Recreational Kayak#8 of 13 in Recreational Kayaks

Old Town Loon 126 Recreational Kayak

by Old Town Canoe & Kayak

4.3
PaddleProw scoreEditorial rating out of 5, based on specs, build and fit for purpose

The Old Town Loon 126 is a dependable, stable recreational kayak ideal for beginners and casual paddlers who want comfort and storage on calm lakes and slow-moving rivers.

  • Exceptional on-water stability
  • Spacious gear storage
  • All-day paddling comfort
Length
12 ft 6 in
Weight
58 lbs
Capacity
325 lbs
Width
30 in

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01The review

The Old Town Loon 126 is a recreational sitting-in kayak built for paddlers who want a stable, comfortable platform for exploring lakes, slow rivers, and calm coastal waters. At twelve feet six inches long, it strikes a balance between tracking efficiency and maneuverability, making it a great choice for casual outings, fishing trips, or simply drifting along a quiet shoreline. The hull design incorporates a flat bottom and moderate rocker, which gives paddlers confidence when getting in and out, especially in shallow water or when launching from a dock, while still allowing for reasonably efficient forward paddling across open water.

Comfort is a central focus of the Loon 126, and Old Town outfitted it with their adjustable seating system that provides solid back support and cushioning for longer days on the water. The cockpit is roomy enough to accommodate paddlers of varying sizes, and the adjustable foot braces let you dial in your position for proper leg support and paddling efficiency. Storage is handled through a rear tank well with bungee cord lacing for securing gear, a dry bag, or a cooler, plus additional space up front for smaller items you want within reach. Molded-in handles at the bow and stern make it easy to carry the kayak to the water or load it onto a vehicle without added accessories.

Durability comes from Old Town's rugged polyethylene construction, which resists UV damage, impact, and the everyday scrapes that come with launching on rocky banks or sandy beaches. This construction also keeps the kayak relatively lightweight for its size, so solo paddlers can manage transport without too much difficulty. With its stable hull, comfortable outfitting, and dependable build quality, the Loon 126 is designed to appeal to beginners who want a forgiving, confidence-inspiring kayak as well as more experienced paddlers looking for a reliable boat for relaxed recreational paddling on ponds, lakes, and gentle waterways.

02Spec sheet

Length12 ft 6 in (381 cm)
Width30 in (76 cm)
Weight58 lbs (26.3 kg)
Weight Capacity325 lbs (147 kg)
Hull MaterialThree-layer polyethylene

Manufacturer specifications. Dimensions and weights can vary slightly between production years and outfitting packages.

03Pros & cons

What we like

  • Excellent stability for beginners and casual paddlers
  • Comfortable seat for all-day paddling comfort
  • Ample storage space fore and aft
  • Tracks well on flat lakes and slow rivers
  • Lightweight enough for solo car-topping

Watch out for

  • Not designed for rough water or ocean surf
  • Wider hull makes it slower than touring kayaks
  • No internal bulkheads for sealed dry storage
  • Can feel bulky when loading onto roof racks alone

04Key features

  • 12 ft 6 in length with stable, wide hull design
  • Adjustable ergonomic seating with padded backrest
  • Large rear tankwell with cargo net for gear storage
  • Dual-position footrest system for different paddler heights
  • Molded-in carrying handles for easy transport
  • Scotty rod holder mounts and accessory tracks for fishing add-ons

05Verdict

4.3

The Old Town Loon 126 is a dependable, stable recreational kayak ideal for beginners and casual paddlers who want comfort and storage on calm lakes and slow-moving rivers. While it won't satisfy speed-focused paddlers or those tackling rough conditions, its forgiving hull and comfortable seating make it a great entry point into the sport.

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Old Town Loon 126 Recreational KayakScore 4.3 / 5Check price