Jackson Staxx Review

The Jackson Staxx is a 10-foot, 8-inch long, and 33-inch wide sit-on-top kayak with a raised, metal framed seat. It weighs 64 pounds and has two storage compartments, one that is sealed dry and one that is open and secured with a bungee cord.

Performance Comparison

Glide and Tracking

The Staxx has an average length compared to other recreational kayaks we tested but is also among the widest out of the lineup, and it sports a relatively flat hull. This doesn't help it glide very fast and means it takes a few extra strokes to get up to full speed — this will never be the fastest kayak on the water. However, the wide design delivers stable tracking and helps keep this barge moving in the right direction.

Stability

The Staxx stood out as one of the very top performers in this important metric. Not only is this stable to sit on, but many users will find it easy to stand on this kayak, making it a good platform for casting a reel. Our (smaller) testers were literally jumping up and down on the Staxx without rocking the boat.

The superior stability of the Staxx makes it a fun option for jumping off into the water. It's also easy to get back onto. Those that like to recreate with their dogs will also appreciate the stability and ease of access that this boat affords.

Maneuverability

The long and wide profile of the Staxx makes it a slow turner. This kayak took the longest to turn 360 degrees out of all the kayaks we tested. In addition, it also was a slow and awkward mover through our timed slalom course. The multi-chimed hull profile further lags the process.

As you have less connectivity with the kayak in this open-seat design, you also lose out on some efficiency of control. This doesn't mean that you won't be able to turn this kayak, but it may take you a few extra strokes.

If you do end up tipping over this kayak or taking on big splashes of water, the self-bailing design makes it quick to empty. In addition, the large handles make re-righting this heavy kayak slightly easier than even some of the much lighter options.

Ease of Transport

The Staxx is among the heaviest of all the kayaks we tested. This makes carrying it to and from the river a bit of a hassle, in addition to the struggles of loading it onto your car's roof rack. It does have some of the most ergonomic handles we came across, which makes this task slightly more bearable, especially if you have two people. Those with kayak trailers will be grateful when hauling this kayak down to the beach. There is a replaceable skid plate on the rear hull, as the manufacturers clearly recognize that you may just end up dragging this beast.

Comfort

The open style of this kayak design, as well as the raised seat, make this boat very comfortable to lounge in, with plenty of room to stretch even the longest of legs. Tall paddlers enjoyed using this kayak more than any others. The bottom of the seat is molded into the plastic of the kayak, and the back of the seat is adjustable, with two buckles on either side. The high seat back is very comfortable, as long as you are wearing the right style of PFD (thin back or high back).

Unlike many other kayaks, the molded seat of the Staxx is raised a few inches, helping to avoid getting a wet bottom from the splashes that come through the scupper holes or from the water that collects in the bottom. With bountiful on-deck storage and a bit of dry in-deck storage, this kayak can comfortably carry you and your cooler down some cruisey rivers or ocean channels.

Depending on what you intend to do with your kayak, the rear storage well provides ample room for a child or a small dog. Depending on your weight, you could also bring a friend along without much stress.

Construction Quality

The shell of the Staxx is made of uncompromising plastic, and we suspect it can handle far more than the actual kayak is designed for. A conveniently placed internal storage hatch can hold a small stash (approximately 7.5 liters) of essentials. Given the large capacity of this kayak, we had hoped this would hold a bit more in these dry storage areas. Jackson advertises this compartment as semi-dry; however, we had issues keeping the lid completely sealed from wetness.

The storage hatch on the Staxx seemed to expand in hot weather and then loosen in cool conditions, often resulting in the lid falling off unexpectedly. Without a security leash, it would also be easy to lose this important cover. Given the volume of the kayak, we were surprised at how small the deck dry storage space actually was, with only enough space for small dry bags under 10 liters. The storage well at the rear of the kayak is considerably larger; however, this does not offer dry protection for your gear. Overall there is plenty of space to store things; we were just disappointed that there wasn't more specifically dry storage on this barge of a kayak.

We do have concerns about the weight capacity of the seat. We broke it with only a 185-pound paddler, and we know larger kayakers who would otherwise have found this kayak suitable. Replacement parts are available from the Jackson website, and we have heard the replacement seat straps have stronger buckles. Hopefully, they upgrade the standard buckle to this superior quality soon, making it the standard.

The Jackson manufacturers are fond of fisherfolk with many bespoke design features to cater to their needs. With the Staxx, they have designed the geometry of this kayak to accommodate convenient fishing pole management. There is also the option to add a Staxx-specific fishing kit which includes deck pads, rod holders, tackle pouches, and gear racks.

Value

The Jackson Staxx is a hefty kayak, and it comes in at a pretty hefty price. That being said, its storage, versatility, and high load capacity mean that it's a great option for loading up for adventures or bringing a furry friend along, and you can't put a price on that.

Conclusion