The Razorlite has become my personal favourite inflatable kayak. I use it a lot and it has never let me down.
Out of all the inflatable kayaks I have tried over the years, this one tracks the best.
Inflatable kayaks are typically not known for great tracking, they often have a lot of yaw (side to side) movement going on.
For this reason they sometimes don’t get taken that seriously and I have heard some people compare them to pool toys.
Believe me the Sea Eagle Razorlite is no pool toy. It is sleek, it is rigid and it glides smoothly. With a few good power strokes you can really get this kayak moving.
I find that the RL tracks efficiently, is very durable and best of all it is lightweight and portable.
| SEA EAGLE 393RL | SPECS |
|---|---|
| LENGTH X WIDTH | 12’8″ x 28″ |
| WEIGHT | 35 LBS. |
| MAX LOAD | 500 LBS. |
| STABILITY |  |
| PERFORMANCE |  |
| WARRANTY | 3 YEARS |
| PRICE | BEST DEAL: SEAEAGLE.COM |
DROP-STITCH TECHNOLOGY
One of the things that makes this kayak so special is that it is made entirely of drop stitch technology with the floor using 3” drop stitch material and the sides using 4” drop stitch material.
The drop stitch technology enables this kayak to be inflated to a higher air pressure of 10 PSI as opposed to only 3 or 4 PSI like most inflatable kayaks.
That’s a big difference and if you have ever tried any other inflatables you will notice the difference in rigidity as soon as you inflate the Razorlite, it is in a whole other class.
The drop stitch technology of the RL is comparable to how the inflatable SUP’s are made. Very few companies are using this same technology for inflatable kayaks. Why? Because it costs more.
Sea Eagle has upped the game and created a very well performing inflatable that is still in a decent price range.
RAZORLITE UPDATES
The latest Sea Eagle Razorlite has all the same design features as the previous models, there are just a couple of key updates.
FLEXBRACE™ FOOTREST
The most notable new feature is the addition of the Adjustable FlexBrace™ Footrest.
This new ergonomic footrest will kick your comfort level up a notch.
The footrest can be quickly and very easily adjusted to 20 different positions so that it is perfect for your height.
I found that by bracing my feet on the FlexBrace I was able to get more power in my paddling strokes and I noticed less fatigue in my arms and shoulders as my leg muscles were helping me out.
I love this new footrest, it’s a great feature and it’s one more thing that sets this kayak apart from the rest. It makes for a much more comfortable ride, especially if you are out on the water for more than an hour.
Also for all you fellow dog lovers, if you paddle with a small to medium size dog there is still room up front for the dog without the foot rests getting in the way. There is also plenty of space at the back of the kayak as well.
DETACHING THE FOOTREST
The flexbrace is glued on to the side walls however the actual footrest part and the silver metal rod can be detached.
I have been leaving them attached when my kayak is deflated and rolled up. I placed a thin piece of foam under the footrests so they don’t dig into the kayak when rolled up.
If you are concerned about them digging into the kayak material when deflated and rolled up then you can easily detach them for storage.
When reattaching insert the rod into the front portion first then bend and slide the rod into place at the back. You will need to do this while the kayak is deflated.
DRAIN VALVES
On the new Razorlites you will also find the 2 open and close drain valves have been moved from the floor to the side walls.
I almost never use these drain valves. However they can be handy if you are paddling in rough water or need to drain the water out of the kayak after use.
LARGE SWEPT-BACK FIN
The large swept back fin has actually been part of the Razorlite package for a little while now but it’s new to me because my old 393rl (which was several years old) still had the old fin, which was smaller and shaped a little different.
This updated swept back fin really helps with tracking, turning and stability. Without it you will notice the kayak does not perform as well.
The fin is removable easily slides into the fin box and clips into place.
SETUP
Even though the 393rl holds more air pressure I find that it sets up faster than other IK’s… Especially if you have an electric pump. 🙂
There are three air valves, one on the floor and one on each side. Inflate the floor first then each side. Then attach the fin and secure your seat.
You may need to push the floor down at the edges after you have inflated the sides so that it is positioned correctly.
I belong to an awesome kayaking group. In this group there are a few of us with inflatable kayaks and several with hard kayaks.
I find that my setup process is just as fast as those with hard kayaks once they get them unloaded off their vehicle.
Packing up at the end is often faster for me than those with hard kayaks as they have the hassle of loading theirs on top of their cars.
