No matter how old and businesslike you are – everyone adores water recreation activities. Inflatable boats are an affordable, quick, easy, and safe way to get maximum pleasure from summer vocations by the water. And we don’t even mention fishing fans.
Being the leader in the field of inflatable products, Intex provides us with a reach selection of boats and kayaks. According to reviews, customers mostly highlight two brand series. So, let’s entrust them and look for the best inflatable boat in the Intex Challenger vs Explorer comparison review!
We’ll scrutinize six models, three by each series:
Main Differences Between the Models
To start with, let us highlight the most important Intex Challenger vs Explorer differences:
- First of all, these products belong to different groups. We’ve got three kayaks and three regular boats.
- Secondly, the number of passengers each model can fit differs too. Today, we’ll discuss boats for one, two, and three people. Consequently, we’ll also deal with different weight capacities. The smallest units hold 220 pounds, while the largest are designed to withstand 440 pounds.
- Also, kayaks feature individual inflatable seats for each person, while boats have nothing but a free floor.
- Boats and kayaks are made of vinyl, nylon, heavy-duty PVC, puncture-resistant fibers. Which one is made of which? Let’s see it below.
- Most models are divided inside into two air chambers. However, the Challenger boat and the Explorer K2 kayak boast three chambers.
- All Intex inflatable products provide us with free oars. But depending on the model you choose, you’ll get one or two oars of various lengths, designs, and materials.
- Finally, accessory kits differ pretty much. All include pumps and repair patches, but some units provide cargo nets and carry bags.
Comparison Table
1. Intex Challenger Kayak, 1-Person Inflatable Set
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As you can guess from the name, the model provides one seat for single rest. An inflatable construction includes inflatable I-beam floors for stability, one soft seat with backrest, and one aluminum oar, and a removable skeg on the bottom.
The manufacturer helps us with manual inflation with its high-output manual hand pump included. Intex own vinyl materials and 2 separate air chambers ensure resistance to deflation. Anyway, it also comes with a repair patch, just in case.
The unit also features a convenient cargo net if you’d like to take something with you. Take the kayak with you wherever you go, thanks to its compactness and weight.
So, as we said, Intex Challenger 1-Person Kayak suits users of all experience levels. You get a nice inflatable product for rest on ponds, lakes, and mild rivers.
attentionHowever, please pay attention that the model is not designed for professional extreme rafting and passing river rapids. Also, tall people may face difficulties because of limited space and weight restrictions.
- easy-to-use product for beginners and experienced people
- offers everything for safe and comfortable rest
- inflate and deflate the unit quicker with a pump included
- durable, puncture-resistant materials
- comes with a free repair patch
- 2 air chamber design for safety and durability
- comfortable adjustable seat
- an aluminum oar included
- additional storage area with a cargo net
- affordable price
- is not suitable for extreme rafting
- not very convenient for tall and heavy people
- may leak like all inflatable products
2. Intex Challenger Kayak, 2-Person Inflatable Set
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Well, as you see, materials and basic construction stayed the same. We get 2 air chambers, an I-beam floor, and even a lovely, useful cargo net.
But two people means 2 separate inflatable seats. You can adjust their positions or remove them at all if unnecessary. And each «passenger» gets his/her own oar. The kit includes two collapsible aluminum paddles.
Apart from the oar number, customers own the same accessories. Intex equips us with a high-output pump, a removable skeg, a repair patch, and a carry bag for storage and transportation.
So, the Intex Challenger 2-Person kayak also suits all users who’d like to have calm rest by the water. As usual, no busy and wild rivers.
- simple installation and use
- easy to inflate and deflate with a pump included
- durable, puncture-resistant materials
- enough space for two people
- two individual (removable) seats
- two oars included
- greater weight capacity
- wide accessory kit with a repair patch and a cargo net
- 2 air chamber design for safety and durability
- pricy
- is not suitable for extreme rafting
- not very convenient for tall and heavy people
- seats may also feel inconvenient
- may leak like all inflatable products
3. Intex Challenger 2 Inflatable Boat
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- First of all, the unit lacks a kayak design with separate seats. However, it’s rather a plus as you can make yourself comfortable in a way you like (and regardless of your height). The model also holds two people (and there is a 3-person option), but the weight capacity is slightly bigger than in the 2-Person kayak.
