Lifetime is a popular company selling outdoor equipment, including folding chairs, basketball equipment, sheds, and, most importantly for us, kayaks.
Its kayaks tend to be affordable and durable. With a five-year warranty on all of its kayaks, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you are getting good value for your money.
Today, I will be covering some of the best kayaks from Lifetime.
Quick Summary
Here are my favorite kayaks from Lifetime:
- Sit-on-top kayaks:
- Lifetime Lotus
- Lifetime Tioga
- Fishing kayaks:
- Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100
- Lifetime Emotional Stealth Pro Angler 118
- Sit-in kayaks:
- Lifetime Payette 98
- Lifetime Lancer 100
- Tandem kayaks:
- Lifetime Manta 100
- Lifetime Spitfire 12T
- Youth kayaks:
- Lifetime Cadet
- Lifetime Wave 60
Read on to see the full list of the best Lifetime kayaks on the market.
Best Lifetime Kayaks
1. Lotus Sit-On-Top Kayak
The Lotus sit-on-top kayak is one of Lifetime’s best solo kayaks. Weighing less than 40 pounds, this kayak has a molded-in seat as well as an attached backrest, which you can adjust for comfort.
There are also multiple footrest positions for extra comfort and stability.
Made of high-density plastic and with built-in UV protection, this kayak is durable. With two molded-in skegs to improve tracking and a multi-chine hull, it is incredibly stable and offers excellent performance for the price.
There are also scupper holes for draining.
The built-in paddle cradle makes paddling easier. A paddle is included for free, despite the low price.
While there are no storage hatches, there is a storage well at the back. There, you can secure items, such as coolers, with bungee cords.
The Lotus has a weight capacity of 250 pounds and comes with a five-year warranty.
2. Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
The Tamarack Angler 100 is a fishing kayak from Lifetime. It comes with a molded-in hard seat and a slightly padded backrest, and there are multiple footrest positions for optimal comfort.
It has a tracking skeg to help you stay on course and a sharp bow for increased speed and performance. At the same time, it has a flat hull, which helps increase stability for fishing.
Although it lacks features like slip-free pads on the deck to allow you to stand while fishing, it does have a lot of storage.
First of all, there are two storage areas with bungee cords: one in the front, and one in the back. In addition, there are two storage hatches: one in front of the seat, and one located in the rear storage well.
That allows you plenty of space to store your fishing accessories and gear, such as your tackle boxes.
The kayak features three rod holders: one top-mount and two flush-mounted.
A paddle and paddle keeper are included. The handles in the front and rear make transporting the kayak easy.
It comes in a tan color and weighs just 52 pounds. With a weight capacity of 275 pounds, it can hold you and your fishing gear without any trouble.
3. Tamarack Pro 103 Sit-On-Top Kayak
The Tamarack Pro 103 is one of Lifetime’s higher-end kayaks. That’s not really saying much, though, as Lifetime is a budget company overall, and its kayaks don’t tend to cost that much compared to some more famous brands.
It has a comfortable seat with a backrest, as well as adjustable footrests for your feet. Unlike other models from Lifetime, the footrests are actually adjustable and slide back and forth into position; they are not molded in.
There is only one storage hatch in the center, although there are two storage areas with bungee cords: one in the front, and one in the back. The rear one is deep and spacious, while the front one is more suitable for smaller items.
With three fishing rod holders, including an adjustable fishing rod mount, the Tamarack Pro 103 is well suited for anglers. The flat bottom makes it incredibly stable, while the sharp bow and skeg improve tracking and speed.
4. Lifetime Hydros Angler Kayak
The Hydros Angler from Lifetime is a decent mid-range fishing kayak. However, it doesn’t have that much storage space.
There are two storage areas with shock cord straps for securing items: one in the front, and one in the back. If you don’t need a lot of storage, it can be a practical option.
There is a molded-in seat with a hard backrest, as well as multiple molded-in footrest positions for people of different sizes. Whether you have short or long legs, you can feel comfortable in this kayak.
One adjustable and two flush-mounted rod holders, as well as a T-handle in the front, are built-in for your convenience.
