The quality of inflatable kayaks can differ greatly as can performance and features.
With almost two decades of experience paddling inflatable kayaks I have had many opportunities to test and review all different models.
These five inflatable kayaks are some of my favourite. They are each very well made, reliable, comfortable, have good valves and features and have built up a solid rep over the years.
With these five kayaks you can’t go wrong and they should provide many adventures for years to come.
SEA EAGLE 380X – STABLE & VERSATILE
| MODEL: SEA EAGLE 380X EXPLORER | REVIEW: SEA EAGLE 380X REVIEW |
| LENGTH X WIDTH | 12’6″ X 40″ |
| WEIGHT | 40 LBS. |
| MAX LOAD | 750 LBS. |
| STABILITY |  |
| PERFORMANCE |  |
| WARRANTY | 3 YEARS |
| PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
THE SEA EAGLE 380X IS MOST IDEAL FOR:
- Day Touring
- Overnight Expeditions
- Whitewater (up to class IV rapids)
- Cruising On Lakes, Rivers Or Ocean Bays
- Paddling With Dogs, Kids or Gear
Read more about the Sea Eagle 380x…
You’ll notice several Sea Eagle kayaks on this blog. Sea Eagle is one of the oldest and most reliable brands for inflatable kayaks.
The 380X was actually the first IK that I bought going back well over a decade now. I used it for years, loved it immensely and explored many different bodies of water with it.
The Sea Eagle lineup of kayaks has expanded over the years but their 380X has remained their top seller and for good reason.
This kayak is extremely versatile. It is large enough to be comfortable when paddling with two people but not so large that it can’t be handled for solo outings as well.
The seats can be moved so you can customize it for one or two people or for paddling with your dog or fishing gear.
It glides nicely on flat water but is equally at home on whitewater (rated up to class IV rapids). It’s built tough, really tough. The 380X can take a lot of abuse.
I had mine for a good 6 years and never had a single issue with it. I eventually upgraded to one of Sea Eagle’s faster kayaks and sold my 380X to a friend.
I now have the latest 380X model and I find myself using it again constantly. It’s true that it is not the fastest kayak out there but it is one of the most dependable, stable and versatile.
It is also very stable and ideal for sitting back and having a picnic on the water – one of my favourite things to do. 🙂
All Sea Eagle inflatable kayaks come with a fantastic 3-year warranty.
See the 380X in action below where I am paddling the kayak solo with my two little dogs on one of my favourite mountain lakes…
SEA EAGLE FASTRACK – EFFICIENT & STABLE
| MODEL: SEA EAGLE FASTTRACK | REVIEW: FASTTRACK REVIEW |
| LENGTH X WIDTH | 12’5″ X 36″ |
| WEIGHT | 35 LBS. |
| MAX LOAD | 635 LBS. |
| STABILITY | |
| PERFORMANCE | |
| WARRANTY | 3 YEARS |
| PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
THE SEA EAGLE FASTTRACK IS MOST IDEAL FOR:
- Day Touring
- Overnight Expeditions
- Flat Water Paddling
- Smoother & Faster Ride
- Paddling With Kids Or Dogs
Read more about the Sea Eagle FastTrack…
The FastTrack was the kayak I upgraded to after my 380X. I was paddling mostly on flat water and started doing longer distances. I wanted a kayak that could glide faster.
The FastTrack is similar in price range to the 380X but definitely a faster and smoother ride.
It is a little bit lower profile with slightly smaller sides so it is not as big and bulky, which helps keep the weight down and makes it easier to carry.
It also has a patented external, rigid, inflatable NeedleKnife™ Keel. This keel makes a big difference in the performance.
If you have any experience with other inflatable kayaks you will notice that the FastTrack is noticeably easier to keep tracking straight and that it cuts through the water very smoothly.
It’s a really nice ride. If you will mainly be paddling on flat water and want a stable kayak that glides a little more efficiently then this is the one to get.
All Sea Eagle kayaks come with a great 3-year warranty.
