing kayak.

However, there are a few high-quality kayaks available for budget-conscious anglers, such as the Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS. Built from high-quality materials and designed to perform the way kayaking novices need, the Journey 10 SS is a great craft for novices and it will likely foster a profound love of the sport, which is sure to last a lifetime.

journey ss 10 sit on top angler kayak reviews

  • Very affordably priced, yet high-quality kayak
  • Stable for its size and highly maneuverable
  • Plenty of storage space for tackle and gear
  • The craft doesn’t provide enough stability to permit standing
  • The seat back is not adjustable
  • No handles are included on the sides of the cockpit

Build Quality

Like many higher-priced kayaks, the Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS is built from UV-resistant Fortiflex High-Density Polyethylene. This ensures that your kayak will remain rigid while loaded down with equipment and that it will stand up to the bumps and scrapes that occur during fishing trips. A relatively small craft, the Journey 10 SS measures 10 feet long and 30 inches wide.

Storage Capacity

Despite being a relatively small kayak, the Journey 10 SS provides anglers with several different places to store gear and tackle. A large, open cargo area is situated at the bow and includes bungee straps to keep things like coolers, backpacks and bait wells secure. A large click-seal hatch (called the Portable Accessory Carrier) is located at the stern (and bungee straps are found here, as well, for additional storage space) and a smaller one is located directly in front of the seat.

Two flush-mounted rod holders are situated behind the seat, while an articulating rod holder is provided in front of the seat.  One paddle-keeper is also included so that you can keep your hands free for tying on lures and fishing.

journey ss 10 sit on top angler kayak reviews

It is often difficult to find a small craft that provides a comfortable ride, but the Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS boasts a relatively roomy cockpit, to ensure you have plenty of elbow and knee room. Thigh padding is included around the cockpit rim, and a thick, padded seat back is provided to keep your back comfortable.

Adjustable foot braces ensure that paddlers of all heights can find a comfortable paddling position and the storage areas (including the rod holders) are situated in places that are relatively easy to reach.

Like most other small crafts, the Journey 10 SS lacks the stability that many larger kayaks do, but it still provides enough stability to keep you upright while paddling around your local lake.

It isn’t designed to handle rough or choppy water, and you probably won’t find it stable enough to permit standing, but it won’t rock back and forth when you paddle like many small boats do. Generally speaking, it provides sufficient, if not spectacular, stability for the average beginner.

journey ss 10 sit on top angler kayak reviews

Maneuverability

While the Journey 10 SS leaves a little to be desired in terms of stability, its maneuverability helps make up for this deficiency. The Journey 10 SS cuts through the water quickly for a small craft, and it turns on a dime. It is a great choice for anglers who like to fish small water, where it is often necessary to navigate shoreline obstacles, overhanging vegetation and other obstacles.

This kayak is also easy to move across dry ground, thanks to its light weight (the Journey 10 SS only weighs 44 pounds), and the presence of two retractable carrying handles. Most solo paddlers will find it easy to get this kayak from their car to the water and back.

journey ss 10 sit on top angler kayak reviews

The Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS is a great choice for beginning kayakers. It features most of the things an angler would want in a kayak, including plenty of storage space, a roomy cockpit and several rod holders, and it performs in a manner that will benefit those who are just learning to paddle.

It is very affordable, yet well-made, and it provides great stability for its size, which helps beginners feel confident while scooting around on the water. It would be nice if the seat was adjustable and if the craft were stable enough to permit standing, but relatively few kayaks at this price point do so either.

Disclosure:

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IMAGES

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COMMENTS

  1. Fishing Kayak Review: Sun Dolphin Journey 10

    T he Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS is a recreational sit-on-top kayak designed for kayak fishing. A low price, widespread availability, and ease of boarding have made the Sun …