Best Performing Inflatable Kayaks
These inflatable kayaks are the top performers. They are top of the line in speed, tracking and great kayak performance. They are not necessarily the most popular or the most affordable. However, if you are looking for the best performing inflatable kayaks then please read the reviews below. They are in no particular order.
If you are looking for the most popular please view our Top 5 Inflatable Kayaks.
Aire Super Lynx
Best Uses: Flatwater, moderate whitewater, all day paddling trips
The Super Lynx is likely one of the best inflatable kayaks that can handle all different types of water quite well. Usually if a kayak is great with whitewater it won’t track well on flatwater and vice versa. However this model performs great on both. The quality of this inflatable kayak is phenomenal and its rugged sturdiness will leave kayakers of all levels completely satisfied.
This multi-purpose kayak can carry up to 600 pounds and is backed by a great 10 year warranty. Read full review..
Sea Eagle 385 FastTrack
Best Uses: Lakes, Ocean, Whitewater up to class III
The 385 FastTrack was new out as of April 2010 and now that I own it myself I feel comfortable adding it among these other great inflatable kayaks. It is a tandem kayak that can also be converted for solo use. It has a unique design that offers great tracking as well as excellent speed. Although it is rugged enough to handle up to class III rapids, I believe the FastTrack truly excels in open water such as lakes and ocean.
The other major advantages to this inflatable kayak is that it is very lightweight (only 35 lbs.), it comes with a 3 year warranty and it gives you a LOT for the money paid. It also has the option of a larger version that comes with three seats which is ideal for families or multi-day adventures. Read full review.
Innova Seaker
Best Uses: Sea kayaking, touring, week long expeditions
The Seaker is a touring sea inflatable kayak. Beautiful in design, it looks like a real classy hard-shell kayak. It weighs 60 pounds so it is not good to travel with. It will however provide phenomenal performance for ocean kayaking as well as allow you to deflate it and store in the trunk of your car.
If you were considering a folding kayak, then the Seaker may be a better option for you as it will be more affordable as well as easier to set up. It also comes in a two person version for tandem kayaking. Read full review.
Aire Tributary Sawtooth
Best Uses: Flatwater, day trips
The Sawtooth has a unique design where it bends up slightly at each end. It therefore can reach very high speeds – even higher than the Innova Sunny. Aire’s Tributary line of inflatable kayaks are manufactured overseas and therefore only offer a one year warranty. However the Sawtooth is very rugged, great quality and very affordable.
For under $1000 the Sawtooth is a great buy and is ideal for flat water paddling. It now also comes in a tandem version. Read full review..
Aire Lynx
Best Uses: Whitewater, all day river adventures
The Lynx is one of the best inflatable kayaks for whitewater use. This kayak is tough and can handle just about any situation. It performs best in whitewater and will last practically forever. It comes with one of Aire’s excellent 10 year warranties. The Lynx doesn’t disappoint and has gained huge popularity over the years.
The Aire Lynx comes in a solo or tandem version and is very easy to transport, set up and store away. It offers the best in performance for whitewater use as well as in convenience. Read full review.
