Dagger Stratos 12.5 S Review

The Dagger Stratos 12.5 S is a 12.6-foot long, 24.5-inch wide, sit-inside touring kayak designed for higher performance than your average recreational kayak. It has a semi-displacement hull and a 35-inch-long cockpit that is compatible with an extra-large spray skirt. It has two sealable storage hatches, bulkhead dividers, and a drop-down skeg.

Performance Comparison

Glide and Tracking

The Stratos excelled in all metrics, but it really stood out regarding glide and tracking when compared to other recreational touring kayaks we tested. The tip and tail of the Stratos are V-shaped, increasing its ability to cut through the water efficiently. However, the central third of the hull is flat. This allows the kayak to move across the water with more agility and ease, a more common design feature in whitewater kayaks. The Stratos was one of the longest kayaks we tested and the narrowest, creating excellent paddling efficiency. This is our favorite kayak to travel long distances in, and, given glassy waves and the right skills, it is a ton of fun to surf.

There are certainly faster kayaks on the market, but these are usually much longer (and therefore harder to store), less agile (less playful), and typically cost a lot more as they are made from lighter carbon composites. As far as plastic kayaks go, the Stratos is a fast kayak for being under 14 feet long.

The skeg on the Stratos can be dropped down to help the kayak maintain the direction of its glide and reduce the need for human correction. When paddling flat waters, we appreciated having this tool to make straight-line paddling more effortless.

Stability

Just like your road bike, the Stratos is most stable when moving at speed. When sitting in the flatwater, this kayak will feel more tippy than your usual barge-wide rent-a-kayak option. With loose primary stability, paddlers may experience a gentle wobble even when sitting in flat water. Those unfamiliar with this feeling may overcompensate and actually tip themselves into the water.

In reality, the secondary stability of the Stratos makes it much more stable than it feels initially. You will find the stability sweet spot of this kayak by leaning forward, relaxing into any wobbles, and just paddling the boat forward like it was designed to. An experienced kayaker won't be bothered by its narrowness, which helps it cut through waves and rapids, and makes it more stable in dynamic environments. Out of all the kayaks tested, we wouldn't recommend this for a nervous first-time kayaker, especially in moving waters. In sheltered environments, this kayak is fun for all, and for those with experience, dynamic environments will feel like fun playgrounds.

Maneuverability

Being two and a half feet longer than the shortest kayak we tested, the Stratos 12.5 takes longer to turn on flat water than some of the other options in our lineup. However, by pulling up the skeg, you can significantly improve its maneuverability. In addition, thanks to the narrow and hybrid hull design incorporating a planning hull, advanced paddlers will be able to edge this kayak and will find that it is surprisingly agile for its length, particularly in dynamic moving water environments.

Experienced sea kayakers may find this option a playful choice for exploring rock gardens and ocean surfing. This kayak excels in dynamic ocean environments.

If navigating moving rivers is your jam, there are more dynamic, shorter, and more stable (forgiving) whitewater-focused kayaks that would better suit the task. However, for those with advanced whitewater skills and gear (including a helmet, sprayskirt, rescue throwline, etc.), it is possible and really quite entertaining to paddle this kayak in up to class III whitewater. The speed is incredibly fun to play with, and the hull can be edged to carve across the river. A solid white water roll and some sea kayaking skills open up the world of rock gardening in which the Stratos excels for its length and maneuverability. But do not be fooled if you are a novice to whitewater — this is not the kayak in which to first learn your whitewater skills.

If you find yourself upside down, the Stratos is technically the easiest to re-right if you've been taught a solid kayaker roll. This is the only kayak we tested that is designed and outfitted to make rolling a real possibility (if you have learned this skill). It is compatible with a spray skirt, which is one of the requisite steps for conducting this Inuit-inspired roll. Not a skill that many learn from YouTube alone, if you haven't yet mastered this maneuver, lessons and practice help. Ultimately, we recommend that you purchase float bags and a bilge pump, as the Stratos is designed to be self rescuable out in deep waters. Just like the kayakers roll, the self-rescue takes instruction and practice — so don't reserve your first experience for an emergency. For those who aren't ready to learn these skills but are likely to tip over regularly, a sit-on-top option will make life safer, easier, and a lot more fun.

Once you do drag this kayak to shore, there isn't a drain plug to help empty it. A friend, some strategy, some patience, and a sponge will help get the job done. Pro tip: having float bags in your kayak will help prevent your kayak from taking on as much water, speeding up the whole self-rescue process if you tip over.

