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.
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Hi – have you tried the Sea Eagle SE 370? Curious about that one. My husband and I are looking to purchase inflatable kayaks this summer. We’d mostly like versatility and stability as well as good tracking. We’ll be mostly in ocean bays, sometimes smooth lakes, sometimes fishing and sometimes with a dog. We were planning to get singles rather than a double, but we are open to either.
Thanks,
Debby
Hi Debbie, Sorry I’m a little late getting back to you. I own the SE 370 and use it quite often with my dogs. I like it a lot, I find it offers much for room than the SE 330, especially with my dogs on board. Although I have used it a few times as a tandem, I most often paddle it solo. For the price, it’s a really good option for what your needs.
Hi Allison,
Thanks so much for posting such great information!
Have you had a chance to try out the Oru folding kayaks? While they’re not an inflatable (nor a hard shell), they kind of fit the same niche of lightweight portability.
Thanks,
Tony
Hey Tony, I haven’t tried the Oru folding kayaks yet but they look really cool. I especially like how lightweight they are. A few of the folding kayaks I’ve seen in the past have been really heavy. If you end up trying one I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for all this information. I’m usually paddling by myself with a 77lb German Shepherd. We’re on rivers and dammed rivers/lakes in Texas, so the water is flat. The dog is calm and loves it. I’m 5’3″ and 150 pounds. I’ve gone with 15′ hardshell kayaks, but I drive a convertible and want an inflatable. So I’m thinking the 393rl isn’t big enough or would be too tippy with the dog but worried about handling the 473rl. I’m intermediate as a paddler who’s usually just tooling around. Any thoughts? I’d be grateful for ideas.
Hey Madeline, I had a German Shepherd as well and tried taking him in the 3939rl once. I didn’t love it to be honest. When he stayed in one spot I was okay but when he moved around it was definitely wobbly. I also felt that he wasn’t super comfortable in it. There’s more space and stability with the 473rl and I think that’s the better option for the dog but I agree with you, handling the 473 solo is more of a challenge. It’s easy to paddle I just find it takes more effort, however totally doable. I really liked paddling the Sea Eagle FastTrack with my dog. It’s more stable and felt overall just more comfortable for both of us when paddling together. It’s not as fast for sure but it’s still a nice ride. So as much as I love the Razorlite, the FastTrack would be my choice for paddling with a larger dog. I hope that helps!
Hi Allison,
My husband and I have learned so much from your posts. We are looking at our first ever inflatable kayak purchase and need some advice/insight.
My husband is a big guy at 300 lbs and 6 ft, and I’m a petite 5 ft 100 lbs woman. Would we be able to fit in a tandem kayak without the nose coming out of the water a lot, and it being stable? Or should we go with separate kayaks? We will be using them mostly for calm rivers and lakes.
We’re looking at the Sea Eagle 380x for a tandem one. Or two separate Kokopelli ones. The Kokopelli ones are really light and after reading your posts, I’m realizing that they may not do well in the wind or choppy waters, in case we run into some bad weather.
We also want to be able to travel with them easily, both by car and plane. We don’t want something too big or bulky, or too heavy.
Do you have any thoughts/advice for us?
Thanks so much!
Hi MJ, That’s a really good question as weight distribution does play a big role in how well the kayak performs. You can adjust the seating on the 380X so I’d say if you wanted to go with the tandem place the seats so that the back seat is pushed more forward so your husband is a little closer to the middle position as opposed to pushed way back. With you being so tiny you’ll have plenty of leg room up front even with your seat slightly more forward. That should work just fine.
With regards to the lighter kayaks it’s hit or miss. I’ve paddled so many lightweight inflatables that just get tossed around in the wind and are really hard to control. On the other hand they are ideal for traveling as they are so portable. Unfortunately I’ve never tried the Kokopelli ones. If you do end up going that route I’d love to hear your thoughts on them. The 380X is a slightly larger package for traveling but very doable, especially with two people. It’s easy to transport in the trunk of your car and at an airport I would just put it on a cart so you don’t have to lug it around.
Hope that helps! Good luck. 🙂
Hi – wow you really seem to know your stuff!
Let me ask you – I am new to kayaking. And want to get it mostly for Miami’s Biscayne Bay.. with the potential of taking it other places down the road. I definitely want inflatable, and the ability to do it alone, or with someone else. I would want something I can carry myself a bag. I have a budget of even up to $800. Which top ones would you recommend? I was first looking at sea eagle 370 but it seems maybe like the seats are not stable, with not too much support, and maybe a little too slow. I could be wrong. Let me know your thoughts please and thank you!
