Perception Hi Life 11 Kayak Review
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Perception Hi Life 11 Kayak Review
If you are looking for a versatile, fun, and durable kayak that can also double as a stand-up paddleboard, you might want to check out the Perception Hi Life 11.
This kayak/SUP hybrid offers remarkable stability and portability for recreational paddlers and anglers of all skill levels. However, it also has some limitations, such as a low weight capacity and a basic seat.
In this review, I will tell you everything you need to know about Perception Hi Life 11, including its features, pros and cons, alternatives, and ratings. I have been using this kayak for about 11 months, and I will share my honest opinion based on my personal experience.
Table of Contents
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
- Design and Build Quality: 4.5/5
- Comfort: 4/5
- Performance: 4.5/5
- Fishing Features: 4/5
- Price: 4.5/5
- Ease Of Set Up: 5/5
- Portability: 4.5/5
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- A kayak and a SUP hybrid both
- Lots of customization options
- Built-in cooler for taking along snacks and drinks
- Good storage possibilities
- Aft platform for pets and getting up from the water
Cons:
- Tracking is moderate at best
- Low weight capacity
- Uncomfortable seat
Design
The Perception Hi Life 11 is designed to be part kayak and part stand-up paddleboard, offering the best of both worlds. It has a sleek and stylish silhouette, with a granite and magnetic grey color combination that blends well with nature.
The deck is flat and covered with soft traction pads that provide a comfortable and non-slip surface for your feet. The bow deck section has bungees where you can stow some gear or extra clothes.
The cockpit area has a molded cup holder and a full-length gear track that divides the platform in half. Here you can customize your deck with accessories like rod holders, cameras, fish finders, etc.
The seat is elevated and padded, with an adjustable backrest that folds down to access the lower stern section of the deck. The seat also doubles as a cooler and storage space. The rear deck has two handgrips that help you get on board easily after a swim.
It also has a gear track that doubles as a carrying handle and allows you to add more custom gear. The kayak comes with a removable fin (skeg) that helps with steering in choppy waters.
Build Quality
The Perception Hi Life 11 is made of high-density polyethylene (PE), which is a durable and UV-resistant material that can withstand impacts, scratches, and harsh weather conditions.
The kayak is constructed using a one-piece rotational molding technology, which ensures a leak-proof and seamless finish.
The kayak is made in the USA and comes with a 5-year warranty on the hull and deck and a 1-year warranty on parts and accessories.
Comfort
The Perception Hi Life 11 offers a decent level of comfort for both sitting and standing paddling. The seat height is good for paddling, but the seatback is low, and the padding is thin. The seat can be reclined using the straps on each side, but it cannot be adjusted forward or back in height.
The seat may not be comfortable for long paddling sessions or for people with back problems. The footrests are adjustable, which allows you to find an optimal paddling position. The traction pads on the deck provide a soft and grippy surface for your feet when standing up or sitting down.
The kayak also has a stand-assist strap that helps you transition from sitting to standing or vice versa.
Performance
The Perception Hi Life 11 performs well in calm water conditions, such as lakes, ponds, or slow-moving rivers. It can also handle some ocean waves, as long as you stay close to the shore. It is not suitable for whitewater or fast rivers. The kayak is moderately fast and responsive, but not as fast or maneuverable as a standard kayak or SUP.
It picks up a decent pace when paddling, but it may not keep up with other kayaks or SUPs in your group. It steers well with or without the skeg, but it may require more effort to make sharp turns or corrections.
The skeg can be removed in shallow water or when you need more maneuverability. The kayak tracks well with the skeg, but it may drift off course without it, especially in windy conditions.
Fishing Features
The Perception Hi Life 11 is not a fishing kayak per se, but it has some basic fishing features that can enhance your angling experience. It has no rod holders or T-slots built-in, but it has a gear track in the center that can use to mount rod holders or other fishing accessories.
It also has another gear track at the stern that can be used for the same purpose. It has ample storage space under the seat, where you can fit a cooler or a tackle box. It also has front and rear tank wells with bungees, where you can store more gear or a fishing crate.
The kayak is very stable for standing and casting, and the traction pads on the deck prevent slipping or noise. The kayak also has a paddle holder behind the seat, where you can secure your paddle when fishing.
Price
The Perception Hi Life 11 is priced at $699.99, which is reasonable for a kayak/SUP hybrid that offers versatility, durability, and fun. It is not the cheapest option in its category, but it offers good value for money, considering its features and quality.
