Best all-around scupper wheels?

New kayaker, used Compass with basic Hobie wheels, looking to upgrade. Balloon wheels seem big, expensive and not that great on hard surfaces. Skinny wheels I have now are small, light and great on roads, stairs, etc... but like dragging a dead body in sand.  I looked in old posts for advice but wanted the latest and greatest (hope that is ok).  I live in SF and space is a factor so one set of wheels is my limit.  What is the best ‘all-around’ option?

Thanks, in advance, for any advice!

The best and all around is the balloon wheel. Period.
It's not hard to drag on hard surface.

I prefer the sea tug wheels instead of scupper wheels.

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Scupper wheels, IMO + due to ncka members’ stories over the years seem to have too much potential for damaging (cracking/splitting) of the scupper tunnels. Weight, flex and long use can already stress the scuppers. Lots of us carry a lot of gear and some catch a lot of fish. This will also stress the scuppers if they are supporting it all.

Bottom line - if you are on short, smooth hauls and don’t overload with gear and fish, it may be fine for many years for you. Mostly, I’d recommend not carrying it all via scuppers.

Best all-round, IMO are the Wheeleze with large sand tires.  I agree with the "No-no" scupper caart opinion. Can't belive Hobie actually sells them considering how many boats have ben ruined with their use.

Bushy

Even if the scupper wheels don't cause damage to the kayak, the holes are always far from the center of the kayak. It means you have to carry much of the weight of the kayak. If you use the non-scupper wheels and position them near the center, pulling your kayak is effortless.

Great advice and background, thanks. I ordered a kayak cart with balloon wheels.

You're going to love it Bill.

You're going to love it Bill.

Hahaha you’ve seen me carrying my kayak across the sand he-man style. Let’s go crabbing soon.

Scupper wheels are very bad for the kayak. We have repaired many kayaks where people have used them and cracked the inside of the scupper as there is too much pressure on the scupper with those carts. Some breaks within the scupper are not repairable. I really like the Malone beach hauler which has the balloon tires