It will take roughly ten minutes from the time you arrive at the water to inflate the kayak and attach the accessories.
PERFORMANCE
So why does the Razorlite perform so much better than other IK’s? There are a few reasons:
1. For one as mentioned before it is completely made with drop-stitch material so it can be inflated to a higher air pressure making it more rigid.
Some IK manufacturers are using high pressure drop stitch floors but there aren’t many others who are using this technology for the whole design.
2.. Second it has a straight hull design as opposed to an upturned bow and stern.
The maximum straight hull waterline length combined with the narrow width (only 25” at the waterline) keeps the 393rl gliding fast and smooth.
3.. Third it has bow and stern molds with tapered side walls. The bow and stern molds are unique to this kayak and greatly help with slicing through the water and the overall performance.
The bow and stern molds make for a slightly bulkier package when rolled up and stored away however the benefits are definitely worth it.
In Sea Eagle’s words:
The bow mold cuts through the water effortlessly at a high velocity. The water then meets the carefully designed Tapered Side Walls creating lift while reducing friction and drag, then exits just as fast as it entered at the stern mold leaving little to no wake behind.
HOW DOES THIS ALL TRANSLATE WHEN YOU ARE ACTUALLY PADDLING?
Basically what all this means besides the fact that it is a very durable product, is that it takes less effort to propel the RL forward.
The more rigid design helps to eliminate drag and this makes a really big difference in how well you glide.
This is something that many people might not think about. I have tested out several inflatable kayaks that have terrible drag and side to side yaw movement. The effort it took to paddle them made for a very tiring and frustrating experience.
The difference here is that the Razorlite feels lovely to paddle and feels very efficient. To me this is much more fun!
SAFETY
Safety is a common concern for those considering using an inflatable kayak, especially if they have never tried one before.
Important to know is that there are three separate air chambers.
If a leak should ever occur you will only lose air pressure in one air chamber and still have two more fully inflated sides to get you safely to shore.
With proper care the Sea Eagle kayaks are extremely durable. They also come with a solid 3-year warranty.
As far as tipping goes, I find inflatable kayaks in general very hard to tip.
Even the Razorlite with the sleeker design is not easy to tip over, you have to really work at it.
CARGO ROOM
The Razorlite has two size options:
- The 393rl is the solo model. It is 12’8″ long and 28″ wide.
- The 473rl is the tandem model. It is 15.5″ long and 30″ wide.
393RL
The 393rl is the one I use most often. I find it really easy to paddle and very portable for one person to use.
With my seat in the middle there is quite a bit of space up front and in the back for storing gear.
You can easily fit a small cooler and several dry bags and there is plenty of leg room even for a much taller person.
In my case I usually have one dry bag stored under the front spray skirt or just behind me and two small dogs along for the ride. I put a dog bed in the back for one of my dogs and a cushion up front for the other dog.
Even with the both of them in the kayak there is still a little room for extra gear.
473RL
The larger 473 Razorlite is a tandem kayak but the seats can be adjusted and used as a solo as well.
If you plan to paddle tandem with family or friends, this is a great choice. With four arms powering it forward it really glides fast.
I’m not personally a huge fan of paddling this one solo as I it takes more effort to move with the heavier length and longer width.
However my boyfriend has often used it solo and doesn’t mind the longer length.
If you need a lot of extra space for kids, larger dogs, gear for overnight trips, or if you just want to paddle with a friend then the 473rl is awesome.
With the slightly wider width and added length it also feels more stable. If you are a beginner or a larger person you might really appreciate the extra stability this model offers.
BEST SUITED FOR
The Razorlite is designed for flat water touring and I do find that it performs best on calm water.
I very often use it to paddle on a calm river, on several large lakes around my area and also for paddling along the ocean coastline.
TIPPING
I have been caught in wind and chop many times and never had any issues or had any times when tipping was even remotely a concern.
Although this is a leaner kayak and less stable than most of the wider models out there, it isn’t that easy to tip unless you find yourself in some really rough water.
BOAT WAKE
It handles boat wake well – just take the waves head on. The spray skirts will help deflect any splashes.
I don’t like to take it out in really rough water or in large waves as that’s not what it is intended for.
EXPERIENCE
With the sleek design and performance capabilities of the Razorlite, Sea Eagle states that it is best suited for intermediate to advanced paddlers.
The design of this kayak is different from the typical wider round-tube inflatable kayaks. Although I have had several beginners out in my Razorlite, it is worth noting that it does feel more ‘tippy’ than other models.
