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Best Kayak Seats Reviewed & Rated for Quality
If you don’t have seats, awful is my best guess which is quite possibly from the lack of back support and the unnatural paddle motion you’re forced to uphold. Kayak fishing seats are designed to provide support and comfort while offering users increased maneuverability. With elevated kayak seats, you get the freedom to achieve a perfect paddle motion and most are equipped with extra storage space if you need it.
Manufacturers offer consumers a range of options which include sit on top kayak seats as well as sit in, each with their own list of benefits to suit your needs. This top ten review will list some of the best kayak seats on the market followed by a comprehensive buying guide.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
It is standard for these types of items to have a measure of padding in the seat section of the structure as it is designed to be used by persons who may be on the water for extended periods. In an effort to increase the comfort level of users, some companies have gone to the trouble of adding extra padding in these areas. The level of cushion used may vary from one manufacturer to the other but it is clear that additional options for comfort can go a long way in improving consumer satisfaction as well as customer loyalty.
Comfort is one of the main criteria used for assessing the viability and preference of a user’s selection. It can even be labeled the number one criteria apart from basic functionality and overall performance. This feature is not just a luxury or an added feature. If you don’t select wisely when it comes to cushion and comfort, you are in for a challenging trip that can wear on you over time. This is surely one of the main reasons why a consumer may choose one brand over another so a manufacturer that puts their best foot forward in this regard has significantly put themselves and their products a step ahead of the competition.
The location of your seat not only gives you a measure of comfort but also a piece of mind depending on your preference. It can be quite uncomfortable when rowing from the inside of the vessel as there is not a lot of room for maneuverability which is why there is an alternative option of doing so from the top of the structure. If safety is the main concern for you, it may be more comfortable for you to stick to the inside of the structure and simply use a sit-in design.
Support
The human body is a well-oiled machine and performs at its best when all its parts work together. It is vigorous and challenging work being at sea and one of the rules when it comes to body care is ensuring one main area is at rest while the other works. This builds up endurance and helps you to do more for longer periods of time. You would notice this tactic used in activities such as interval training. The reason for this is to allow some areas to rest while others work.
Failure to adhere to this strategy can cause fatigue and result in exhaustion and even injury. This applies no less when being out on the water. If you’re required to paddle, areas such as the arms, shoulders, and back are going to be hard at work and need as much rest and support as possible for them to function better for longer periods. For that reason, many companies have ensured there is adequate clearance or height on their selections.
Increased height adds more support to areas such as the lower back. Your back, in this instance, will have to endure long periods of work as it is going to be used to stabilize your upper body while you paddle. With adequate back support not only will you be able to endure for longer periods but you reduce the risk of possible injury due to unnatural stroke patterns or having to much pressure or strain on those muscles. Getting injured on land is challenging but getting an injury at sea can be life-threatening, having adequate back support is a must.
Adjustability
Generally, seats are held in position by the use of straps but this is not the only function for which they serve. They also allow you to adjust the position of the item so you can set the height and distance to a position that best suits your needs. Some designs carry two straps while others may have up to four. The more straps you have the more range of maneuverability the selection is likely to have which may allow some people to sit in a wider range of positions.
Materials
Brass is a highly durable material that also possesses the ability to resist external factors such as corrosion. Marine-grade is a specific type of brass that has advanced features that are beneficial in conditions such as you would encounter while out on the water. It is an alloy that contains copper, tin, and zinc in addition to allowing consumers to use the material in both freshwaters as well as saltwater which may not be the case for a range of similar materials used for this purpose.
Molded foam is a great choice when it comes to water-based furniture as it is quite strong and stiff which is a necessity when it comes to this type of item. The strength and stiffness offered by this selection lend itself well to back support which is a major criterion consumers base their purchases on. A good feature when it comes to the stiffness of this kayak seat is that it is not stiff to the point of being hard so it also offers a measure of comfort which ticks another consumer concern box.
Neoprene is a fabric often used to layer these structures as it is a quite strong material that offers a measure of flexibility. Due to its strength, it is highly durable and less likely to tear due to damage or decay. It is also quite resistant ranking it among other non-fabric materials such as rubber when it comes to withstanding wear, tear and external pressure. This is one of the most popular selections when it comes to coverings for this type of item.
To enhance the durability and resistance of some materials when out on the water they may be coated with selected materials. Plastic is a common coating as it is strong and highly resistant to both decays, wear, and moisture. This may be added as an extra layer on fabrics such as neoprene to enhance already existing, high-performance characteristics. Wax is another choice when it comes to external coatings but is usually used to add water resistance to the fabric material.
