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Perception Sound 10.5 Kayak Review

Mark Armstrong
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The Perception Sound 10.5 is designed to offer great value, combining stability and comfort to create a portable vessel for anglers and recreational paddlers.

It is a foot longer in length than its sibling, the Sound 9.5, and is built to offer additional space for larger or taller paddles.

But this doesn’t mean that it’s only for larger paddlers, as it can also be ideal if you’re a smaller kayaker looking for a roomy craft that can be used on a variety of water conditions.

The Sound 10.5 comes with a padded seat and an adjustable seat back.

Perception Sound 10.5Pin
  • Length: 10 foot 6 inches
  • Width: 29.5 inches
  • Weight: 46 pounds
  • Weight Capacity: 335 pounds

Things To Consider Before Buying A Perception Sound Kayak

The Perception Sound kayak is built for both recreational paddling and fishing. It is a sit-inside kayak that benefits from having a larger than average cockpit, which can make it an ideal option if you’re a larger paddler.

The larger cockpit can also be great if you’re new to sit-in yaks and would prefer a more spacious cockpit to let you get used to it. Similarly, for activities like fishing, it can give you a little more room to maneuver.

The short 10 foot 6 inch length of this vessel means it can be more portable than some longer fishing yaks. Being a sit-inside it can be better suited to colder weather adventures, compared to a sit-on-top, and could be ideal for year-round paddling.

However, if you’re looking for something speedy for extended paddling trips, this may not be the best vessel and a touring yak may offer you more speed and storage solutions for longer trips.

Because of the design of the hull, for enhanced stability, you may also find that it’s difficult to roll.

Video: Perception Kayaks | Sound Overview

Top Features Of The Perception Sound 10.5

Comfortable Paddling

The Perception Sound 10.5 boasts having an extremely spacious cockpit. The cockpit measures 56 inches long by almost 24 inches wide, so it’s designed to be easy to get in and out of, as well as be less confining to sit in.

This can make it feel more comfortable, especially if you’re a little bigger or taller. It can also let you move around a bit more if you want to fish or take photos.

Inside the cockpit there are adjustable footrests so you can tailor them to suit the length of your legs. The padding on the edge of the cockpit can also improve comfort while you’re seated.

Adjustable Seat

The Zone Seat that’s included with this vessel features an ergonomic design for improved back support. The seat pad is cushioned and has a cut-out section to make way for the built-in cup holder that’s molded into the hull.

The seat back is adjustable for added comfort whether you’re paddling or fishing.

Gear Storage

Being a relatively short vessel, it has a surprising amount of space. As well as the spacious cockpit, there is a large rear tank well that can be ideal for a crate or cooler. The added bungee cords means you can make sure your gear is secured before you set off.

At the front of the cockpit there’s a molded-in dashboard where you can keep smaller items within easy reach.

You’ll also find mounting recesses on the dashboard too. These can let you attach mount bases (purchased separately) so that you can mount additional accessories, such as a fish finder or a camera.

The yak also has two flush mounted rod holders behind the cockpit.

Stable Hull Design

The Sound yak is designed to offer stability on a range of water conditions. This can offer versatility when it comes to paddling locations. This can be useful if you like to paddle at the beach as well as your local lakes and slow moving rivers.

The hull is designed with stabilizer features to help minimize the tippy feeling that you might experience in long, narrow vessels. These tri-keel features are also crafted to enhance tracking.

One user thinks the Sound 10.5 is great for an afternoon on the water:


Sound 10.5 Alternatives

Old Town Dirigo 106

Old Town Dirigo 106Pin

The Old Town Dirigo 106 is similar to the Perception Sound in that it can be great for beginners. It has a spacious cockpit and a stable hull.

It also features a comfortable, adjustable seat and even has a sealed storage hatch. There are also bungee cords at the bow and stern for holding additional gear on deck.

Old Town Vapor 10

Old Town Vapor 10Pin

The Old Town Vapor 10 can be a good alternative to the Sound if you’re looking for a yak that’s a little shorter. This 10 foot yak can be easy to maneuver on small bodies of water and a convenient size for transporting.

It has a roomy open cockpit but has a little less in the way of storage for your gear.

Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 SS

Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 SS KayakPin

The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 SS can be a good alternative if you’re looking for a more affordable option with more basic features. This 10 foot sit-inside yak features a padded seat back but it’s not adjustable.

It has removable storage box at the back, that can be pulled behind the vessel, freeing up the rear storage well for additional gear.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is This A Fast Kayak?

It’s not really built for speed but depending on the conditions and the amount of gear you’re hauling, you could cover water relatively quickly.

Does The Sound 10.5 Come With A Paddle?

No, it does not. You’ll need to purchase a paddle separately.

Can I Take My Dog On It?

If your dog is small, you could find that there’s room in the cockpit for him or her but it may not be roomy enough to sit comfortably with a larger dog, unless they’re happy to sit in the tank well.


Is The Perception Sound 10.5 Any Good?

Perception Sound 10.5Pin

Pros

  • Large cockpit
  • Lightweight
  • Stable

Cons

  • Not built for speed
  • No dry storage

The Perception Sound 10.5 is a stable vessel that can offer great value, whether you’re a beginner, an angler or you’re simply after a versatile boat.

It can be paddled in a range of waters and has plenty of room in the cockpit to accommodate larger or even more nervous paddlers.

If you want to check out this yak for yourself, click here. And let us know your thoughts in the comments. But remember to share this to help others who might be in the market for a new yak.

Perception Sound 10.5 Kayak Review - Pinterest ImagePin

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