Are there any unbiased resources on the web that rate kayaks (as opposed to inidividual kayak reviews)? Thanks

Question

I'm looking for something in list form that compares and RATES various brands and models of kayaks--other than general lists like Nextag, Epinions, MSN Shopping, etc. Something more along the lines of the way that Consumer Resports lists various brand ratings.

Answer 1

This is probably the best general paddling resource on the web:

http://www.paddling.net

There are user reviews from actual paddlers, basic boat guides that tell you who makes what, and you can post on the message boards and ask people who really are into paddling what they think about the boats you're considering.  

The members of the site include hull designers from major kayak manufacturers, writers from international paddling magazines, and tens of thousands of regular people who love paddle sports and own boats.    

Keep in mind, in the opinion of a whitewater paddler, there probably aren't ANY decent recreational kayaks, and to a recreational kayaker, they probably won't care for the low initial stability of a true sea kayak.   Because of that, each boat "consumer" will rate a boat VERY differently.

Lists and ratings are ALWAYS subjective.   Sort of like a Formula race car driver giving you a rating on a stock Hyundai.  They just won't like it, so a truly UNbiased opinion is basically impossible.  You won't find a Consumer Reports style of an analysis.  

Find a boat dealer who stocks boats, and go test paddle.  It's the best way to make a decision.  Have fun!