Compare Compact Sea Kayaks

The Gecko by Australis

The information below has been collected from reference sources of the relevant manufacturers.
Care has been taken in the compiling of this data, and Australis believe it to be an accurate and correct representation of each kayak.
This information was compiled on 25 January 2008.

Gecko compared to the Contour 450 by Perception

• The Gecko has a multi-chined hull:

• Making it faster than the Contour 450

• Making it easier to turn than the Contour 450

• Giving it "secondary" stability as well as "primary" stability, making it more stable than the Contour 450 in rougher conditions

• The Gecko has a full-pan seat rather than an integrated seat, so the weight of the paddler is more evenly spread over the entire surface area of the seat (and not concentrated in a few places)

• Both kayaks have bungy on the front deck for storage.

• The Gecko has 6mm decklines around the front and rear deck perimetres giving extra places to secure "top-stowed" items and to grab onto during rescue procedures.

• Both kayaks have a fixed footpad to brace off, with the rudder being controlled by a flap which is hinged at the top of the fixed pad.

• Both kayaks have the raise/lower rudder controls on the front deck.

• The Gecko has a metal rudder blade that sits down in the water and does not need to be "locked down" to prevent it from floating up.

• Both kayaks have 2 bulkhead sealed storage areas as a standard feature.

• The Gecko has rubber push-on hatches that are easier to get on than neoprene covers and that will hold firmly without having to fuss with clips and buckles over hard covers.
  Rubber push-on hatches also give a more watertight seal.

• The Gecko has a "proper" thigh brace rather than use foam pads.
  This thigh brace can be removed if not required.