Hi Joseph! You know which one might be worth taking a look at is the Sea Eagle 300X. It’s a solo so can only be used by one but it’s really portable and versatile. The Pro package with the Tall Back Seats is worth it. Those seats offer more support and are far more comfortable than the inflatable seats. Plus it’s backordered until June 26th so it’s on for a wicked deal at the moment. The only downside is that it’s not that fast but the faster inflatable kayaks tend to jump up in price.
You are right about the seats in the 370. The deluxe inflatable seats aren’t bad if you don’t mind sitting up higher but I’m not a huge fan of the SEC kayak seats. However the 370 does have the advantage of being able to paddle it with 2 people, which is really nice.
There isn’t a lot of other choices for tandems that can be paddled solo under $800. You could take a look at the Aquaglide kayaks on Amazon. I don’t like them as much as the Sea Eagles but they’re not bad and might possibly work for you.
Hi, Cool site! So nice you’re doing. Maybe you can help me narrow down, overwhelming? The usage is on the intra-coastal waterway and for inland lakes in Florida or nearby states. Was gonna get a hard shell kayak, but until next winter we don’t have any storage rack setup. Also currently renting a car so don’t wanna start with roof-top carriers yet. An inflatable is a great solution to both of those issues. I weigh about about 200 and my wife about 140. We could do a tandem or a pair of solos. Which is a better idea? Any suggestions on the skeg and paddle? Thanks.
Hey Daniel, thank you! Two kayaks that I really like that would suit your needs are the Sea Eagle Razorlite and the Sea Eagle FastTrack. They come with high pressure floors, which are not that common with inflatable kayaks and make a big difference in performance and eliminating drag. The FastTrack is a little more stable than the Razorlite but the Razorlite is faster so just depends on your priorities. Both also come in a tandem version. I actually prefer paddling the Razorlite solo but I love the FastTrack as a tandem. I think it is because the FastTrack takes a little more effort to paddle so with two people it’s a little easier and you’re able to move faster. They come with their own skegs and paddles. However if you ever wanted to upgrade to a really good carbon paddle I love the Werner Camano.
Allison, great reviews, thank you. I’m a big guy 6’2” 285 pounds and have been loving asked by my adventurous daughter to research a good kayak. My brain hurts to find the best all around. We are not to budget restricted. As a previous inflatable boat owner, (Achilles with aluminum floor 20hp motor) during my military career, we took it everywhere we were stationed…loved it. I thought why not an inflatable kayak; technology has improved. She will fish with me on flat lakes in AZ mountains but, she likes a little river action. She is only 5’7” so maybe there are two suggestions for us—one for me and one for her. I want a straight tracking kayak but may join in some class 3 river fun on occasion. A kayak that yaws a lot would drive her crazy, just knowing her, but to be limited to flat water would do the same. We are open to any brand suggestions not just SE. We can afford two yaks one for fishing (mine) and one for adventure (hers) but would love the best of both worlds. She is AZ and I live in TX.
Hi Ronney, Sorry I’m a little late getting back to you here. The Sea Eagle Razorlite is the best tracking inflatable kayak hands down. However it’s not ideal for river running so not that versatile. It’s tough to get an inflatable kayak that tracks really well and is also suitable for up to class III rapids. For your daughter the Aire Lynx might be a good way to go. It’s an awesome kayak for river running, good for up to class IV rapids. It’s not the best tracking kayak out there but it’s really hard to find an adventure kayak that is both versatile and has great tracking. The other option for her would be the Sea Eagle 300X. It’s easy to handle and versatile. One thing I like about the Sea Eagle kayaks is that they have a high pressure floor, which really helps eliminate drag. For you the Sea Eagle 385 FastTrack Angler or the 350FX Fishing kayak might be good options. Both track fairly well, the FastTrack a little better than the 350FX, both decked out for fishing. The 385FT can handle up to class II rivers and the 350FX up to class IV rapids. Innova also has a good fishing kayak called the Halibut. I’ve heard good things but one thing to consider is that it does have a softer floor. It’s not nearly as nice as the high pressure floors in the Sea Eagle kayaks. Hope that helps!
Hello
I did some very extensive research and cannot find much about people doing very long expedition with inflatable especially in remote area , I currently paddle a Ally Canoe which is wonderful but will consider a kayak for some other adventure abroad. Any tips..