It is often out of stock, so you may have to wait to get one.
Specifications
- Length: 11 ft
- Width: 34 in
- Weight: 55 lb
- Load Capacity: 280 lb
- Cockpit Type: Sit on Top
- Technology: Rotomolded
- Propulsion: Paddle
- Crew: 1+1
- User Level: Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate
- Intended Use: Recreation
- Water Type: Big lakes, bays, Small lakes
- Seat: Elevated cushioned seat with adjustable backrest
- Warranty: 1 year on parts and accessories, 5-year limited warranty on hull and deck
Construction and Material
The Perception Hi Life 11 is constructed from high-density polyethylene (PE), which is a durable and UV-resistant material that can withstand impacts, scratches, and harsh weather conditions.
The kayak is constructed using a one-piece rotational molding technology, which ensures a leak-proof and seamless finish.
Stability and Tracking
The Perception Hi Life 11 is very stable for both sitting and standing paddling, thanks to its flat hull design and wide deck. It can handle some ocean waves, but it may not be very stable in rough water conditions.
It tracks well with the skeg, but it may drift off course without it, especially in windy conditions.
Dimensions and Weight Capacity
The Perception Hi Life 11 is 11 ft long and 34 in wide, which makes it easy to transport and store. It weighs 55 lb, which is relatively lightweight for a kayak/SUP hybrid. It has a load capacity of 280 lb, which is low for its size. It is suitable for average to medium-sized paddlers, but not for big guys or heavy gear.
Comfort and Adjustability
The Perception Hi Life 11 offers a decent level of comfort for both sitting and standing paddling. The seat height is good for paddling, but the seatback is low and the padding is thin.
The seat can be reclined using the straps on each side, but it cannot be adjusted forward or back, or in height. The footrests are adjustable, which allows you to find an optimal paddling position.
The traction pads on the deck provide a soft and grippy surface for your feet when standing up or sitting down. The kayak also has a stand-assist strap that helps you transition from sitting to standing or vice versa.
Storage and Organization
The Perception Hi Life 11 has ample storage space for your gear and personal items. It has a built-in cooler under the seat, where you can store your snacks and drinks. It also has front and rear tank wells with bungees, where you can store more gear or a fishing crate.
It has a molded cup holder in front of the seat, where you can keep your beverage handy. It has a gear track in the center and another one at the stern, where you can mount accessories like rod holders, cameras, fish finders, etc.
Transportation and Portability
The Perception Hi Life 11 is easy to transport and store, thanks to its lightweight and compact design. It has a comfy-grip carry handle at the bow and gear tracks at the center and stern that double as carrying handles. You can easily load it on your car roof or carry it to the water by yourself or with a helper.
You can also use a kayak cart if you need to cover longer distances.
Warranty
The Perception Hi Life 11 comes with a 5-year warranty on the hull and deck, and a 1-year warranty on parts and accessories. This covers any material or manufacturing defects that may occur during normal use.
You need to register your kayak online within 30 days of purchase to activate the warranty.
Special Features
The Perception Hi Life 11 has some special features that make it stand out from other kayaks/SUPs in its category. These include:
- A built-in cooler under the seat that doubles as storage space. You can keep your snacks and drinks cold and fresh for your trip, or store your gear and personal items. The cooler is removable and easy to clean.
- A unique rear swim platform that allows easy reentry from the water. You can use the handgrips on the deck to pull yourself up, or use the platform as a diving board or a sunbathing spot. The platform also adds stability and buoyancy to the kayak.
Performance: Speed, Tracking, and Maneuverability
The Perception Hi Life 11 performs well in calm water conditions, such as lakes, ponds, or slow-moving rivers. It can also handle some ocean waves, as long as you stay close to the shore. It is not much suitable for whitewater or fast rivers. The kayak is moderately fast and responsive, but not as fast or maneuverable as a standard kayak or SUP.
It picks up a decent pace when paddling, but it may not keep up with other kayaks or SUPs in your group. It steers well with or without the skeg, but it may require more effort to make sharp turns or corrections. The skeg can be removed in shallow water or when you need more maneuverability.
The kayak tracks well with the skeg, but it may drift off course without it, especially in windy conditions.
Upgrade and Adjustments
The Perception Hi Life 11 is a versatile and customizable kayak that allows you to upgrade and adjust it according to your preferences and needs. You can add accessories like rod holders, cameras, fish finders, etc. to the gear tracks on the center and stern of the deck.