- Secondly, engineers provided 3 air chamber design for even better durability and safety in the water.
We also love built-in oar locks and oar holders that contribute to the ease of rowing. Two short, one-end oars are included, but there are integrated motor mount fittings if you prefer motors.
The kit traditionally provides us with a high-output pump and a repair patch. Unfortunately, no cargo net is included.
Intex Challenger 2 boat is heavy-duty and puncture-resistant. It’s definitely worth buying, especially mentioning its price not so high.
The only thing users don’t like here is oars. They are too short and non-durable, so rowing takes pretty much effort and time.
- more space for two people
- greater weight capacity
- 3 air chambers including inner auxiliary chamber inside the hull
- faster inflation with a pump included
- heavy-duty, puncture and UV-resistant
- has motor mount fittings
- has special oar locks and holders (two oars included)
- come with a repair patch
- affordable
- though 3 air chambers are safer, they take more time to inflate
- short, flimsy oars
- may leak
4. Intex Explorer K2 2-Person Inflatable Kayak
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The Explorer K2 features changed the design but not the construction. The unit provides us with well-known dual seats, two oars, included skeg, and other crucial accessories like a high-output pump, a storage bag, a repair patch.
We’d recommend you choosing Explorer if you need a wider product. Besides, it should last longer thanks to triple air chamber construction.
Also, this is a more affordable choice compared to other Intex 2-Person kayaks. Fans of vocations by smaller bodies of water (lakes and mild rivers) will appreciate it.
If you’re speaking about drawbacks, they include longer inflating time and quite compact inner dimensions. Besides, we now lack our lovely cargo net, so you won’t be able to take some useful things with you.
- easy to use even for beginners
- easy to inflate and deflate with a pump included
- puncture-resistant materials
- wider construction
- 3 air chambers for durability
- two individual (removable) seats
- two oars included
- users also get a repair patch and a storage bag
- nice weight capacity
- more beneficial price
- is not suitable for extreme rafting
- still quite limited space inside, and seats may also feel inconvenient
- no cargo net included
- may leak
5. Intex Explorer 200 Inflatable Boat
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The budget product offers us nylon and rubber body separated into two air chambers. Inside, there is I-beam inflatable floor and no additional elements like seats. The manufacturer states the unit is suitable for 2 people. But we’d rather recommend it for an adult and a kid because of a very limited weight capacity (210 lb. only).
Unfortunately, a small price means certain limitations in kit diversity. Customers get the simplest and cheapest Intex manual pump and 2 oars but no cargo nets. There are also built-in oar locks and a grab rope on the bow. Luckily, a repair patch is also included.
So, those who need an affordable boat for a couple of seasons without extra accessories and super large capacity will like Intex Explorer 200. Still, many users may wish longer service life and a better kit.
- very affordable option
- simple and compact construction
- suits both for rest, fishing, and even for kids
- 2-person declared seat capacity
- 2 air chambers
- oar locks and a grab rope on the bow are provided
- simple pump, 2 oars, and free repair patch included
- not durable materials (no puncture and UV resistance)
- small weight capacity
- may leak
6. Intex Explorer 300 Inflatable Boat
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In general, the boat stays a budget option for family use. Currently, it costs not more that 100$, which is ok for many customers. For the money, we get a product for three people, that what the manufacturer states. Let us correct the statement by saying that it’s big enough for three kids. But when it comes to adults, no more than two people will fit.
The boat itself provides two built-in oar locks and a grab handle. Also, the body consists of two air chambers.
So, Intex Explorer 300 will suit family customers with a limited budget. It’s more beneficial due to a richer kit. We also recommend it for kids and adults and even family use as far as the weight capacity allows.
We’d like to see more durable materials, though, and better oar quality.
