Sun Dolphin 51925 Bali SS Review: Well-Built Entry Level Kayak

Bottom Line

For the beginner kayakers looking for a well-built kayak that will also give them an easy time when it comes to paddling and maneuvering, the Sun Dolphin 51925 Bali SS is perfect.

Introduction

As you are starting on kayaking, you will need a kayak that has been designed to make life easier for you like this one. The Sun Dolphin 51925 Bali SS one such model as it makes paddling and tracking super easy, and it is also made from high-quality materials for maximum durability.

What's more, this kayak will provide plenty of room for the cockpit and a comfortable seat to ensure riders are as comfortable as possible. And there is also more than enough storage space for all your gear.

Sun Dolphin Bali SS Review

Build Quality: Solid and Attractive Build

Sun Dolphin 51925 Bali SS is a tough and highly durable kayak that can withstand being used in almost any environments including whitewater rapids and rocky water. But given that this is more of an entry-level model, it is more ideal for calmer waters.

The kayak is made from Fortiflex high-density polyethylene as the main material. And besides being tough and durable, this is still a lightweight material to ensure that you do not end up with an overly heavy kayak.

The polyethylene material used to make the kayak is also UV-stabilized, which means it will not fade even if you use your kayak under the hot summer sun a lot. Hence, the kayak maintains its pleasant color for long. Also, UV stabilization will help prevent cracking and peeling.

Maneuverability: East Enough to Maneuver

Maneuvering this kayak should not take a lot of effort even for the inexperienced beginner kayaker because, at only 10 feet long and weighing just 44 pounds, it should be easy to get it to move in the exact direction that you want.

Since this is a short and wide vessel, it will be much easier to control than the long, narrow ones, which are often only easy to maneuver if they are being paddles by two or more kayakers.

But, while the lightweight and more compact design of this vessel will make it easy to maneuver, it is important to also note that when the wind picks up, you might have more difficulties maneuvering this kayak. The smaller weight means that this will be an easy kayak for the wind to blow away, and hence making it harder to control in such conditions.

Stability: Perfectly Shaped for Maximum Stability.

Besides making it easier to maneuver, the short and wide design of this kayak will also ensure it will be more stable on the water. Given the wide hull design (around 30 inches), there is more surface of the kayak in contact with the water, which provides more stability.

Also, the design of the hull is meant to make it as stable as possible. It will have a V-shape on the bow and stem, which helps enhance overall stability. Also, this design will ensure that the kayak tracks and paddles easily.

Despite being lightweight, the weight is also well distributed at the front and back by also factoring in the weight of the rider to ensure the kayak remains highly stable. And if you also arrange your gear on the kayak well by paying attention to weight distribution, you can be sure you will end up with an even more stable kayak.

Design: Super Comfortable

The design of this kayak is meant to make sure that it will be as comfortable as possible for the rider. It will include an open cockpit area that is meant to make entry and exit more effortless. Also, this seating area is more spacious and will include a padded seat with an adjustable backrest for maximum user comfort.

This adjustable backrest and the adjustable foot braces will not only make the kayak more comfortable but also allow it to accommodate different rider height, and hence making this kayak ideal for almost any adult out there.

There are also some protective thigh pads on the kayak that will help enhance the overall comfort. Also, there is a paddle holder on the kayak that will be very handy when it comes to the management of the paddle when out in the water.

Although you will probably end up using the kayak anywhere you like, the design of this one is more ideal for use in lakes and rivers or any other place where the water is mild.

Storage Compartment: Plenty of Storage Space for All Your Gear

You will never have to leave anything important behind with this kayak as it has been designed to provide plenty of storage space for all your gear whether you are just kayaking for the thrill of it or want to go fishing.

With a weight capacity of up to 250 pounds, the kayak can accommodate most adults and still leave enough unutilized weight capacity to hold lots of gear.

Better yet, it will include a dry storage compartment that will help keep water out of your gear. This storage compartment will come with shock cord rigging that will help secure the gear down to ensure it does not fall into the water.

And with the inclusion of the portable accessory carrier, you will also have extra storage space for a few other things, which is quite convenient. If all that storage is still not enough for you, then the open tank well will provide even more expanded storage for you.

Transport: Easy to Take on the Go

Overall the Sun Dolphin 51925 Bali SS is a lightweight and easy to carry kayak that any adults should not have any problem moving around.

Also, this kayak will include some secure and spacious handles that will give you a nice place to grasp when you want to move it.

And to make carrying even easier for you, the shape and design will also allow you to carry it on the side, which is how many kayakers seem to prefer to transport their kayaks.

When it comes to pulling it in an out of the water, you will also have an easy time as there are sturdy cords all around it including both at the front and back that you can use to pull it out.

Price: Inexpensive Entry-Level Kayak

For an entry-level kayak like this one, the price seems perfectly okay, and this is more so given the quality that you get and how much space is in there.

Other things that make this a good buy for the price is that it will also include plenty of storage space, and depending on where you are buying, you will also get a nice paddle as an add-on.

And while this kayak might still not have all the bells and whistles that you might get with the larger and more expensive kayak models, for a model in the $500 price range, what you get from this one is good enough.

Verdict

A well-built entry-level kayak that will provide lots of storage space for your gear and is designed to be more stable and easy to maneuver.

For those kayakers that are just starting and those that want something simple and still fun to use, the Sun Dolphin 51925 Bali SS makes an excellent buy. With the highly durable high-density polyethylene construction, the v-shaped hull for stability, spacious cockpit, and plenty of storage space, this kayak has you covered in all aspects.