{"id":4739,"date":"2024-02-17T00:21:56","date_gmt":"2024-02-17T00:21:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/?p=4739"},"modified":"2024-02-17T00:21:58","modified_gmt":"2024-02-17T00:21:58","slug":"old-town-heron-9xt-kayak-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/old-town-heron-9xt-kayak-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Old Town Heron 9XT &#8211; My Hands-On Kayak Review"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>After taking my Heron9XT\u202fon the water a few times over the last year, I want to give you my <strong>honest opinion<\/strong> on this cheap recreational kayak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this Old Town Heron 9XT\u202freview, I\u2019ll tell you who this kayak is for \u2212 and what you can\u2019t do with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>[<strong>Spoiler Alert:<\/strong> The Heron 9XT\u202fis a stable, comfortable kayak for beginners. If you want to use your kayak for a quick 2-hour paddle around a small lake or river, then the Heron is a great value. For fishing in backwaters, it\u2019s also hard to find better at this price]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-horizontal is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-layout-1 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.westmarine.com\/buy\/old-town--9-6-heron-9xt-sit-inside-kayak--20356671\" style=\"border-radius:15px;background-color:#fe4a49\"><strong>Get Best Price<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Things to Consider Before Buying Your First Kayak<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"705\" height=\"502\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OldTown-Heron-9xt-705x502.jpg\" alt=\"Pic of Old Town Heron  9XT kayak model\" class=\"wp-image-4742\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OldTown-Heron-9xt-705x502.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OldTown-Heron-9xt-150x107.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OldTown-Heron-9xt.jpg 797w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Before buying your first kayak, you should take a few minutes to think about where you plan to paddle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, the Heron 9XT is <strong>made for small rivers and lakes<\/strong>, but you can\u2019t take it on whitewater or open water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, if you see yourself using your kayak for multi-day camping trips, then a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/best-touring-kayaks\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2331\">touring kayak<\/a> might be a much better option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, <strong>don\u2019t worry<\/strong> too much <strong>about getting it absolutely right<\/strong> the first time. Kayaks can be sold quite easily on the second-hand market if your needs change over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, please remember to <strong>keep your kayak out of the sun <\/strong>when not in use. Otherwise, UV\u202frays may warp the hull over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old Town Heron 9XT Specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"705\" height=\"460\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Old-Town-Heron-9XT-705x460.jpg\" alt=\"Pic of Old-Town-Heron9XT kayak model\" class=\"wp-image-4743\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Old-Town-Heron-9XT-705x460.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Old-Town-Heron-9XT-150x98.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Old-Town-Heron-9XT-1536x1002.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Old-Town-Heron-9XT.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Length<\/strong>: 9 ft 5 in<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Width<\/strong>: 28.5 in<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Weight<\/strong>: 40 lb<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Load Capacity<\/strong>: 300 lb<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Heron 9 XT Design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Material<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Old Town Heron 9XT\u202fis made of single-layer <strong>polyethylene<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This makes it <strong>virtually indestructible<\/strong> and <strong>able to handle collisions<\/strong>, rocks, and tree branches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike fiberglass kayaks, polyethylene boats <strong>require very little maintenance<\/strong>, which is why they\u2019re so popular for beginners and recreational purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Speed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At only 9 feet long, the Heron 9XT is a<strong> slow kayak<\/strong> by any standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not as slow as the Potomac 10 or most sit-on-top 10-footers, but it\u2019s <strong>definitely not made for touring<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I can get a comfortable <strong>cruising speed of 2 mph<\/strong>, which is <strong>reasonable for short trips <\/strong>on the water if you\u2019re just looking to have fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For long distances with kayaking buddies who own touring kayaks\u2026 just forget about it. You\u2019ll never keep up with the pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But again, for recreational trips, it will still be<strong> faster than your typical Malibu 9.5 <\/strong>or other short sit-on-top boats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Maneuverability<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"705\" height=\"701\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OT-HERON-9XT-705x701.jpg\" alt=\"pic of Old-Town-Heron9XT kayak \" class=\"wp-image-4741\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OT-HERON-9XT-705x701.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OT-HERON-9XT-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OT-HERON-9XT.jpg 739w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s where being so short is a <strong>definite advantage<\/strong> for the Heron 9XT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll be able to <strong>turn on a dime<\/strong>, which makes it <strong>great for narrow rivers <\/strong>and whenever you need to avoid obstacles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even in <strong>shallow water<\/strong>, you\u2019ll be able to handle it comfortably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Please do not use this kayak for class 3 rivers<\/strong> as that\u2019s not what it\u2019s made for. You should <strong>use it for calm lakes, creeks, and small rivers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Comfort<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Being a recreational kayak, the Heron has a<strong> much larger cockpit <\/strong>than most higher-end sit-in kayaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They wanted to<strong> give room to beginners<\/strong> so they could breathe and feel stable, and it works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apart from that, you get an <strong>adjustable backrest and adjustable footpegs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The seat is very comfortable <\/strong>thanks to the<strong> extra padding<\/strong>, even