ADVANCED ELEMENTS ADVANCED FRAME EXPEDITION – FLAT WATER TOURING
| MODEL: ADVANCED FRAME EXPEDITION | REVIEW: ADVANCED FRAME REVIEW |
| LENGTH X WIDTH | 13′ X 32′ |
| WEIGHT | 42 LBS. |
| MAX LOAD | 450 LBS. |
| STABILITY |  |
| PERFORMANCE | |
| WARRANTY | 1 YEAR |
| PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
THE AE ADVANCED FRAME EXPEDITION IS MOST IDEAL FOR:
- Flat Water Touring
- Smooth Glide
- Beginners to Intermediate Paddlers
Read more about the Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Expedition…
The Advanced Frame Expedition is best for the recreational paddler.
It is not as speedy as some of its higher priced competitors but it will get you where you want to go in comfort, style and at a decent price for what you get.
This is a closed-deck model that I think looks fantastic. It reminds me more of the look of a hard shell kayak and it has some great accessories to go with it.
I don’t find it quite as rigid as the Sea Eagle kayaks so the tracking and speed isn’t as good as I would have liked but even so it’s still a nice ride.
All Advanced Elements inflatable kayaks come with a 1-year warranty.
AQUAGLIDE MCKENZIE 125 – HYBRID MODEL, WHITEWATER, CRUISING
| MODEL: AQUAGLIDE MACKENZIE 125 | REVIEW: AQUAGLIDE MCKENZIE REVIEW |
| LENGTH X WIDTH | 12’2″ X 34.5″ |
| WEIGHT | 30 LBS. |
| MAX LOAD | 600 LBS. |
| STABILITY | |
| PERFORMANCE | |
| WARRANTY | 1 YEAR |
| PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
The Aquaglide McKenzie Is Most Ideal For:
- Whitewater – Up to class IV
- Flat Water Cruising
- Paddling With Kids Or Dogs
- Floating Picnics
Read more about the Aquaglide McKenzie…
The Aquaglide McKenzie 125 is a tandem kayak that can be used as a solo as well.
It’s a cross over model meaning that it can be used for flat water touring as well as in whitewater rapids.
It is very stable, easy to paddle and quick to maneuver. It isn’t a fast kayak when touring on calm water but it is extremely comfortable and easy to paddle.
It only weighs 30 lbs., making it very easy to carry, even if out solo. Aquaglide kayaks come with a 1 year warranty.
AIRE SUPER LYNX – STABLE, VERSATILE & SUPER DURABLE
| MODEL: AIRE SUPER LYNX | REVIEW: AIRE SUPER LYNX REVIEW |
| LENGTH X WIDTH | 14’6″ X 35″ |
| WEIGHT | 43 LBS. |
| MAX LOAD | 600 LBS. |
| STABILITY | |
| PERFORMANCE | |
| WARRANTY | 10 YEARS |
| PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
The AIRE Super Lynx Is Most Ideal For:
- Flat Water Touring On Lakes, Rivers, Ocean
- Overnight Expeditions
- Mild Whitewater
- Paddling With Kids Or Dogs
Read more about the Aire Super Lynx…
The Aire Super Lynx is a fully decked out expedition kayak with 18 sets of cargo loops, self bailing drain holes and lots of room for loading up with gear.
Aire kayaks are ultra tough and come with an industry leading 10-year warranty. This is the kayak that you can rely on for extended trips year after year.
It feels very stable and comfortable to paddle, the seats are adjustable for solo or tandem use (although it is much easier to paddle with 2) and it tracks decently for it’s larger size.
The downside is that it is quite heavy at 46 lbs. and the price is much higher. However if you are in the market for a high quality super charged inflatable kayak that can go anywhere, the Super Lynx has a great rep and many glowing reviews.
FASTEST INFLATABLE KAYAK
I have tried, tested and enjoyed paddling many inflatable kayaks over the years. At a certain point, I wanted more speed.
I belong to a kayaking club where only a few of us have inflatables. We do short and long distance excursions and I need to be able to keep up. So I invested in a faster model.
The kayak I use a good 90% of the time when out paddling with friends now is the Sea Eagle Razorlite.
SEA EAGLE RAZORLITE – FAST EFFICIENT RIDE
| MODEL: SEA EAGLE RAZORLITE | REVIEW: SEA EAGLE RAZORLITE REVIEW |
| LENGTH X WIDTH | 12’8″ X 28″ |
| WEIGHT | 35 LBS. |
| MAX LOAD | 500 LBS. |
| STABILITY |  |
| PERFORMANCE | |
| WARRANTY | 3 YEARS |
| PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
I LOVE the Razorlite. I would have put it as the #1 inflatable kayak to buy but the truth is this kayak is not as stable as many of the others and therefore not suited for everyone.
