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Staff Reviews - Current Designs Kestrel 120, (Polyethylene)
The rotomolded version of the highly popular recreational touring kayak.




Janna Rasmussen
Posted: Apr 12, 2010

This 12 ft. recreational boat is perfect for the beginner to intermediate paddler who wants to paddler quiet rivers and lakes. Beginner paddlers will appreciate the initial and secondary stability and advanced paddlers will appreciate its tracking ability. Overall, I'd recommend this boat to anyone who wants to paddle calm waters.
 
 
 

Andy Grevstad
Posted:

Excellent calm water stability. Great value, unexpectedly fast. And because its polyethylene, you never need to feel bad about scrapping it on a rock or the beach. Have fun with this boat
 
 
 

Colin Erskine
Posted: Jul 14, 2006

This boat moves a little slower in the water compared to the lighter composite version, but if you’re in a rocky area, this boat can take a beating thanks to the polyethylene construction. It is also very stable in the water. I could see going out and relaxing in this boat. It would also be a fun boat to play water games in, like tag or soccer.
 
 
 

Bryn Meyer
Posted: Jun 8, 2006

There will always be a special place in my heart for the Kestrel series - especially the 120 in rotomolded plastic. It is truly a fabulous boat. The success of the Kestrel design can be seen in all the options in the line - basically there is a Kestrel for everyone! There is a 12 foot and 14 foot option in length, with High Volume and regular volume cockpit sizing. Also, you have a choice of rotomolded plastic, TCS plastic & composite hybrid layups. And new for 2006 there is a 'sit on top' and 17 foot tandem version!
 
 
 

Marit Haug
Posted: Jun 2, 2006

The ultimate recreation boat. I thought this boat was superb in the water. It has a nice open cockpit, which can handle many body shapes. The narrow entry and exit make it very efficient in the water.
 
 
 

Brendan Eagan
Posted: May 24, 2006

A fun stable 12 foot "do it all" boat. Some nice features like deck lines and a comfortable cockpit make it a popular boat. The rear hatch has plenty of room for lunch, a camera, and anything you might like to take along for a day paddle. The Kestrel is also nice to paddle. It scoots along through the water and is maneuverable enough to get it through tight spots for photography bird watching or even fishing.
 
 
 
Jacob Hahn
Posted: Jun 17, 2005

What an amazing boat for the recreational or novice paddler. Current Designs has hit the needs of the day tripping paddler who really wants a 'do it all' boat right on the head. A great all-around boat that is a nice mix or stability, maneuverablity, efficiency, and performance. Also is a very great boat to develop technique in and get the feeling of kayaking in.
 
 
 



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