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Composite Kayaks:
'Composite' is a confusing all inclusive term used to describe kayaks made of fibreglass, Kevlar, carbon... or any combination of the above materials. Composite kayaks are made by hand fitting layers of cloth into a gel-coated mold then adding resin to create a stiff, tough shell using a number of processes from hand lay-ups, to aerospace vacuum-bagging, to high tech infusion lay-ups that spoon two molds together. The shinny gel-coat on the outside of the kayak adds additional impact protection and produces an attractive finish, but more importantly its smooth finish enables the kayak to be relived cleanly from the mold.
Contrary to common belief quality fibreglass kayaks are very tough and are 10% to 20% lighter than similar polyethylene models. Kevlar kayaks weigh 5% less than fibreglass, and while Carbon offers a slight 2% weight savings over Kevlar... buyer beware as carbon tends to shatter easily, accordingly Frontenac Outfitters will 'NOT' stock carbon kayaks! Composite materials like fibreglass, Kevlar and carbon are used to produce the most efficient, lightweight, visually appealing and yes most expensive kayaks in the marketplace. Want more info. on "Composite Kayaks" please click on the Library Section of our web site and check out our "Online Tutorials " Frontenac Outfitters On-Water Canoe & Kayak Centre proudly stocks 100's of the worlds finest composite kayaks, 'ALL' available for you to test paddle everyday...
without an appointment!
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