- nice model for family use
- fits 2 adults, 3 kids, or 1 adult and 2 kids
- simple and compact construction
- 2 air chambers
- wider kit with a pump, two oars, and a repair patch
- oar locks and a grab rope on the bow are provided
- affordable
- poor materials
- may leak
As you see, Intex Challenger and Explorer boats share lots in common. During the models’ description, we highlighted several differences, but how can they influence our choice? Let’s compare all models separately and in more detail.
Face to Face Series Comparison
Design and Dimensions
Design and dimensions are much more essential boats’ characteristics than one may think. They determine your safety and comfort of use. A bright boat is visible from anywhere on the water, and a large inner space means you can make yourself comfortable inside.
Here is the list of dimensions and weight of all six models.
Intex Challenger 2-Person Kayak:
- 30″ x 15″ x 138″
- 33.53 pounds
Intex Explorer 200 Inflatable Boat:
- 73″ x 16″ x 37″
- 7 pounds
And speaking about design, let us mention that all models offer sporty and fun streamlined design made in bright yellow, orange, green, and blue colors for visibility in the water.
verdictBoats are the winners in terms of compactness and lightweight. They are easy to store, carry, and inflate alone, while the inner space is still ok for a couple of people. Kayaks feel heavier. However, the difference is not dramatic. For some reason, they may become a better choice for those afraid of boat toppled over in windy weather.
Material
How long will your inflatable boat or kayak last? This directly depends on the materials. So, what will we see if we compare Intex Challenger vs Explorer series?
- For obvious reasons, the Challenger 1-Person and 2-Person kayaks are the same products with different dimensions. Both are made of durable, puncture-resistant vinyl. The manufacturer also provides us with more information on seaming. So, here, they use the welded Dura-Beam Technology, which is comprised of thousands of high-strength polyester fibers.
- Their Challenger boat brother refused vinyl. It features simpler seaming but equally durable, heavy-duty, puncture-resistant PVC.
- Intex Explorer K2 kayak is more similar to Intex Challenger K2 kayaks as it has rugged, heavy-duty, puncture-resistant vinyl, too.
- The last two inflatable models, Explorer boats, are made of the simplest materials. The manufacturer uses nylon and rubber. Unfortunately, we see no additional puncture protection.
verdictThe picture is quite cleaner. Intex Explorer 200 and 300 boats are the worst when it comes to material durability. You can get them as cheap entertainment products for a couple of seasons.
Intex Challenger boat will withstand more tests, so it’s our middle option.
If you need ultimate durability and ready to pay for it, please try Intex Challenger and Explorer kayaks with vinyl walls and reinforced seams. Intex Challenger and Explorer K2 are our winners and the most durable inflatable boats.
Seating and Weight Capacity
- Intex Challenger 1-Person kayak is designed for individual use and can hold up to 220 pounds or 100 kg, which is more than enough for an average user.
- The Challenger and the Explorer 2-Person kayaks double the number of passengers and, consequently, double the weight capacity. Now, the both K2 models allow for 400 pounds or 180 kg on board.
- If you’re looking for a boat for two, you’d better try the Intex Challenger boat. The unit easily withstands even greater weight up two 440 pounds or 200 kg.
- And Intex Explorer 200 and 300 boats can fit two and three people, respectively. For this reason, their weight capacities form 210 pounds or 100 kg (in the 200 model) and 410 pounds or 180 kg (in the 300 model).
importantUnfortunately, we have to admit that heavy and tall people will feel rather uncomfortable even in the biggest boat.
Also, the comparison shows that while Intex states the same seat capacity in various models, their real weight capacities differ pretty much. This especially concerns the Explorer 200 and 300 inflatable boats. They can fit two and three people, but only if we’re speaking about kids. Few adults can boast the necessary weight to use the boats in pairs.
verdictAs you see, the manufacturer has various sizes. The Challenger 1-Person and the Challenger boat are our winners for those who need optimally comfortable boats for one and two users.
We wish for more space and weight capacity for the 2-Person kayaks. However, they still can hold pretty much for inflatable products.
It’s Intex Explorer boats that deceive us a bit. We’d recommend using them for 2 and 3 kids or for family trips when you have one parent and 1 or 2 kids onto the boat.