5. Tioga Sit-On-Top Kayak
The Lifetime Tioga is a comfortable sit-on-top kayak. Featuring a flat bottom for stability and a comfortable backrest for the molded-in seat, it’s a great choice for the average kayaker.
There are two water bottle holders to help you stay hydrated while kayaking. The luggage handles on the side make carrying the kayak easier, but there are also carry handles in the front and rear of the kayak.
There are also self-bailing scupper holes. These ensure that any water that accumulates in the kayak can drain easily.
In addition to the storage hatch conveniently located in the center of the boat, there are two storage areas in the front and back with bungee cords for tie-down storage.
With a useful paddle holder to keep the included paddle with you at all times, you can’t go wrong with this durable kayak.
6. Triton Angler 100
This olive-green kayak comes with an integrated skeg and a hull designed for stability. The multiple footrest positions ensure you can sit there comfortably, and the seat comes with a backrest and seat pad for your comfort.
There isn’t that much storage space available in this kayak, but behind your seat, you will find a small storage well with bungee cords.
There is an area in the front where you can technically store items as well, although you will need your own ropes and bungee cords for this area.
The kayak weighs 49 pounds and has a weight capacity of 275 pounds.
7. Emotion Stealth Pro Angler 118 Fishing Kayak
This is a dual-purpose kayak from Lifetime. It features a comfortable seat with an adjustable height.
You can increase the height for fishing, which will allow you to get a better view of your surroundings and spot schools of fish. If you are in the mood for recreational kayaking, on the other hand, you can lower the seat to make paddling easier.
Not only that, but you can recline the seat if you want to sit back, relax, and enjoy the surrounding nature.
The combination tunnel hull improves performance and speed by cutting through the water. The flat bottom means that stability won’t be affected, and the sharp bow also improves speed.
There are two flush-mounted rod holders and six 12-inch sections of universal track. Meanwhile, there is a stability strap that helps you maintain your stability while standing.
As for storage, there is a rear tankwell with bungee cords. It’s quite spacious, but that’s not all.
There is also an oval-shaped hatch in the front. This covered hatch allows you to store additional items.
As usual, a paddle is included, but so are two tackle boxes, giving you all you need to start fishing right off the bat.
The kayak weighs 85 pounds and has a weight capacity of 375 pounds.
8. Payette 98 Sit-In Kayak
We’ve focused on sit-on-top and fishing kayaks until now, so let’s take a look at some of the sit-in kayaks offered by Lifetime, starting with the Payette 98. It features a comfortable cockpit, complete with a molded-in seat with a backrest.
It has multiple footrest positions for people of different sizes, but do make sure the size of the kayak is suitable for you before buying it. This kayak is 9.8 feet long.
Behind the seat, there is a hatch with a lid and shock cord strap for security. In the front, there is a small open storage area with bungee cords.
The sharp keel and deep hull channels improve tracking, while the flat hull bottom and chines increase stability.
The kayak comes in a bright orange color. As with other Lifetime kayaks, a paddle is included.
9. Payette Sit-Inside Angler Kayak, Sandstone
This kayak is around the same length as the prior one, but it has a non-assuming gray sandstone color.
If you don’t like being flashy while on the water, it’s a great option. Just keep in mind that bright colors can actually help you be more visible.
Increasing visibility can help your buddies spot you when you get lost or help search and rescue teams find you. Make sure to check out our kayak safety tips and essential list of kayak safety equipment, regardless of which kayak you choose.
This is a sit-inside kayak with a backrest for the seat. It has a few other differences compared to the previous Payette model mentioned above; for example, you may notice the water bottle holders behind the seat, next to the storage compartment.
While there is a small area for storage with bungee cords in the front, the covered storage area behind the seat is where you will want to store most of your equipment.
It’s also important to note that this particular model does not come with a paddle. This is an exception to the rule, as you may have noticed that Lifetime kayaks usually do come with an included paddle.
10. Cadet Youth Kayak
If you’re looking for a youth kayak for your child, there is the Lifetime Cadet. It has a molded-in seat with molded-in footrests.
Since it has multiple footrest positions, your child can continue using the kayak as they grow.
It has self-bailing scupper holes to ensure the water drains out of the cockpit, and the reverse chine adds stability. Meanwhile, there are two fins to help with tracking.