However if you want to go further faster and cut through the water smoothly with a super rigid and portable inflatable kayak I would highly recommend the Razorlite. It comes in a solo or a tandem version.
As with all Sea Eagle kayaks it also comes with a great 3-year warranty and 180-day guarantee.
See the Razorlite in action below…
MORE INFLATABLE KAYAK OPTIONS
Check out the next two categories below for more options.
Get Social With Us #inflatablekayakworld
Kayaking is such a fantastic activity to stay fit, healthy and balanced. Not to mention it allows you to connect with nature in a very special way.
We love connecting with other kayakers and seeing your photos on Instagram and Facebook.
Tag us @inflatablekayakworld so we can connect and share photos!
I purchased the Aquaglide Columbia 1 HB a few months ago for my girlfriend to use in the Tampa Bay area and couldn’t be happier. The materials are top notch and I feel it’s the best bang for the buck in an inflatable model. The only issue I have with it is it’s a little hard to get the bladder points at the ends to come together under the canvass so it looks sleek and smooth.
I’m thinking it’ll get easier as time goes on.
Thank you both for the feedback. I’ll hopefully be in a position to commit when I get back to the UK, although I’ll bet the weather won’t be as good as it is here at present – beautiful weather for a kayak and so unlike the UK!
Again, thanks for all the help.
Brian,
I am trying to decide between the SEFT or the Columbia 2. So my questions are:
Does the C1 track well? And how do you like the inflatable seat and the adjustable foot rest?
Thanks. And thank you Allison for the review of the Chinook
Jim
Oops Jim I missed your comment, sorry my reply is so late. The inflatable seat in the Aquaglide kayak is fairly comfortable but you sit up quite high which feels different than what I’m used to. The adjustable foot rest is okay. I’ve yet to try a foot rest on any inflatable kayak that is perfect but it’s handy to have for sure. Tracking was decent but not as good as the FastTrack. I wouldn’t choose it over the FastTrack personally but overall I’d say it’s a good kayak.
Hi Alison, I’m hoping that you can help as I am in a bit of a quandary. I am 64, 5’10” and about 150lbs. My wife and I have a Sea Eagle 385FT (one of the old models) and really enjoy it; I sometimes use it as a single as well, although for those occasions I also have an Elie Strait 120 hard shell, which is good but this is getting more problematic as my knees get stiffer, so I am looking for a single seat IK to replace it,
White water has never been on the agenda but lakes, rivers and the near coast most certainly are. The 385 FastTrack is great on lakes but less clever on narrow streams and frankly, being the old model, is getting a bit heavier than I would ideally like.
I’ve been mulling over another Sea Eagle to replace the Elie, but this time the single seat Explorer 300X – the length looks good, a bit wide perhaps, but great for the coast; maybe less so for flat water tracking and performance. The three year warranty and our positive experience with Sea Eagle is definitely comforting though.
I then came across the Aquaglides, in particular the Klickitat 1 HB. Looks quite good on paper, although there is not a great deal of detail regarding the material and it looks as though it has similarities to some of the Sevlors, which isn’t necessarily the greatest recommendation, especially as the warranty appears to be the minimum and the UK importer is conspicuous by their apparently covert presence on the web (the main UK retailer stresses that they are not the importer and can only handle warranty claims for the ones they sell – which I guess is fair!)
I don’t know if you are in a position to offer any guidance, but any thoughts as to which might be the better option for me would be most gratefully received. Being retired, I’m hoping to get a few years out of what ever I end up with, so it would be good to make the right choice.
Hi Nigel, Unfortunately I don’t have any experience with the Aquaglide kayaks. The Klickitat 1 HB looks interesting but I’m not sure about the performance or quality. I like the solo 300X from Sea Eagle however. It’s not a very big kayak but is highly responsive, turns and maneuvers really well. The width does slow it down some but it is stable and overall paddles well. I think it would work well for your needs. Sorry I couldn’t help you more. I hope to be able to review the Aquaglide kayaks one day soon.
Thank you so much for coming back. I do like the 300X, the size is fine, I just wish it was a little bit slimmer (ditto me….).
