Lightning Kayaks
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Lightning Kayaks primarily sells kayaks, with a strong reputation for producing stable, entry-level pedal drive kayaks. While reviews emphasize product quality and exceptional customer service, there is no information provided about specific 'kayaking for kids' activities, rental services, or family entertainment venue offerings. Parents should consider this company for purchasing a kayak for family use, rather than as a destination for children's activities.
Key Highlights
- ✓Superior kayak stability (e.g., Lightning Strike, Nomad, Strike HD are 'super stable', 'very stable', 'superior to other fishing kayaks'), which is beneficial for beginners and families.
- ✓Outstanding customer service, including direct involvement from the owner (Stuart Lee) and CEO for support and issue resolution (e.g., immediate responses, video calls, home visits for leaks, quick drive replacements).
- ✓High-quality build for pedal drive kayaks, described as 'Top Notch' and 'made to last' (e.g., kayak build, drive, seat, hatches, storage bin).
- ✓Kayaks are 'Made in the USA'.
- ✓Customer service staff are friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and easy to work with (e.g., Craig Reed, Jenna).
Standout Features
- ⭐Exceptional product stability, making kayaks suitable for various water conditions including ocean fishing.
- ⭐Availability of pedal drive kayaks, enhancing ease of use and appeal.
- ⭐High-end, responsive customer service with direct access to company leadership for support.
- ⭐Reasonable pricing for entry-level pedal kayaks.
- ⭐Local factory pick-up option for customers, with a pet-friendly and welcoming team.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →If considering purchasing a kayak, consult the 'Lightning Kayak owners page on Facebook' for recent feedback and potential issues, especially concerning newer models.
- →Expect highly responsive and personalized customer support for any product-related inquiries or issues.
- →These kayaks are good 'entry level' options for pedal kayaks.
- →If picking up from the factory, be aware the team is pet-friendly.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Reports of potential quality issues with newer 'covid era' kayaks that are 'not properly being addressed by the company' (Review 4).
- ⚠Advice to check the 'Lightning Kayak owners page on Facebook' for information on current issues before purchasing newer models, indicating a possible decline in consistency.
- ⚠While excellent customer service is highlighted for issue resolution, the existence of 'a few tiny issues' and 'a leak in the kayak' suggests occasional product defects.
Price & Value
The price for Lightning Kayak's pedal drive kayaks (specifically the Strike and Strike HD) is described as 'spot on' and 'right for a pedal kayak,' offering good value for their quality build, stability, and customer service. They are positioned as excellent entry-level options.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No information available regarding accessibility features for an activity venue. One review notes a pet-friendly environment during factory pick-up.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Not applicable - reviews are for kayak purchase and company interaction, not a family entertainment venue with food services.
🚗Parking Info
- •Not applicable for a general family entertainment venue. Factory pick-up is mentioned, implying on-site parking availability for product collection.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Not applicable - reviews pertain to kayak purchasing and customer service interactions, not an activity venue with crowd levels.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Kayaks are consistently praised for 'superior stability', which is a key safety feature on the water for all users, including children. No other specific safety measures for a children's activity venue are mentioned.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Purchasing newer 'covid era' kayaks without thorough prior research on reported quality issues via the Facebook owner's page.
- • Visiting with the expectation of a 'kayaking for kids business' offering rentals, guided tours, or organized children's activities, as reviews indicate a product sales focus.
Pricing/Package/Events
Pricing & Packages
Kick 106 - Slate
$1,699.00Premium, pedal-driven kayak.
Includes:
- •Pedal drive system
Kick 106 - Seafoam
$1,699.00Premium, pedal-driven kayak.
Includes:
- •Pedal drive system
Kick 106 - Hi-Vis Green
$1,699.00Premium, pedal-driven kayak.
Includes:
- •Pedal drive system
Air 9 Inflatable Pedal Board - PREORDER
$1,249.00Inflatable pedal board on preorder, ships Mid October.
Includes:
- •Pedal drive system
Nomad Cosmetic Sale - Pick-Up Only
$1,799.00Cosmetic sale on Nomad pedal-driven kayaks, available for pick-up only in Minnesota, Florida, or Texas.
Includes:
- •Pedal drive system
Kick 106 Cosmetic Sale - Pick-up Only
$1,399.00Cosmetic sale on Kick 106 pedal-driven kayaks, available for pick-up only in Minnesota, Florida, or Texas.
Includes:
- •Pedal drive system
Nomad - Slate
$2,199.00Premium, pedal-driven kayak.
Includes:
- •Pedal drive system
Nomad - Hi-Vis Green
$2,199.00Premium, pedal-driven kayak.
Includes:
- •Pedal drive system
Strike HD - Slate
$1,999.00Premium, pedal-driven kayak.
Includes:
- •Pedal drive system
Strike HD - Texas Sale (Conroe, TX Pick-up Only)
$1,499.00Sale on Strike HD pedal-driven kayaks, available for pick-up only in Conroe, TX.
Includes:
- •Pedal drive system
Lightning "Chill" Inflatable Water Hammock
$1,199.00An inflatable water hammock.