One of the best things about the Cadet kayak, though, is the patented swim-up deck design. This design ensures your child can easily get back into the kayak if they fall into the water.
The center handles make transporting the kayak easy for you, while the paddle holder makes sure your child won’t lose the paddle, which is included.
With a weight capacity of 100 pounds, it is great for teens and children from the age of five and up.
Remember, it’s important for your child to wear a life vest when kayaking, even if they know how to swim. In addition, it is essential that you maintain an eye on them at all times; never let your child out of your sight.
On a related topic, we have a guide on how to kayak with kids, so check it out!
11. Lancer 100 Sit-In Kayak
The Lancer 100 is a sit-inside kayak. It has a seat pad and backrest to provide comfort.
The multiple footrest positions mean you can stay comfortable regardless of how long your feet are. Transporting the kayak is made easy by the carry handles.
There is a small open storage area in the front with bungee cords for tying down items. Behind your seat, you will find an oval-shaped hatch for storing additional items.
The Lancer 100 kayak weighs 47 pounds and has a weight capacity of 275 pounds.
The flat bottom hull of this kayak helps increase stability. At the same time, if you look closely, you will notice the hull also has deep channels which help you maintain course while paddling.
Meanwhile, the sharp keel helps improve performance and tracking, giving you the perfect combination of performance and stability.
12. Cruze 100 Sit-In Kayak
The Cruze 100 is another excellent sit-inside kayak from Lifetime. It has a quick-release backrest and seat pad for your comfort, and you will find the hatch behind the seat quite spacious.
Of course, as with most Lifetime kayaks, there are multiple footrest positions molded into the kayak. That allows you to find the optimal position for your comfort.
The flat bottom hull improves stability. At the same time, the tracking skeg helps improve tracking and helps you maintain course.
The sharp bow in the front, on the other hand, helps improve speed and performance.
There are toggle handles in the front and back and carry handles on the side as well. Transporting this kayak is easy.
13. Wave 60 Youth Kayak
The Wave 60 is yet another youth kayak from Lifetime. Made in the USA, it comes in several colors, including blue, green, yellow, pink, and orange.
It weighs 18 pounds and has a weight capacity of 130 pounds. Thus, it is more suitable for slightly larger teens compared to the Cadet youth kayak from Lifetime, for example.
Like most Lifetime kayaks, it has a flat bottom hull for increased stability. The reverse chine also helps improve stability.
This kayak, though, has a twin-fin design built into the hull. That makes it easy for your child or teen to stay on course while paddling.
A paddle is included, and a paddle holder is molded into the kayak itself. There are also carry handles molded into the kayak to make transporting it easier.
The seat is molded in and doesn’t come with a backrest, but multiple footrest positions are built into the kayak to increase comfort as your child grows.
14. Manta 100 Tandem Kayak
We haven’t yet covered tandem kayaks from Lifetime, so let’s do so. Both of the seats on the Manta have backrests, and there are multiple footrest positions for both kayakers.
In terms of storage, there’s not much, but there is a small area in the front with bungee cords. A carry handle is molded into the front, and another carry handle is attached to the rear.
Overall, it’s an excellent and stable, albeit basic, tandem kayak. Two paddles are included.
15. Spitfire 12T Tandem Kayak
The Spitfire tandem kayak from Lifetime is a bit more expensive than the Manta kayak discussed previously, but it also offers a lot more.
First of all, both of the seats don’t just have comfortable backrests but also feature seat pads. That makes your ride more comfortable; you can even adjust the seats.
Moreover, there is a lot more storage. First of all, there is a small storage hatch in between both of the seats.
In addition, there is a large storage tankwell in the back. While not exactly fully enclosed, it does come with a net lacing cover to help provide an extra layer of security for your items.
Finally, there is a small storage area in the front with bungee cords. Overall, it offers great value for money.
Conclusion
Lifetime is a great option if you are looking for budget kayaks.
The kayaks tend to be stable and durable, and although they don’t usually offer the most when it comes to storage, they offer great value for money.
Whether you’re looking for a youth, tandem, fishing, or recreational kayak, there are plenty of options to choose from.
