Top 5 Inflatable Kayaks
These are the inflatable kayaks that we have chosen to be in our top five. We based our decision on quality, stability, value for the money, warranty and performance.
The top five inflatable kayaks we have chosen are not necessarily the best performing kayaks. Please see our list of best performing inflatable kayaks.
Update for July 2010: We have added a sixth kayak to our “top 5″ list at the bottom of this page. This new inflatable kayak has been gaining such popularity that we felt it deserved a mention here. It may soon knock one of the others off our top 5 list but for now it is simply getting an honorary mention.
Sea Eagle 380X
The 380X was chosen because of its sheer versatility. It is unbelievably rugged and highly versatile as it can handle flat water paddling, ocean surf and heavy whitewater rapids. You can literally take this kayak into any type of water, and it is ideal for fishing trips. It may not be the fastest inflatable kayak because of its wider width but it makes up for that in every other way including comfort and space. The Sea Eagle 380X is by far one of my personal favorites and comes with a 180 day risk free trial as well as a great three year warranty. Read full review.
Aire Lynx I - Aire Lynx II
If you are looking for an all day river adventure boat, the Lynx is a phenomenal option. Weighing only thirty-two pounds and backed by a ten year warranty, this kayak is already off to a great start. Then add in the fact that it can handle up to class IV rapids beautifully and comes with the option of a closed-cell floor for higher performance or an air-cell floor for lighter weight. The Lynx has gained huge popularity for good reason. Read full review.
Innova Sunny
The Sunny is great for all types of people. It is a recreational inflatable kayak that performs best on flat water, whether it is on a lake, ocean or river. It is excellent for families as there is plenty of room for two people as well as a child or two, or possibly even your dog. It is comfy, very light weight (great for traveling) and comes with a removable tracking fin. It is truly an all around great inflatable kayak for a great price. Read full review.
Airis Play
The Airis Play is so lightweight that you can actually carry this kayak in a backpack and take it with you literally anywhere you want to go. It is excellent for travelling and its versatility allows it to perform well on lakes, oceans or even in some fairly heavy whitewater rapids. The quality of Airis kayaks are so far above the rest. When inflated they feel more like a hard-shell kayak as they are rock solid. Read full review.
Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Convertible
This kayak is extremely popular and has a great look. It is a little heavier than some others at fifty-six pounds, but it has many great features. It has the option of closing off the deck giving it a more ‘authentic’ kayak feel. It also has the option of adding a rudder for better tracking in open water. It is great for two people but can easily be converted into a solo kayak. This kayak offers great features for an affordable price. Read full review.
Sea Eagle FastTrack
The FastTrack just came on the market in April 2010 but has quickly become extremely popular. It is a tandem kayak that can also be paddled solo and is simliar in size to the Sea Eagle 380X except just slightly slimmer. However it has the added advantages of only weighing 35 lbs. and is designed to offer much more speed. Speaking from a personal point of view I would have chosen this model myself had it been available when I purchased my 380X and I could see it blowing the popularity of the 380X right out of the water. Read full review.