for people over 50 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I like the <strong>knee pads which are a really nice touch<\/strong> for beginners who aren\u2019t used to having their knees against the hull for hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stability and Tracking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The last time I gave the Heron 9XT\u202fto a beginner friend, <strong>he told me it \u201ctracks like a bathtub\u201d<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And for beginners, that statement is mostly true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Until you learn to perfect your paddling technique<\/strong>, chances are you\u2019ll have a <strong>hard time going straight<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because there is <strong>no skeg or rudder<\/strong>, this means you will <strong>get pushed around by mild currents <\/strong>and wind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For experienced paddlers, they\u2019ll be able to track reasonably well but again, over long distances anyone will suffer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>To be fair, that\u2019s a problem with most short recreational kayaks<\/strong> that don\u2019t have a rudder, not only the Heron 9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, the Heron 9XT\u202fis <strong>very stable<\/strong>, which will make beginners feel comfortable. It has good primary stability (when sitting in) and great secondary stability so <strong>you won\u2019t capsize<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Durability<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"556\" height=\"509\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Oldtown-heron.jpg\" alt=\"Old-Town-HERON\" class=\"wp-image-4744\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Oldtown-heron.jpg 556w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Oldtown-heron-150x137.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 556px) 100vw, 556px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>As mentioned before, the Old Town Heron 9XT\u202fis<strong> almost indestructible<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And if you managed to damage it somehow, you\u2019d be covered by <strong>Old Town\u2019s lifetime warranty<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A lifetime warranty is <strong>pretty unheard of<\/strong> for recreational kayaks, and as far as I know, Old Town is the only company to provide it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pelican and Perception only have a 5-year warranty<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, <strong>I haven\u2019t heard complaints<\/strong> about any pieces breaking down on the Heron, <strong>except the paddle holder<\/strong>. Mine broke after a year of light use, so that wasn\u2019t nice\u2026 Maybe they\u2019ve fixed it on newer models though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Transportability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Portability is the name of the game <\/strong>with the Heron 9XT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s so light and small that you can<strong> easily load it on top of an SUV<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Even small women<\/strong> can load and carry it. My wife is 5\u20193\u201d, 125\u202flb and she has no problem handling it on her own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bow and stern carrying handles are good enough, better than on most recreational boats in fact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For anglers out there, the Heron 9XT\u202fis also a great kayak<\/strong> to keep on your powerboat when you reach shallow water.<strong> I regularly use it to fish and explore backwaters<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Features and Accessories<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"705\" height=\"175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Heron-9XT-OldTown-705x175.jpg\" alt=\"OLDTOWN HERON 9XT\" class=\"wp-image-4750\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Heron-9XT-OldTown-705x175.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Heron-9XT-OldTown-150x37.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Heron-9XT-OldTown-1536x382.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Heron-9XT-OldTown.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, the Old Town Heron 9XT\u202f<strong>doesn\u2019t come with a free paddle<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Paddles that are given for free generally cost only $20, so that\u2019s not a huge loss. But you have to keep it in mind so you can buy a paddle beforehand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apart from that, the Old Town Heron 9XT has a <strong>small dry hatch<\/strong> in the back, where you can put a <strong>small cooler with beverages and sandwiches<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please keep in mind the dry hatch is<strong> not waterproof<\/strong>, so you should <strong>use an extra dry bag<\/strong> if you want <strong>to keep electronics<\/strong> in there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As mentioned before,<strong> the cockpit is quite roomy<\/strong> so you could put some extra stuff in there if you needed to. Still,<strong> this kayak isn\u2019t made for overnight trips<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, <strong>I would have liked some bungee<\/strong> in the front to store some extra gear. It wouldn\u2019t have cost much so that\u2019s a bit disappointing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old Town Heron 9XT Fishing Ease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>First of all, the Old Town Heron 9XT\u202fis a recreational kayak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As such, it <strong>doesn\u2019t have as many features as high-end fishing kayaks<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, it\u2019s <strong>still better than most in this price range<\/strong>, as you get <strong>two flush-mounted rod holders<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s also a <strong>cup holder<\/strong>, and a <strong>paddle holder <\/strong>(absolutely necessary for fishing).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s <strong>not much storage space<\/strong> as opposed to a sit-on-top kayak, but on the upside, you <strong>can use a spray skirt if you\u2019re fishing in bad weather<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For fishing in creeks and occasionally running class 2 whitewater to get to good fishing holes, the Heron 9 is quite good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is the Old Town Heron 9XT for?