Aire Kayaks versus NRS Kayaks

If you are looking for a whitewater inflatable kayak you have likely come across two major brand names… Aire Kayaks and NRS kayaks. At first glance it may be a little difficult to see too many differences between these two manufacturers. Both are extremely popular, both have been around for quite some time – however both are not created equal.

A little bit about Aire Kayaks

Aire Kayaks are known to be the leaders in the inflatable kayak world. They are American made and most Aire kayaks come with a phenomenal 10 year warranty. The construction of their inflatable kayaks is just that much better and it will be reflected in the performance. Consequently many kayaking enthusiasts who use an inflatable kayak will swear by the Aire kayaks.

A little bit about NRS Kayaks

NRS does not offer the same extreme quality as the Aire kayaks but they are a force to be reckoned with none-the-less. They have been a pioneer in the inflatable kayak world and are known for producing affordable yet good quality inflatable kayaks. They are lower in price as well as usually have a  lower warranty. However they do offer good kayaks for everyday use that more people can afford.

Which Brand to Go With

From my experience, even though the Aire kayaks cost more, I still see them as more popular. If you are looking and trying to decide whether to go with an Aire inflatable kayak or a NRS inflatable kayak I really think it is going to come down to how much you are willing to spend.

• If you have the money, you are likely going to want to choose the Aire kayak as there is no question that it is a better inflatable kayak. It will last you longer, it will likely come with a better warranty and it will probably give an all around better performance. The chances of being disappointed are slim to none.

• However if you are looking to spend a little less, I would not hesitate in recommending the NRS kayaks. Many people have been more than satisfied with them. One thing about NRS is that the company in general is extremely passionate about kayaking. They are continually improving their models and they even offer a couple of inflatable kayaks that come with a great 10 year warranty. They are competing with Aire and consequently are always striving to do better.

I think as far as making a choice, it is going to come down to how often you plan on using the kayak, as well as how much you are willing to spend. My own preference would be to go for the Aire Kayak as I think it is a better product that offers a lot more versatility.

Perhaps you have some thoughts of your own on these two brands? Please feel free to share them in the comments section below.

For more detailed information on individual inflatable kayaks view our comprehensive reviews on AIRE kayaks and on NRS kayaks.

Sevylor Inflatable Kayaks

Sevylor is one of the oldest and original manufacturers of inflatable kayaks.   They are not for everybody but there is no denying that Sevylor kayaks are very popular and meet the needs of a lot of people.

While doing some research on Sevylor I found the story of how they began to be quite interesting and thought I would share it with all of you.

How Sevylor Began…

Sevylor began originally as an electronics company in 1948 in Paris, France. It was called Societe Electronique de Vitry… or SEVY for short.

SEVY was commissioned by a man in New York to produce high frequency welding machines that were capable of welding a new material (at the time) called PVC. The machines worked very well and the American company became very successful manufacturing swimming pool products. From there SEVY learned how to work with PVC.

One of the first products that SEVY produced was an inflatable bathtub called Dou Dou. It was a very popular invention in postwar France giving mothers a way to bathe their children even when there were no facilities. From there SEVY began constructing small pools and all sorts of flotation devices such as pool toys.

The company eventually established a new headquarters in a tiny Alsatian village called Buhl and decided to add the letters “lor” to its name… thus it became Sevylor.

In French, l’or means gold and with this new name they became a massive contender in the inflatable kayaks and inflatable boats market.

Inflatable Pool Toys or Inflatable Kayaks?

The fact that Sevylor began with making inflatable pool toys this branding has stuck with them and consequently many of their kayaks are considered to be like pool toys. They are known for producing cheaper inflatable kayaks but in recent years have begun to make some fairly high quality ones as well.

Their popularity I believe can be directly related to the fact that many of their inflatable kayaks are so affordable. For anyone looking for a play boat or a way to get out on the water a few times a year, the Sevylor prices can seem pretty good.

Even though the quality of Sevylor inflatable kayaks do not compare to other manufacturers such as AIRE, Innova, NRS and Sea Eagle, they are still one of the most popular inflatable kayak brand names and the company seems to be making a major effort to offer higher quality inflatables as well.

