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Pelican Bandit NXT 100 Kayak Review

Mark Armstrong
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The Pelican Bandit NXT 100 kayak is a budget-friendly option that’s designed for recreational use. It comes in a variety of bright colors for added fun on the water.

This 10-foot recreational sit-on-top kayak is lightweight, durable, and stable, making it a great option for beginners. It’s also designed for smaller paddlers looking for a kayak that’s easy to transport and easy to paddle.

The Pelican Bandit is made for calm waters, such as slow-moving rivers and flatwater lakes. But it can also be ideal for calm ocean waters, for example shallow bays.

Pelican Bandit NXT 100 Kayak in fade apple citrine/white colorPin
  • Length: 10 foot
  • Width: 30 inches
  • Depth: 13.2 inches
  • Weight: 40 pounds
  • Weight capacity: 300 pounds

It doesn’t have any fishing features but it does come with a padded seat and storage areas. However, there’s no dry storage.

Who The Pelican Bandit NXT 100 Is For

The Pelican Bandit NXT 100 is aimed at beginners and recreational paddlers. It’s a sit-on-top kayak that’s designed for stability primarily on flatwater.

It can be a great boat for exploring local lakes and rivers, as well as taking to the beach for a relaxed paddle on a sheltered bay.

This is an affordable kayak so it’s not overly packed with features. It has storage space for essentials for a short trip and an adjustable seat but there are no fishing rod holders or accessory tracks. And it doesn’t have any sealed hatches to keep your gear safe and dry.

Because it’s a budget recreational sit-on-top kayak, it’s built for warm-weather paddling at a relaxed pace, with minimal features. This is not the fastest kayak but it is stable and can be a comfortable kayak for new paddlers.

If you’re looking for a comfortable ride for longer trips, this is probably not the kayak for you. In which case, you may prefer a touring kayak.

But if you’re looking for a lightweight solo kayak that’s easy to paddle and easy to carry on your own, the Bandit NXT 100 could be a great option.

Main Features Of The Pelican Bandit NXT 100

Stability

The Bandit NXT 100 is built to offer exceptional stability in flatwater conditions. It has a double-arched multi-chine hull which is designed to provide excellent initial stability with added secondary stability, roughly similar to a pontoon hull.

This means it can feel less tippy for beginners but it also has the capability to handle mild waves. There are molded foot wells to help you stabilize yourself with your feet.

While it has great stability for recreational paddling, it’s not designed for standing up, unlike many fishing kayaks.

Because of the good stability and the design of the hull, you may find that speed is sacrificed.

Easy To Paddle

This is an entry-level kayak. It’s designed to be easy to use whether you’re a beginner or not. With its short hull, it can be easy to maneuver and turn in tight spaces.

It can also be easy to control if you’re a smaller paddler, as it’s not overly wide so you won’t be overstretched with each paddle stroke. However, it’s wide enough to feel stable on the water.

The twin-arched hull can also help with tracking, so it can be easier to paddle in a straight line.

The open deck and spacious seating area are helpful for getting in and out, particularly for new kayakers.

Compact Hull

This is a compact kayak, so it can be a more convenient size for transporting and storing at home. This little kayak can fit in the back of a pickup truck with the tailgate down. It can also be easily transported on the roof of most cars.

The short length of this kayak means it can be less awkward to carry down to the water on your own.

Durability

One of the key features of the Pelican Bandit NXT 100 is the high level of durability. This kayak is constructed using Pelican’s patented RAM-X material. This is designed to be resistant to impacts and abrasion, making it a durable option for beginners.

The tough material can also be popped back into shape after a collision or major impact.

Video: Pelican RAM-X Polyethylene Explained

Room For Gear

This compact kayak has a decent amount of storage space for its size. There’s a spacious rear cargo deck that can be ideal for holding a cooler for a picnic lunch. This rear deck has a removable mesh cover that can help to secure your gear to the kayak.

You’ll also find a small storage area at the bow with a bungee cord to keep a jacket or dry bag tied down.

The kayak has a molded bottle holder between your legs. There are also small molded trays that could be used to mount various accessories (mounts and accessories sold separately).