Ease of Transport

Durable plastic and comfortable outfitting come at a cost in terms of weight. Unsurprisingly, this longer kayak made of higher-quality plastic is not the lightest we tested. The Stratos falls in the upper range for weight compared to the “average” kayak we tested.

The padded T-bar carrying handles positioned at the narrow ends of the kayak made moving this craft easier than some other boats of similar weight. Alternatively, if you are solo, it is possible to put it on one shoulder. However, whichever way you ultimately carry it, there is no denying the Stratos is not an ultralight kayak.

For stronger paddlers, the narrow cockpit design makes it possible to lift this kayak above your head and load it onto a car rooftop without additional people or equipment for assistance. However, we have definitely lost a few car mirrors after attempting to solo load kayaks with tired arms, so it's best to ask for a helping hand or invest in a nifty kayak-assisting loader. There are kayaks half the weight of the Stratos if portability is your main focus, though these are typically less high-performance or much more expensive.

Comfort

The Stratos 12.5 S stands out for its high-quality outfitting, similar to that used in Dagger's full-spec whitewater kayaks. The outfitting is a superior standard to the average recreational kayak, and you can expect it to last much longer than the cheap one you saw at the grocery store.

With a padded, adjustable back band, thigh pads, adjustable seat, and, adjustable footplates, you can easily position yourself in the most paddle-efficient and comfortable position in the Stratos.

The Stratos is also available in a 12.5 L version that offers more cockpit volume and a 14.5 version with even more legroom. Consider your agility and ability to get in and out of a sit-in kayak. Although manufacturers label this a “large” cockpit, it is still only 31.5 inches long, the smallest out of any we tested by 10 inches. Those with limited mobility or very long legs may find the cockpit size limiting. If that is the case for you, a more open-style kayak or even a sit-on-top kayak may be more comfortable and enjoyable.

Construction Quality

Dagger makes kayaks, and that's it. No paddles, coolers, pens, or really much else. They also specialize in kayaks dedicated to whitewater, where they are put under significant pressure and often hit against rocks. Dagger has dialed in this specialty and knows how to make strong boats. Their team paddlers push the boundaries, allowing the Stratos to be designed with advanced features for advanced paddlers in advanced conditions. That being said, any sensible long-term kayaker will personalize their outfitting over time. For example, some will pad out the adjustable foot block with foam or even remove it altogether and make their own foam bulkhead, particularly if you have long legs.

The Stratos was the only kayak we tested with a structural pillar designed to provide additional structural integrity to your kayak. In addition to this feature, Dagger utilizes a plastic that is superior to that used in many of the cheaper models. Our only construction warning is to make sure you tighten your own bolts (especially connecting the seat and the sides of the kayak), as these tend to rattle themselves a bit loose over many long car journeys. It's always worth going around and checking your bolts when you purchase any new kayak.

The Stratos has not one but two covered storage hatches that are completely sealed off from the cockpit. This means that if you get water into one section, all parts of the kayak will not flood automatically. The back hatch is the largest and is oblongly shaped, measuring 5.5 inches by 10 inches. The rear hatch is circular with a 9-inch radius. Combined, the two hatches give the Stratos more sealed and accessible storage than any of the other kayaks we tested. The hatch size somewhat limits what you can fit in there; however, if you are sensible with what you bring and how you pack, you can load quite a few days of gear within this kayak.

Those planning multi-day trips in their kayak found it possible to pack the Stratos with a full set of camping essentials. In addition, there is space behind the seat where you can secure small dry bags or rescue equipment for quick access. Finally, the deck webbing secures key items such as spare paddles and also enables you to keep some things secure but close on hand.

We were cautious when strapping some of the kayaks we tested onto the roof of our cars, not wanting to overly flex the bendy plastics. This was not the case with the Dagger Stratos. Its solid overall construction gives the clear impression that this kayak is ready for much more than the other kayaks we tested.

With time, sand, and sun exposure, the flexible plastic latch covers can become difficult to put on. Keeping your kayak clean from sea salt and stored away from sun exposure will help to prevent this. We tried pre-treating one hatch cover with aerospace lubricant 303d and found it helpful to prevent and treat this deterioration.

Should You Buy the Dagger Stratos 12.5 S?

Offering superior performance, premium comfort outfittings, and versatility of use, this Dagger Stratos understandably costs more than many of the other options we tested. That being said, it will not disappoint you on the water. Furthermore, quality kayaks like this maintain their value for years to come, so this kayak can be seen as a worthy investment for those that love to paddle.

What Other Kayaks Should You Consider?