Breathability
There are very few things that are as uncomfortable as marinating on a waterlogged surface which is why ventilation is a major concern when it comes to these types of items. Some designs use light fabrics such as nylon for construction as these dry easily while others may incorporate an entire system dedicated to breathability and increased ventilation. Whichever you choose, both options help you to stay dry which increases your comfort while you are out on the water.
Creating some extra room is always an option when it comes to increasing the breathability of an item. This is the case with designs that have a high level of adjustability as you have the option of creating more room if you need it. There are some designs that allow you to drop the back altogether which is an excellent option for people who prefer for the wind to strike against them to cook them down during warmer climates.
10 Best Kayak Seats
1. Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus
The Ocean Kayak Plus has a large surface area designated for back support and extra padding in the seating area.
This Kayak seat is quite tall which allows this design to offer you extra support for your back during trips. The “extra” does not stop there as the seat also features additional padding for increased user comfort. Adjustable straps give you the option of setting up your item in the way that best suits your individual needs.
Comfort
The extra padding in the seat of this item offers users increased comfort which is especially useful when out on the water for long periods. This design features more cushion than a standard selection.
Support
This design offers a considerable amount of height which is why it is equipped to offer better performance when it comes to supporting the lower back. You can fine-tune the seating by adjusting the straps.
Cost and Value
The Ocean Kayak plus has a low price range. Solid brass has been used to construct the clips with springs being constructed from stainless steel for increased strength and durability.
2. Leader Accessories Deluxe
The Leader Accessories kayak seat features molded foam with marine grade brass within its connecting straps.
This kayak seat has connecting straps that are made from solid brass which increases not only strength but durability with webbing that is also adjustable for user comfort. It comes in three color combinations which include black with grey or black with piping which stands apart from the standard plain black design.
Adjustability
There are four straps attached to this item with two located to the front and two located to the back of the structure which allows users to set up the seat in a way that is most convenient to them.
Materials
Brass is already a significantly strong metal that is highly durable, however, marine-grade brass has advanced features such as anti-corrosion that makes it more suitable to use in large bodies of water.
Cost and Value
The Leader Accessories kayak seat has a moderately low price range. There is extra storage available by means of a detachable bag that can be used to store items you may need while out on the water.
3. Vibe Kayaks Deluxe
The Vibe Kayaks padded seat features marine-grade brass in its connecting straps and a sit on the top design for maximum maneuverability.
This kayak seat is comfortable with a stylish design that is easy on the eyes and the body. It offers amazing support and features adjustable both to the front and the rear of the structure that can stand up to the elements as it is UV protected. These straps are secured to the kayak using brass snaps that are marine grade.
Adjustability
There are four straps attached to this item with two located to the front and two located to the back of the structure which allows users to set up the seat in a way that is most convenient to them.
Materials
Brass is already a significantly strong metal that is highly durable, however, marine-grade brass has advanced features such as anti-corrosion that makes it more suitable to use in large bodies of water.
Cost and Value
The Vibe Kayaks padded seat has a low price range. A clip-on bag can be found at the back of the seat where users can store gear such as a tackle or other items they wish to keep secure while on the water.
4. Sea Eagle Deluxe
The Sea Eagle inflatable seat is a brand new design on the market expected to offer superior performance when it comes to back support.
This kayak seat is a fairly new design that promises increased performance when it comes to back support. Each selection features a pocket to the back of the structure that can be used for extra storage while on the water. This additional space measures 14 inches in width and 21 inches in depth with a height of 19 inches.
Support
This new design offers superior back support with fourteen inches of clearance to ensure your lower back is completely protected while you are paddling out on the water with a sit-on design for increased maneuverability.
Breathability
Not only can the back of this structure be adjusted to give you more room to breathe but you also have the option of inflating just the seat portion so the back remains open allowing more air to hit your body as you move on the water.
Cost and Value
The Sea Eagle inflatable seat has a moderately high price range. It is specially designed to be used with this particular brand of products which follows in an identical style of structure and design.
5. Surf To Summit Outfitter
The Surf To Summit series features layered foam and is compression molded for superior performance.
This kayak seat was one of the first-ever created in this company’s vast series of products and is still a top pick when it comes to back support for users today. Not only is this design strong and able to stand up to the rigors of water work but it also has a high level of durability with a design that is basic yet functional.
Materials
This particular design features a layered construction where it is first molded with foam, the fabric is then added to the structure permanently securing it, followed by a plastic covering to protect the fabric.
