Bought this Kayaks a few months ago and the performance and quality never changed. My family really impressed by its component since our old Kayaks did not perform like this. Encinitas Pro Concrete Co.

Nothing to worry about.

I bought it used 4 years ago, and it was a good first boat for a novice paddler, and put lots of miles on it in New England, Florida and North Carolina. Pros: comfortable fit for small/medium paddler (I am 5'9" 160 lbs), good stability (both initial and secondary), fair speed, easy to roll. Cons: weathercocks (turns into the wind) really badly, difficult to handle in following seas, slow to accelerate, speed is only fair. Summary: a good beginner boat, but if you think you will be kayaking seriously, do yourself a favor - buy a British (or Brit-style) boat. Greenlander by NDK, for example, is very highly recommended. highly

Customer Service

Used once, good experience.

Similar Products Used:

Most of what is on the market.

I took intro to sea kayaking for 2 credits at Plattsburgh state university. I used the shadow four weeks in a row. There was almost nothing i could do to keep my left foot from falling asleep in this craft. I tried every position of the footpedals to no avail. I tried the roomier Captiva, no problem with circulation but i also had little control with all the excess volume in the cocpit. I paddled about an hour in an eclipse with the same problem. Finally the fourth week one of my instructors remembered a towel, which did the trick. I no longer had to exit the canoe every mile in a trip to regain feeling in my left leg. (I am 6' and 170lbs) I'll give it 5 stars for value because i didn't have to pay extra for the course, and I'll give it 3 stars overall because i don't think i will be getting into another kayak anytime soon. I'll stick to skiing

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

perception eclipse and captiva. my instructors' 3,000$ custom fiberglass one, can't remember the name. GLASS IS THE WAY TO GO! GREAT TRACKING AND RIGIDITY

After trying a number of kayaks, the Perception Shadow was my selection. The key factor was the width of 22'1/4 and length of 16'8. This combination gives an easy glide for each stroke, tracking and stability. As advertised, it is for the smaller than the average paddler. Me 5'10/160 lbs. The cockpit is tight. If you want more stabilty at the minor cost of glide, a larger cockpit, a 24 width my suit you better. In all cases try before you buy. I car top the rotomolded version with a Yakama roller kit that works well. At my 60 plus age the 58 lbs is the limit of my portabilty. The rotomolded version is durable and you don't have to worry about damage or chiping. To sum up, a beautiful kayak.

Similar Products Used:

None

I took out a demo version on rivers, inland lakes, and Lake Michigan. I love this boat!
Initial stability is tippy, so getting in took some getting used to. Secondary stability is great. I would have a hard time tipping over. Tracking is terrific, and the rudder really helps in a cross-wind or moderate surf. The cockpit is roomy and comfortable. Storage is more than adequate providing you don't take the kitchen sink. The hull took some abuse on sunken logs and sandbars with gravel, but it barely showed. The rudder didn't even show signs of wear and I thought for sure that I had chipped in on some rocks. I'm going to buy the Carona because it's shorter and suits my paddling locations better, but if I were touring long distance instead of just week-enders, I would buy this boat.
Note: I'm 5'9" and 150lbs, so the smaller cockpit and deck height were great. Carry handles are comfortable. Takes two to haul around or portage, but everyone paddles with a buddy, right? Of course you do.
Also, the composite version is twice as fast in the water. Night and day difference.

Customer Service

The reps are very friendly. Customer service is terrific on the phone.

Similar Products Used:

Perception Eclipse
Perception Carolina
Perception Carona
Perception Vizcaya
Perception Shadow Composite