Emotion Kayaks

Emotion Grand Slam Kayak Review

The Grand Slam is the largest kayak offered by emotion and the name is very fitting on this one.  They really nailed it as far as loading it up with all the right features.  This is one of Emotion Kayaks best models; decked out with everything you need for a long day out on the water.  At fourteen feet this is a big single paddler kayak.  All that extra space was devoted to additional storage and improved performance on the water.   Designed especially for the serious and advanced kayaker, the Emotion Grand Slam can handle just about anything you throw at it, from rough waves to powerful winds, nothing short of a hurricane will keep you on shore with one of these.  Let’s have a closer look at the features.

Emotion Kayaks – Grand Slam Hull features

Just like all of its little brothers and sisters, the Grand Slam is built tough.  Emotion kayaks use a specially engineered polymer plastic compound that gives incredible strength while reducing weight.  It is made to be impact resistant for those accidental bumps in shallow waters or at the docks.  The hull is also resistant to the damaging effects of UV radiation and weathering.  Essentially, the Grand Slam is made to last and will age nicely, even after years of use and normal wear and tear, it will still look good.

The bodies of the Emotion kayaks are made with a blow mold technique.  In a nutshell, that’s a process in which hot plastic is poured into a mold and pressed against the sides with high pressure air.  The reason for using a blow mold is that is ensures uniform thickness and density throughout the hull.  This means there are no weak spots that could be a problem down the road.  However, the great thing about this polyethylene material is that it is easy to repair should it ever get damaged.  And just in case, Emotion kayaks offers a good three year factory warranty.

Also in the same line of thought, you can easily make changes to the Grand Slam, adding cool accessories like fishing rod mounts or extra storage if you’d like.  On a kayak of this size there is a lot of space that you could utilize for those kinds of add-ons.  With a little bit of imagination you can find all sorts of ways and all sorts of cool products to make your Emotion kayaks even more fun and functional out there on the water.  Considering the size, the Grand Slam would be a great fishing platform.

Emotion Kayaks – Grand Slam Performance

The Grand Slam was built around the idea of great performance for an active solo kayaker.  The extra length gives good stability and speed.  It tracks very well in most water conditions, resisting wind and waves.  The bow cuts neatly through the water and does a good job of directing waves away from the kayak which helps to keep you dry.  The Grand Slam, though clearly longer that other Emotion Kayaks, is a bit narrower.  However, it retains its stability and makes a solid platform for all sorts of water sports, from diving to fishing.  The arrangement of the cockpit is perfectly balanced and for such a long kayak, it maneuvers very well.  It responds quickly to your paddling and easily goes where you want it to go.

Emotion Kayaks – Emotion Grand Slam Special Features

This has got to be, hands down, the roomiest of all the Emotion Kayaks.  If the Emotion Tandemonium was dubbed the family SUV of kayaks, then for a solo kayaker, the Grand Slam is like riding in a stretch limousine.  Fourteen feet is a lot of space.  You can easily stretch out when you need to.  If fact you easily kick your feet up, lean back and take a nap if you wanted to!  (Just be sure you have your anchor down!)  The seats on this kayak are pretty comfy and have good back support, but everyone has different tastes.  So Emotion kayaks has added pad eyes built into the hull if you’d like to install aftermarket seats.

In the cockpit we run into lots of cool features.  First off are the scuppers that quickly drain out any water that gets onboard, keeping you as dry as possible.  With the great bow design, the Grand Slam kayak tends to do a good job of keeping water out, but it’s impossible not to get some water in the cockpit, so these scuppers are a nice feature.

The foot braces are unlike those used on other Sit-on-top Emotion Kayaks.  Instead of molding the foot braces into the hull, the designers decided to return to the adjustable foot braces.  For the active kayaker this is great, because you’ll be able to find the perfect position for your feet and brace yourself well for a good, powerful stroke.  I’m 6’4” so no matter what size you are, you’ll be comfortable in the cockpit.  And odds are you won’t be sharing this Grand Slam among many kayakers, so you won’t have to worry about readjusting the braces often.