It looks like the Airis Sport is going to be imported into the UK, it’s being exhibited at the Southampton Boat Show next week – trouble is we are still in France for the next month so I won’t be able to go. I think the 300x will have to be the next purchase, unless you think the Sport would make any more sense? Sorry for yet more questions!
I like the Sport as well, paddles nicely, good quality. However I think you get more for your money with the 300X plus you sit a little lower in the 300X which I like. You can’t go wrong either way though.
You mentioned doing a review on the Aquaglide Chinook back in June. I am looking into the Aquaglide Columbia series but cannot find any independent reviews as to quality of materials or how they would compare to the Sea Eagles you mentioned in other reviews. Any thoughts?
Hi Jim, I got to paddle the Aquaglide Chinook briefly. It was a decent kayak, comfortable and stable. I wasn’t overly impressed with the performance though. It wasn’t bad, just kind of mediocre. t have not tried the Columbia model. It looks interesting but I don’t know of anyone who has paddled it yet. Just from my quick experience with the Chinook, I thought the materials were good but didn’t seem as strong to me as the Sea Eagle kayaks. It definitely had a different feel. Sorry I couldn’t help you more.
Hello,
Just wondering about which one would keep out the water the best. We hope to go out even in colder water and don’t want to get too much exposure. Maybe the Airis Sport Tandem for two of us?
Thanks!
You sit up higher in the Airis Tandem and the side tubes are a little lower than some other IK’s so I actually find that you can sometimes get more water in there. I find the Sea Eagle 380X keeps you fairly dry… the tubes are a little bigger and you sit a little lower. Also if exposure is a big concern you could take a look at the closed-deck inflatable kayaks such as the Innova Swing II or the Advanced Elements Convertible. Both have optional spray skirts that can be added.
Can you recommend the best inflatable kayak for use on the Bay of Banderas in Puerto Vallarta? We are novices but want to take advantage of the beautiful bay. We have been looking at the SeaEagle FastTrack or the catamaran kayaks with a small trolling motor….. Suggestions ?
The FastTrack actually has a motor package that I think is excellent value for the money. It would be ideal for paddling the bays in Puerto Vallarta – I googled Bay of Banderas… gorgeous!! The catamaran kayaks are good too and definitely have their advantages but I find them a little more difficult to paddle plus they tend to be heavier. The FastTrack would be my choice, hope that helps.
Hello could you please tell me your opinion about BIC Sport Nomad HP 1 Inflatable Kayak. I want to use it for diving in Lake Michigan, Maui offshore, and California 2-3 miles from the beach. Thank you
I’ve never been a huge fan of Bic but their Nomad HP 1 kayak looks pretty cool. Unfortunately I have not had an opportunity to review it yet but from reading about it, it sounds decent and most likely just fine for your needs. One thing that I noticed is that it is extremely heavy for a solo inflatable kayak. If that doesn’t bother you, the design and features look good. Sorry I couldn’t help you more. Hopefully I’ll get to review it one day soon.
Is the Hobie Cat mirage drive a real advantage over paddling only, or is it simply a gimmick? I am new to kayaking, still doing preliminary research, so I value the info on this site. Thanks.
I like the Hobie Cat Mirage and the idea of using your legs to pedal instead of paddling. However it’s a totally different kayaking experience and although I think it’s fun to try and maybe do once in awhile, it wouldn’t be my choice for regular kayaking. I find the kayak goes slower using the pedals as well.
I’ve got the Hobie 12′ angler with the ‘turbo fins’ and it’s hands down (pun intended) faster than any paddle propelled kayak!
Hi Allison,
Do you plan on reviewing the Aquaglide kayaks?
Hi Brian, yes I do! In fact I just tried my first Aquaglide kayak in the last couple of weeks (the Chinook Tandem) and I’m working on a review now. It will be posted soon.
Hi Allison,
Just found this site today and loving the info! I have looked for your review of the aquaglide Chinook – but wondering if you have reviewed or have an opinion on the Aquaglide Columbia XP (solo)?
Thanks for your time and effort on this site
Hi Theresa, I have tried the Chinook but not the Columbia XP. From my experience with the Chinook I found the kayak comfortable but basic. Tracking was decent but not great however it was easy to paddle. The Columbia XP looks a little more streamlined so probably performs a little better. I did notice that the Columbia XP is quite heavy which would probably deter me, but otherwise it looks like a nice ride. Sorry I couldn’t help you more, hopefully I’ll get to review that kayak one day soon.
