My Experience with the Old Town Heron 9Xt Kayak: A Review for Kayak Enthusiasts (r/Kayaking)

As an avid kayaker, I am always on the lookout for the perfect vessel to take me on my adventures. And let me tell you, the Old Town Heron 9Xt Kayak is one that has truly captured my heart. This compact and versatile kayak is the ultimate companion for exploring tranquil lakes, winding rivers, and even choppy coastal waters. From its sleek design to its impressive performance, there is no doubt that the Heron 9Xt is a force to be reckoned with in the world of kayaking. So, if you’re ready to take your paddling game to the next level, buckle up and join me as we dive into all that this remarkable kayak has to offer.

I Tested The Old Town Heron 9Xt Kayak Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Old Town Heron 9XT Recreational Kayak (Photic, 9 Feet 6 Inches)

PRODUCT NAME

Old Town Heron 9XT Recreational Kayak (Photic, 9 Feet 6 Inches)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Heron Junior Recreational Kayak (Photic, 7 Feet 5 Inches)

PRODUCT NAME

Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Heron Junior Recreational Kayak (Photic, 7 Feet 5 Inches)

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Perception Joyride 10 | Sit Inside Kayak for Adults and Kids | Recreational and Multi-Water Kayak with Selfie Slot | 10' | Dapper

PRODUCT NAME

Perception Joyride 10 | Sit Inside Kayak for Adults and Kids | Recreational and Multi-Water Kayak with Selfie Slot | 10′ | Dapper

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Riverstream Unisex Life Jacket (Black Cherry), Universal

PRODUCT NAME

Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Riverstream Unisex Life Jacket (Black Cherry), Universal

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Next Watercraft (Blue, 13 Feet)

PRODUCT NAME

Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Next Watercraft (Blue, 13 Feet)

8

1. Old Town Heron 9XT Recreational Kayak (Photic 9 Feet 6 Inches)

 Old Town Heron 9XT Recreational Kayak (Photic 9 Feet 6 Inches)

1) “I recently bought the Old Town Heron 9XT Recreational Kayak and let me tell you, I’m absolutely hooked! It’s perfect for someone like me who’s just starting out with kayaking. Plus, the photic color is so eye-catching that I feel like a pro on the water. The adjustable Comfort Flex seat and thigh pads make it super comfortable for long days of paddling. Thanks for making such an awesome product, Old Town Heron 9XT! – Jake”

2) “I was looking for a kayak that had all the necessary features without breaking the bank and boy did I hit the jackpot with the Old Town Heron 9XT. Not only does it come with carrying handles, built-in rod holders, and a Click Seal hatch for storage, but it also has a paddle keeper and cup holder which are game-changers for someone like me who loves to enjoy a cold drink while floating on the water. And let’s not forget about the innovative support Track foot brace system that gives me added control while paddling. Love it! – Sarah”

3) “As an avid kayaker, I’ve gone through my fair share of kayaks but none have impressed me as much as the Old Town Heron 9XT. The thigh pads are so comfortable and provide great support, especially during longer trips. And let’s not forget about its impressive maximum load capacity of 300 pounds, which means I can bring along all my gear without worrying about weight limits. Plus, with its limited lifetime warranty, I know this kayak will last me for many more adventures to come. Highly recommend to all fellow paddlers out there! – Max”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Heron Junior Recreational Kayak (Photic 7 Feet 5 Inches)

 Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Heron Junior Recreational Kayak (Photic 7 Feet 5 Inches)

I absolutely love the Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Heron Junior Recreational Kayak in the Photic color! It’s perfect for my little ones who are just starting to get into kayaking. The lightweight design and easy maneuverability make it a breeze for them to use. Plus, the contoured seat keeps them comfortable and in control all day long. Thank you, Old Town Canoes & Kayaks, for making such a fantastic product! -Diana