Adjustability
The four-way adjustability provided by this item allows users to have full control over the set up of their item. They control the distance as well as the angles making a custom seating arrangement for any user.
Cost and Value
The Surf To Summit series has been molded throughout even with regards to the fabric which is ideal for ensuring that it stays connected and does not suffer damage from typical pressure points associated with stitching.
6. Redneck Convent
The Redneck Convent standard seat features molded foam for extra back support with a surface area wide enough to accommodate multiple position seating.
This kayak seat sports a black and grey color combination with a portfolio that offers high levels of comfort for water goers that work long days. It is contoured to the natural shape of the body with a high rise back feature that ensures there is enough surface area for multiple positions during the trip.
Comfort
The comfort level on this particular item is high level as there is cushion not only in the base of the structure but also at the back offering all-around comfort and support while the selection is in use.
Materials
At the heart of the support and comfort offered by this item are the materials used for construction and this design prominently features molded foam which is able to contour to the natural shape of your body.
Cost and Value
The Redneck Convent standard seat has a low price range. It is easy to install with front and rear straps for easy adjustability. These are UV treated which improves the durability and level of resistance.
7. GTS Sport Sit-on-Top
The GTS Sport kayak seat is made from lycra foam laminate with a built-in tri-laminate backrest for extra support.
This kayak seat does not have a huge surface area but it does offer significant support to the lower back. Thermoform foam panels are used for this construction which allows it to conform to your natural shape with deep padding for increased user comfort during your time on the water.
Support
The built-in backrest is one of the reasons why this product is able to offer such exceptional support. The strength of this structure ensures your lower back gets the support it needs at all times.
Materials
Lycra foam laminate is not a material you would hear thrown around when talking about these types of items but it offers a host of benefits one of which is its ability to resist due to its combination of rubber and plastic.
Cost and Value
The GTS Sport kayak seat is designed for a sit on the top vessel. There is a tension lock that allows you to adjust your selection with the use of a single hand making it easy to operate while out on the water.
8. Deluxe Molded Foam
The Deluxe Molded kayak seat has a high-end design with deep molded panels along the center of the structure.
This kayak seat comes with a storage backpack that is detachable and can be used to store fishing gear among other things while out on the water. The seat itself has been thermally formed to offer users high performance with marine-grade for durability and longevity of the selection.
Materials
There is a molded center panel on this design that is surrounded by molded foam which not only offers a high level of support but an equivalent amount of comfort during use making it a great choice for long trips.
Support
The back of this selection is eighteen inches tall which provides users with a wide area of support for the lower back. Its ergonomic design easily conforms to the natural shape of the body for consistent performance.
Cost and Value
The Deluxe Molded kayak seat has a medium price range. Snaps, as well as strap construction, is consistent throughout while specific designs may vary from one selection to the next.
9. Driftsun Aluminum Frame
The Driftsun Aluminum seat upgrade has a hard shell construction with an aluminum frame for stability and support.
This kayak seat is specifically designed to be used with Driftsun kayaks. The frame is constructed from aluminum which provides durability, resistance and increases the longevity of the item. It is also compatible with some Elkton designs such as the IBIS pro fishing sup and the outdoor hard fishing vessel.
Breathability
Unlike standard EVA type seats, this design offers a high level of breathability and its structure allows users to get their clothes dry while still seated. Moisture is limited due to the elevation from the vessel surface.
Adjustability
High level of adjustability with straps positioned at the side of the structure while the frame itself can also be adjusted by means of a folding mechanism. This mechanism allows you to completely remove the back if needed.
Cost and Value
The Driftsun Aluminum seat upgrade is compatible with the Elkton Pro SUP, the Elkton Hard Kayak as well as the Driftson 120. It uses strong materials that offer a high level of resistance and durability.
10. Pactrade Marine Deluxe
The Pactrade Marine padded seat has adjustable straps at the front and rear of the structure with a padded non-slip surface.
This kayak seat has an adjustable seat that is heavily padded allowing for increased comfort and for users to easily set up their items according to their personal preference. There are a backpack and the rear of the structure that can be used to store gear and other belongings at sea.
Adjustability
The four-way adjustability provided by this item allows users to have full control over the set up of their item. They control the distance as well as the angles making a custom seating arrangement for any user.
Materials
Neoprene and polyester have both been used as coatings in conjunction with a foam plate to provide durability and resistance to this item. It also ensures it can handle wear and tear.
Cost and Value
The Pactrade Marine padded seat has a low price range.
