Jobe Tasman 440 Kayak
Rating
Performance: 8
Size/Weight: 6
Durability: 10
Setup: 10
Value: 7
OVERALL: 8.2
A proper touring-style inflatable that feels closer to a hard kayak than you would expect
The Jobe Tasman is one of those inflatables that immediately tries to blur the line between a traditional hard shell kayak and something you can roll up and throw in the boot, and for the most part, it actually pulls that off. It is clearly aimed at paddlers who want serious on-water performance without committing to roof racks, garage storage and all the usual headaches that come with rigid kayaks, and while it comes in at a fairly steep price, it promises a level of speed, tracking and build quality that most inflatable kayaks simply do not deliver.
Comparison
Rank: #5
Open Size: Long and stable
Packed Size: Mid-size, moderate
Weight: Moderate
Capacity: High
Best For: Experienced paddlers who want touring performance without a hard kayak.
Pros: Excellent tracking, rigid feel, premium build quality.
Cons: Expensive, heavier than most inflatables, not beginner-focused.
Verdict: A high-end inflatable that genuinely delivers hard-kayak style performance.
Skip ahead to First Impressions, Setup/Packdown, Paddling Experience, or the Final Verdict, check out how the Jobe Tasman 440 Kayak compares to others in our list of the Top Ten 2 Person Inflatable Kayaks or see how we choose the best inflatable kayak.
Specs:
Open Size: 440 x 81.5cm
Packed Size: 75 x 40 x 45cm
Weight: 17kg
Capacity: 210kg
Approx Price: $1499.99
First Impressions
The Tasman’s full dropstitch construction gives it a very rigid shape once inflated and, being a newer brand to the inflatable kayak market, we’re glad to see it feels closer to a hard shell kayak than a blow-up. The material looks and feels tough, not flimsy or toy-like, and the tarpaulin bottom gives it that extra sense of durability that makes you feel comfortable dragging it up a beach or launching from rougher shorelines.
Visually, it looks sleek and purposeful rather than chunky or overly wide, and the long, narrow profile immediately suggests it is built for speed and distance rather than just floating around. The EVA deck is a nice touch and makes it feel more premium underfoot.
Setup/Packdown
For a kayak of this size, setup is surprisingly straightforward, but it does require a bit more effort than basic recreational inflatables. The three high-pressure valves mean you are pumping to around 10 PSI, which takes a bit of work with the included hand pump, especially on a hot day! We were pretty sweaty by the end, but if you got an electric pump instead of using the included pump it would be fine.
Attaching the EZ-lock fin is quick and simple, and it makes a noticeable difference to how well the kayak tracks. The seats are easy to position and adjust using the Velcro system and straps, and everything feels secure once locked in.
Pack down is also fairly painless, although at 17kg and with a packed size that is not exactly tiny, it is not something you would call ultra-portable. It fits back into the carry bag without too much swearing, but it is definitely more of a two-hand carry than a lightweight grab-and-go setup.
Paddling Experience
It’s definitely a performance kayak. It feels fast, smooth and impressively efficient, with the long, narrow shape cutting through the water beautifully over longer distances.
It does not feel quite as stable as some wider models, especially for complete beginners. Its boxy kind of shape means once it tips off its base, it naturally wants to go right onto its side. We launched off a beach for our testing and we nearly went overboard trying to get in. Once you’re going though, with two people onboard, it handles the weight easily and still glides nicely, with plenty of speed.
It handles calm water, lakes and light rivers comfortably, and is fine in choppier conditions although the water does splash up and over the low sides so it’s not a great one for cooler climates or cold weather (but realistically, fine for most Australian conditions!). The fibreglass paddles are also a big step up from cheap aluminium ones and genuinely improve the overall paddling experience.
Final Verdict
The Jobe Tasman is not a casual pool toy and it is not trying to be. It is a proper touring-style inflatable kayak built for people who actually want to go places on the water rather than just float around close to shore. The straight-line performance is excellent, the build quality feels premium, and the overall experience is about as close to a hard kayak as most inflatables will ever get. The main downside is the price, which is high for an inflatable and puts it firmly in enthusiast territory, and the weight and packed size mean it is not the most convenient option for smaller cars or solo lifting.
Want to see how the Jobe Tasman 440 Kayak compares to other kayaks we tested? Head over to our list of the Best Two-Person Inflatable Kayaks.
Water & Outdoors reviews are written by our staff writers, who combined have over fifty years of experience on the water and outdoors. We may earn commissions if you choose to buy through a link you’ve clicked on our website, however this does not influence our reviews. For more information, please see our Editorial Policies.