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Trying to find the ideal recreational or fishing kayak can be a long process.
But hopefully, with our Old Town Vapor 10 review, you will be able to narrow down your search and get a better idea of those important features that you just can’t be without.
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 28.5 inches
- Weight: 47 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 325 lbs
You’ll likely find that the features you need will depend on what you plan to use your kayak for. But with separate versions of this popular yak; one designed for recreational use and the other for fishing, one of them just be might what you’re after.
The Vapor 10 Kayaks Are For:
The Fishing Version
Before you buy a fishing kayak, you may want to ask yourself a few things. For example, will you be using it for camping trips or for a day out? What will the weather be like? And how do you plan to store and transport it?
With a compact 10 foot yak like the Vapor 10 Angler, it should be easier for you to transport and store. Plus, with it being a sit-inside, you may find it more convenient if you plan to paddle in colder climates.
However, if you’re looking for something you can take on camping trips, this may not be the best one for you, as the storage will be limited due to the shorter hull and less deck space.
Similarly, if you’re looking for something designed for the ocean, the Vapor 10 might not be ideal, as it might be better suited to calmer waters.
The Recreational Version
When choosing a recreational kayak, there are some things you’ll need to consider before you make that purchase.
Will you be paddling on your own? Do you plan to paddle on lakes or the ocean? Or do you plan to head out on camping trips?
A recreational yak can be a great all-rounder and with the Vapor 10 being compact, this could be a good choice if you plan to paddle on your own. It could also be a great craft for learning in, with its short, stable hull.
This yak is designed for calm lakes and rivers so might not be the ideal choice if you’re looking to head out on rougher waters.
Top Features Of The Old Town Vapor 10 Angler Fishing Kayak
The Vapor 10 Angler is a 10 foot sit-inside fishing kayak that is designed to be both comfortable and stable. It is also designed to give you enough storage for everything you might need for a day’s fishing.
Storage Options
While the Vapor 10 Angler may not have the storage capacity that a longer touring kayak might have, it still has a lot of room for its compact size.
As well as the storage well in the stern, which you can customize with additional purchases, there is also bungee rigging at the bow, so you can secure additional items. This yak also benefits from having two flush mounted rod holders, a cup holder and paddle holder.
For extra convenience, there’s also a skid plate and an anchor trolley system, although you’ll need to purchase the anchor separately.
Comfort
When you’re out for a day’s fishing trip, being comfortable is probably going to make your trip more enjoyable. And with this craft you get a spacious cockpit, measuring 19.5 by 48 inches, so you might not feel quite as restricted with movement compared to a standard sit-inside yak.
With more space to move you may then find it easier to cast your line and access your tolls or belongings while you’re on the water. For added comfort it also comes with a Comfort Flex seat that is padded and can be adjusted.
Additionally, this craft features adjustable foot brace system with Glide Track technology, so you can position your feet in a suitable position whether you’re paddling or waiting for a bite. It also has thigh pads so you can stabilize yourself more comfortably.
Vapor 10 Angler Alternatives
Sun Dolphin Excursion 10
Retailing at a little less than the Vapor 10, this is a 10 foot sit-inside yak that’s engineered for fishing.
It’s a little wider, which could help its stability. It has an additional swivel rod holder and a dry storage hatch.
It’s also 8 pounds lighter but 75 pounds less in capacity.
Old Town Vapor 12
At the same width as the Vapor 10, this yak gives you an extra 2 feet in length, as well more storage and more speed.
This sit-inside has a slightly larger cockpit and bungee rigging on the deck. It’s also a heavier at 56 pounds and more expensive.
There’s Also The Vapor 10XT…
The Old Town Vapor 10XT is a similar craft to the Vapor 10 but it benefits from a couple of extra features to improve your paddling trip.
Both vessels are the same length and width but the Vapor 10XT is a little heavier, weighing 49 pounds compared to the 47 pound Vapor 10. But they both feature a spacious cockpit and the same Comfort Flex seat.
The Vapor 10XT has the added bonus of a Click Seal hatch in the stern. This can allow you to keep your items safe from falling overboard or getting wet. Compared to the Vapor 10, which just has the molded in storage area, the Vapor 10XT can give you a little more security when it comes to storing gear.
Vapor 10 Recreational: Top Features
The Vapor 10 Recreational is a compact sit-inside kayak designed to be easy to use and convenient to transport. Similar to the Angler version, this can be a good choice if you’re looking for a yak that’s easy to paddle in calm waters and ideal for all seasons.
Plenty Of Space
This 10 foot recreational yak features a spacious cockpit, the same size as the Angler version. For anyone getting used to a sit-inside kayak this could be a good choice, as it may seem less enclosed and more appealing for a beginner.
If you’re heading out for a day or even an overnight trip, there’s a cargo well in the stern, just like on the Angler version. And you can also adjust the seat to make room for extra belongings. For your smaller items, there’s a cockpit tray with a built-in cup holder.
Maneuverability
The compact size of this yak means it’s designed to be easy to maneuver on the water, due to its short hull, yet it’s not designed for rapids and may become more difficult in windy conditions. However, the short hull means that you may also find it easier to maneuver even when you’re on dry land.
The built-in skid plate will help to protect the hull if you need to drag it along and the carry handles at either end should also help if you need to lift it onto a cart, roof rack, or the back of your truck.
It’s also lightweight, made from durable polyethylene, so should be easy to transport on your own.
Vapor 10 Recreational Alternatives
Old Town Dirigo 106
At 10 foot 6 inches, it’s slightly longer than the Vapor 10 and it’s also slightly narrower.
It’s a stable vessel, featuring Stabilform hull, with a dry storage hatch in the stern and a smaller one in front of the cockpit.
With extra bungee rigging on the deck, there are more storage options than on the Vapor 10 but it also retails higher.
Perception Expression 11.5
This is longer, narrower and lighter but with a shorter cockpit, designed to keep you drier.
It is a versatile vessel that can be used for recreation and touring but is still stable enough for beginners.
It also benefits from deck bungee rigging and a large dry storage hatch but it can cost significantly more than the Vapor 10
Final Thoughts
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Stable
- Easy To Paddle
Cons
- Not ideal for rough water
- Slower than longer crafts
If you’re looking for a compact, lightweight vessel than the Old Town Vapor 10 can be a good choice, as it can be ideal for all seasons.
Its compact size can help if your storage space is limited or you’re looking for something you can transport on your own. You’ll have seen that the two models are very similar, both with the same stable hull and spacious cockpit.
You can check out the Vapor 10 Angler for yourself here and the recreational version here, now that you know what you’re after. And don’t forget to share this with your fellow kayakers.
Video: Vapor 10 Angler Out Catching Bass
