Finding a durable and unbreakable kayak is a tough job. However, there are kayaks like the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS that let you paddle without worrying about breakage. That is why I have decided to write a detailed Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS review for you guys. The Bali 10 has lots of great features that I will be discussing today.
The Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS is a sit-on-top kayak and is considered one of the best beginner’s kayaks available in the market. It is easy to control and perfect for polishing your paddling skills.
The Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10 Review
So here, I will be sharing a Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10 review with you guys, which will help you to know more about the ‘yak.
> View the Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10ft on Amazon <
Specification
| Overall Length | 10ft |
| Overall Width | 30 inches |
| Weight Capacity | 250 lbs |
| Weight | 44 lbs |
| Material | High-density polyethylene build |
| Fishing Rod Holder | No |
| Special Feature | Portable Accessory Carrier |
| Depth | 11 inches |
Pros:
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Comfort Level:
The Bali SS 10 offers a great level of comfort to paddlers. Its adjustable foot braces allow you to adjust the braces as per your height and posture, making you feel more stable on the ‘yak.
It also features padded thigh braces, which adds to the comfort and safety of your thighs from the side of the kayak.
The comfortable seating with a padded backrest lets you paddle for the whole day without getting tired. The back of the seat features straps that can be adjusted so that different size paddlers can sit comfortably.
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Storage Space:
Despite being a compact design kayak, it has plenty of space to store accessories and gear.
One of the prime storage features is the Portable Accessory Carrier, aka P.A.C., which is in the rear cargo area. It has a built-in sealed hatch that lets you store small items like keys, compass, etc. It also has a carrying handle that lets you take the whole accessory compartment out.
If you take the P.A.C. out and keep the rear cargo area open, then you will have an open tank well with a bungee cord.
Apart from the Portable Accessory Carrier, there is a closed hatch at the front of the seat to store your small stuff within reach. There is also a cup holder.
At the bow, there is a small storage well along with a bungee cord, which can be used to hold dry bags or camping gear.
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Easy to Maneuver:
The Bali 10 SS lets you easily maneuver, and it is helped by its 10-foot hull length, as short wide vessels are easier to control on water than long narrow ones.
Moreover, its mere 44-pound weight helps you paddle smoothly on the water. However, it may be difficult to handle this kayak in heavy winds due to its light weight.
Durable Material
The Bali 10 SS is made of rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex high-density polyethylene, adding to the durability of this amazing kayak. This Fortiflex material is only used in Sun Dolphin kayaks, and it helps to strengthen the hull and protect it from saltwater or debris.
Cons
No Cushions on the Bottom of the Seats:
It can be a little irritating and uncomfortable that there are no cushions on the bottom of the seats. The lack of cushioning may create discomfort while paddling for a whole day.
No Fishing Rod Holders:
Another con of this kayak is that there are no fishing rod holders, which makes it a bad choice for fishing.
Is Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10 a Budget Kayak?
Budget kayaks are always the first choice of beginners, as they have all the basic options required to take you on the water. Budget kayaks may not be equipped with all the features, but they have all the features necessary for an entry-level kayak.
You should opt for a budget kayak if you are planning to use it for recreation or if you are buying a kayak for your kids.
The Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10 is a budget kayak that you may consider opting for, as it lets you paddle on lakes or other flatwater. It has decent storage and enough durability to paddle for a whole day.
Testing Process of the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS Kayak: Our Experience and Results
At Kayak Review Online, we take testing of products very seriously in order to provide our customers with the most accurate and reliable information. We conducted extensive testing of the Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10 kayak before providing this review.
Our testing involved taking the kayak out to various bodies of water, including lakes and slow-moving rivers, to see how it performed under different conditions. We also tested the kayak’s stability in heavy winds and rough water.
During our testing, we paid close attention to the kayak’s maneuverability, speed, and overall comfort. We tested the adjustable foot braces to ensure they could accommodate paddlers of different heights, and we also tested the storage capacity of the kayak.
In addition, we tested the durability of the Fortiflex material by intentionally exposing it to debris and saltwater. Our team members also tested the kayak’s weight and ease of transport by carrying it on their shoulders.
Throughout the testing process, we took detailed notes and recorded our experiences in order to provide an accurate and comprehensive review for our customers.
Overall, we were impressed with the Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10 kayak’s performance and durability during our testing. We hope that our review and testing process will help our customers make an informed decision when purchasing a kayak.
Frequently Asked Question
Q. Do I Need Help to Haul Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10?
A. The Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10 only weighs 44 pounds, which makes it easy to transport from one place to another. You can simply toss it on your shoulder and carry it to the water all by yourself. Despite its lightweight, there is no compromise made on the quality, as it is made using Sun Dolphin’s special polyethylene.
Q. Does Lightweight Make It Unstable?
A. As mentioned above, the Bali SS 10 only weighs 44 pounds, which makes it a little unstable in heavy winds or rough water. However, you can control it with a little struggle.
Q. Is Bali SS 10 Suitable for Tall Paddlers?
A. The short answer would be yes! The Bali SS 10 features adjustable foot braces that let you adjust them as per your height for comfortable paddling. However, if you are over 6 feet, I would recommend you opt for a 12-foot kayak.
Q. Is Bali SS 10 Easy to Learn?
A. Yes, it is very easy to learn due to its extremely lightweight. It is easier to maneuver and get up to speed compared to heavier kayaks.
Q. What are Some Good Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10 Accessories and Mods?
A. Even though the Bali SS 10 has all the basic features required to paddle smoothly, adding some modifications or accessories can drastically improve its performance. I would recommend you purchase a few scupper plugs to plug up the holes to drain water out of the bottom of the kayak.
Another accessory that you may purchase is an anchor trolley to secure to the side of the kayak but also keep you stable while fishing. I would also recommend you get a seat pad to add to the bottom of your kayak. A seat pad will add to the comfort of your paddling experience.
Q. Can We Go Fishing with Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS?
A. Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS is not meant to be made for fishing, as it does not have all the features required for fishing. I would recommend getting a kayak with a fishing rod holder for this purpose.
Q. Can We Take Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS to Rough Water?
A. Due to its lightweight, it may not be able to sustain in rough water. It is made for lakes or slow-moving rivers, and I wouldn’t recommend taking it to rough water as it may not be stable there.
Conclusion – Should you consider it?
Based on our experience and testing, we recommend the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS Kayak for beginners who want to try kayaking. Our testing showed that this kayak is pretty stable and very easy to paddle, especially when compared to professional kayaks.
In addition, our testing also showed that the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS Kayak is budget-friendly, making it an excellent option for those who don’t want to spend a lot to get started in kayaking.
However, we would not recommend this kayak to those looking for a fishing kayak or a kayak with advanced stability. Our testing revealed that this kayak is not meant for rough waters and is more suitable for calm lakes or slow-moving rivers.
Overall, based on our experience and testing, we believe the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS Kayak is a great option for beginners who want to explore the world of kayaking without breaking the bank.