Most people who have used an inflatable kayak or have thought about using one have heard at some point or another the statement that inflatable kayaks are simply over-glorified pool toys. Unfortunately this kind of statement originated from having used a product such as a Sevylor inflatable kayak.

Of course it is not true, the inflatable kayaks of today are anything but a pool toy and are even used by the US Army and Navy as well as the Coast Guard. The inflatable kayaks of the past don’t even compare to the quality of the inflatable kayaks of today.

Sevylor was one of the original manufacturers of inflatables and have had to step up their game in order to compete with the amazing quality and performance that we see in inflatable kayaks today.

Conclusion on Sevylor Inflatable Kayaks

I may not be a huge fan but there is no doubt that Sevylor is here to stay and their products are used all over the world. I cannot deny that if you only want to spend a couple of hundred dollars then a Sevylor may be your perfect boat. I have heard from many people who have very much enjoyed using them and their higher end kayaks do deliver a decent performance and seem to be rising in quality each year.

The market for Sevylor kayaks is recreational paddlers looking for a low to mid price range. If this is you please check out our Sevylor inflatable kayaks reviews for detailed information and pictures for each Sevylor boat.

Sea Eagle Kayaks

Sea Eagle is an inflatable boat manufacturing company that has been in business for over 40 years. Their company is about as solid and long lasting as the boats they design and manufacture.

They have four different types of inflatable kayaks, the Sport Kayaks, the Explorer Kayaks, the FastTrack and the Paddleski – all of which are some of the absolute best selling models on the market. Their kayaks are designed to last and to provide a great combination of functionality, convenience and a lot of fun. They are hugely popular and for good reason Sea Eagle is one of my favorite inflatable kayak companies.

Sea Eagle kayaks are unique in that they can paddle well on both flatwater as well as whitewater.  The Explorer kayaks can handle whitewater with up to class IV rapids.  These boats are impressive and come with an excellent guarantee.

Below are the 7 Models of Sea Eagle Inflatable Kayaks…

• Sea Eagle 330 Sport Kayak – This is the smaller sport model. It is a tandem model but seats can be adjusted for solo as well. Basic in design, this kayak is self-bailing and extremely lightweight.

• Sea Eagle 370 Sport Kayak – The 370 is slightly larger than the 330 and much more comfortable for two people. Good for beginner to novice kayakers.

• Sea Eagle 340 Explorer Kayak – The smallest of the explorer kayaks, this model is unbelievably rugged, solid, fun and perfect for extreme whitewater fun or flatwater paddling.

• Sea Eagle 380 Explorer Kayak – The 380X explorer kayak offers more room for two people and a huge load capacity. Can handle all water conditions.

• Sea Eagle 420 Explorer Kayak – Largest of the explorer kayaks, excellent for families, dogs, or long expeditions. Massive load capacity.

• Sea Eagle FastTrack – The FastTrack was new out in April of 2010 and is faster, sleeker and lighter than the Explorer Kayaks. It is a tandem inflatable kayak that can also be paddled solo and is quickly becoming extremely popular.

• Sea Eagle Paddleski – Very unique in design, this kayak can be used for paddling, rowing, fishing, or motoring. Extreme versatility and great performance.

Why are Sea Eagle Kayaks so Special?

There are five main reasons that Sea Eagle inflatable kayaks are among the best selling out there.

1. They all come with an excellent 3 year warranty
2. Sea Eagle kayaks are all self-bailing and can perform well in many different water conditions
3. Their kayaks are extremely solid and have been tested over and over by slamming the sharp end of a hammer into them… with absolutely no punctures
4. Their kayaks are functional as well as very affordable
5. Sea Eagle is known for being a phenomenal inflatable boat company with a reputation for excellent customer service and great boats

Sea Eagle Kayak Material

The Sea Eagle sport kayaks are made with extra thick 33 mil PolyKrylar and I-Beam construction floor for extra rigidity. For a base model, these kayaks are superb quality and can take a real beating.

The Explorer kayaks and the FastTrack are made with 1000 denier polyester-supported high pressure fabric with quadruple thickness electronic welded seams. That means that these kayaks have such thick and rugged material that they will likely last you a lifetime.

