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 excursions
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 boat performs great on both. The quality of this 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. Read full review..
Airis Velocity 12
Best Uses: Flatwater, ocean, traveling
The Velocity offers speed and comfort. When paddling in this kayak you will forget that you are in an inflatable. It is practically rock solid. It comes with just about every accessory and option you could imagine and will get you to your destination quickly and easily. It is best suited for lake and ocean kayaking. The Velocity is by far one of my personal favorites. Read full review.
Innova Seaker
Best Uses: Sea kayaking, touring, week long expeditions
The Seaker is a touring sea kayak. Beautiful in design, it looks like a real classy hard-shelled kayak. This kayak 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. It also comes in a tandem version. Read full review.
Innova Sunny
Best Uses: Flatwater, ocean, day trips, fishing, camping, traveling
The Sunny doesn’t have the higher price tag that many of these other inflatable kayaks do. However it happens to be one of the fastest inflatable kayaks on the market. It is an open kayak that can be paddled as a tandem or converted into a solo. Its length and design help it to reach very impressive speeds. It performs best on flat water but can also be used in the ocean or on a river. The Sunny weighs less than 30 pounds and offers lots of room for gear or extra people or dogs. The one thing to keep in mind with this kayak is that it really needs its tracking fin in order to track well. Without it you will likely have to put in a lot of extra work. 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 kayaks are manufactured overseas and therefore only offer a one year warranty. However this kayak is very rugged, great quality and very affordable. This is the fastest inflatable kayak in this price range (under $1000). 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. Read full review.