Emotion Kayaks – Grand Slam Storage

A view inside the cockpit hatch

Now we come to my favorite part of the Grand Slam, and kayaks in general; the storage features!  I’ve said it before, I love having storage options.  I’ve even complained about other kayaks that didn’t have enough.  But the Grand Slam has met my expectations and I have nothing to complain about here.  To start off with, there is a large storage hatch on the bow.  This is a big dry storage area that can easily accommodate some big gear like fishing rods, DSL cameras or your lunch bag.  And on top of that hatch are bungee straps for tying down looser items.  In the center of the cockpit is another hatch, this one is a little smaller than the bow hatch, but great for dry storing your essentials, like cell phones, keys or even tackle.  And behind the seat there are two tank wells.  One is quite big and the other a little smaller.  The larger tank well is covered in bungee as well to help keep your gear locked in.  The tank wells offer more than enough room for you to pack for some serious kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, diving and even camping.  Two thumbs up on storage.

Being a pretty big kayak, Emotion kayaks have built in four carrying handles to conveniently get it in and out of the water.  There are handles bow and stern if you have a friend to help you, or there are side handles in the center of the kayak if you need to life it yourself.  It weighs about 70 lbs., so it might be heavy for some to carry alone.

Emotion Kayaks – The Grand Slam Angler

Another outstanding thing to mention for all the fishermen and women out there is that the Grand Slam can be order direct as the Angler Edition with all the essential fishing already installed.  What you get with the Emotion Kayaks Grand Slam Angler is a much bigger center console storage hatch.  Big enough to put your catch in there if need be.  The tank well behind the seat is the perfect size for a tackle box and will also fit milk crates or large buckets.  You also get a console mounted Scotty rod holder placed right in front of you for the best fishing position.  For extra rods there are also two more rod mounts placed behind the seat.  The bow has also been designed to reduce bow-slap, so you can more easily sneak up on the fish!

Emotion Kayaks – The Emotion Grand Slam Specs

• The Grand Slam in long at14 feet 5 inches
• It has a comfortable width at 30 inches
• It weights 69 lbs.
• The maximum carrying capacity is 450 lbs
• There are seven colors to choose from
• Adjustable foot braces fit any size paddler
• The hull design gives stability and dryness
• Optional Angler model sets you up for great fishing fun
• Paddle Keeper holds your paddle while you fish or photograph
• Super spacious deck and storage for your gear
• Two hatches and Two tank wells

The Emotion Grand Slam Conclusion

This kayak is designed for the avid and active kayaker.  It has great stability and performs really well out of the water.  It tracks great and handles all sorts of weather and water conditions.  Take it out on the lake or off shore and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how well it move through the water.  The amount of space and storage borders on luxury and the Angler option is fantastic.  This boat is designed to be everything the solo kayaker needs.  Emotion kayaks have a great reputation a top notch kayak builders.  Over the years they have developed a long line of quality and award winning boats.  The knowledge gained throughout that time seems to have culminated in the Grand Slam.  This is a fine kayak made to last and offered at a price people can afford.  There are more reviews below or to check out online discounts and invaluable free shipping, see it here:  Emotion Grand Slam Kayak

Emotion Grandslam Angler Kayak

Rating: List Price: $899.00 Sale Price: $803.49 Availability: unspecified

Product Description

Emotion’s latest fishing boat the Grand Slam Angler will prove to be a Home Run with any kayak fisherman. Whether chasing Dorado off the Baja of California, Redfish on the Gulf Coast, Bass on your local lake, or Stripers and Bluefish along the East Coast, this boat will get you where the fish are. We quizzed hundreds of kayak fisherman on what the next generation of fishing kayaks should offer before going to work on this new fishing boat. With all the latest features, added hull speed without sacrificing stability, extra dryness, and storage capacity for all your gear and equipment, you will agree we have raised the bar and knocked the ball out of the park. Fish the kayak that all fishing ‘yaks will soon be compared to. (shown with our optional high-back seats)

Details

• Grandslam Angler Kayak with console mounted Scotty rod holder, two stern recessed rod holders, paddle holders, and an 11 x 15-inch console hatch
• Extra hull length for added speed without sacrificing stability; extra scuppers, neoprene hatch cover, and plastic hard hatch for added dryness
• Greater storage capacity with dual storage tankwell, oversized bow hatch, and storage compartments built into seat well
• Adjustable footbraces, built in padeyes for aftermarket seats, and paddle keeper ledge and holder
• 3-year limited warranty for private use; 1-year limited warranty for commercial/institutional use

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