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The Lifetime Emotion Spitfire kayak could be just what you’ve been looking for. A good value recreational yak that’s designed for fun on the water. But is it worth it?
We’ve taken the time to check out all its features to see who it’s designed for, what the pros and cons are and importantly, to help you decide if this is the best vessel for you.
- Length: 9 foot
- Width: 31 inches
- Weight: 45 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
Things To Consider Before Buying A Kayak
Before you splash out, you might want to ask yourself a few questions, such as where might you be paddling? Will you be on the water on your own?
The Spitfire 9 is a recreational sit-on-top kayak. Recreational yaks are designed to be used for fun on the water rather than a specific activity. This means they can be durable and versatile, often able to handle calm waters with occasional small waves.
A sit-on-top can be a good choice for warmer conditions, as you will usually get wet while you’re paddling; either from splashes from your paddle or from water coming through the scupper holes. But they can be easy to learn in and easy to get in and out of.
A 9 foot sit-on-top might be ideal for you if you want a compact yak that you can slide in the back of your truck and easily transport on your own.
If you plan to head off on paddling trips for multiple days, however, you may want to opt for a longer vessel that can cover large bodies of water more efficiently.
Top Features Of The Emotion Spitfire 9 Kayak
The Emotion Spitfire 9 is 9 foot sit-on-top yak that’s designed for recreation on lakes, slow moving rivers and calm coastal bays. It has a UV protected high-density polyethylene hull, giving it its durability, which can be almost essential on a recreation vessel.
A Day On The Water
The Spitfire 9 has quite a lot of storage considering its 9 foot hull length. There’s a large storage well at the back, which benefits from their cargo net lacing system. This adds another level of protection for your gear to hold it all in place and can be unhooked or removed in order to stow larger items or a cooler.
As well as the rear storage, there’s a smaller tank well at the bow, with bungee cords. This could be good for securing dry bags or other items. In front of the seat you have access to more storage in the hull, through a hatch with a clear plastic lid.
With a maximum capacity of 350 pounds, you should be able to take everything you’ll need for a day on the water. You may even be able to load it up with camping gear for an overnight trip if you pack lightly.
Additionally, there are paddle holders at either side of the yak, so you can secure your paddle if you need to.
Comfortable Paddling
To make your day on the water a little more comfortable, the Spitfire 9 comes with a padded seat. It features a padded seat back that can be adjusted and can easily fold down flat for transporting and storing.
There are molded-in footrests to offer comfort for paddlers of different sizes. The footrests can also help you stabilize yourself and give you a better position for paddling.
Easy To Transport
Being just 9 foot long and weighing only 45 pounds, this yak could be quite easy to take to and from the water. To make things easier, there are luggage style carrying handles at the bow and stern, which give you a better grip. And on either side of the yak there are molded-in handles, so you can lift it more easily.
The short length of the hull means it should fit pretty neatly in the back of a pickup with the tailgate down.
Good For Beginners
This could be an ideal choice for beginners, as its hull is designed to offer stability in calm waters, but it can also handle smaller waves. It may have the stability to keep you upright on fast moving water as well, but you will very probably get wet.
The 9 foot long, 31 inches wide hull, means it should be easy to maneuver when you’re on the water. The hull is designed with a molded-in skeg to help with tracking, which could be useful if you’re paddling in currents or in windy weather.
The sit-on-top design may also appeal to beginners because there’s no enclosed cockpit, so it should be easier to get in and out of, as well as offering the opportunity to hop on and off for a swim while you’re in the water.
Spitfire Alternatives
Vibe Skipjack 90
If you’d rather have more fishing features, the Vibe Skipjack 90 could work for you. It’s a similar size and weight as the Spitfire but has the added bonus of built-in rod holders, gear tracks, and it comes with a paddle included.
Ocean Kayak Malibu Two
The Malibu Two is a 12 foot tandem yak, which could also be paddled solo. It’s a sit-on-top that even has room for a third person or a dog, making it a good alternative if you plan to get out on the water with your family.
Sun Dolphin Aruba 10
The Aruba 10 is a compact 10 foot sit-inside, which could be a good choice if you’re looking for a year round paddling craft. It’s a lightweight, 40 pound yak that has a rear storage hatch and bungee cords. It’s designed to be stable and easy to paddle.
Conclusion
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Good for beginners
Cons
- Slower than longer yaks
- Not ideal for long distance paddling
You’ve probably already decided if the Spitfire 9 is for you or not. It could be a fantastic option if you’re new to paddling, as it has the durability and maneuverability that could make it a great yak to learn on. The short but wide hull could also give you the stability that you’re looking for.
If you have any experience with the Spitfire 9, please get in touch. Similarly, if you have any questions for us, just let us know in the comments. And if you think your fellow paddlers might benefit from this review, share it with them.
I have used an Emotion 9-foot Spitfire for three years. I had back surgery recently, and would like an upgraded seat, perhaps an upright aluminum seat if there is one for this Kayak. Thank you.
Karen Conrad
Hi. I value your insight.
I’m 5’7″ 260 and have a 49# dog that I want you take in a yak. I like the wt capacity and weight if this yak…but wonder if there is a alternative to this with similar wt and capacity. Iyak mostly on slower rivers and some lakes, but don’t want yo spin or struggle with tracking. Tnx