Verdict: Buy ($1197)
folbot.com
I ordered the Folbot Citibot last spring, after reading the lukewarm review on Wired. Two weeks later, I was picking up a large box at my local UPS store. Inside, a large backpack containing my kayak, nicely folded along with a note from the crew. One of the nicest things about purchasing a Folbot kayak is that you get the immediate feeling that you now belong to a family. The guys over at Charleston SC. not only love what they do, but stand 100% behind their product and are proud of their heritage as a company.
After reading the assembly instructions, it took me about 40 mins to assemble the citibot the first time, the hardest part for me was sliding the frame into the skin. Since then, I’ve improved to a mere 15 mins.
The citibot consists of an aluminium frame which is assembled by ‘clipping’ foldable tubes of aluminium together. Once assembled, the frame is slipped into the boat skin – 35 oz. Hypalon hull fabric and urethane coated polyester deck. The foldable seat goes in and finally, the skin is made taunt by inflating two sponsons. The fully assembled kayak weighs a mere 24lbs.
Over the summer, I’ve maximized the use of my citibot, taking it into as many different bodies of water as I could. I even took it as far as Banff, Alberta and paddled in some of the rivers there. Usually though, I stuck to nearby lakes and reservoirs, and limited my outings to 2-3 hrs at a time. I definitely enjoyed paddling all summer and, as I’m packing my kayak away for the winter, I am definitely looking forward to next year.
The Bad
- I sometimes wish the standard paddles that come with the citibot were a bit lighter but can’t really complain for the price.
- The backpack straps could be better designed. They tend to detach when not in use.
The Good
- Excellent entry level kayak for recreational paddling. Stable, Maneuverable. Paddles straight.
- Being able to pack multiple citibots into my trunk
- Being able to store my kayak inside a closet
- Being able to carry it with one hand and a case of beer in the other.
- Lifetime product warranty, great customer support. Heck you have a problem? send a tweet to the CEO directly.
Usage Notes & Tips:
- The optional foot braces come in handy for long(er) journeys.
- Consider purchasing Vibram Five-Finger shoes to paddle with, or barefoot is another alternative.
- The Wired review is definitely wrong with respect to the velcros and plastic clips being poor structural choices. After an entire summer of heavy use, I haven’t noticed any unusual wear on the clips/velcros and to the kayak itself.
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