Coleman Exponent Fastback

Best Uses: Flatwater, recreation, whitewater (up to class III)

Brand: Coleman

Available At: Amazon – Coleman Inflatable Fastback

Number of Paddlers: 1

Stats: Length 10′ 10″, Width 35″, Weight 29 lbs, Load Capacity 310 lbs.

Accessories Included: Retractable spray skirt, water resistant pouch, repair kit, 1 year warranty

Kayak Material: 30 gauge PVC bladder, 840D nylon on top and 840D woven, laminated nylon on bottom

Pros: Retractable spray skirt, good amount of storage room, lots of d-ring hooks and pull handles, affordable, light weight, very easy to inflate and deflate, fairly stable, protects you from elements

Cons: Not fast, doesn’t track very well so a lot of your energy will go into trying to keep it straight, performance is so-so, not the best quality, advertised as a whitewater kayak but it is not self-bailing

More About the Coleman Exponent Fastback

The Coleman Fastback is definitely a beginner kayak. It is not expensive and gives a beginners performance… meaning that it does not even come close to comparing to many of the other inflatable kayaks on the market. It is not that it is such a bad kayak. It actually has a lot of great features like:

• a retractable spray skirt – very cool
• a waterproof pouch – super handy
• an air-tight system and double lock valve which guarantees no air leaks as well as easy inflation
• a very affordable price tag

All of these features are very appealing and can help make for an enjoyable paddling experience. However the bottom line is this:

• it does not perform well
• it does not track well – paddling will seem twice as hard
• it will not hold up as well as many others
• it is not self-bailing

The Coleman Exponent Fastback is advertised as being speedy and stable. Though stability is not a huge issue with this kayak, I promise you there is no speed. It is also advertised as being able to take on some heavy whitewater rapids. Though it would have no problem in calm rivers or oceans, I would not want to trust it for anything too heavy. Also there are no self-bailing valves and that is not good if you are going to be in whitewater.

Who is this Inflatable Kayak Good For?

Like I said, this is not a bad inflatable kayak, it is simply not a really good one. It will suit brand new paddlers who have never kayaked before and want to do some simple recreational paddling on calm waters. It is light weight and would be very easy to travel with or take camping. This is an entry level kayak with an entry level price tag. It is best suited for someone that is not expecting a lot from their boat but just wants to get out on the water and have some fun.

Final Thoughts On the Coleman Exponent Fastback

If you are looking for a beginner level inflatable kayak that can paddle on flatwater as well as calmer whitewater then this may be an option for you. In my opinion though, if I had a few hundred dollars to spend on an inflatable kayak I would 100% go for the Sea Eagle 330 or 370 (with the kayak seats – not the canoe seats) or even better the just slightly higher priced Advanced Elements StraitEdge (costs roughly $500) Both of these are much more rugged, way better quality, are self-bailing, come with longer warranties and will perform a million times better… as well as likely last years longer.

Pro Coleman Exponent Fastback

• Retractable spray skirt
• Good amount of storage room
• Lots of d-ring hooks and pull handles
• Affordable
• Llight weight – good for traveling and camping
• Very easy to inflate and deflate
• Fairly stable
• Protects you from elements

Against Coleman Exponent Fastback

• Not fast
• Doesn’t track very well so a lot of your energy will go into trying to keep it straight
• Performance is so-so
• Not the best quality

The Coleman Exponent Fastback is Available At:

• Amazon.com – Coleman Exponent Fastback Inflatable Kayak

We Also Recommend…

• Sea Eagle 330 & 370
• Advanced Elements StraitEdge
• Advanced Elements Advanced Frame
• Aire Tributary Strike I
• NRS Bandit I

If you own or have used the Coleman Exponent Fastback please leave a comment and share your thoughts with others.

Did You Know?

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