Large Padders Rejoice~ Stellar S-14 HV Review
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- čas přidán 15. 04. 2024
- First test paddle of Stellar Kayaks new S-14 HV. The stability profile for larger paddlers is unique in the market and I think will really open doors for people who have struggled to find a performance kayak to fit their size.
Here are some more stats on the kayak.
Length: 14’ 9” / 4.5m
Beam: 25.6” / 65cm
Depth: 14” / 35.5cm
Paddler: 5' 3”-6' 5”/ 1.6m-1.95m
Capacity: 386lbs / 175kg
Cockpit Opening Width: 18.9” / 48cm
Cockpit Opening Length: 34.3” / 87cm
Coaming height aft: 9.7" / 24.5 cm
Coaming height forward: 14" / 35.5 cm
Height of seat: 1.0" / 2.5 cm
Max. Capacity 386 lb / 175 kg
(wl 5cm below joint)
Bow Compartment Capacity: 15.1 Gal / 57 L
Stern Compartment Capacity: 33 Gal / 125 L
Stellar S-14 HV stellarkayaksusa.com/S14HV-to...
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I can see this being a logical step up if I ever grow out of my Sandpiper 130. The thigh hooks tracking aids are tempting. Sick boat!
Great review Dan,nice boat indeed.
It ' s a joy and also very educational to watch you paddling.
Greetings from Rostock in North of germany
Thank you for the kind words. Hello from across the world!
10 lbs lighter than the Sitka XT AND accommodates even larger folks! Great option for the bigger crew.
Nice paddle too!
I wish I could afford this kayak. Great video keep up the great job.
Great review 👍
I have been looking for a big man boat.. not sit on top, hate them. So i found the delta 15.5gt, I'm 6'2" 280lbs and fit it perfectly, cockpit is tight to get into but super comfy once in. Really glad to see the industry recognizing that there is a void for us bigger guys who just want to get out and have fun. thank you for showing us.
Awesome! That 15.5 looks cool. I’d love to see one in person. Don’t see them often in shops here in California.
Sit on tops really are for fishing primarily, yes there are a couple decent rec sit on tops but I won't even try arguing that it's even close to the same feeling as a good rec sit in kayak, I've got a jackson knarr that I fish out of but it's basically a boat that I pray the only time I ever need the paddle is to just get past a shallow spot where I can't use my pedal drive
love to see you load it up with gear and see how it feels.
Love the channel! Well-done video, for sure. Any upcoming review of the Egret or Kingfisher?
Interesting boat ! I compared the S18 Expedition with my SKIM Beaufort but found the Stellars to narrow and not stable enough. Maybe the S14 HV would have been a good alternative although I think they still are on the very light side of the spectrum and not for rough environments.
I have a Steller S14 gen 2 mid-volume and find the cockpit already a bit too big for my 5’10” and 175lbs. It’s great for comfort but I always fall out when attempting an Eskimo roll and have a hard time doing self-entry with the high back and rounded hull. A paddle float helped self entry and an added knee brace would probably fix the premature exits. It’s still a great kayak on flat water, but my 2 trips on open water in Perros Guirec Brittany were a little too exciting.
Great review and a good option for me as a Clydesdale will check one out - thanks!!!
🤣
If drop some tonnage I would definitely consider this. Nice rig and looks super light with the carbon fiber weave on it.
My current fat ass is staying afloat on my classic WS Pungo 125 but I think I've already outgrown its capabilities and looking for more control and speed like with this yak.
My wife and I are looking to get into paddling and we’re getting into our golden years. I’ve been a bit concerned about finding a boat that can support my weight. I’m 5’9” and over 250 pounds. I’d like to find a good entry level boat that won’t break the bank, but give me a few years of quality paddling. Thank you for all the great videos and I’m sorry that your dog crossed over the rainbow bridge. My wife and i are dog people and know that feeling all too well. Thank you again and take care!
Going to be honest if you want a sit inside for your weight its going to be at least $2000+
Thanks for the kind words. Check out the Pungo, Oldtown Loon, or Liquid Logic Saluda. All good entry level kayaks, just heavy.
@@Mr.Bryan1234 Or you can buy a used Hurricane or similar for around $600. I am 5'10" and an "athletic" 225lbs (down from 235) and was able to pick up a used Hurricane Tampico for $500. One note of caution on the older Tampico's is that they are only 23.5" wide and have a rounded chine so not stable for a beginner. Though I am a beginner, I am also an active athlete in multiple sports so have far better balance than most. Their newer Sojourn is basically the same boat with far more forgiveness and a 26" beam (if I am not mistaken) which makes them far more stable and all for about $1,500 brand new. Used Sojourns can be picked up under $800
@@n-da-bunka2650 yea used you can pick it up for less if any are on sale in ones area. I am selling my rio only had for 2 months its a nice boat but maybe when i am old and retire in k1 ill hop into a sea kayak and cruise.