The Paddleski is made with 1100 Decitex reinforced seam, a quadruple overlap seam floor and a 2000 denier reinforced material air valves.

Being in business for over 40 years mean that Sea Eagle knows what they are doing. Their inflatable kayaks are built to last and to be able to handle practically any situation. Their materials are solid.

Are there any negatives to Sea Eagle Kayaks?

Admittedly I am a big fan of Sea Eagle inflatable kayaks… especially their explorer kayaks. These kayaks are solid and they are extremely functional. If I had to point out a couple of negatives I would say that they are not the fastest kayaks on the market and the tracking could be a bit better… except that has now been improved upon with their new FastTrack model.

Final Thoughts on Sea Eagle Kayaks…

I find the sport kayaks to be a bit basic but great for newbies who want a very affordable and compact inflatable kayak to start out with. The Explorer kayaks, the FastTrack and the Paddleski are great for all different types of adventures including camping, traveling, expeditions, whitewater paddling, flatwater recreation, families, dogs, fishing, etc. You name it, these inflatable kayaks will can do it. They are not the absolute best performance wise, but they do paddle well and are excellent quality for the money paid. I would highly recommend them.

Read our comprehensive Sea Eagle kayak reviews for more detailed information and pictures.

OR view other inflatable kayak reviews.

Advanced Elements Kayaks

Advanced Elements came on the inflatable kayak scene with the goal of developing unique kayaking products with cutting edge technology. They succeeded in not only making excellent quality inflatable kayaks for paddlers of all skill levels but also to become one of the most popular brand names on the market.

I think one of the things that has made Advanced Elements Kayaks so popular is that they design very attractive kayaks that are completely functional. They have a full lineup of inflatable kayaks that are suitable for a range of different types of water including flatwater/recreational kayaks, whitewater kayaks and sea/touring kayaks. Their prices have been kept fairly affordable and were designed to appeal to a wide range of people. There is literally something for everyone.

Below are the 10 Models of Advanced Elements Kayaks…

• AE Advanced Frame – Excellent for recreational paddling. Great for lake or calm ocean kayaking.

• AE Advanced Frame Convertible – Very popular model. Tandem kayak but can be converted to solo. Optional decks for more protection from the elements.

• AE Advanced Frame Expedition – Solo kayak, great for touring and exploring.

• AE Lagoon 1 – Affordable and very easy to paddle. Excellent kayak for easy flatwater paddling.

• AE Lagoon 2 - Tandem version of the Lagoon. This is a great double kayak for traveling as it is very lightweight.

• AE Firefly – Small inflatable kayak that tracks decently. Not super fast, but a lot of fun.

• AE StraitEdge – Very popular, self-bailing, good for whitewater but also paddles decent in flatwater.

• AE StraitEdge 2 – Tandem version of the StraitEdge. Great for whitewater, camping, exploring and some flatwater kayaking.

• AE StraitEdge Canoe – Great inflatable canoe that can be easily taken anywhere you go. Good for fishing, families and flatwater paddling.

Advanced Elements Kayak Material

The Advanced Frame kayaks are constructed with PVC Tarpaulin with 1000 denier polyester. The material on the bow and stern is doubled. There is also landing plates welded under the bow and stern for protection when beaching the kayak.

The Dragonfly is constructed with double-coated PVC-coated nylon with ripstop tarpaulin fabric.

The StraitEdge kayaks and canoe are made with heavy duty PVC tarpaulin material that is extremely puncture resistant.

The Lagoon kayaks are constructed with high denier polyester rip-stop fabric with a PVC laminate. The hull is also PVC tarpaulin.

Bottom line is that all of the Advanced Elements inflatable kayaks are made with heavy duty, puncture resistant material that can last a lifetime with a little care.

Are there any Negatives to Advanced Elements Kayaks?

I very much like the look of the Advanced Elements kayaks and there are numerous benefits and features. I do find that some of their kayaks get a little heavy and could have better tracking. That being said, they are not high end kayaks. They are middle of the road inflatables that are constructed very well, are highly functional and are also quite affordable.