Floor and Seats
Consequently, the number of presumptive passengers is directly reflected in the number of seats. What can Intex Challenger and Explorer inflatable boats offer us here?
In fact, only kayaks boast traditional seats. Obviously, the 1-Person Challenger comes with one seat while its 2-Person brothers own two seats each.
The seats are absolutely identical in design and appearance. All feature I-beam construction and backrests for greater support and softness. They are separated from the main inflatable body and are inflated separately either.
Once the kayak is set, users install seats and adjust their position according to individual preferences and height needs. You can completely remove the seats if you’d like.
There are no seats or benches inside when it comes to boats, so you divide the inner space in the way you like most.
Let us also mention that all Intex kayaks and boats rejected simple thin and flat surfaces and offer us similar I-beam inflatable floors. In analogy with seats, they feel more comfortable and soft.
verdictOn the one hand, kayaks’ seats ensure each person has his/her own seating zone and sit more conveniently. But on the other hand, you may not get so much space for yourself. In this respect, boats don’t restrict you in any way, which is especially important for tall people.
Thus, we couldn’t highlight a winner here. Choose according to your preferences.
Air Chambers
The simplest inflatable products store air in one air chamber. Their whole bodies are not divided inside with any partition. You’ll inflate them much quicker, but in case of the slightest puncture, your boat will lose all the air in minutes. An unpleasant situation in the middle of the lake, isn’t it?
More complex units boast inner divisions that form several air chambers. Each is equipped with its own valve, and inflation takes more time. But if one chamber has a leakage, the boat will still keep most air and stay afloat.
importantThat’s why all our Intex competitors feature several separate air chambers.
Despite the great similarity, Intex Challenger K2 and Explorer K2 differ in this characteristic. The Challengers (both 1 and 2 seaters) have two chambers. Its improved Explorer rival comes with three chambers instead.
So does the Challenger boat. Being the most spacious product in our review, it quite predictably offers the biggest number of air chambers – three zones.
Both Explorer boats got two chambers.
verdictAs we said, the more air chambers, the safer your boat is. But at the same time, you’ll have to spend more time inflating and deflating it. As usual, the choice is yours.
Stability
As far as we’re speaking about inflatable boats and kayaks, we cannot hope for the top stability. Indeed, no one recommends making sharp movements inside, rock the boats, etc.
But a small tool called skeg can help us improve our precarious position. Skeg looks like a fin and is attached to the boat bottom.
Having wider bottoms, boats are steadier in this respect. Kayaks need additional support, so these are only Intex kayaks that come with removable skegs.
Oars
Intex shows unprecedented generosity! All its inflatable products discussed in the article come with oars in the kit. How do they differ? Let’s find it out.
Though all oars are collapsible for easier storage and transportation, they differ in number, length, and materials.
- Kayaks feature longer and more durable aluminum two-sided oars. Each passenger gets his own paddle. Consequently, the K1 has one oar, and its K2 twins have two oars. The length also varies – there are one 84″ and two 86″ units.
- Boats cannot boast of aluminum oars. The manufacturer complemented them with simpler plastic French paddles. However, all models received two units each. And only they offer us convenient oar locks and holders. The length of the oars is 48″.
verdictWe liked kayak oars more due to their improved durability. However, many users claim all oars are basic-leveled. So, if you want to paddle faster, you’ll probably have to buy more professional paddles anyway.
Accessories
By the way, Intex amazes us not only with free oars. Though its inflatable kayaks and boats are pretty cheap, their kits include lots of extra tools.
Pumps are the most useful of all. All models come with an Intex high-output Double Quick air pump. Intex Explorer 200 is the only exception that received a simpler and smaller Intex pump. Perhaps, this is a temporary decision, and we’ll get a regular high-output pump soon.
Let us state at once that all pumps are manual, not electric, so inflation is not very fast. Anyway, as a gift, pumps are nice, useful, and free complements to the kit.
Also, all products have repair patches, the usefulness of which cannot be overestimated when dealing with inflatable goods.
And finally, only Challenger kayaks feature cargo nets – accessories that organize us additional storage space right in the boat. And only kayaks have storage bags.
Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Best Inflatable Boat?
Inflatable boats are very popular and multi-purpose products. Some people buy one for quiet family vacations by the water; some need a boat for fishing. And many people complement boats with motors and use them as a full-featured vehicle.
Regardless of your goals, an inflatable boat must ensure your safety in the water. And certainly, we all want to get as durable and comfortable product as possible. Here are some moments, observation of which will help you get a worthy model.
On the contrary, reinforced PVC with special anti-UV and anti-puncture films is a much stronger and more durable material. Here, you may pay almost twice more, but your boat will not be afraid of long-term storage in a wet place and will withstand high pressures and mechanical impacts.
- Welding Method: The pre-cut fabrics are welded together to form an extremely durable and waterproof seam that can withstand high working pressures. As a rule, after welding, the seams of inflatable products are glued from the outside with a narrow tape, which serves as additional protection against air passage and protects the welded seams from external damage.
- Glue Method: We can divide it into two types of gluing – hot and cold. In both cases, the material pieces of fabric are glued together. It depends on the type and temperature of the glue used.
But on the other hand, several chambers mean longer inflation. You’ll open each chamber’s valve to inflate and deflate too. So, here the choice is yours. But we’d recommend a safer option.
There are many size options, so let us only state that the smallest models up to 3 m in length better suit for 1-2 persons. They are compact in transportation and storage, ideal for trips, and require 10-15 HP motors maximum.
If you need something more capacious and professional, choose models over 4m. These boats can hold 3-4 people, can work with very powerful motors. But you’ll need some effort to transport it and install it.
Let us also briefly mention that the following factors may also influence your choice:
- Boat color – bright models are better for rest as they are more visible in the water, i.e., safer. But if you need a boat for fishing, we recommend choosing plain, grey or green models that are less perceptible for fish.
- Kit set – the more you get for free, the better. Some manufacturers include repair patches, pumps, storage bags, and even oars. But on the other hand, the quality of these extra tools usually are not very impressive.
- Safe boarding – the presence of special boards on the boat is the key to safety, especially if we’re speaking about kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between Intex kayaks and Intex boats? Which one to choose?
Boats do not strictly limit us in the number of passengers. They are easier in installation, have no seats, and work with motors. So, this is an excellent option for family use, vocation by the water. You can also use it as a water vehicle. Intex Challenger 2-Person boat is the best inflatable boat by this Chinese brand. It’s made of heavy-duty, puncture-resistant materials, can hold up to 440 pounds, has built-in motor fittings and oar locks and holders. Other Intex boats are simpler in materials, weight capacity, and accessories.
2. What is the best Intex inflatable boat for kids?
3. Are inflatable kayaks and boats hard to paddle?
4. How long do Intex inflatable boats last?
The actual service life will depend on your compliance to safety use rules and maintenance. However, on average, Intex inflatable boats last for two-three seasons.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an inflatable kayak, we can safely recommend you all Intex kayaks. The Explorer K2 features a wider body and a more beneficial price, and Challengers are better due to their cargo nets. Tourists, hike fans will definitely appreciate their compactness, easy installation, and durability.
Challenger boat becomes the winner of our comparison in the boat category. This is the best boat because it’s made of more durable materials, offers the largest weight and actual seating capacity. Besides, this is the only boat that comes with motor mounting fittings. If you need a boat for family trips, don’t look any further.
We don’t really like their weight and seating capacities and materials when it comes to Explorer boats. But, they have nice kits and the most affordable prices. Besides, we consider them the safest for kids. So, we’d choose these products for family vacations and as a penny alternative to routine inflatable mattresses.
Hi! I’m Markus Robertson, and water is my passion.
Five years ago, I graduated from the University of California-Los Angeles and was going to become a professional marine biologist. However, my fate had other plans for me, and due to family problems, I had to find a more stable and well-paid job. I had only one wish for my job to be connected with water.
During this period of my life, I worked as a sales manager at Olympic Pool & Spa Supplies. The job helped me learn everything about swimming pools and related pool equipment, as well as how to choose the best option and what to pay attention to.