Hello Alison,
Great round-up of IK’s. I’m based in the UK and looking to buy an inflatable kayak for 2 adults + dog. Can you recommend any that are available over here that will be primarily used on flat rivers with occasional lake use. Must be light enough to be carried up to 1mile and comfortable and roomy for day trips.
Thanks
Matt
Hi Matt, I’m not totally familiar with all of the IK’s in the UK but a few that I know of over there are the Advanced Elements kayaks, the Sevylor kayaks, Sea Eagle (I think) and Gumotex (which is the UK Innova kayaks). The AE kayaks are nice but a little on the heavy side. I’m not a huge fan of the Sevylor kayaks but their price is usually quite good. If you are able to get your hands on a Sea Eagle FastTrack or Explorer kayak, they would work well… fairly light weight, versatile and can fit everyone plus the dog and be very comfortable. Or I would seriously consider the Gumotex kayaks. They are known to be very lightweight and excellent quality. Any of their 2-person models would probably work. Hope that helps, good luck with your search!
I am torn between two inflatables the sea eagle ft 385 and the airis tandem but I am wondering which would be better for two adults and two small mini weiner dogs> I cant find interior dimensions for the airis tandem. which would you pick regarding quality tracking etc. we are 55 and in decent shape 5’8″ and 5’1″ tall.
Hi Camilla, I don’t think you could go wrong either way but personally I would choose the Sea Eagle ft385. I actually own both the SE 385 and the Airis Tandem. They are both great quality but I find that the 385ft always ends up being my go-to kayak. I think it tracks a little better, can definitely go faster and seems to have more room inside. You sit a little lower in the SE 385ft so I find it a little more ideal for dogs. You’d have no problem fitting two adults and two small dogs in it and still be comfortable.
Thanks Allison for the informative website. Have you reviewed Soar ? I have a sevylor IK with a thick PVC hull and a much thinner bladder and not very happy with the quality. I’m guessing Sea eagle and some others are of the similar design?
That’s why I was checking out Hyperlon IK, and ran across Soar’s.
I’ve also noticed NRS’s as well, which is also made by hyperlon.
I mostly paddle in flat/calm waters, up to class 2 rapids the most. In about 2 years or so when my kids get a bit older, I’ll start going more in class iii/iv (but probably 1-2 times a year the most). We’re family of 4, but very small built (total about 400-450 lbs in near future 🙂 – right now we’re only 350, hehe).
Please advice.
Thank you.
Unfortunately I haven’t had an opportunity to review the Soar kayaks but I’ve only heard good things about them. I’m not a big fan of the Sevylor kayaks personally, I’ve never found the quality to be that great. The quality and design of the Sea Eagle IK’s are far better in my opinion. However no doubt about it the Hypalon kayaks are built tough. NRS has some good one’s although I find the majority of their kayaks better suited for rivers. I can’t comment on the performance of the Soar IK but I have heard that many outfitters use them because of how strong they are.
Hi Allison, some great info on this site. Im torn between two tandem kayaks at the moment: the sea eagle fasttrack 380 and the advanced elements convertible. I love the idea of the spray deck on the advanced convertible to keep out the elements so it is kind of in the lead at the moment.
However I’m looking for a tandem kayak that would hold gear for maybe a couple of days camping expedition with two paddlers. In terms of the weight they can carry they are all fine but there doesn’t seem to be too much room in the convertible once you have two people in it. With the sea eagle there’s always the 460 version for more room to pile gear in.
What would you recommend as an expedition tandam kayak? Thanks!
Hi Kim, There’s not a huge difference in storage space between the SE FastTrack and the AE Convertible unless you go for the longer 465 FT as you mentioned. I think the 465Ft is the better expedition kayak. However if you are really leaning towards the AE Convertilbe, I think it is doable with a little planning. There is storage room up front under the deck and you can tie gear down on the top of the front deck as well. The only issue is that you end up having quite a bit of weight up front instead of being able to even it out like you could with the FastTrack which could affect the performance of the kayak. So personally I feel the longer FastTrack is a better option but I do think you can make it work with the Convertible, it just might not be quite as comfortable… depending on how much gear you are bringing with you. I have actually seen people secure gear on the back of the Convertible as well, you will just need some extra tie down cords.