Final Thoughts on Advanced Elements Kayak…

As I have said before Advanced Elements does not make high end inflatable kayaks. They make affordable, well designed kayaks that are very rugged and fun to use. I would say that Advanced Elements are better than the Sevylor, Colemans or other cheaper brands but do not quite compare to the supreme quality of Aire, Innova, NRS or Airis kayaks. They will best suit recreational paddlers that want a great inflatable kayak for a half decent price.

Read our comprehensive Advanced Elements kayak reviews for more detailed information and pictures.

OR view other inflatable kayak reviews.

Innova Kayaks

Innova kayaks are European inflatable touring kayaks with their head office based out of Burlington, WA. They have been extremely popular over on the West Coast and are used for search and rescue by the Canadian Ranger Kayak Patrol on the west coast of Vancouver Island. These kayaks are tough and reliable.

Innova kayaks are built to last a lifetime and each model is manufactured to be extremely resistant to abrasion.

Below are the 10 Models of Innova Kayaks…

• Innova Helios I – good for flatwater paddling, handles well in ocean, optional rudder, perfect for traveling
  

  Innova Helios II

• Innova Helios II – two person version of Helios, lightweight and great for traveling, rugged and solid

• Innova K1 – very high quality solo whitewater inflatable kayak that can handle up to class IV rapids

• Innova Sunny – one of the fastest inflatable kayaks, super lightweight, top performer, great for two people, lakes, oceans mild rivers

• Innova Solar – open style, lightweight, removable fin, for flatwater paddling
  

  Innova Safari

• Innova Safari - whitewater up to class III, highly portable and compact, great performer, self-bailing

• Innnova Orinoco – river trekking for up to class IV rapids, unique design, great performance, self-bailing

• Innova Seaker I – high end sea expedition inflatable kayak, designed to be competitive with folding kayaks
  

  Innova Seaker II

• Innova Seaker II – two person version of the Seaker, high end sea expedition inflatable kayak

• Innova Traveller – whitewater up to class IV, highly maneuverable,  good for traveling

• Innova Twist – extremely lightweight, great for traveling, only good for flatwater, nice low price tag.

Facts About Innova Kayaks

• Each boat has three main air chambers . Plus there are other smaller chambers for the seats, decks or footrests.

• The Safari and the Orinoco are self-bailing but the other kayaks are not.

• The Traveller and the Seakers have eclosed cockpits and can be used with a spray skirt.

• With a foot pump, each kayak will take no more than 5 – 10 minutes to inflate.

• Each model inflates to 3 psi except for the Orinoco and the Seaker which inflate to 3.7 psi.

What Water Conditions can the Innova Kayaks handle?

Class I – Innova Sunny

Class II – Innova Helios I & II

Class III – Innova Safari

Class IV – Innova Orinoco, Innova Traveller, Innova K1

How do Innova Kayaks Handle in the Wind?

The great thing about Innova inflatable kayaks is that they are low-profile in design which means that are hardly affected by the wind at all. In fact the Innova Helios has been raced in 30-knot winds and 4-foot seas and actually performed better then many of the hard-shelled kayaks. Innova kayaks handle rough and windy conditions beautifully if you have them loaded properly.

However if you are experiencing any problems with the wind, using the rudder will help a lot as well as adding extra weight to your boat.

Pictures on this page provided by innovakayak.com

Innova Kayak Material

One thing that I absolutely love about the Innova company is that it is working hard to make all of their kayaks PVC-free. PVC is a standard material used to make inflatable kayaks that is extremely rugged and abrasion resistant. However it is also very toxic for the environment and more and more inflatable kayak companies are working with alternative materials to make their boats much more environmentally friendly. Innova is ahead of many other inflatable kayak manufacturers as they are hard at work to eliminate PVC from the production of their kayaks altogether.

Innova has been using a Nitrylon boat coating that is made of a blend of natural rubbers. It is extremely tough but also can be succeptable to UV damage. The quick and easy answer to protect your kayak from the harmful UV rays of the sun is to use a UV protectant spray on your boat. This will ensure that your kayak lasts a very long time in excellent condition.

