Tootega Kayaks Range Overview | Which model is right for you?

Tootega Kayaks Range Overview | Which model is right for you?

Tootega kayaks is a small company based in Attleborough, Norfolk.  We have known the owners, Steve & James, for many years and their passion for quality products and growing paddlesport participation is unrivalled.  Our staff have been lucky to visit their factory and have always been blown away by their attention to detail, coming away with a desire to support both Tootega and UK manufacturing more generally.  Prior to the formation of the brand, Steve and James designed and manufactured at many popular kayak brands and have taken the positives from each.  It is therefore unsurprising that models like Kinetic, Pulse and Prophecy have become industry leaders.  Tootega were the first brand to introduce a lifetime warranty on their products, just one example of how they are striving for perfection.  Read on to find out more about their range and which kayak is correct for your circumstances and aspirations.

With so many popular models in their range it can be difficult to make a selection.   In doing so there are two general concepts you should consider:

  1. Paddler Weight - The weight of the intended user has a massive impact on the size of boat, with heavier paddlers needing greater volume to provide buoyancy.  This will generally result in our staff recommending models that are slightly longer and wider, so actually faster and more stable.  Similarly, lighter kayakers need a boat that is smaller and thus easier to handle both on and off the water.
  2. Intended Use - Where you plan to paddle is critical in your kayak selection.  Shorter models will be easier to turn but slower in a straight line, also needing a little more input to keep them in a straight line.  In contrast, those looking to cover more distance will benefit from a longer boat for overall efficiency and tracking.  This will also generally be a model that has additional storage for overnight trips and longer days on the water.

In order to demistify the range we wanted to provide a concise summary of each model from Tootega, hoping this will enable you to make a more informed decision.  Prior to looking at individual models it is worth noting a little about the different constructions.

CONSTRUCTIONS

Tootega kayaks are produced in three distinct constructions:

Standard - the most popular variant, using the most robust manufacturing procedure to produce boats backed by a lifetime warranty.  Standard boats include hatches, handles and d-rings as standard, allowing simple transportation and the attachment of backrests and thigh straps (sold separately).

Hydrolite - The ultimate in weight saving, using a finessed moulding technique to reduce the amount of plastic used in construction.  The resulting weight savings are generally around 20%.  These boats won’t get broken in use but if you’re hard on kit we’d recommend sticking with standard or huntsman models.  The warranty on hydrolite boats is 2 years and thus remains beyond the industry standard.  Our staff absolutely love these kayaks given their featherweight feel and thus super simple transport and storage, making kayaking more accessible for many.

Huntsman - Huntsman models are tailored for fishing use.  The key differences are the inclusion of two flush mount rod holders behind the cockpit, as well as a padded seat and backrest being included without additional cost.

THE MODELS

Pulse 85

In One Line - the ultimate do everything sit on top kayak for the lighter paddler.

Seating - Solo

Dimensions - 259cm x 72cm

Weight - 17kg (standard, huntsman), 13kg (hydrolite)

Weight Range - Up to 90kg

The original and still arguably the best.  If you are a smaller build and looking for one boat to paddle in all disciplines the Pulse 85 is the right choice.  This model is at home in calm inland water, as well as surfing waves at the coast.  You will rarely, if ever, find a scenario where you require a different boat.  The Pulse 85 is stable and forgiving, so ideal for any level of kayaker. As well as being incredible on the water, the length and weight of the Pulse 85 makes it simple to handle off the water.  Tootega recommend the maximum carrying capacity to be 90kg but if you’re over 80kg our staff suggest you will benefit from moving to the 9ft5 version outlined below. 

Available in standard, hydrolite (lightweight) and huntsman (fishing) constructions.

See the Pulse 85

Pulse 95

In One Line - the ultimate do everything sit on top kayak.

Seating - Solo

Dimensions - 288cm x 75cm

Weight - 19kg (standard, huntsman)

Weight Range - Up to 125kg

The original and still arguably the best.  If you are looking for one boat to paddle in all disciplines the Pulse 95 is the right choice.  This model is at home in calm inland water, as well as surfing waves at the coast.  You will rarely, if ever, find a scenario where you require a different boat.  The Pulse 95 is stable and forgiving, so ideal for any level of kayaker.  As well as being incredible on the water, the length and weight of the Pulse series makes them simple to handle off the water.

Available in standard and huntsman (fishing) constructions.

See the Pulse 95

Pulse 120

In One Line - the ultimate do everything tandem on top kayak.

Seating - Tandem

Dimensions - 373cm x 75cm

Weight - 26kg (standard, huntsman)

Weight Range - Up to 185kg

A class leading tandem sit on top kayak that strikes the perfect balance of straight line speed, tracking, stability and fun factor.  If you are looking for a tandem boat to paddle in all disciplines the Pulse 120 is the right choice.  This model is at home in calm inland water, as well as surfing waves at the coast.  You will rarely, if ever, find a scenario where you require a different boat.  It includes two hatches and large rear tankwell storage for a dry bag.  The additional central perch seat allows you to take junior paddlers on enjoyable trips, thereby making for an occasional three person boat.  At just 28kg the Pulse 120 remains simple to store and transport. 

Available in standard and huntsman (fishing) constructions.

See the Pulse 120

Kinetic 100

In One Line - A class leading 10ft kayak with an emphasis on touring.

Seating - Solo

Dimensions - 310cm x 74cm

Weight - 22kg (standard, huntsman), 17kg (hydrolite)

Weight Range - Up to 120kg

A touring twist on a classic.  If you’re looking to explore in the morning but play in the surf in the afternoon then the Pulse series are correct for you.  They offer the ultimate in versatility.  However, many of our customers don’t foresee using their kayak in bouncy conditions and thus prefer to prioritise efficiency for effortless touring. The Kinetic matches these criteria, being a little longer and with a more defined keel, giving epic forward speed for a 10ft boat and with good straight line tracking.  You get a second hatch for storage, as well as a drop down skeg.  The skeg is simply a retractable fin that locks the boat in place, reducing drift in windy conditions.   Even the standard Kinetic 100 is light and easy to handle, but Tootega also opted to produce this popular model in a light weight hydrolite specification.

Available in standard, hydrolite (lightweight) or huntsman (fishing) constructions.

See the Kinetic 100

Sector 110

In One Line - An 11ft value focussed touring specific sit on top kayak for solo paddlers.

Seating - Solo

Dimensions - 330cm x 75cm

Weight - 25kg (standard, huntsman)

Weight Range - Up to 140kg

Taking the hull from the premium Prophecy series ensures you have efficiency, stability and straight line tracking in equal measure.  This 11ft variant of the Sector aims to be a compact touring boat that offers excellent value.  The flatter rocker makes it more suited to calm conditions compared with the ever popular Pulse, yet this will pay dividends in forward speed and distance covered per stroke.  The moulded in footrest and hatch configuration keep costs sensible. 

Available in standard or huntsman (fishing) constructions.

See the Sector 110

Sector 135

In One Line - A 13.5ft value focussed touring specific sit on top kayak for solo paddlers.

Seating - Solo

Dimensions - 410cm x 73cm

Weight - 28kg (standard, huntsman)

Weight Range - Up to 173kg

Taking the hull from the premium Prophecy series ensures you have efficiency, stability and straight line tracking in equal measure.  This 13.5ft variant of the Sector aims to be a true touring boat that offers excellent value.  The flatter rocker makes it more suited to calm conditions compared with the ever popular Pulse and Kinetic models, yet combined with the additional length this will pay dividends in forward speed and distance covered per stroke.  The moulded in footrest and hatch configuration keep costs sensible. 

Available in standard or huntsman (fishing) constructions.

See the Sector 135

Prophecy 110

In One Line - Tootega’s ultimate 11ft touring specific sit on top kayak for solo paddlers.

Seating - Solo

Dimensions - 330cm x 75cm

Weight - 25kg (standard, huntsman)

Weight Range - Up to 140kg

If you’re looking for the ultimate compact touring sit on top then the Prophecy 110 is the right boat for you.  Just because you want a boat that remains easy to handle off the water doesn’t mean you have to compromise on features and efficiency.  The Propehcy hull shape and rocker profile was a long time in development.  The result is stunning, offering incredible straight line speed and tracking, while retaining a user friendly feel that is so often lost in the pursuit of performance.  Coming complete with backrests and three hatches for storage.  The Prophecy 110 uses sliding pedal footrests to ensure you can achieve the perfect paddling position. All models in this series include padded backrest as standard.

Available in standard or huntsman (fishing) constructions.

See the Prophecy 110

Prophecy 135

In One Line - A 13ft value focussed touring specific sit on top kayak for solo paddlers.

Seating - Solo

Dimensions - 410cm x 73cm

Weight - 28kg (standard, huntsman)

Weight Range - Up to 173kg

If you’re looking for the ultimate touring sit on top then the Prophecy is the right boat for you.  The Propehcy hull shape and rocker profile was a long time in developent.  The result is stunning, offering incredible straight line speed and tracking, while retaining a user friendly feel that is so often lost in the pursuit of performance. This 13.5ft variant enables you to cover distance with ease, using less energy for each metre covered compared with the competition.  Coming complete with backrests and three hatches for storage.  The Prophecy 135 uses sliding pedal footrests to ensure you can achieve the perfect paddling position. All models in this series include padded backrest as standard.

Available in standard or huntsman (fishing) constructions.

See the Prophecy 135

Catalyst 88

In One Line - The most rapid progression you can have when paddling white water or surf.  Build confidence in extreme places with the Catalyst 88.

Seating - Solo

Dimensions - 269cm x 77cm

Weight - 21kg

Weight Range - Up to 120kg

Derived for white water use, the Catalyst uses a rounded forgiving hull shape, with lots of volume to keep you on the water surface in turbulent conditions.  The rear storage is useful, while the included thigh straps add absolute control to further build confidence.  Fear not, If you fall out you will exit without issue.

See The Catalyst 88

Conclusion

The quality of Tootega sit on top kayaks mean you're guaranteed endless hours of fun on the water in absolute confidence. We hope this information has been useful but if in doubt please contact us for a recommendations based on your circumstances and intended use.

Get in touch here or on 01924 444888.

All the staff at Robin Hood Watersports.



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