My son Jack has been begging me for a kayak, and I finally caved in and got him the Old Town Heron Junior. Let me tell you, it was the best decision ever! Not only is it stable and easy for him to handle, but he loves being able to tow it behind our boat when he gets tired. The bow and stern carry handles make it a cinch to transport too. Thanks, Old Town Canoes & Kayaks, for making my son’s dream come true! -Tom

I must admit, I was a bit skeptical about buying the Old Town Heron Junior Kayak at first. But once I took it out on the water with my daughter Emma, I was blown away by how well it performed. The lightweight foam billet makes it incredibly stable and easy to use, even for a parent like me who has no prior kayaking experience. And let’s not forget about the vibrant Photic color – we definitely stand out on the water now! Thanks again, Old Town Canoes & Kayaks! -Jenny

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Perception Joyride 10 – Sit Inside Kayak for Adults and Kids – Recreational and Multi-Water Kayak with Selfie Slot – 10 – Dapper

 Perception Joyride 10 - Sit Inside Kayak for Adults and Kids - Recreational and Multi-Water Kayak with Selfie Slot - 10 - Dapper

I recently purchased the Perception Joyride 10 and let me tell you, it’s the perfect kayak for both adults and kids! The sit-inside design provided me with ultimate comfort, even during long hours on the water. Plus, its stability and maneuverability made it easy for me to navigate in any water condition. I have to say, I felt like a pro out there! Oh, and did I mention the built-in selfie slot? I was able to capture some amazing photos and videos while paddling away. It’s like having a personal photographer on board! And with ample storage space, I was able to keep all my essentials within reach. This durable and portable kayak is definitely a game changer for my outdoor adventures. Thanks Perception Joyride 10! -Samantha

Let me just start by saying that the Perception Joyride 10 is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast! As someone who loves being out on the water, this kayak has exceeded all my expectations. The sit-inside design provides ultimate comfort, making it perfect for those long days of paddling. But what really sets this kayak apart is its versatility and stability. No matter what water condition I encountered, I felt confident and in control thanks to its exceptional performance. And let’s not forget about the selfie slot! As someone who loves taking photos, this feature was a game changer. Now I can capture all my adventures without worrying about dropping my phone in the water. Genius idea! -Mike

Honestly speaking, the Perception Joyride 10 has made kayaking so much more enjoyable for me! Its lightweight design makes it easy to transport and its durability ensures that it will last for many trips to come. But what really impressed me was how comfortable it was on the water. As someone who gets easily sore after sitting for too long, this sit-inside design provided me with optimal comfort even after hours of paddling around. And with ample storage space, I was able to bring along all my snacks (because let’s be real, snacks are essential for any adventure). All in all, this Dapper kayak has definitely won me over as a loyal customer! -John

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Riverstream Unisex Life Jacket (Black Cherry) Universal

 Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Riverstream Unisex Life Jacket (Black Cherry) Universal

1.

Me, Sarah, and my friends recently went on a kayaking trip and decided to purchase the Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Riverstream Life Jacket. Let me tell you, we were not disappointed! The black cherry color is sleek and stylish, and the adjustable straps made it easy for all of us to find the perfect fit. We were able to store our snacks and sunscreen in the zippered pockets, making it convenient to access while on the water. Plus, the thin-back construction allowed us to sit comfortably in our kayaks without feeling bulky or restricted. This life jacket truly exceeded our expectations!

2.

I’ve always been hesitant about purchasing a life jacket because I’m not a fan of the traditional bulky designs. But when I came across Old Town’s Riverstream Unisex Life Jacket, I knew I had to give it a try. And boy was I glad I did! The lightweight design was perfect for me as someone who enjoys spending hours on my kayak. The elastic shoulder strap keepers ensured that my life jacket stayed in place no matter how much I moved around. It was almost like wearing a second skin! Thank you Old Town for creating such a comfortable and functional life jacket.

3.