Hi! I have known people who have done longer expeditions in the Aire inflatable kayaks and in the Sea Eagle inflatable kayaks. Both companies make tough boats that are great for multi-day adventures. They both have expedition models that can hold a lot of gear and handle different conditions.
Hi,
I am considering getting an Advanced Elements Airfusion Evo to paddle around various parts of the Puget Sound. Any particular reason it did not make your list? Seems that the closed deck would be handy in chop and wind.
Hi Chris, Sorry for my excessively late reply! I have heard great things about the Airfusion Evo. Only reason it isn’t listed is because I have not had a chance to review it yet and I don’t like to speculate on kayaks that I haven’t used first hand. However it looks like a great kayak. If you give it a go I’d love to hear your thoughts. I am hoping to review it this coming Spring.
How long can you safely leave your kayak inflated if you are planning to use it several times over a month? What is the downside to leave it mostly inflated in a dry, cool environment between uses?
You can leave it inflated for quite awhile. It will lose some air pressure as the days go by but you can just top it up when you need to.
Have you ever tried the advanced elements ultralite?
Unfortunately no I haven’t tried it yet. I don’t think it’s built quite as strong but the 17 lbs. weight is super appealing. If you end up trying it I’d love to hear your thoughts! Sorry I couldn’t help more.
Hey,
I’m looking at the Aqua Marina Betta VT-K2 Pro Single Person. It looks a really handy kayak, but thats to my untrained eye! Is there anything on this kayak which jumps out as a red flag to you?
Thanks,
Ross
Hey Ross, I haven’t tried it but from the pictures it looks like it uses cheaper valves and the old school ripply inflatable floor which is actually quite comfortable but not as rigid as you’ll find on a better model. However you can’t beat the price and it’s probably a lot of fun for paddling around on calm water. If you end up trying it would love to hear your thoughts!
I have the Aqua Marina VT-K2 Pro. It is higher pressure than their less expensive model, has drop stitch floor. In many ways, it’s a dandy little kayak. Only 2 complaints. The removable skegs have bad design, they will dislodge from track if you bump a submerged log or rocks. I carry a spare. I do not ever use the front skeg, you can’t beach with it in. The second complaint isn’t a big thing, but the self bailing holes are not screw in, they are push in. Again, a small bump will open them and let water in. Won’t sink your boat, but it’s a pain. I don’t use the inflatable keel.
WATCH THE WEIGHT LIMIT! Only 200 lbs. I weight 120 and paddle with a 45 lb dog. With gear and wet towels, we are pushing the weight limit.
I mostly use this kayak on deep water when the dog is at home. It’s a great kayak for that. Tracks well, good in wind, easy to inflate because of smaller tubes, lightweight and pretty sturdy for the price.
Hey Karen, Really appreciate your comments on the Aqua Marina VT-K2 Pro! It’s great to hear your opinions on it, I haven’t tried that model yet. Happy paddling!!
Allison, I really appreciate this list. I have been searching for an inflatable kayak for camping trips this summer and wasn’t sure where to look. I don’t want to spend a whole lot but also don’t want a lemon. I’m debating between the Sea Eagle 330 or the 370. It will mainly be either one adult or else two kids – age 7 and 9 paddling it. Do you think the 330 will be big enough?
Hey Joe, I think the 330 will be fine, especially if you want to keep the price down. There’s a surprising amount of room inside and for two kids or one adult you’ll be happy in the 330. Even with two adults it’s comfortable. I prefer the 370 for extra space and performance but the 330 is popular and a great choice for camping trips. Cheers.
Just want to say a big Thank You for your rapid reply!
Ideally there would be a little lighter and shorter 2-people version of the razor lite, since me and my partner are short and don’t weigh that much.
Hi Allision,
thanks for your review. I am considering either the 385FT, Cheelan 140HB or 473 RL as an inflatable dingy to get to my 22ft trimaran sailboat. I’d like to bring it with me to explore some coastline when the sailboat is on anchor (and there is no wind) or to explore islands.
But since I’ll be unpacking and packing it every time, I wonder which of the kayaks is quicker to inflate and easier to dry after usage.
I’d be very happy if you’d be so kind to respond with your opinion.
