Folding Kayak Phenomenon
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This kayak, from a nontraditional folding kayak source, New Zealand, is also quite nontraditional in terms of materials, design, and the manner in which it is assembled. It is also the lightest folding full-sized sea kayak available.
Assembly: The 480C has the frame assembled entirely outside the skin and then inserted through open zippered decks. Even so, assembly takes a while because parts assembled earlier can come unattached as you attend to other steps. Assembly is so unusual that none of the skills learned to put together other foldables help much.
Handling: The 480 tracks better than its smaller 420 sister kayak but is still relatively easy to turn. The boat flexes a lot in waves and heavy seas. The narrow beam and good length make for impressive speed. Stability is moderate.
Details: FirstLight uses extremely lightweight materials. Long frame pieces are made of Kevlar and carbon fiber, while crossribs are nylon. The hull is solid urethane, i.e., not a coated material as on all the other folding kayaks reviewed. It does come in clear if you wish. Workmanship is good. The boat is narrow, with low decks, which means not much carrying capacity. The boat lacks sponsons.
Portability: The company does not provide a carry bag, but the FirstLight is so lightweight that you will have no trouble carrying it in a simple mesh duffel.
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