Pelican Argo 100X EXO Review

The Pelican Argo 100X EXO is a 10-foot-long and 28-inch wide sit-inside kayak with a large open cockpit and a twin-arched multi-chined hull. There is a covered storage hatch at the front of the kayak and an open storage compartment at the rear with bungee cord tie-downs. The Argo comes with a 17-liter insulated cool bag designed to fit perfectly in the rear compartment well. Constructed of multi-layer polyethylene material — the Argo weighs 38 pounds and has a maximum weight capacity of 275 pounds.

Glide and Tracking

Speed is not the primary strength of the Argo 100X EXO. Its design focuses more on stability and ease of use rather than swift movement through the water. For leisurely paddles and short excursions, this kayak performs adequately, but those looking for a faster ride may need to consider longer and sleeker models.

The Argo doesn't track very well. Due to its shorter length, keeping this kayak in a straight line is not a natural forte. It tracks adequately, but we don't consider it a top contender for long journeys.

The Argo 100X can be kept tracking in a straight line by paddlers experienced in modifying their stroke to accommodate short, wide boats like this. But newer and intermediate paddlers are likely to be frustrated about its “waggle” on long paddling missions.

Stability

The Argo 100X EXO is impressively stable, which is a crucial factor for novice paddlers. Experienced paddlers also enjoyed how little effort it required to keep this kayak upright. The multi-chined wide provides a solid and steady ride, reducing the risk of tipping over. This kayak is perfect for those still getting used to being on the water and who need a reliable and predictable vessel.

The Argo's hull is not designed with moving current in mind, and although it doesn't easily capsize, it doesn't provide the most stable of rides through moving water.

The rear kayak storage well has scupper hulls, so if you do take on some water, the Argo should be able to self-drain and remain stable. This avoids the problem of water sloshing around and upsetting your balance.

Maneuverability

At 10 feet in length, the Argo 100X EXO is relatively easy to maneuver. It responds well to basic paddling strokes, making it suitable for navigating small lakes and gentle rivers.

If you were to capsize, this kayak will take on water and will need to be brought to shore to empty and re-enter. The small drain hole in the rear will help with emptying the kayak. Its cockpit isn't designed to take a spray skirt. Therefore, executing a proper Eskimo roll for the Pelican Argo 100X is impossible.

Ease of Transport

Thanks to its lightweight construction materials, the Argo is one of the lighter kayaks we tested — just 38 pounds! Loading, carrying to the water, carrying back to the car, and reloading can take quite a bit of effort, so we were appreciative whenever we had a kayak like the Pelican Argo 100X that made this easy.

Due to its light weight, testers were comfortable transporting the Argo solo and found a variety of suitable methods. The kayak is light and short enough to be lifted from its side with one hand and transported short distances (e.g., from your car to the water). For longer journeys, if you have a friend with you, the carrying handles on either end make it even simpler.

We were also comfortable dragging this kayak in most environments, as the material is robust enough to handle moderate abrasion and isn't so heavy that it ended up getting deep gouges. Despite its lightweight, shouldering the Argo is less comfortable as there is no good place to rest on your shoulder that doesn't have a sharp edge digging into your skin.

The V-shape on either end of the hull of the Argo 100X makes it impossible to rest the kayak right side up and flat on a flat roof rack, as it will always lean slightly to one side. You also can't store it hull-side down as the seat does not fold flat. If you want to preserve the shape of this kayak, it's a good idea to store it on its side on a specifically designed kayak rack. This makes an otherwise cheap option significantly more pricey. Alternatively, if you have a medium-sized car or truck, you could fit this short 10-foot kayak inside your car, saving any issue with loading (but potentially getting your car dirty).

Comfort

The Argo has a cockpit opening that is 55 inches long and 25 inches wide. This is larger than most other sit-inside models, making it easier to get into and out of — the only easier options are the sit-on-top kayaks.

The Argo has a padded seat and backrest, along with foot pegs to rest your feet on and help provide extra stability. The foot pegs are not adjustable, but there are multiple fixed options molded in, so you can select the one that suits you. The seat is also not adjustable, unlike other premium models we tested.

Construction Quality

Constructed from Pelican's proprietary RAM-X material, the hull of the Argo 100X EXO is built to last. This multi-layer polyethylene material is known for its impact resistance and UV protection, ensuring the kayak can withstand the rigors of outdoor use.

The Argo comes with a padded backrest and molded footrests that don't give off quite the same sense of longevity as the thick polyethylene hull. Storage features include a front storage hatch, a rear tank well equipped with bungee cords, a cockpit table with a bottle holder, and other handy compartments. A second bottle holder is built into the seat to ensure you stay hydrated while on the water.

Although we appreciated the convenience of the storage hatch, the front compartment was too far away for our testers to reach while in their seat. It is also not watertight.

Should You Buy the Pelican Argo 100X EXO?

Calling casual paddlers! If you are looking for a budget kayak that you can transport on your own, the Argo may be for you. This is not a high-performance option, but it is probably good enough, and it is definitely one that your bank account would appreciate. Thanks to its lightweight and manageable size, this Pelican kayak is easy to transport and store, and it is adequate for calm, slow-moving waters.

What Other Kayaks Should You Consider?

The Old Town Vapor 10 offers an even larger cockpit for easy access and superior tracking and glide for those wanting to cover longer stances, and doesn't cost too much more. If you're open to a very open-plan kayak, the sit-on-top Quest Passage 100 is a great model to consider, with very similar performance, a lower cost, and a great casual paddling experience.