Hi Allison,
I am looking at inflatables and considering the Advanced Elements sport and wanted to see if you had tested it? I also read your review of the Airis Sport and was considering it but the price is a bit more than I was planning on spending. Could possible justify if it is a really head and shoulders above the rest; and does it really double as a SUP? FYI I typically paddle on intracoastal, a little on the beach and usually not more than a few hours at a shot. Need something that tracks well and comfortable. Thanks, Mark
Hi Mark, The AE Sport is great in a lot of ways… it’s comfortable, easy to paddle and of course has the covered deck which is nice. However the Airis Sport really does paddle better. It tracks much straighter than the AE Sport and in my opinion the quality is far superior. Either would work well for the type of paddling you will be doing. I don’t think you would be disappointed with the Advanced Elements Sport but I do definitely prefer the performance of the Airis Sport. I wouldn’t say the Airis Sport doubles as a SUP but it can definitely be paddled standing up no problem. However it is not as efficient paddling it standing up compared to an actual stand up paddle board… but it is fun to do. Hope that helps.
I am a big fan of Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayaks, but also think Sea Eagle makes a good one. Thanks for posting these other brands that I have not heard much about. Cheers!
Do you plan to review the new asymmetric version of the Sea Eagle FastTrack?
From what I hear the older and newer version are very similar with just a few upgrades. I’m not sure at this point when I will be able to fully test and compare them but I am sure at some point in the near future I will. I’ll definitely keep you updated.
I would appreciate some help in selecting a solo inflatable kayak. The primary use would be lakes, so tracking is important. However I would also run the occasional river with Class II & III rapids. And at times I’d like to bring my dog (50#) on the lake paddles. Any suggestions on a particular brand and model would be great. Thanks.
Hi Larry, the Sea Eagle FastTrack has a solo version that would probably be your best option. It tracks great on flat water, could handle your dog no problem and could handle up to class II rapids easily (not recommended for class III… it’s doable but not ideal). It’s not easy to find a kayak that tracks great but can also handle class III rapids. The Advanced Elements Strait Edge is great in class III rapids and decent in flat water but isn’t going to have superb tracking. The Aire Lynx is another one to consider. It would work well for both types of water and is a great kayak. One more thought is the Airis Tandem kayak. It can be converted for solo use, tracks well, has room for your dog and can handle up to class II rapids.
Thanks much for your input. Greatly appreciated.
Allison, your answers are a big help. I too would prefer sitting lower in the kayak, so as to have as much a hard-shell kayak experience as possible in an inflatable. In fact that relates to my other questions. I’ve always preferred the feeling of being a kind of ‘pod’ on the water, and till now have been avoiding the open design. Any thoughts on this? Also: 1) to what extent does the Fasttrack 385 tend to swamp, since it is open? Do the two ‘self-bailing’ valves or whatever they are work well? 2) Do you have to order the footrest as an extra cost? Finally 3) Also I’ve noticed a website offering discounts on Sea Eagles. Will I get better attention and service from Sea Eagle itself? Thank you so much for your thoughts! Jud
Hi Jud, I know exactly what you mean by being a ‘pod’ in the water, it’s a great feeling. You definitely lose a bit of that feeling with the open design inflatable kayaks. The new Innova Swing solo and tandem models are pretty good for this. They have a closed deck and a bit more of a traditional kayak feel. They are great kayaks but I feel the FastTrack handles better in the water.
I’ve never had the FastTrack swamp at all. I do get some water dripping in off my paddles but even in waves water does not tend to get in. You would have to be in some pretty rough water for this to happen. I always have a bilge pump with me when in the ocean in case I need to get any water out but have actually never had to use it.
The drain valves work ‘ok’. When they are open water does drain out but also gets in. So I can’t say they are a perfect solution but they do the trick in a pinch. I prefer to have them closed.
The footrest is an extra cost. Sea Eagle sells it for $39. However to be honest you could use anything… a dry bag with some clothes in it works just as well if it is long enough to wedge between the pontoon sides of the kayak.
I have always bought directly through Sea Eagle and been happy with them. I believe that if you buy from another retailer you do not get to take advantage of their 180-day guarantee… if anything is wrong or you are not happy you can return the kayak within 180 days no problem.