Includes:
- •Inflatable water hammock
Cannon Kingfisher Kayak Paddle
$99.95Kayak paddle.
Includes:
- •Paddle
Cannon Ultimate Angler
$204.95Kayak paddle.
Includes:
- •Paddle
Cannon Wave Fishing Slider
$149.95Kayak paddle.
Includes:
- •Paddle
Speed Racer Freedom Drive
$499.00Replacement pedal drive system.
Includes:
- •Pedal drive system
Freedom Drive
$349.00Replacement pedal drive system.
Includes:
- •Pedal drive system
Lightning Premium Wheeled Bag
$115.00Premium wheeled bag.
Includes:
- •Wheeled bag
Lightning Outback Soft Crate
$69.99Soft crate for kayaks.
Includes:
- •Soft crate
Lightning Stars Short Sleeve Soft Shirt
$25.00Short sleeve shirt.
Includes:
- •Shirt
Lightning Stars Performance Long Sleeve Shirt
$34.00Performance long sleeve shirt.
Includes:
- •Shirt
Lightning Stars Heavy Hoodie
$74.00Heavy hoodie.
Includes:
- •Hoodie
12V DC Electric Air Pump
$99.0012V DC electric air pump for inflatables.
Includes:
- •Electric air pump
Speed Racer Fin Pair Bundle
$134.00Pair of Speed Racer fins.
Includes:
- •2 fins
Speed Racer Fin (Single)
$35.00Single Speed Racer fin.
Includes:
- •1 fin
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Warranty information available.
- • Kayak Owner's Manual available.
- • Inflatable Owner's Manual available.
- • Support Videos available for Freedom Drive, Rudder and Steering, General Maintenance, Depth Finder Install, Air 9 Drive Installation, Speed Racer Fins Installation, Air 9 Drive Well Support Installation.
📅Booking Policy
- • Shipping and Return Policy available.
- • International Shipping Policy available.
- • Kayak registration available.
What People Say
What's Great
- Friendly and helpful staff (mentioned in 4 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Ahh Dat Outdoors
a year agoI love my Lightning Strike Kayak. Had it for over 2 years now. Took it to Ocean fishing many times. Super stable just like my 2019 Outback. I have bunches of videos on my channel fishing of Lightning Strike. Lightning Kick 106 is on the way to my house as I'm tying this review. Customer services is awesome. Thanks to Craig Reed from Lightning Kayaks for his awesome service.
Hans-Werner Herrmann
a year agoI got the new Nomad and used it in the Gulf of California for the first time. Great kayak! Very stable! When I got back I contacted the company because I had some questions. Stuart Lee, the owner of Lightning Kayaks, responded immediately and volunteered his and one colleagues time for a video call. Outstanding kayak and outstanding support!!!
Tom Atterrato
4 years agoIf you are interested in purchasing a peddle drive kayak, Lightning Strike Kayaks is the way to go!! The price on the Lightning is spot on for what you get in a peddle drive kayak. The build of this boat is Top Notch!! From the kayak itself to the drive, seat, front hatch and storage bin everything is made to last! I can’t wait to see what this company will bring in the future! Now customer service- There aren’t enough stars to give this company and their staff! They are friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and so easy to work with. I had a some issue with my drive and Lightning sent out a new drive and fix the problem fast. Customer service and Marketing Director Jenna made the purchasing process so easy! I can’t say enough good things about this company. Highly recommend this company and their products!!
Rex O
3 years agoI purchased my Lightning Strike about two years ago and love it. There are a few tiny issues I have addressed but overall it’s a solid platform for fishing both fresh and saltwater. That being said I would advise anyone looking at a Lightning to first go to the Lightning Kayak owners page on Facebook as there is a lot of information on issues on the newer “covid era” kayaks that are not properly being addressed by the company. It would appear they are not the company I purchased from any longer and that is very sad. Be cautious and do your research before buying.
Dann Diaz (Hanging with Harry)
5 years agoI purchased the Lightning Strike HD last year during the Indiegogo campaign. Originally I purchased because of the price. I love that the kayak is made in the USA. The Strike and Strike HD are entry level kayaks that are priced right for a pedal kayak. The stability while on the water is superior to a lot of the other fishing kayaks on the market currently. While it’s not the fastest pedal kayak on the water it doesn’t lack performance either. As for the company Lightning Kayaks: I can say the Customer Service is high end. I live close to the factory so I picked my kayak up there. From the moment I walked in the door I was made to feel like a special customer. I had my dog Harry with me. The entire team from the CEO down greeted me and Harry. They helped me load the kayak up and strap it down. A few days later I had a leak in the kayak so I reached out to Lightning. I have owned a few different kayaks; sadly the Customer Service for many of those companies comes up lacking. This isn’t true for Lightning Kayaks; the CEO came to my house to look at the kayak. When the leak was discovered he took it back to the factory too take care of it then delivered it once they got it taken care of. I’m excited to see just how far they go. If you are looking for a great entry level pedal kayak at a great price you can’t go wrong with Lightning Kayaks Strike.