The PERCEPTION Essence 16 and 17 kayaks are a real American expedition boat, the flagship model of the Perception kayak company.
The winning touring kayak of the 2020 and 2021 Rába marathons.
A top-of-the-line boat designed for high speed and long journeys, with large luggage space and great comfort. For me, there is no question that this is the best finished polyethylene sea kayak available in Hungary. The 16 feet (16 ft) long model is generally recommended for people with a build between 50-90kg. The 17 feet (17 ft) long model has a thigh support 3 cm higher, so there is 3 cm more room for the thighs, so we usually recommend this for kayakers between 70-140 kg. Essence is characterized by a modern, V-cut bow and stern, a very nice boat that can be steered at the head and good wind resistance.
If you paddle in extreme conditions, the best possible contact between your body and the kayak gives you real control of paddling (fitting). In this respect, this boat is a world champion. Dagger combines the solutions of Riot and Wilderness.
The seat surface has a large, thick, soft, waterproof cover, it is long, like the Dagger Exodus, the lower thigh support is adjustable (lift), like the Wilderness, the upper thigh support is spatially adjustable, like a luxury car.
From heavy people with strong hips and thighs to skinny kayakers, everyone can set up perfect boat control. In terms of comfort, this boat is a benchmark.
The 3 watertight compartments (Dagger), the XCT Rudder metal steering system with a special Scandinavian type self-adjusting pedal represent the premium quality of the kayak world.
Due to its good maneuverability and great secondary stability, I recommend the boat to kayakers with little experience, not just exprerts.
Perception Essence is the best polyethylene sea kayak available in Hungary in the 5-5.5 m category. It is made in England, from the best American plastic (polyethylene from the Dagger company) with the most comfortable seat ever produced in the world of kayaks. It's a big deal that from a 50 kg woman to a 140 kg large man, it is the most comfortable fast touring kayak available in our country. Its previous opponents, Boreal and Riot, were bought by the Chinese, so these kayaks are not rivals to Perception in terms of design and material quality. Please do not compare this boat with a German Prijon, nor with its Scandinavian, Polish or Estonian competitors made in China, because it cannot be compared in terms of comfort, ergonomics or longevity. Those who paddle with their legs raised high, those who sit in the kayak with their legs extended, those with thin thighs, those with very thick thighs will all be happy in this excellently crafted kayak.
Similar kayaks: DAG Ysak, Northshore Atlantic, Rainbow Laser