Another option for someone age 65+ with a dog, is to go with a Swift Adirondack 13.6 (David Yost hull design). It has larger cockpit opening like the Sandpiper 12 or 130, but you can get it in kevlar (36 lb) or carbon innegra (34 lb). About same price as some of the longer Eddyline models. I have one, fun to paddle, I use it in places that don’t have a launch that is very close to the car, because of how easy it is to carry.
Great review as always. I've been kayaking now for about 10 years and keep upgrading to better kayaks. Something to be said having a light weight kayak, which opens up more opportunities portaging longer distances to more secluded areas. Up in my area we have Swift Canoes and Kayaks which are another high end lightweight option. I would be curios on your thoughts on this brand as well.
For sure Swift makes beautiful kayaks. We just don’t see them here on the West Coast. Only time I’ve seen one in person was at Canoecopia.
You forgot to mention one very important thing about Stellar Kayaks : Their website!
They seem to be the only ones with a lot of information about their models and also a lot of pictures of parts of the kayak!
Pretty much all of their competitors fail horribly at that part and it can be seriously annoying when you are trying to make a pre-selection of models to look at !! :(
The cockpit isn't very large compared to others by the way : It's mainly the shape that makes it soo roomy probably.
For example the Prijon Grizzly has something similar going on and is definitely completely different than many other models out there.
Because of the width and length of this model I would skip it and go for something longer and not wider than 22/23 inch :)
Time to get back out on the water!
Awesome review Dan!!! My wife and I both have the Eddyline Sandpiper 130's and we are looking at a lighter weight option. I love the Stellar Compass 11 that I have, and am looking at an upscale kayak like the S-14HV. I'm 5' 10" 240lbs (working on losing that though...). This one looks perfect for us. Any feedback on how the two compare?
I would agree that this would be an ideal fit for you if you like the SP130. This has a similar confidence inspiring feel and roomy fit but in a much higher performing kayak. Would love to see you make the jump from a performance rec kayak to a performance tourer. I think it would open up a lot of new horizons for you.
I hear what you are saying about Multi Sport (v) Advantage when it comes to a rudder and durability. If I were to ask you what you think is the more durable kayak - the Eddyline XT or the Stellar S14 HV Advantage - what would you say? I am not talking about abuse. I am referring to normal bumps and dragging over rock when paddling and entering/exiting. Any thoughts?
Ive been considering a Stellar in the quiver. Wish they would change the whisky hatch to a non screw in though.
Not me. I have the other style on Eddyline and I much prefer the quick access of the twist lock. Easier one handed access.
@@HeadwatersKayak Good point, guess they are just as dry. Kayaking a lot of salt water I thought sand may be a problem with the screw on. Ive seen it on older model boats before.
Hey Dan! I’m trying to decide between my current Eddyline 130 or the Stellar. Any thoughts/insights? More recreation kayaking for me, but love light weight. The seat in the Eddyline is really nice for an old guy like me. Worth the trade up?
I think it’s a worthy upgrade. It paddles really nice. Not as cozy as a chair, but honestly it fits really well. Probably worth coming for a demo if you can.
can anyone help me out with what size a kayak i should be looking at 5'5" 165? LV MV HV ect, thanks for any responses.
It'll vary some depending on the brand. You're at the top end of low-volume, and the bottom end of mid-volume. You could do either. Don't even think about an HV!
Lv in the S-14 model. But worth trying both.
Maneuverability wise, handling wise and comfort wise. I'm 6'6" tall and roughly 215 lbs. Sitka xt or s14 hv?
Two excellent choices with very different feels. The HV has more space so it may be more comfortable, but honestly you just need to sit in both.
Drool
No offense but you don't seem 6'2"/220lb, but obviously you are, you're pretty nimble with balanced body shape! Me a lot smaller. Great boat btw.
@rodbrown8306
You should see him on a bicycle! Mad skills...
No offense taken. When I was at Canoecopia a few weeks ago I had several people come up to me and say “oh wow you’re taller than I expected.” 🤷
Haha thanks.
How long isvthat paddle ..thanks for video
210
@HeadwatersKayak thanks Dan I have the dagger stratus 14.5 and I'm using a aqua bound 230 seems so long its from the ray series it's light but it's not working for me I'm 6' 1 was thinking 210
Thanks for the review Dan I'm a big tall dude and like the looks of that I've been looking for something non rotomold and there is not a ton of options for big tall fellows thanks again bud🤙