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The Lifetime Guster (formerly Emotion Guster) is a recreational sit-inside kayak.
It’s made for exploring slow-moving rivers and creeks. as well as large lakes and coastal bays.
- Length: 10 foot
- Width: 30 inches
- Depth: 14 inches
- Weight: 47 pounds
- Weight capacity: 275 pounds
This durable kayak is made in the USA with an affordable price tag. It features high-density polyethylene construction and comes with a five-year limited warranty.
This is not a high-performance kayak. It’s designed for beginners and paddlers looking for a compact kayak for flatwater paddling.
Because it’s a budget recreational kayak, it’s not designed for extended trips. There is limited space for gear for long trips and the seat might not be the most comfortable for all-day paddling. For longer trips and kayak camping, you might want something with a little more storage space and a little more speed.
It has a good level of primary stability but it’s not designed to handle rough water.
This is a basic sit-inside kayak, with a large cockpit. It has a padded adjustable seat and sliding foot braces for comfort on the water. But it’s not made for long-distance paddling.
What To Consider Before Buying A Lifetime Guster
The Lifetime Guster is a sit-inside kayak that’s built for recreational paddling. It’s aimed at new paddlers, so it can be an ideal boat for both kids and adults looking for a starter kayak.
The large cockpit makes entering and exiting the kayak easy for beginners. But if you think you’d still struggle, you might be better opting for a sit-on-top kayak, which has an open deck with no enclosed cockpit.
This is made for flatwater paddling. It’s versatile enough to handle different types of water, such as bays, large lakes, and rivers of all sizes. However, it’s not the best option for whitewater because of its flat-bottom hull.
It has some storage space for day-tripping gear. But if you want to go kayak camping, you might be better off with a touring kayak or a longer/higher-capacity recreational kayak.
The Big Features Of The Lifetime Guster
Stable Hull
The Guster has Lifetime’s ST Performance Hull design. This is engineered to provide a high level of stability, particularly primary stability for flatwater paddling.
It’s also designed for increased tracking performance, so that it’s easier to paddle to your destination in a straight line.
Video: Lifetime Guster 10 Sit-Inside Kayak
The short hull is also built to be easy to maneuver. This can make it an ideal choice for navigating smaller bodies of water, such as ponds and narrow rivers.
A nice feature of the Guster is the added flotation that comes from the built-in foam blocks.
Roomy Cockpit
The Lifetime Guster has a spacious cockpit. The large rim makes it easy to get in and out of. The cockpit rim measures 38-inches by 19.5-inches, so you shouldn’t feel restricted while you’re seated.
The molded seat is slightly elevated off the floor, so it can offer a more natural seating position. There is an adjustable padded seat back with a padded seat cushion to give you some comfort and support while you’re on the water. The seat is not the best for long trips, but it can be sufficient for short, recreational trips.
A nice addition to this kayak is the adjustable foot braces to aid stability. These can be easily adjusted on a sliding rail inside the cockpit to suit different leg lengths. Another good feature is the thigh/knee padding on the rim of the cockpit.
Space For Gear
This is a recreational kayak that has a decent amount of storage space for its size. While it’s not designed for multi-day kayaking trips, there is ample space for day-tripping gear.
The kayak has a large oval hatch at the stern, which is ideal for storing a large dry bag. The hatch is not watertight, so you might want to avoid putting valuables in there without adequate waterproof protection.
The storage hatch has bungees to secure the lid, so you could also secure a smaller dry bag on top of the hatch. There are additional deck bungees at the bow and there’s a molded cup holder in the seat.
You’ll find a Ledge Lock Paddle Keeper on the side to keep your paddle safe if you want to stop to snap a photo or eat a snack.
It’s not just us who think this is a great kayak for exploring local rivers. Check out this user’s relaxing paddling spot.
Lifetime Guster Alternatives
Perception Joyride 10
The Perception Joyride 10 is a compact recreational kayak that’s built for fun, versatility, and comfort. This sit-inside kayak features a large cockpit for easy entry and comfort. The padded seat is two-way adjustable for support while you’re paddling.
It has a large stern hatch with a hinged lid. Another great feature is the dashboard. This has Solo Mount recesses for accessories. And it has a Selfie Slot to hold your phone.
But this is a little more expensive than the Guster.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Hinged storage hatch
- Entertainment dashboard
Cons
- Pricey
Pelican Brume 100XP
The Pelican Brume 100XP is a 10-foot sit-inside recreational kayak that offers good value. It comes with a paddle and has an adjustable backrest and a seat pad.
Like the Guster, the Brume can be a great starter kayak, with excellent stability and ease of use. It’s compact and lightweight.
It has a small bow hatch and a rear storage deck. This can be a good kayak for small to medium paddlers. Tall paddlers may find there’s not enough leg room.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Stable
- Paddle included
Cons
- Not for tall paddlers
Pelican Argo 100X
The Pelican Argo 100X is a budget kayak that’s built for recreational paddling. It’s compact, stable and lightweight (weighing only 36-pounds).
This is a durable kayak that’s made for flatwater. It has a large cockpit with an adjustable backrest. It’s not the most comfortable for long trips. But it can be ideal for exploring local waterways, especially if you’re a beginner.
It has a mesh-covered rear storage deck and a small bow hatch.
> Pelican Argo 100X Kayaks Review
Pros
- Lightweight
- Great for beginners
- Large cockpit
Cons
- Not made for long trips
Lifetime Guster FAQs
Can You Add A Motor To The Guster?
No, this is not compatible with trolling motors.
How Do You Adjust The Foot Braces?
The foot braces slide on rails for easy adjustment for different leg lengths.
Can You Add A Spray Skirt To The Guster Kayak?
No, the cockpit on the Lifetime Guster is not designed to be used with a spray skirt so you will likely struggle to find one that will fit.
Can The Guster Handle Whitewater?
No, the Guster is not designed to be used in whitewater or rough conditions. The hull is made with primary stability in mind, rather than secondary stability. So it may tip over if used in rough conditions.
Conclusion: Is The Lifetime Guster Any Good?
Pros
- Great for beginners
- Affordable
- Spacious cockpit
Cons
- Not ideal for long trips
The Lifetime Guster can be a great first sit-inside kayak. It’s durable, easy to paddle, and very stable on flatwater.
However, if you’re after a kayak with lots of comfort and storage space or one that can handle rough water, this might not be the one for you.
If you think the Guster could be a good fit for you, check it out for yourself here.
Let us know what you think of it. And share this if you think it might help someone else out.