If you are a total beginner and want to start with a wider more stable kayak then the Sea Eagle FastTrack is a really great option. I used the FastTrack for years before switching over to the Razorlite.
It’s not quite as fast but it still glides really well and provides more stability.
ACCESSORIES
PADDED SEAT
The adjustable paddled seat is very comfortable and provides good back support.
You can adjust the back so that it is as straight and rigid as you like.
There is also a fairly large removable zippered pouch at the back of the seat that is ideal for storing gear you need easy access to or snacks.
D-RINGS
There are 6 D-rings (3 on each side) that can be used to secure the seat and tie down any gear.
4-PIECE PADDLE
The 4-piece paddle can be stored in the backpack when not in use.
It easily clips together and although it is a basic paddle it is strong and durable and feels just fine to use. The paddle also floats.
TIP: To alleviate common blisters on your hands from paddling get a pair of Yak Grips for the shaft of your kayak paddle. They don’t cost much and they are 100% worth it. They will make paddling any distance FAR more comfortable for your hands. I have been using the same pair of Yak Grips for over 10 years now!
HIGH-PRESSURE PUMP
The package also comes with the standard Sea Eagle high-pressure hand pump. With the pump it takes me roughly 7 minutes to inflate the 393rl. You can watch the pressure gauge on top of the pump to see when you reach 10 PSI.
BACKPACK
The durable nylon backpack storage bag has padded adjustable straps and a clear zippered outside pocket.
I always have a little trouble getting the kayak back into the bag after use. It takes a bit of practice to fold it correctly so that it fits in the bag as it should.
My boyfriend has a knack for it so I usually pass the job over to him. 🙂
However the bag is a decent size and it does fit, it just might take a couple tries.
REPAIR KIT
Also included in the package is a repair kit that includes a valve tightener, glue and a couple PVC patches.
Hopefully you never have to use it but it’s got all the essentials if you should ever need it.
MORE INFO
For more information check out my older Razorlite review. All the information is still relevant and you will find many more pictures!
WHERE TO GET THE BEST DEAL
When you buy directly through the Sea Eagle website you can take advantage of their 3-year warranty and 180-day money back guarantee.
Click Here For The Sea Eagle 393 Razorlite Inflatable Kayak At SeaEagle.com.
Or check for prices at:
Click Here For The Sea Eagle 393 Razorlite Inflatable Kayak At Outdoorplay.com.
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Bonjour Alison,
Mon conjoint et moi désirons débuter en. kayak et investir dans de très bons kayaks et c’est la raison pour laquelle nous regardons ce modèle soit le Sea Eagle 393 ainsi que celui d’Aquaglide Chelan 120. Le Sea Eagle 393 est-il plus stable qu’un kayay rigide? Est-ce un bon kayak pour des débutants?
Hi Allison, we’ve had our 473rl with the flexbrace foot rests now since March. We’ve taken it on on the ocean around Salt Spring island in BC and it’s worked well in choppy water. It’s ridiculously fast and feels similar to a hard body sea kayak. I definitely feel like the rudder makes it much easier to track straight and makes paddling very efficient.
I am wondering if you’ve had any issues with the flexbrace black rubber cracking on any of the triangle notches, or the black insert where the aluminum rod goes into? Also, have you done any modifications such as adding additional D-ring patches for tying up the kayak or attaching dry bags or the like? Or adding signal lights for evening/night kayaking? Do you have any video of how you get the tandem rolled up into the bag? I find it’s quite challenging to get the right fit, and requires about 5-6 retries. Finally, how do you sort out the rest of your equipment? We’ve had to use a large plastic crate for the seats, paddles, pump, etc since they don’t really fit in/with the bag.
Hey Kris, Sorry for my late response. Kayaking around Salt Spring is so beautiful, I love it there!
As of yet I haven’t had any issues with the flexbrace cracking at all. Has yours cracked?
I have added some D-rings in the past. You can buy extra D-rings on Amazon for pretty cheap and they are easy to glue on. You can literally place them anywhere that is convenient. I’ve used them mainly for securing more gear and it’s worked fine. I’ve never added signal lights for night kayaking but if you’re paddling at dusk it’s definitely a great idea. Funny enough I have signal lights for my paddle board for night paddling but for some reason I’ve never gotten any for my kayak. For my paddle board I have just little ones that clip onto the bungee cords or D-rings.