Cheers, Allison
Allison,
Do you have a review on the Maxxon Cayman, 3 passenger or the Saturn Wiitewater 13 foot tamdem?
Hi Michael, No unfortunately I have not reviewed the Maxxon Cayman III. It looks like a great kayak. I will see if I can somehow get a hold of one to review in the near future. Sorry I couldn’t help you more.
Cheers.
Allison, I’m so glad I’ve found your blog! Thanks so much. So far I’ve only rented hard-shell kayaks, but I definitely am going to get an inflatable now. I have a few questions. 1) Could you please say something about the SEA EAGLE 330 PRO, and how it compares to the SEA EAGLE FAST TRACK? (I know it is cheaper.) 2) I also notice your photo of the Sea Eagle Fast Track above shows the kind of seat that come with the Sea Eagle 380X. Is this an option, and is that seat preferable? 3) I’ll mostly be going solo – but just in case I wanted to take someone with me – can one take out the second seat and reposition the other for solo paddling? Otherwise I’d buy the solo version. (I’ll mostly be paddling along the coasts of harbors and on easy rivers.) Thank you! Jud
Hi Jud,
There is actually quite a big difference between the SE 330 Pro and the SE FastTrack. Both good kayaks but the 330 is a much cheaper version… by that I mean the material is not as strong, it does not track as well. it is not as fast and overall when you see them side by side, the FastTrack is just a much more solid high performance kayak. The 330 is still good just not in the same class as the FastTrack.
The high back seats I have in my FastTrack are available in one of the package options. You have the choice between the inflatable seats or the tall-back seats. It’s really personal preference. I find the black tall-back seats are more supportive for my back and I like the feel of sitting lower in the kayak. However some people prefer the inflatable seats as they like sitting up higher for various reasons. Both are comfy.
The seats in both the 330 and the FastTrack can be removed and adjusted. So you can take one out and move the other to the middle to paddle solo. Both very versatile.
Hope that helps!!
I bought a 330 and used it once. Was happy with the way it tracked for money spent. However when I took it up on the bank, I dropped it from 12 inches and it landed on a blunt stick half size of pencil and punctured it. It was right in a seam. None the less disappointed in product and company response. At 250.00 it is less than others but not necessary cheap. The next one I buy will be from a different company.
What do you know about the Airis inflatable kayak by Walker Bay. I don’t see it discussed on your website.
Thanks, Dick
Hi Dick, I’m going to be reviewing them in the next couple of weeks, I’ll get back to you on this. Allison
I have one and LOVE it. I have 6 kayaks and it is my ‘go to’! Took it out today.!! I go out several times a week. I go to lakes, rivers. Light and super easy to manage by myself. Rigid as a board floor. Doesn’t take on water. My husband loves it too-‘fast’!
Tracks well. Quick to inflate. I can leave it blown up and toss in the back of truck or SUV. Travels easy. I pack it suitcase and check bag. And, I prefer the included paddles to my Werners. I have 2 Ocean Kayaks and I feel just as secure on this.
Hope this helps,
Enjoy!
Toni
Toni,
Your info is very helpful. Thanks for sharing it.
Dick
Allison, Have you had a chance to review Airis? If you concur with Toni, I’m ready to place my order.
Hi Dick, Yes I totally agree with Toni. I’m sorry these reviews have taken me so long. I just posted the reviews, here’s the link… https://www.inflatablekayakworld.com/ik-reviews/airis/
I was really impressed with just about all aspects of the Airis kayaks. They are compact, light weight, extremely well made and super rigid. The Airis Sport in particular was my favorite and paddled extremely well. I hope my reviews will be helpful. Cheers.
Aquaglide or seaeagle330! Which would you prefer. One has crummy review on seats. Not planning on running Colorado river, but some moving water
Depends which Aquaglide kayak you are looking at. In general I prefer the Sea Eagle kayaks, I find they perform a bit better and I like the quality. I only have experience with the SE330 on moving rivers and it handled well, was easy to paddle and turn. Also I like that Sea Eagle offers a 3-year warranty whereas Aquaglide only offers 1-year on their kayaks.
Have a Play 9.5 and a Sport 11 Airis kayaks approximately 6 years old. Both now suffering deflation problems, as they are delaminating at the seams , maybe our tropical climate ? they have been well looked after,and only moderate use, to our dissapointment.. Have otherwise been excellant