Perception Swifty

Review Date
August 25, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Schuie ,  Paddler

Price Paid:  $268.00 at Dick's

Summary:
I've wanted to kayak for a long time, too long. When I saw this cute Perception, Swifty 9.5 at such a great price I bought it. I live in the NYS Finger Lakes Area, with many lakes, ponds, and streams. I've used it at least once a week , have introduced 4 friends and my 2 teens to my new yak. They all love it and 4 of them have bought their own. These people were a bit skittish about the whole idea, thinking they would flip out of the kayak (too much discovery channel), the stable little Swifty quickly cured them. For beginners this seems to be the perfect kayak. I've used other boats and they seem a bit tipsy and heavy compared to the Swifty. The Swifty is small (38lbs.), perfect for me at 5'3" and 115lbs,it maybe too small for a large person.

Review Date
July 4, 2009

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: QUIG ,  Paddler

Price Paid:  $350.00 at Eastern Mountain Spo

Summary:
Fantastic all around rec boat. Very stable. easy to manuever. Great for flat to class II. great fo people just getting int kayaking. With little effort very good at keeping on line. did I mention it's stability? Have used it from river in NY to Lake Erie (while ralatively flat, and in heavy surf ... 5 ft. + waves), to lakes and rivers in TN. HIGHLY RECOMENDED

Review Date
August 18, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: Rebecca Nichols(Unregistered User) ,  Paddler

Price Paid:  $300.00 at second hand

Summary:
I have a Perspcetion Swifty (3.1)...have had it for five years and LOVE IT! Its light enough to lift onto my car (40 lbs.) lovely for a "stroll" around the lake and GREAT for attacking the waters generated by passing boasts. I have had my kayaky on the Harpeth River with 2.o waves and NEVER had a problem. There's not enough money in Tennessee to buy my Kayak-Yak-Yak away from me!

Review Date
July 21, 2008

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: gdrew1 ,  Paddler

Price Paid:  $269.00 at Dick's - Concord, NH

Summary:
I was going to purchase the Old Town Otter, however, the store was fresh out of them. With that being said, I'm glad they were out because the Swifty is a nice kayak. This is my first kayak and have never been in one and I had no problems using this. Very sturdy and well balanced. I paddled the entire 2000 acres of Lake Massabesic with ease. The seat is comfortable and the boat comes with adjustable foot pegs!

Review Date
June 28, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: julian ,  Paddler

Price Paid:  $270.00 at Dick's

Summary:
I have four of these kayaks; 1 for each member of the family, from 75lbs to 220. We use them in general on class 1 and 2 rivers. They are especially great for exploring flooded wetlands and oxbow lakes, as they are short, turn quickly, and are easy to paddle. Even our youngest can handle the Swifty with ease, and I (at 220 lbs) do not feel I overload the boat.

In short, we couldn't be more delighted with these boats, and the price helped us get our whole family kayaking for less than might be paid for one "premium" boat. The most important criteria for us is that we all get to have fun. We've explored hidden cypress forests, spotted blue herons, eagles, hawks, wood ducks, kingfishers, mallards, and even run a few rapids in these boats. What's not to like?

Similar Products Used:
Perception Ocean touring kayaks (twin) in Alaska, Perception Prodigy 10, Old Town kayaks and canoes, Grumman and Alumacraft canoes for more than 30 years.