Aquaglide Cirrus Ultralight 110 Inflatable Kayak Review
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Aquaglide is a renowned brand in the world of water sports, known for its high-quality and innovative products. One of their latest releases, the Aquaglide Cirrus Ultralight 110 Inflatable Kayak, has been generating a lot of buzz in the adventure-seeking community. The Aquaglide Cirrus Ultralight 110 Inflatable Kayak is designed to offer a unique combination of portability, durability, and performance that is perfect for both beginners and experienced paddlers. In this review, we will dive deep into the features, build quality, and performance of this ultralight kayak.
Inflation: Effortless Setup for Maximum Fun
Setting up the Aquaglide Cirrus Ultralight 110 is a breeze, this allows you to spend more time on the water and less time on preparation. The kayak has three Halkey-Roberts Type Valves, one in each pontoon and one in the floor, these deliver quick and easy inflation and deflation. Simply attaching the pump to the Halkey-Roberts Style Valve adaptor, and the kayak ready to go in no time. Especially when using an electric pump. It is important to note that a pump is not included with the kayak, so make sure to have one handy.
Build Quality: Lightweight, Durable, and Reliable
When it comes to inflatable kayaks, finding the perfect balance between weight and durability is crucial. The Aquaglide Cirrus Ultralight 110 excels in this aspect, thanks to its innovative construction. The kayak is made from double-coated 0.13mm TPU 70 denier Nylon fabric, providing the perfect blend of lightweight and supple material without compromising rigidity. The TPU ULDS (Ultralight Drop-Stitch) floor further enhances the kayak’s performance, and delivers optimal paddling efficiency. Additionally, the kayak features sturdy grab handles, D-rings for attaching gear, and a comfortable seat with adjustable backrest for added comfort.
Using the Kayak: Unleash Your Inner Explorer
Once out on the water, the Aquaglide Cirrus Ultralight 110 truly shines. Its high-performance touring design offers excellent tracking capabilities, allowing you to navigate through rivers, lakes, and even mild coastal waters with ease. The kayak glided smoothly through the water, thanks to its streamlined design, bow extrusion and quick-release weedless fin.
The kayak’s maneuverability is impressive, delivering full control while ensuring a smooth and enjoyable paddling experience. The stability of the kayak was great, even in choppy conditions. The adjustable seat provided excellent support, and the footrest allowed for a comfortable paddling position. Whether I was leisurely exploring a calm lake or trying to push my paddling limits, the Aquaglide Cirrus Ultralight 110 performed remarkably well.
Features: Designed for Adventure
The Aquaglide Cirrus Ultralight 110 is packed with features that truly enhance the kayaking experience. Let’s take a closer look at some of its key features:
- Ultralight Design: Weighing in at a mere 14.75 pounds, the Cirrus Ultralight 110 is Aquaglide’s lightest touring kayak. The compact size when deflated allows for effortless transportation in the trunk of a car or even on a backpacking trip. The included bag is also well-designed, with padded shoulder straps for added comfort during longer walks. Its compact and lightweight nature makes it incredibly easy to carry and transport, allowing for exploration of even the most remote and challenging locations.
- Adjustable Seat and Footrest: The kayak comes with an UL (Ultralight) inflatable seat and an UL EVA footrest, providing adjustable lightweight support and comfort. This ergonomic design ensures that you can paddle for hours without feeling fatigued.
- Bungees and D-rings: The Cirrus Ultralight 110 is equipped with bungees and multiple PA (Polyamide) Nylon D-rings, offering ample space for attaching your gear securely. Whether you’re carrying extra clothing, camping equipment, or fishing gear, you can rest assured that everything will stay in place during your kayaking adventures.
- Quick Release Weedless Fin: Enhancing the kayak’s tracking capabilities, the quick-release weedless fin ensures that you can paddle straight and effortlessly. Say goodbye to constantly correcting your course and say hello to focusing on enjoying the scenery around you.
- Molded Plastic Carry Handles: The kayak features molded plastic carry handles on the bow, stern, and at the mid-point, making it easy to transport and lift. Whether you’re carrying it to the water’s edge or loading it onto your vehicle, these handles provide a comfortable grip.
- Cockpit Drain: The Cirrus Ultralight 110 is equipped with a convenient cockpit drain that can be opened easily to drain any water that may accumulate during your paddling session. This feature ensures that you stay dry and comfortable throughout your adventure. However the fact that this drainage valve sticks out as far as it does from the bottom of the hull seems almost seems like a design flaw. Even though I didn’t notice it causing any drag, I feel like this could have been better addressed.
- Mini-MOLLE Attachment System: On either side of the cockpit, you’ll find the Mini-MOLLE attachment system. This handy feature allows you to store essential items within reach, ensuring that you have everything you need while out on the water.
- Deck Cargo Bungees: The kayak is equipped with deck cargo bungees on the bow and stern, providing secure storage for extra gear. Whether you’re carrying a dry bag, a cooler, or even a fishing crate, these bungees will keep your items secure and easily accessible.
Specs: The Numbers Speak for Themselves
To give you a better understanding of the Aquaglide Cirrus Ultralight 110’s dimensions and weight capacity, these are it’s specifications:
- Length: 11 feet (338 cm)
- Width: 35 inches (82.6 cm)
- Height: 10 inches (25 cm)
- Tube Diameter: 9.5 inches
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds (136 kg)
- Hull Weight: 14.75 pounds (6.7 kg)
Who Is It For: Unleash Your Inner Adventurer
The Aquaglide Cirrus Ultralight 110 is suitable for a wide range of individuals who crave adventure and want to explore the great outdoors. Beginners will appreciate its stability and ease of use, while experienced paddlers will enjoy its performance on various water conditions. The lightweight and portable nature of the kayak make it ideal for those who want to explore different bodies of water without the need for a roof rack or a large storage space. Its compact size, easy setup, and impressive maneuverability make it suitable for solo expeditions, overlanding, and backcountry exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler looking for a lightweight and high-performance touring kayak or a beginner wanting to dip your toes into the world of kayaking, the Cirrus Ultralight 110 is an excellent choice.
Final Thoughts: A Kayak That Delivers on its Promises
The Aquaglide Cirrus Ultralight 110 Inflatable Kayak lives up to its reputation as an exceptional touring kayak. Its lightweight construction, impressive tracking capabilities, and thoughtful design features make it a top choice for adventurous individuals. Whether you’re planning a multi-day expedition or simply want to spend a relaxing day on the water, the Cirrus Ultralight 110 will not disappoint.
However, it’s important to note that the kayak does have a couple of drawbacks. The absence of a paddle and pump in the package it a bit of a disappointment, considering the kayak’s price point. Additionally, the drainage valve sticking out from the bottom of the hull seems like it could have had a better design.
But, despite these minor shortcomings, the Aquaglide Cirrus Ultralight 110’s exceptional portability and performance make it a top choice for both recreational and adventurous paddlers. Whether you’re a backcountry explorer, an overlander, or just someone who values ultralight functionality, the Cirrus Ultralight 110 is an investment that will take your kayaking experiences to exciting new heights.
For more info on the Cirrus Ultralight or other Aquaglide products, visit www.aquaglide.com or www.rei.com.