Hi Martin, Of those three I find the 473RL the fastest to inflate and dry off. Even though it is longer and can hold a higher air pressure I still find the skinnier sides takes less time to inflate. It’s one of the things I love about my Razorlite. That being said the skinner sides and leaner width do make it less stable than the other two so it is best suited for calmer water. I don’t think you’ll have any trouble along coastlines though or for your intended use. With the other two the 385FT will be faster to inflate than the Chelan 140HB only because it is slightly shorter and takes a little less air. Dry off time will be very similar between the two. All three are great kayaks, you can’t go wrong! Hope you enjoy, sounds like an amazing experience!
Is the sea ago a good kayak for getting in and out of. My parents want one but are older and worried about the ease of entry and exit. Are they as easy to board and exit as a hard shell kayak?
Hi Paxton, I don’t find them any harder to get in and out of from the water, totally doable. I would suggest practicing once or twice in calm water to get the hang of it though.
I enjoy your website. I’m interested in an inflatable kayak. I am in my 60s and want something that I can manage on my own primarily on calm lake waters. The razorlite was too long and heavy for me to get to the water, although I loved paddling it. I think the Airis Play or the Innova Twist are the right size and weight for me to handle on my own. I’m leaning towards the Innova Twist since I think I might sit lower then in the Play. I’m only 5’3″ and I don’t know whether I’d be so low that I’d have issues paddling. Do you have any guidance for me?
Both the Innova Twist and the Airis Play are great options. Both are super portable and easy to carry. They have a different feel so it just depends what you prefer. I have friends who love the Airis kayaks and prefer the feel of sitting up higher. I don’t find them any easier or harder to paddle personally, they just feel different. If you are used to sitting lower and like that more traditional kayak feel then you will probably like the Twist. I don’t think you would have any issues paddling it. The extra back support is kind of nice with the Play but the Twist is still quite comfortable. One thing I will mention is that the Airis kayaks have a high-pressure rigid floor. I find it helps the kayak to track and perform better. Innova still uses the traditional inflatable floors that tend to be a little softer. They are comfortable to sit on but not as good for performance.
Hi. I live in Colorado and am wondering what IK would you recommend for lakes and maybe some class III Looking for a tandem but not to spend the 800 an aire cost. Any suggestions
Hi Kevin, It’s tough to find a kayak that performs well on flat water lakes but also can handle up to class III rapids. Usually they are designed for one or the other. A couple that come to mind that are priced fairly well are the Advanced Elements StraitEdge or the Tributary Tomcat. Neither are all that fast on flat water but they are both decent kayaks, easy to paddle and very versatile. The solo models are much more affordable. It’s tough to find a tandem under $800.
What about a Tahiti
The Sevylor Tahiti? It’s a base kayak that allows you to get on the water for very little money. Fun to paddle, however it is definitely not a top 5.
Allison,
I’m SO impressed with your reviews and your insights. I’d like your input on my next-IK decision.
My wife and I have owned a 385FT for several years, and we love it. BUT – – – we’d like something a little faster, a little sleeker, a little more roomy. We’re looking at the 473RL, the 465FT, and the Aquaglike Chelan HB2. I love the features of the AG like velcro foot-bar strips, spray deck, paddle holders, etc. But I’m scared of the brand and the short warranty. I have only great things to say about SE quality, but they sure don’t pile on the features. No spray deck and none planned it seems.
We paddle mostly on flat water, but we want to be able to roll occasionally down through some very light class 1 or 2 “rapids”, and I’m worried the RL would just tip over. But the speed and efficiency of the RL are calling me.
Can you help with this dilemma? I really value your judgments.
thx
Greg Illes
I think as far as faster and sleeker go, the RL is the way to go. I have actually taken the RL down class I and II rapids and it was no problem. It’s not really designed for that kind of paddling but it handled just fine. The only issue I had was the large fin… I scraped it up a little on rocks and in shallow areas. I would say don’t use the fin in river rapids… it won’t track as straight but if you need to maneuver quickly through the rapids and dodge rocks and debris, it will help to turn quickly and not get caught on anything. Worth noting however that I took the solo RL down the rapids, the longer 473RL might be a little harder to handle.
The 465FT is more stable of course and does paddle well but not as fast as the RL. The Aquaglide Chelan is a good kayak but I find the performance to be a little more basic. However I haven’t been able to spend a lot of time in that kayak and it’s hard to comment too much without spending more time using it. From the short experience I had with it I remember thinking that I wouldn’t buy it myself. That being said, I haven’t heard anything negative about it.
Hope that helps! If you decide to go for the RL remember that Sea Eagle does offer their 180 day return policy… you can return it within 180 days if you are not happy with it, as long as it is in good condition. Kind of provides a bit of a safety net 🙂