Kayaks come in a variety of materials, the most common being plastic, fiberglass, and Kevlar. Kevlar kayaks, which often are made of a mixture of Kevlar and fiberglass, generally cost the most. However, they offer advantages over other kayaks that might justify the costs for serious kayakers.
Weight
Kevlar kayaks weight significantly less than plastic or fiberglass kayaks. Fiberglass kayaks, which are lighter than plastic kayaks, generally weigh 15 percent to 20 percent more than Kevlar kayaks. Having a lighter kayak makes transportation and portaging easier.
Strength
Kevlar kayaks are the strongest of the three types. Kevlar is an extremely tough, lightweight material that can withstand much more of a beating than fiberglass or even plastic. However, if a Kevlar kayak does get a crack, it can be difficult to repair.
Lifespan
Kevlar and other composite kayaks, if properly cared for, can last at lease twice as long as plastic kayaks, which tend to deform with heat and age. As long as you store a Kevlar kayak properly, it can last a lifetime.
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