Wilderness Systems Zephyr 160 PRO Kayaks

Frontenac Outfitters
Wilderness Systems Zephyr 160 PRO Kayak Review

Wilderness Systems Zephyr 160 PRO (Composite) is a touch longer, wider and offers slightly more carrying capacity than its 155 sibling. The Zephyr kayak series was introduced last season to compliment Wildy's hugely successful Tempest kayak family. The Zephyr models offer paddlers more rocker than the Tempest series to optimize its maneuverability. Wilderness Systems Zephyr 160 PRO is designed for medium & large paddlers with intermediate skills seeking a quality "all round" agile kayak for skills progression.

Note: Wilderness Systems Zephyr 160 PRO is also available in less expensive Gen2 Polyethylene

Paddler Fit:
The Zephyr's offer the very same famous Phase 3 XP outfitting originally introduced in their Tempest series kayaks. Phase 3XP is widely recognized as the kayak industries most precise; 5- easy adjust straps custom fit the back band, hip pads can be added to / removed or adjusted, thigh supports can be moved forward or aft, the padded seat can be adjusted up or down, SlideLock footbraces are easily adjustable on the water, and its deck rigging is well thought and robust. The Zephyr 160 PRO's cockpit is 1.5 inches longer and wider, thus best suits paddlers who carry their weight lower or have wider hips.  

Kayak Efficiency & Maneuverability:
The Zephyr 160's more fully rockered hull decreases the hulls wet-surface so efficiency & acceleration are considered ‘average'.  The great news is it's the same-rockered hull, which make the kayak so nimble & quick to respond to subtle course corrections by paddler edging and leaned turns. The Zephyr holds course well with the skeg up, while lowering the skeg increases tracking in adverse conditions.

Kayak Stability:
Wilderness Systems Zephyr 160's initial stability was rated as ‘high' due to its wider beam. Secondary stability was rated as ‘medium' due to more aggressive soft chined sides for response but less defined edging.

Kayak Roll & Rescue:
Wilderness Systems outstanding Phase 3 XP outfitting is comfortably customized to fit a wide range of paddlers to enhance rolling.  More novice level paddlers will love the Zephyr's larger cockpit and its comfy, roomy fit, while most smaller paddlers can still get solid enough bracing due to an exception Phase 3 XP multi-adjustable seat system. The kayaks rear deck is low enough so as not to interfere with lay back rolls. To make paddle float re-entries far simpler we suggest we install self-rescue straps @ $50 a pair.

Kayak Touring:
Cruising speed was average for sea kayak of its length and we found no loss of efficiency, even when fully loaded. The Zephyr's 160's upswept bow resurfaced well in big water conditions and added to its overall lively and responsive nature. Gear capacity is rated as "med/high" though the internal skeg box does inhibit the storage of longer items in the rear hatch. All Zephyr PRO kayaks have easy to use Kajak Sport rubber hatches for virtually watertight seals.

STANDARD FEATURES:
Hatches: All Zephyr PRO Kayaks come with Kajak Sport hatch covers:  bow 10", stern - large 18.5" x 12.5" oval, day 8", 3- translucent fibreglass bulkheads and fibreglass seams.

Outfitting: Wilderness Systems 'Phase 3 XP' outfitting is recognized zed by many to be the kayak industries most adjustable and includes; a multi-adjustable back band, a padded seat pan that adjusts up or down, adjustable / removable padded thigh braces, 'SlideLock' easy adjust foot braces, recessed expedition quality deck rigging, reflective perimeter lines, a retractable skeg and Brunton Nexus 70P recessed compass mount.

Composite Colours:
Deck: Red, Yellow or Lime
Hull: White
Seam & Combing: Black


In Summary:
Wilderness Systems Zephyr 160 PRO is a Brit style sea kayak, which best suits intermediate paddlers seeking a shorter, playful and responsive ride for skills progression.

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