Are there any negatives to the Innova Kayak?

Truthfully there are so many positives to the Innova kayaks that it can be hard to pick out the negatives. I would have to say that one negative is that they only have a two year warranty. There are lots of other inflatable kayak manufacturers that now offer warranties from 3 – 10 years. I think that Innova kayaks are phenomenal quality and that should be matched by an excellent warranty. Two years isn’t bad, but a longer one would be nice. It isn’t something to be too concerned about as with the proper care your Innova kayak will likely last a lifetime anyway.

Final Thoughts on Innova Kayaks…

I think the great thing about Innova kayaks is that they have a kayak for everyone. Whether you want a casual flatwater inflatable kayak or a super fast kayak, an expedition sea kayak or a fun whitewater play boat… they have it all. There kayaks are very lightweight (with the exception of the Seakers) and most are ideal for traveling.

The Innova Sunny happens to be one of my all-time favorite inflatable kayaks. It offers versatility, lightweight and awesome performance. I think that Innova is a brand that is only going to be gaining in popularity as more and more people realize how great these kayaks are.

Read our comprehensive Innova kayak reviews for more detailed information and pictures.

OR view other inflatable kayak reviews.

Aire Kayaks

Aire kayaks are extremely well known for being some of the best whitewater inflatable kayaks in the world. The AIRE company has been around for more than two decades and have been committed to providing cutting-edge whitewater kayaks since the day they started business. I know many people who wouldn’t even consider using an inflatable kayak unless it is an Aire kayak.

What makes Aire kayaks so special is that they use the top materials along with their unique AIREcell system and innovative designs to create reliable and extremely tough watercrafts. Their 10 year no fault warranty is the best in the business. For these reasons as well as the fact that their kayaks are manufactured in the USA, they have earned the great reputation that they have.

Below are the 8 Models of AIRE Kayaks…

• Aire Force – great for whitewater up to class IV, best for intermediate to advanced paddlers

• Aire Force XL – slightly larger version of the Force, great for taller or stockier paddlers or for those just needing extra room, suits the advanced beginner paddler to the advanced

• Aire Lynx – most popular in the Aire series, great for all day river adventures for paddlers of all levels

• Aire Lynx II – the two person version of the Lynx, great performance, will never let you down

• Aire Sea Tiger - versatile touring kayak, excellent for fishing, scuba-diving, or snorkeling

• Aire Super Lynx – perfect for flatwater as well as whitewater, extremely popular, extremely rugged

• Aire Outfitter I – originally designed for commercial outfitters, extremely sturdy, great for beginnners

• Aire Outfitter II – two person version of the Outfitter, very stable, excellent for families, dogs, beginner kayakers

What Makes AIRE kayaks so Special?

There are three main reasons why Aire kayaks have the awesome reputation that they do.

1. Warranty – Their 10 year, no-fault warranty is literally the best in the business. No other company comes close to offering a warranty that great. In my opinion that just shows how completely confident they are in their product.
2. Quality – Aire kayaks are consistently rated as the #1 choice of outfitters as well as private boaters in America. Their superior quality is known and respected.
3. Performance – If you’ve got the skills, these inflatable kayaks will deliver in any type of whitewater. They are tough as nails and can withstand way more abuse then the human body can. They are durable, safe and extremely strong.

AIRE Kayak Material

So what makes Aire kayaks so tough? For one thing they have a sleek PVC-coated seamless tube-bottom. This creates the perfect platform for spins, surfs and quick ferries. They are constructed with the top quality preconstraint PVC fabric and urethane AIREcells. This allows for strength, durability and safety.
Each Aire kayak incorporates Aire’s unique AIREcell system. This system is designed with the following features:

• AIREcell Tube – This is a 14-mil clear urethane that is thermo-welded to ensure an aire tight finish and long life.

• Outer Shell – This is a PVC-coated outer-shell material that is constructed with a heavy-duty polyester base fabric. It covers all AIREcells and floors. This ensures that the kayak is 100% wrapped.