<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"636\" height=\"830\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Oldtown-heron-9xt.jpg\" alt=\"Old-Town-Heron-9XT\" class=\"wp-image-4745\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Oldtown-heron-9xt.jpg 636w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Oldtown-heron-9xt-115x150.jpg 115w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 636px) 100vw, 636px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>As you may have understood by now, the Heron 9XT is <strong>made for recreational paddlers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want a <strong>throw-and-go kayak<\/strong> to paddle for a few hours and have fun, then the Heron is a great choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For<strong> light fishing in backwaters<\/strong> as well as<strong> easy carrying for small men and women<\/strong>\u2026 the Heron 9 is really<strong> hard to beat<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It lacks the features of high-end kayaks, but for the price, I don\u2019t think you can find a better boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-horizontal is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-layout-2 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.westmarine.com\/buy\/old-town--9-6-heron-9xt-sit-inside-kayak--20356671\" style=\"border-radius:15px;background-color:#fe4a49\"><strong>Get Best Deal<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old Town Heron 9 XT Alternatives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While the Heron 9XT is one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/best-lake-kayak\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2133\">best kayaks for lakes<\/a>, there are still some alternatives that may be worth looking into.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Necky Rip 10<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/NECKY-RIP-10-705x150.jpg\" alt=\"Pic of NECKY RIP 10 kayak model\" class=\"wp-image-4751\" width=\"705\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/NECKY-RIP-10-705x150.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/NECKY-RIP-10-150x32.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/NECKY-RIP-10-1536x327.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/NECKY-RIP-10.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Necky is also a popular kayak for recreational paddlers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The main difference is <strong>it has a skeg<\/strong>, which helps it<strong> track much better<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The downside is you won\u2019t be able to go in skinny water, or at least not as shallow as with the Heron 9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, unless you live in Canada, <strong>Necky boats are pretty hard to come by<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>I like the bungees on the bow<\/strong>, and <strong>comfort-wise it\u2019s pretty similar<\/strong> to the Heron 9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It doesn\u2019t have any fishing features, so<strong> I wouldn\u2019t recommend it for anglers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old Town Heron 9<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"705\" height=\"181\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLDTOWN-HERON-9-705x181.jpg\" alt=\"Pic of Old Town Heron-9 kayak model\" class=\"wp-image-4752\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLDTOWN-HERON-9-705x181.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLDTOWN-HERON-9-150x39.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLDTOWN-HERON-9.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Many people wonder what\u2019s the difference between the Heron 9 and the Heron 9XT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, they\u2019re actually <strong>almost identical <\/strong>kayaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The only difference is the Heron 9 doesn\u2019t come with a dry hatch<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As such, it\u2019s slightly cheaper, but it has extremely limited storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you plan to take absolutely nothing with you on the water, then the Heron 9 might be a good option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old Town Dirigo 106<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"705\" height=\"165\" src=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLDTOWN-DIRIGO-106-705x165.jpg\" alt=\"Pic of OLD-TOWN-DIRIDO-106 kayak \" class=\"wp-image-4753\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLDTOWN-DIRIGO-106-705x165.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLDTOWN-DIRIGO-106-150x35.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLDTOWN-DIRIGO-106-1536x360.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/OLDTOWN-DIRIGO-106.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>1 foot longer than the Heron 9XT, the Dirigo 106\u202fis still a very short and maneuverable boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for a throw-and-go kayak that\u2019s slightly longer, with <strong>more room for your legs<\/strong> and gear, then the Dirigo 106 is a good option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like the Heron, it has a<strong> comfortable open cockpit <\/strong>with an adjustable seat, although it is <strong>slightly more expensive<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I like the<strong> bungees at the bow and stern to get more storage space<\/strong>, as well as the handy dashboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All in all,<strong> for tall guys<\/strong> the Dirigo 106 is a good Heron 9 alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old Town Heron 9XT &#8211; Wrapping It Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To sum it up, the Old Town Heron 9XT is a <strong>great recreational kayak<\/strong> to feel <strong>comfortable <\/strong>and <strong>stable<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beginners will be able to paddle a few hours without getting back pain, and anglers can go into shallow water much better than with a bigger boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you don\u2019t need to cover long distances<\/strong> and you plan on going on small lakes and rivers, then the Heron 9XT\u202fis <strong>perfectly fine<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-horizontal is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-layout-3 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.westmarine.com\/buy\/old-town--9-6-heron-9xt-sit-inside-kayak--20356671\" style=\"border-radius:15px;background-color:#fe4a49\"><strong>Get Best Price<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After taking my Heron9XT\u202fon the water a few times over the last year, I want to give you my honest opinion on this cheap recreational kayak. In this Old Town Heron 9XT\u202freview, I\u2019ll tell you who this kayak is for \u2212 and what you can\u2019t do with it. [Spoiler Alert: The Heron 9XT\u202fis a stable, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4741,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"Old Town Heron 9XT - %%currentyear%% Hands-On Kayak Review","_seopress_titles_desc":"In this Old Town Heron 9XT review, I\u2019ll give you my honest opinion on this cheap recreational kayak. Hint: it\u2019s GREAT for\u2026","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[22,5],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4739"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4739"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4739\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5763,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4739\/revisions\/5763"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4741"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4739"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4739"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4739"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}