Pelican Sentinel 100X Angler Review: Ultra-Light 44 lb Fishing Kayak with Big Features
Looking for a lightweight, feature-packed fishing kayak that doesn’t weigh you down? The Pelican Sentinel 100X Angler is a sub-10’ sit-on-top designed with anglers in mind: just 44 lb yet packed with storage, comfort, and molded fishing accessories. Great for solo adventurers, lake anglers, or the first-time paddler who values portability and function.
VIEW ON AMAZON
🔑 Key Features at a Glance
- ✅ Lightweight design – only 44 lb for easy transport and solo loading
- ✅ Multi-chine flat-bottom hull – stability of a longer kayak in a compact size
- ✅ Adjustable ErgoLounge™ padded seat with high back support
- ✅ ExoPak removable storage tub with 2 vertical rod holders
- ✅ 4 total rod holders: 2 flush + 2 vertical
- ✅ Molded footrests, paddle/rod tie-downs & accessory eyelets
- ✅ Front platform with mesh cover + rear tank well w/ bungees
- ✅ ABYC-compliant flotation and Ram-X HDPE construction
🎯 What Makes It Stand Out
This kayak is all about **best-in-class portability** for a hard-shell fishing boat. At just 44 lb, you can easily load it solo onto your vehicle, carry it from vehicle to water, and launch in minutes. Yet despite its light weight, the multi-chine flat hull offers unexpected stability—anglers report standing without fear and navigating narrow bays with ease.
The **ErgoLounge™ seat** is another standout—thickly padded with high lumbar support, offering a level of comfort rare in kayaks under 10 lb. The adjustable footrests and molded accessories like tie-downs and eyelets make outfitting easy and intuitive.
⚖️ Performance & Handling
At 9’6″ long and 30″ wide, the Sentinel steers predictably and tracks well—even in light wind or breezy conditions. While shorter kayaks aren’t built for high-speed travel, this design balances nimbleness with straight-line paddling quite well.
Reddit previews confirm it’s ideal for creeks, ponds, and lakes. One user commented:
> “It’s very light, I carried it into little creeks and side lakes all the time. Going after work was very easy… I caught hundreds of bass…”
Another paddler on Kayak Scout adds:
> “Surprisingly stable and easy to maneuver in fast currents and up against the waves… one of the best value fishing kayaks out there.” :
📊 Complete Specifications
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Length | 9’6″ (114″) |
Width | 30″ |
Height | 13.25″ |
Weight | 44 lb (20 kg) |
Weight Capacity | 275 lb (125 kg) |
Seat | ErgoLounge™ adjustable padded seat |
Rod Holders | 4 (2 flush + 2 vertical) |
Storage | ExoPak removable tub + front mesh deck + rear tank well |
Material | Ram-X HDPE, ABYC flotation |
Warranty | Lifetime Limited Warranty |
🎣 Built for Anglers
- ExoPak allows gear to be loaded at home and dropped in water.
- Vertical holders keep rods upright and secure.
- Accessory rails can fit fish finders, GoPros, lights.
- Paddle/rod tie-downs keep paddles out of the way during fishing.
- Cockpit designed for easy entry/exit and stable standing.
👍 Pros & 👎 Cons
✅ Pros
- One of the lightest fishing kayaks out there (44 lb)
- Reliable stability and handling in tight spaces
- Comfortable seating with good lumbar support
- Thought-out fishing features—storage, rod holders, tie-downs
- Affordable price under $450 USD MSRP ($399 US)
- Lifetime warranty gives peace of mind
⚠️ Cons
- 275 lb capacity may limit for bigger anglers + gear
- No pedal drive or motor mount; paddle only
- Short hull not ideal for long-distance speed
- Seat might be too low for tall anglers to stand easily
- Skeg can be prone to damage if not handled carefully
🏞️ Who Should Buy This?
- Anglers with small cars, no trailer, or solo-access needs
- First-time kayak fisherman wanting stability & comfort
- Pond, creek, and calm lake anglers seeking portability
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for everything you need under $500
🛒 Where to Buy
VIEW ON AMAZON
🧠 Final Verdict
The **Pelican Sentinel 100X Angler** brilliantly blends portability, practicality, and price. With a lightweight 44 lb build, stable hull, comfortable seating, and angler-friendly features, it stands out as one of the most accessible fishing kayaks on the market. Perfect for weekend excursions, tight-access waterways, or urban dwellers with limited storage, it delivers value without compromise.
It’s not designed for speed or heavyweight loads, but if your goal is easy transport, reliable stability, and well-rounded fishing capability, this kayak is a standout performer. The lifetime warranty and sub-$450 price make it a smart, low-risk investment for anglers of all levels.
