Elie Sound 120 XE Kayak Review

The Elie Sound 120 XE is a sit-inside recreational kayak, known for its sleek design, stability, and lightweight build. With a length of 12 feet, this kayak offers enhanced tracking and speed compared to shorter recreational models, making it a popular choice for paddlers looking to explore lakes, slow rivers, and even some coastal waters. In this review, we’ll dive into the features, comfort, performance, and ideal usage of the Elie Sound 120 XE to determine if it’s the right choice for your paddling adventures.

Key Features of the Elie Sound 120 XE

The Elie Sound 120 XE is built with features that appeal to recreational and touring paddlers alike:

• Length: 12 ft
• Width: 28 in
• Weight: 50 lbs
• Weight Capacity: 325 lbs
• Material: Poly-XR™ (a durable, lightweight thermoform plastic)
• Type: Sit-Inside (SI)

This kayak’s slightly longer length compared to the 10-foot version provides better tracking and speed, while still maintaining a stable and easy-to-maneuver platform. The Poly-XR™ construction contributes to its lightweight and durable build.

Stability and Performance

With a 28-inch width and a slightly streamlined hull shape, the Elie Sound 120 XE combines stability with improved performance. Its hull design enables it to track better and glide more efficiently, especially on flat or slow-moving waters. The stability is suitable for beginners and intermediate paddlers, and the kayak feels balanced whether you’re paddling or taking a break to enjoy the view.

The 12-foot length gives the Sound 120 XE better tracking than shorter recreational kayaks, making it a good choice for paddlers who want to cover longer distances. It handles well on calm coastal waters and offers enough maneuverability to explore smaller rivers and creeks, though it’s best suited for mild conditions rather than rough, open water.

Comfort and Seating

The Sound 120 XE is equipped with Elie’s Ergoflex Seating System™, a padded, adjustable seat with an ergonomic backrest. This seat design provides good lumbar support and can be customized to your comfort with a simple adjustment. The spacious cockpit is accessible and provides ample legroom, contributing to a relaxed paddling experience.

Adjustable footrests accommodate paddlers of different heights, allowing you to brace comfortably for added control and stability on the water. Overall, the seating and cockpit design make the Sound 120 XE suitable for longer outings without sacrificing comfort.

Storage and Gear Capacity

The Elie Sound 120 XE offers practical storage solutions for day trips and recreational paddling:

• Stern Hatch with Bulkhead: A watertight, sealed hatch at the stern provides storage space for essentials like a change of clothes, snacks, or other gear.
• Bow Bungee System: The bow deck features bungee cords, allowing you to secure additional items like a dry bag or paddle float.
• Cockpit Console with Cup Holder and Small Tray: This console is a convenient spot for storing small items within easy reach.

The combination of the rear dry storage and deck bungees makes the Sound 120 XE versatile for day trips or casual recreational outings. However, it’s limited for multi-day trips due to the lack of additional storage compartments.

Durability and Build Quality

Constructed from Elie’s proprietary Poly-XR™ material, the Sound 120 XE offers a balance of strength and lightness. Poly-XR™ is a thermoform plastic known for being more resistant to impact and scratches than traditional polyethylene. It’s also UV-resistant, meaning the kayak will hold up well under prolonged sun exposure without significant fading or damage.

This durable material makes the Sound 120 XE a dependable choice for various environments, including lakes, calm rivers, and light coastal waters.

Portability and Ease of Transport

At 50 lbs, the Elie Sound 120 XE is relatively lightweight for a 12-foot sit-inside kayak, making it easy for solo paddlers to carry, load, and transport. Integrated handles on the bow and stern assist in carrying, and its size makes it compatible with most roof racks, allowing for easy transport to your favorite paddling spots.

While not the lightest in its category, the manageable weight and compact design make it suitable for paddlers who want a kayak they can handle independently.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Stable and beginner-friendly, with improved tracking and speed over shorter models
• Comfortable Ergoflex seating with adjustable footrests for a customizable fit
• Durable, UV-resistant Poly-XR™ construction
• Lightweight and easy to transport for a 12-foot kayak
• Sufficient storage for day trips with a stern hatch and deck bungee system

Cons:

• Limited storage capacity for overnight or multi-day trips
• Best suited for calm to mild waters; not ideal for rough or open sea conditions
• Some may find the cockpit area slightly tight compared to open-deck models

Ideal Usage and Paddler Profile

The Elie Sound 120 XE is ideal for recreational paddlers and those interested in light touring. Its stability and ease of use make it accessible to beginners, while the improved tracking and efficiency compared to shorter kayaks appeal to intermediate paddlers as well. It’s best suited for calm lakes, slow-moving rivers, and light coastal exploration, making it versatile for day trips and leisurely outings.

For paddlers who prefer a manageable, stable kayak that performs well without being too bulky, the Sound 120 XE is a strong contender.

Final Thoughts on the Elie Sound 120 XE

The Elie Sound 120 XE offers a reliable, comfortable, and stable paddling experience, making it an appealing choice for recreational paddlers who want a kayak that performs well over short to medium distances. Its lightweight, durable Poly-XR™ construction and well-designed storage options make it a solid investment for day trips and casual paddling on lakes, rivers, and calm coastal areas.

With comfortable seating, manageable weight, and stable design, the Sound 120 XE is well-suited for paddlers seeking a kayak that’s versatile, easy to handle, and capable of providing enjoyable outings on a variety of water types. For those looking for a reliable recreational kayak with a bit of extra length and efficiency, the Elie Sound 120 XE is an excellent choice.