Perception Tribe 11.5 Review
Our Verdict
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This Product
Perception Tribe 11.5 | |||||
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Price | $799 List $799.00 at Amazon | Check Price at REI Compare at 3 sellers | Check Price at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $650 List Check Price at Backcountry | $799 List Check Price at Backcountry |
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Bottom Line | An all-around popular and stable boat that is fast and tracks well in various conditions | This is a comfortable and exceedingly fun boat to paddle no matter what kind of adventure you choose | If you are looking for a fun and safe kayak that the whole family will enjoy, then this boat offers a great bang for your buck | If paddling comfort and affordability are your priorities, then this may be a great option | If you want comfort, stability, and storage and don’t mind a bit of extra weight this kayak delivers a reliable ride |
Rating Categories | Perception Tribe 11.5 | Wilderness Systems... | Ocean Kayak Malibu... | Old Town Vapor 10 | Jackson Staxx |
Glide and Tracking (30%) | |||||
Stability (20%) | |||||
Maneuverability (15%) | |||||
Ease of Transport (15%) | |||||
Comfort (10%) | |||||
Construction Quality (10%) | |||||
Specs | Perception Tribe 11.5 | Wilderness Systems... | Ocean Kayak Malibu... | Old Town Vapor 10 | Jackson Staxx |
Length | 11' 5" | 10' 6" | 11' 5" | 10' 0" | 10' 8" |
Width | 30.5" | 29" | 32" | 28.5" | 33" |
Weight | 57 lbs | 48 lbs | 59 lbs | 47 lbs | 64 lbs |
Height | 12.6" | 15.5" | 12" | 16.8" | 10.5" |
Weight Capacity | 350 lbs | 400 lbs | 360 lbs | 325 lbs | 375 lbs |
Material/Construction | UV, impact and abrasion resistant, high-density rotomolded polyethylene | High-density roto-molded linear polyethylene | Singler layer polyethylene | Single-layer polyethylene | Polyethylene |
Features | Adjustable framed seat, padded seat, molded-in footrests, molded-in bow and stern well with bungees, replaceable stern skid plate, 6" central cockpit hatch with liner, 3 drink holders, side handles, front and rear toggle handles, drainage scupper holes, draing plug, skid plate, | Phase 3 Air Pro seat with mesh streched over contoured foam perferated pad, leg lifters and adjustable seat back angles, thigh and knee pads, adjustable slide locking foot braces, rear bulkhead compartment with Orbix stern hatch, shock cord bow and stern rigging for extra storage, rugged bow and stern handles, molded dashboard with gear tray and drink holder, replaceable skid plate and retractable drop down skeg. | Tri-form hull with an integral keel and sponsons, AirGo molded in seat and seat pad with adjustable AirComfort backrest, molded-in foot wells and calf rest, paddle holders, side/stern/bow carrying handles, molded-in oversized bow and stern tank wells with bungees, splash resistent QuickStash dry hatch, 2 molded in fishing rod holders, 3 water bottle holder, replaceable skid plate. | Adjustable comfort flex seat, glide track foot brace system, stern day well, molded-in cockpit tray with cup holder, molded-in paddle rest, built in carry handles, thigh pads, drain plug, skid plate | Fold down adjustable seat, multiple molded in grab handles, drainage scupper holes, stackable, large bow and stern storage area with bungee, small day hatch in the center of kayak for semi-dry storage |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Perception Tribe 11.5 is a sit-on-top kayak measuring 11 feet and 6 inches long and 30.5 inches wide. It has a folding chair, sturdy, ergonomic handles on both sides, and toggled handles at either end. A small dry hatch is centered in the kayak, and there are stern and bow storage wells. The Tribe weighs 57 pounds and is constructed from rotomolded high-density polyethylene, giving it a robust and weighty finish.
Performance Comparison
Glide and Tracking
Perception lengthened their Tribe 9.5 model by two feet to increase the stability, tracking, and speed of the Tribe 11.5. The extra length and the boat's sleek, narrower hull design provide respectable glide and a boat that handles waves when the winds pick up.
The pronounced, thin, V-shaped keel allows this kayak to hold long, straight tracking lines so the boat can glide effortlessly across the water without veering off course.
Stability
The Tribe width and tri-form hull deliver good primary stability on flat water. That said, you may notice a gentle wobble if you move around a bit (i.e., to get something from the front storage). However, thanks to the high sides, the secondary stability is bomber, ensuring that a small wobble won't tip you into the water.
On the move, the Perception Tribe 11.5 continually felt like a stable ship, and we were comfortable navigating this kayak down gentle rapids. The high-angled bow helps cut through breaking waves, and even when we took a bit of water on board, the drain holes ensured that this water quickly drained and did not impact performance.
Maneuverability
One of the first things we noticed and appreciated about the Tribe 11.5 was how the bow ripped through oncoming waves and chop. It did this better than most other kayaks we tested, helping the paddler stay high and dry.
On the other hand, the hull length and distinct keel line hindered the vessel's maneuverability when turning around or paddling between tight coves and rocks.
Ease of Transport
Anytime you have a boat 10+ feet long that weighs over 50 pounds, it will be hard to move from place to place and on and off a vehicle without assistance. The Tribe 11.5 falls in that category. When working alone, we found this boat to be a bit awkward and bulky.
Fortunately, this kayak comes equipped with soft-touch handles at the bow and stern and molded handles on the port and starboard sides by the seat. We appreciate the option to both hoist and haul the boat. If you don't have a friend or kayak cart, Perception has provided a replaceable stern skid plate, which you can use to drag the boat without fear of scraping your hull.
If you like these kayaks and want to purchase several, you'll be pleased with how conveniently they stack.
Comfort
The Tribe is a comfortable boat outfitted with a back-friendly, ergonomically-supported seat, cushy padding, and a large open cockpit that's easy on the legs. It's well-situated for all-day comfort.
The updated seat uses mesh rather than bulky padding, which we found more comfortable in the heat and better for withstanding the test of time. The seat can be adjusted to help you find the best paddling posture; however, we were frustrated with the direction of the webbing adjusters. The webbing that connects the seat to the backrest pulls backward, and we felt it would be easier to adjust if it ran in a forward direction, towards the bow.
Construction Quality
Perception has been creating kayaks for over 50 years, and they are pioneers of the plastic kayak industry. They have designed white water, ocean, and recreational kayaks and know a lot about the demands placed on their products in each environment. The plastic quality of the Tribe 11.5 is unquestionable. The industry-leading rotational molding process uses high-density polyethylene designed to take a beating. With its tough UV, abrasion, and impact-resistant plastic, you won't need to worry about wearing out this kayak anytime soon. Perception even has a replaceable stern skid place so you don't have to worry about putting a gash in your hull when you drag this kayak down to the beach.
The updated mesh chair is now stowed away by folding the chair top backward into the recessed kayak when in storage. This makes it better for stacking and less susceptible to damage during transport.
Should You Buy the Perception Tribe 11.5?
The ample leg room and storage of the Tribe 11.5 make it a great choice for lazy river days. However, it is also one of the better kayaks to take out on more unfavorable days. Its length assists with tracking, adding to boat speed. There's plenty of room on this boat to stretch out, with ample storage in the bow and stern wells. On the flip side, with a kayak this size, you may encounter difficulty transporting and moving it to and from the water or storage without a dolly or cart. But you won't be disappointed in this durable and functional kayak.
What Other Kayaks Should You Consider?
If you like the Perception Tribe 11.5 but want more maneuverability, consider the shorter Tribe 9.5 or something with a less v-shaped hull, such as the Eddyline Skylark or Pelican Brume 100XP. For those that want to bring along a friend, Perception also makes a Tribe Tandem.