You can also replace the seat with a more comfortable or supportive one if you wish. You can remove the skeg if you want more maneuverability or if you are paddling in shallow water.
You can also use a different paddle or a SUP paddle if you want to change your paddling style.
Accessibility
It is easy to get on and off the kayak, thanks to the rear swim platform and the handgrips on the deck. It is also easy to transition from sitting to standing or vice versa, thanks to the stand-assist strap and the traction pads on the deck.
The kayak is stable and comfortable for both sitting and standing paddling, and it offers a good view of the water and the surroundings.
Fishing Features
The Perception Hi Life 11 has some basic fishing features that can enhance your angling experience.
It has no rod holders or T-slots built-in, but it has a gear track in the center that can use to mount rod holders or other fishing accessories. It also has another gear track at the stern that can be used for the same purpose.
It has ample storage space under the seat, where you can fit a cooler or a tackle box. It also has front and rear tank wells with bungees, where you can store more gear or a fishing crate. The kayak is very stable for standing and casting, and the traction pads on the deck prevent slipping or noise.
The kayak also has a paddle holder behind the seat, where you can secure your paddle when fishing.
Some Alternatives
It may not be the best option for everyone, depending on your preferences, needs, and budget. Here are some alternatives that you may want to consider:
Perception Outlaw 11.5: A fishing kayak with more features and storage space than the Hi Life 11. Not a hybrid SUP.
Pelican Getaway 110 HDII: A pedal kayak/SUP hybrid that is faster and easier to use than the Hi Life 11. More expensive and heavier.
Vibe Maverick 120: A kayak/SUP hybrid that is longer and has a higher weight capacity than the Hi Life 11. More comfortable seat and more gear tracks. Heavier and more expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the kayak stable?
Yes, the kayak is very stable for both sitting and standing paddling, thanks to its flat hull design and wide deck. It can handle some ocean waves, but it may not be very stable in rough water conditions.
How fast is the kayak?
The kayak is moderately fast, but not as fast as a standard kayak or SUP. It picks up a decent pace when paddling, but it may not keep up with other kayaks or SUPs in your group.
How much weight can the kayak hold?
The kayak has a load capacity of 280 lb, which is low for its size. It is suitable for average to medium-sized paddlers, but not for big guys or heavy gear.
How comfortable is the kayak?
The kayak offers a decent level of comfort for both sitting and standing paddling. The seat height is good for paddling, but the seatback is low and the padding is thin. The seat may not be comfortable for long paddling sessions or for people with back problems. The footrests are adjustable, which allows you to find an optimal paddling position. The traction pads on the deck provide a soft and grippy surface for your feet when standing up or sitting down.
How easy is it to transport and store the kayak?
The kayak is easy to transport and store, thanks to its lightweight and compact design. It has a comfy-grip carry handle at the bow and gear tracks at the center and stern that double as carrying handles. You can easily load it on your car roof or carry it to the water by yourself or with a helper. You can also use a kayak cart if you need to cover longer distances.
What accessories can I add to the kayak?
The kayak has a gear track in the center and another one at the stern, where you can mount accessories like rod holders, cameras, fish finders, etc. It also has a paddle holder behind the seat, where you can secure your paddle when fishing. You can also replace the seat with a more comfortable or supportive one if you wish. You can also use a different paddle or a SUP paddle if you want to change your paddling style.
What is the warranty of the kayak?
The kayak comes with a 5-year warranty on the hull and deck, and a 1-year warranty on parts and accessories. This covers any material or manufacturing defects that may occur during normal use. You need to register your kayak online within 30 days of purchase to activate the warranty.
What Can You Do Now?
Congratulations! You’ve read this comprehensive review of the Perception Hi Life 11 kayak and SUP hybrid. You now have a wealth of knowledge about this versatile watercraft that makes you more informed than anyone else.
If the Perception Hi Life 11 doesn’t meet your specific needs or preferences, don’t worry. We have a range of other kayak reviews available for you to explore. Check out our all Kayak reviews, where you can find alternatives that suit your requirements better.
Remember, making an informed decision is crucial when choosing the right kayak for your adventures. So whether you decide to go with the Perception Hi Life 11 or explore other options, we hope our reviews have helped you make an educated choice.
Happy paddling!
Disclosure Statement
Please note that the reviews and ratings are based on our personal experiences and opinions of the users. Be sure to consider your personal needs and preferences before purchasing any product.