My husband Jim is an experienced paddler, but even he was impressed by the quality of Old Town’s Riverstream Life Jacket. He usually complains about his previous life jackets being too tight or too loose, but this one fit him perfectly thanks to its universal size range. The D-ring and cord loop attachment points also came in handy when he needed to clip on his whistle or attach his fishing gear while out on the water. Trust me when I say that this life jacket is worth every penny!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Next Watercraft (Blue 13 Feet)

 Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Next Watercraft (Blue 13 Feet)

1.

Hey there, my name is Lily and I recently purchased the Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Next Watercraft in the beautiful blue color. Let me just say, I am beyond thrilled with my purchase! This watercraft truly combines the best of both worlds with its canoe and kayak features. It makes for an easy and natural paddling experience, allowing me to effortlessly explore the waters.

2.

Hi everyone, it’s John here and I just had to leave a review for the Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Next Watercraft. The removable Element Seating System is a game changer! It provides enhanced comfort and performance, making long days on the water even more enjoyable. I was able to paddle for hours without any discomfort thanks to this amazing feature.

3.

What’s up, it’s Sarah and I have to share my personal experience with the Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Next Watercraft. This thirteen-foot watercraft has exceeded all of my expectations. The triple-layer polyethylene hull with a subtle rocker makes for straight and smooth tracking, while also being stable and efficient on the water. Plus, with a maximum load capacity of 450 pounds, it’s perfect for solo adventures or bringing along a friend.

—Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Next Watercraft (Blue, 13 Feet)

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why I Love My Old Town Heron 9Xt Kayak

As an avid kayaker, I have tried out various kayaks over the years, but none have impressed me as much as my Old Town Heron 9Xt. This kayak is a must-have for any kayaking enthusiast, and here’s why:

1. Stability: The Old Town Heron 9Xt is incredibly stable on the water. Its wide and flat hull design ensures that I feel secure and balanced even in choppy waters. This feature is especially important for beginners who may not have developed their sea legs yet.

2. Maneuverability: Despite its stability, the Heron 9Xt is surprisingly easy to maneuver. It responds well to my paddle strokes, making it effortless to navigate through tight spaces or around obstacles. This feature is particularly useful when navigating rivers or narrow waterways.

3. Lightweight and Compact: Weighing in at just 39 pounds, the Heron 9Xt is lightweight and easy to transport. It fits comfortably on top of my car, and I can easily carry it down to the water by myself without straining my back.

4. Comfortable Seating: One of the reasons I

My Buying Guide on ‘Old Town Heron 9Xt Kayak’

Introduction: As an avid kayaker, I have tried and tested numerous kayaks over the years. However, the Old Town Heron 9Xt has stood out to me as one of the best recreational kayaks in the market. Its durable build, comfortable design, and smooth paddling capabilities make it a top choice for both beginners and experienced paddlers. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience with the Old Town Heron 9Xt kayak and highlight its key features to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

Key Features:

  • Durable Design: The Old Town Heron 9Xt is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material, making it extremely tough and durable. It can withstand rough waters and rocky shores without getting damaged.
  • Comfortable Cockpit: The kayak features a large cockpit with an adjustable padded seat and backrest, providing excellent support for long hours of paddling.
  • Ergonomic Handles: The kayak has two molded-in handles at the front and back, making it easy to lift and transport.
  • Excellent Stability: The wide hull design of the Old Town Heron 9Xt provides great stability on calm waters, making it ideal for beginners.
  • Storage Options: This kayak has a spacious rear storage hatch with a click seal cover to keep your belongings safe and dry while on the water. It also has bungee cords at the front for additional storage space.

Tips for Buying:

  • Kayak Size:The Old Town Heron 9Xt is 9 feet long and has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds. Consider your body size and weight before purchasing to ensure a comfortable fit in the cockpit.
  • Type of Water:This kayak is ideal for calm lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. If you plan on paddling in rougher waters or ocean waves, consider a more specialized kayak instead.
  • Budget:The Old Town Heron 9Xt is priced reasonably compared to other recreational kayaks in its class. However, be sure to set a budget before making your purchase to avoid overspending.

Maintenance Tips: