Price checking kayaks is like shopping for puppies, with so many colors and personalities. There might never be a perfect time to get a puppy, but May is damn-near the perfect time to buy a kayak. The summer bug starts crawlin’ in with dreams of sunshine and light campfires. 

With a rod in one hand and a cold beverage in the other, the Old Town Vapor 10 Angler Kayak is perfect for venturing down the river, sojourning for a bit, casting a reel. The 10-foot long, 49-lb. sit-in kayak has a maximum load of 325 lbs., so all the fishing gear (and a 12-pack, too) can be brought along. One of the features that sets this kayak apart from others is the adjustable Comfort Flex seat. This padded, contoured seat is perfect for a day-long adventure and also includes a cup holder. Another great feature is the Glide Track foot-brace system for maximum leverage and comfort. Other features include: a stern day well for fish and bait, a paddle rest, thigh pads, a drain plug, an anchor trolley system, mounted rod holders, built-in carry handles, and a skid plate to postpone the normal wear and tear on the kayak.

This seventh feature for the Price Check Series compares the prices and features of two types of kayaks: the Old Town Vapor 10 Angler and the Perception Prodigy 10. The prices below reflect the rate the establishment charges with tax included. The combined tax on a kayak bought in Duluth is 8.375 percent. This is the summation of Minnesota sales tax (6.875 percent), St. Louis County transit sales/use tax (0.5 percent) and Duluth general sales tax (1.0 percent). Hermantown’s general sales tax is the same as Duluth, and the same state and county taxes apply.
 

Old Town Vapor 10 Angler

$541.86

Dick’s Sporting Goods | 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth | 218-727-2078

$541.86

Dunham’s Sports | 5115 Burning Tree Road #203, Duluth | 218-727-3099

$541.86

Gander Mountain | 4275 Haines Road, Hermantown | 218-786-9800

$541.86

Marine General | 1501 London Road, Duluth | 218-724-8833

In comparison to the Vapor 10 Angler, the Perception Prodigy 10 is more of a recreational kayak to cruise on lakes, slow moving rivers and flat oceans. This 10-foot long, sit-in kayak weighs 42 lbs., giving it a slight advantage compared to the Vapor 10 Angler. It has Zone DLX seating with knee and thigh braces to allow for a comfortable glide. Like the Vapor 10 Angler, it also has keepers foot braces and skid plates. Other features include: a stern hatch, bungee deck rigging and a stern bulkhead. While the Vapor 10 Angler is only available in two colors, Camo and Urban Camo, the Prodigy 10 is available in six colors: Moss Camo, Red Tiger Camo, Roxie, Sea Spray, Starburst and Sunset.

The prices and varieties of kayaks can be overwhelming, but once that puppy is trained, it is a best friend for life.
 

Perception Prodigy 10

$475.77

Ski Hut | 1032 E. Fourth St., Duluth | 218-724-8525

$475.77

Ski Hut | 5607 Grand Ave., Duluth | 218-624-5889

$574.38

Dunham’s Sports | 5115 Burning Tree Road #203, Duluth | 218-727-3099

$573.30

Gander Mountain | 4275 Haines Road, Hermantown | 218-786-9800