• AIREcell Floors – The I-beam, air mattress-type chambers are made with 400-denier nylon fabric with an 8-mil urethane coating for extra strength and stability. Amazingly Aire’s self-bailing floors can drain water in less than 5 seconds which is faster than any other kayaks on the market!

• Double Zippers – Aire uses full length zippers for easy AIREcell installation. Their zippers are rated 10 times the force exerted by the recommended inflation pressure.

• Valves – Their excellent quality Leafield one-way valves are completely reliable. They also have protective caps that screw down to help eliminate debris and accidental deflation.

Pictures provided by Aire.com

Are there any negatives to AIRE Kayaks?

Well they can be a little on the expensive side. These kayaks are hard-core. They are loved by many kayaking enthusiasts and most will be quick to brag about the phenomenal quality and performance of their Aire kayak. However you can bet they paid a pretty penny for it. In this case though, they are well worth every cent.

Final Thoughts on AIRE Kayaks…

What more can I really say. For whitewater kayaking, Aire has got the market covered. They offer excellent quality inflatable kayaks that will likely last you a lifetime with a little care. That’s not to say that there isn’t other great inflatable kayaks out there, but you will never be disappointed with an Aire kayak.

Read our comprehensive Aire kayak reviews for more detailed information and pictures.

OR view other inflatable kayak reviews.

Tributary Kayaks

Tributary kayaks are actually one of Aire’s line of kayaks. They are manufactured overseas and this allows for a lower price tag then Aire’s inflatable kayaks that are manufactured in the U.S. They feature the same great air retention that the Aire line has and they are backed by an awesome five year warranty (1 year warranty on the Tomcat inflatable kayaks).

The AIRE company has been around for more than two decades. They began with a vision to create the most cutting-edge whitewater kayaks on the market and that drive and ambition is still strong today. With a huge lineup of Aire kayaks and their 6 models of Tributary kayaks, they have been an unbeatable force in the inflatable kayak industry.

The Tributary inflatable kayaks have long been popular for those who want the same great AIRE cell technology that the Aire kayaks have but for a more affordable price. Their quality and construction are not as sound as the Aire kayaks but they are still extremely rugged and well made.

Picture provided by Aire.com

Below are the 6 Models of Tributary Kayaks…

• Tributary Sawtooth – great for flatwater, unique design allows for high speeds

• Tributary Sawtooth II – two person version of the Sawtooth, good for flatwater, quite long and known for higher speeds

• Tributary Strike I – very versatile, hybrid design, is able to track well on flatwater and handle whitewater rapids

• Tributary Strike II – two person version of the Strike, great for flatwater and whitewater

• Tributary Tomcat Solo -sturdy, good for beginner whitewater paddlers

• Tributary Tomcat Tandem – two person version of the Tomcat Solo, lots of space, good load capacity, good for recreational whitewater use

What is the difference between Aire and Tributary?

There are four main differences between Aire and Tributary kayaks.

1. Warranty – Tributary kayaks have a 5 year warranty on manufacturer defects and a 1 year warranty on Tomcats. Aire kayaks have a 10 year no fault warranty.
2. Materials – Tributary kayaks use lighter materials than the Aire kayaks. Though the materials used for Tributary kayaks are still extremely rugged and solid, they are not as rugged and solid as the Aire kayaks.
3. Where the kayaks are made – Tributary kayaks are manufactured overseas. Aire kayaks are manufactured in Idaho, USA.
4. Price – Because of all of the differences, the Tributary line of kayaks are offered at a much lower price point than the Aire kayaks.

Tributary Kayak Material

The Tributary Sawtooth, Strike I and Strike II are made with 1200 denier PVC-coated polyester. The Tomcat Solo and Tandem are made with 1200 denier with a heavy duty PVC shell. Denier refers to the thickness of the threads. The higher the denier, the thicker the threads and therefore the tougher the material. 1200 denier is excellent.

Are there any negatives to the Tributary Kayak?

Of course nothing is perfect. Though AIRE has provided us with an excellent choice of inflatable kayaks for those on a budget, the fact that the Tributary kayaks are cheaper in price does come with some compromise in quality. There have been some reports that the Tributary kayaks will have some stitching problems after heavy use.