Padded Seat

The Bandit NXT comes with a seat included. This is a padded Ergoform seat which is adjustable at the backrest. It’s not the most comfortable seat but it can be adequate for short paddling sessions. You may want to increase the padding in the seat bottom if you plan to paddle for longer periods.

A nice feature of this little kayak is that the molded seating area is slightly raised. This means that the seat is slightly elevated off the deck so you can stay drier.

There are scupper holes on the deck in front of the seating area, under your legs. The rear cargo deck also has scupper holes for self-bailing.

> What are scupper plugs?

It’s not just us who think the Pelican Bandit NXT 100 is an ideal kayak for new paddlers. Others think it’s a great option for recreational paddling on calm, flatwater.

Pelican Bandit NXT 100 Alternatives

Ocean Kayak Malibu 9.5

Ocean Kayak Malibu 9.5Pin

The Ocean Kayak Malibu 9.5 can be a fantastic option if you’re looking for a more compact kayak that can handle ocean waves. The Malibu 9.5 is 6-inches shorter than the Bandit but 2-inches wider. So it’s extremely stable and easy to maneuver.

However, this kayak is a lot more expensive compared to the Bandit. But you do get some extra features. There’s a sealed storage hatch in the center of the cockpit to keep your essentials safe and dry.

You’ll also find a padded adjustable seat, calf rests and molded foot rests. There are three cup holders so you can stay hydrated and there’s a large rear tank well with bungees for securing gear to the deck. There’s also a smaller bow storage area with bungee rigging.

Pros

  • Very easy to maneuver
  • Compact
  • Dry storage hatch

Cons

  • Pretty pricey

Pelican Mist 100XP Angler

Pelican Mist 100XP AnglerPin

The Pelican Mist 100XP Angler can be a good alternative if you’d prefer an elevated seat and some fishing features. This one is the same length as the Bandit NXT 100 but it’s an inch wider and comes with a paddle included. But it is more expensive.

The Mist 100XP Angler is built for kayak fishing and you’ll find two flush-mount rod holders behind the seat, so you can easily reach your fishing rods on the water.

This kayak also has adjustable foot braces for added comfort and a breathable mesh seat with an aluminum frame for added comfort and better visibility.

Pros

  • Elevated seat
  • Rod holders
  • Paddle included

Cons

  • More expensive

Lifetime Tioga Kayak

Lifetime Tioga KayakPin

The Lifetime Tioga is the same length and width as the Bandit. And like the Bandit, it’s a budget kayak, only this one comes with a paddle included.

This is designed for stability on flatwater, so it has a flat bottom with a tracking skeg to help you paddle in a straight line. This can be an ideal kayak for beginners, both adults and kids.

It has a small center hatch for storing small items. It has both front and rear storage areas with bungee rigging for securing gear.

It has self-bailing scupper holes for convenience. And it has a folding seat back. However, there is no seat bottom, just a molded seating area. So it might not be too comfortable for long journeys.

> Full Lifetime Tioga review

Pros

  • Stable
  • Great for flatwater
  • Ideal for beginners

Cons

  • Seat not great 

NXT 100 FAQs

Can I Upgrade The Seat?

Yes, you can swap out the seat for a different aftermarket SOT seat (sold separately). Seat upgrades are not an option when purchasing this kayak.

Can I Buy Accessories For The Bandit NXT 100?

Yes, you can purchase accessories for the Bandit. But there are no accessories that are designed specifically for this kayak.

Where Can I Buy This Kayak?

You can buy the Pelican Bandit NXT 100 exclusively at Dick’s Sporting Goods stores, either online or in store.

Conclusion: Is The Pelican Bandit NXT 100 Any Good?

Pelican Bandit NXT 100 Kayak in fade apple citrine/white colorPin

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • Easy to paddle

Cons

  • No fishing features
  • No storage hatches

The Pelican Bandit NXT 100 can be a fantastic option for beginners.

It’s lightweight, easy to carry and maneuver, and easy to get in and out of. This stable, compact boat is affordable and durable, which adds to its appeal.

Check it out here if you think this is the right kayak for you. And let us know your thoughts on this kayak.

Or why not look at our best Pelican kayak list to learn about alternatives.

Pelican Bandit NXT 100 Kayak Review - Pinterest ImagePin

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