However with the five year warranty, I wouldn’t be overly concerned as they are still a great choice for many people. If you are an experienced and avid kayaker, likely the American made Aire kayaks are going to appeal to you more. If however you are a beginner to novice kayaker then the Tributary line is perfect and will be more than perfect for recreational use.

Final Thoughts on Tributary Kayaks…

I wouldn’t hesitate in purchasing one of the Tributary inflatable kayaks. AIRE is a company that has built a phenomenal reputation for quality and excellence and even though their Tributary line is manufactured overseas, they are still solid, rugged and best of all… more affordable. If you plan on bashing your kayak daily in heavy whitewater then no Tributary may not be the right choice. However for the majority of kayakers any one of their models will offer a lot of fun and adventure for many years.

Read our comprehensive Tributary kayak reviews for more detailed information and pictures.

OR view other inflatable kayak reviews.

NRS Kayaks

NRS kayaks are one of the most popular inflatable kayak manufacturers for whitewater and river running kayaks. They have been around for more than 30 years and were originally designed for people who were as passionate about whitewater kayaking as the founder of NRS kayaks was… Bill Parks.

Bill Parks was a business teacher who loved the thrill of whitewater paddling. He founded the company NRS (Northwest River Supplies) in 1972 in Oregon and eventually relocated to Idaho. Since that time NRS has designed and created an excellent array of inflatable river kayaks that have become a mainstay in the inflatable kayak world. They have six different models of inflatable kayaks geared for all different skill levels and types of people.

Below are the 6 Different Models of NRS Kayaks…

• NRS Bandit I – PVC-free, super lightweight, great for river running, best suited for smaller person, all skill levels, 3 year warranty

• NRS Bandit II – Great for two people or one taller person, excellent choice for whitewater with up to class IV rapids, all skill levels, 3 year warranty

• NRS MaverIK – Best suited for beginner whitewater paddlers, handles up to class II rapids, tracks fairly well on flatwater as well, 10 year warranty


NRS MaverIK Performance

• NRS MaverIK II – Tandem beginner whitewater kayak, handles up to class II rapids, stable and sturdy, 10 year warranty!

• NRS MaverIK Performance – High performance, all the bells and whistles, rugged, sturdy, 10 year warranty

• NRS Rascal – Small inflatable kayak that weighs only 17 lbs. and is ideal for kids and traveling/backpacking.

Why is the NRS Kayak so Popular?

There are a few reasons that the NRS kayak is extremely popular.

1. For starters they offer excellent quality for a reasonable price. NRS has made every effort possible to keep their inflatable kayaks in an affordable price range. Their kayaks are solid and rugged… they can take a heavy beating and still hold up nicely, yet they don’t make a huge dent in our pocket books.
2. The next reason the NRS kayak is so popular is become they offer extreme fun. There is one for every skill level and whether you are a beginner kayaker or an advanced whitewater paddler, one of the NRS kayaks will suit your needs and offer many opportunities for thrills and excitement.
3. Thirdly, NRS kayaks are convenient. All of their models are light enough to easily take traveling or camping. Whether by car, airplane or any other mode of transportation, the NRS kayak is compact and easily portable. They offer the ultimate in convenience for kayaking.

NRS Kayak Material

The Bandit and MaverIK models are made with different materials.

The Bandit kayaks are built with Pennel 840 denier urethane coated nylon. This type of material provides an ultra-light boat as well as great responsiveness on the water.

The MaverIK kayaks are built with 1100 denier, 41 oz. Hypalon material. Hypalon is known to be some of the toughest material for inflatable boats. It is extremely resistant to chemicals, extreme temperatures, uv degredation, abrasions, gasoline, oil, fungus and mildew. For this reason the MaverIK kayaks have an excellent 10 year warranty. They will not show the wear and tear that other inflatable kayaks might.

Pictures on this page provided by NRSWeb.com

Are there any negatives to the NRS Kayak?

Well it can’t be all positive can it, so let’s go through the negatives as well. There are two main negatives that stick out to me.

1. For one the fact that NRS has made every effort to keep their inflatable kayak lineup fairly affordable means that their quality of construction, though really good, is not the same as the Aire kayaks. However Aire kayaks are much more expensive.
2. Second, most of the NRS kayak models do not have a lot of room for storage space. If you think you might need extra room for gear then I would highly recommend going for one of the tandem models even if you will be paddling solo.

Final Thoughts on the NRS Kayak…

Bottom line is that NRS is a dominating force in the whitewater inflatable kayak market. They make some of the best river running inflatable kayaks out there and their reputation for quality, integrity and knowledge have stayed with them and grown for more than 30 years. That’s huge.

Read our comprehensive NRS kayak reviews for more detailed information, pictures and videos.

OR view other inflatable kayak reviews.

Airis Kayaks

Airis kayaks are manufactured by a marine company named Walker Bay. Walker Bay has been around since 1997. They manufacture motorboats, sailboats, rowboats, rigid inflatable boats, inflatable air deck rollups, tenders, inflatable docks and luckily for us… inflatable kayaks.

They have a lot of experience in the boating world and when they decided to manufacture inflatable kayaks they put their knowledge and expertise to work and used only the highest quality and most rugged materials possible. The result was a class of inflatable kayaks beyond most others. The Airis kayaks are the lightest, most compact and highly rigid inflatable kayaks in the world… hands down.

Below are the 4 Main Models of Airis Kayaks…

• Airis Play – extreme fun, ultra-lightweight (15 – 18 lbs), good for flatwater, ocean surf, or whitewater, very versatile

• Airis Sport – good for short expeditions or day trips, good tracking, lightweight, great for all skill levels

• Airis Play 12 – 2 person kayak, good for families, couples or paddling solo with your dog, great for traveling

• Airis Velocity -sleek and fun, great tracking, great speed, compact, the ultimate inflatable kayak

What Makes Airis Kayaks so Special?

There are lots of people who have either purchased an Airis kayak or have tried one and know how amazing they are.

1. When an Airis kayak is inflated it practically feels like a hard shelled kayak because it is so completely rigid.
2. Walker Bay has succeeded in creating inflatable kayaks that are so compact and light weight that they can be rolled up and easily put into the backpack that comes with them.
3. When they are inflated and in the water they provide excellent performance as well as extreme comfort. I have always been a huge fan of Airis kayaks and have been dreaming of owning the Airis Velocity for quite some time.
4. They all come with a 2 year warranty.

Airis Kayak Material

The Airis kayak material is U.V. treated, multi-layer PVC fabric. These kayaks are made with AirWeb high pressure construction that is formed from a heavy duty, seven layer polymer coated fabric that is joined inside by thousands of drop-stitch fibers. This provides the rigidity and durability that they are so famous for. The AirWeb allows the Airis kayaks to be inflated to more than 6.5 PSI or 0.45 bar. That is up to six times the maximum air pressure of other inflatable kayaks. They are tear and abrasion resistant and extremely quick to inflate.

What are the Negatives?

The fact that Walker Bay’s inflatable kayaks were built so well came with one main disadvantage…

Airis kayaks had a fairly high price tag. I believe the higher price tag has steered people away from them and the Airis kayaks were not able to stay competitive with many of the other inflatable kayaks on the market. I know that I myself wasn’t so keen on coughing up the big bucks for the Airis Velocity even though I was fully aware of what a great kayak it is. So I can understand people being hesitant to purchase them and likely wondering if they are really worth the higher price tag.

The good news is that Walker Bay has come out with new lower prices for their Airis kayaks for 2010. Now these kayaks are more affordable than ever and yet still provide the same great quality.

Final Thoughts on the Airis Kayaks…

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of the Airis kayaks. I wish more people would realize the phenomenal quality of these boats and how much fun and convenience they offer. The fact that they are so lightweight that they can literally be carried on your back to anywhere in the world you are going is very exciting. The fact that they provide excellent performance and comfort is even better. For short expeditions and fun day trips Airis kayaks won’t disappoint. With the new Airis pricing one day soon I will be posting pictures of my new Velocity.

Read our comprehensive Airis kayak reviews for more detailed information and pictures.

OR view other inflatable kayak reviews.