I completely agree that rolling the kayak up so that it fits in the bag again is tricky. I’ve never done a video mainly because it always takes me a few tries as well. I actually really wish Sea Eagle would come up with a different bag system so that it’s a little easier. I have a big mesh duffle bag that I keep all of the accessories in to keep them organized and I just store the duffle beside the kayak so it’s all ready to go. 🙂
My wife is interested in the Sea Eagle 393, but is concerned with the “tippy” comments. We currently have a pair of Hurricane Tampico 135s boats which are 23.5 inches wide. I consider these boats to be a bit tippy for a beginner. Would you have any insight as to how the tippyness of the Sea Eagle might compare?
Hello Allison, thank you for the lengthy and detailed review. I would like to use the kayak in open water with moderate waves. Can you explain how the drain valves work? Like can I leave them open to be used as a self bailing system? Or won’t that work, and my kayak will fill with water? Thank you!
Hi! Yes you can leave the drain valves open if you need to for sure. I personally rarely have them open. I would suggest only opening them if you are in really choppy water where water is already getting into the kayak. Opening the drain valves will allow the water to drain so it doesn’t fill up but the kayak floor will be wet for sure. They can also be great for draining any excess water out of the kayak after use as well.
Thank you Allison, that was very helpful!
I don’t understand how the drain valves work. They let water out, but not in???
(I should receive my Razorlite in September, I am SO excited, and I loved your detailed review: it made me go for it!)
I have another couple questions:
A few questions:
1. Is there a video that shows how to easily get in and out of the Razorlite ? I am accustomed to the “one foot in, sit back in” method to get in, and “swing both feet out, push and stand” method to get out. I would LOVE to see a video made with entry and exit, and also one made to demonstrate tipping the boat!
2. Would you recommend carrying a bilge pump along? If so, which one do you like?
3. How do you power the electric pump?
Congrats on your new kayak!! I haven’t done a video on getting in and out of the RL and I don’t think I’ve seen any as well. I’ll put it on my list of things to do! It’s not hard and very similar to getting into a hardshell kayak. You’ll be totally fine. I do sometimes bring a bilge pump along although I’ve never had to use it. I have the Seattle Sports bilge pump, you can find it on Amazon.
For the electric pump it powers by connecting to the battery in your vehicle. If you want one that connects to the 12V (cigarette lighter) in your vehicle take a look at the Shark II Electric Pump – it works really great.
I live in the Netherlands and bought the 393rl through a sales point in Germany. Ordering through Sea eagle’s own site was too expensive because of the high shipping costs. Thank you for your detailed review, it has helped me a lot. On the frequently asked question about folding the kayak, on the Sea eagle site there is an instruction video to get the kayak back in the bag properly. I hope to receive the kayak at the end of April 2022.
I’m looking for a way to add a DIY kayak sail to my 393rl. I am musing on ideas for a firm mast mount…. obviously without drilling holes ;-). And potentially an outrigger for more stability, if needed. Any ideas?
Hi Allison, thank you for your excellent reviews and videos! Is there any chance you could film your boyfriend working his magic on folding this kayak to pack it away into its bag? I really struggle with mine, it’s like a full body contact sport trying to fold it. The video that Sea Eagle made for folding it features the earlier model of the kayak with different drain placement and without the foot peg attachment plates.
Hi Courtney, Yes I can definitely do that. I totally understand, I get frustrated as well. Next time we take it out I’ll be sure to film the folding process at the end.
I would also love to see that video. Also a video of force-tipping it, and perhaps (if it can be done) re-entry?
Hi Allison,
just wanted to catch up on this point: Did you already have an example on how to fold it correctly? I am also insecure what’s the best way to do it.
Cheers,
What type of valve does the Razor lite use? I have a WW IK that uses a Leafield C7 and it’d be great if I didn’t have to carry two pumps. Sent a couple of emails to Sea Eagle but they don’t seem to care much about answering the questions I’ve had. Thx.
Hi Greer, The Razorlite uses H3 valves which require a different attachment than the Leafield C7 unfortunately.
We just received our new 393’s (Which included the new foot brace system) and are looking forward to trying them out. I found installing the foot braces to be a real challenge. Is there a secret to installing them? I followed the instructions and it was all I could do to get the aluminum rods installed. I then tried to remove them and so far have not been able to bend the pad far enough to remove the rod, even using knee pressure.
Hey Doug, I agree it is tricky. I leave mine in and just fold around them carefully when putting the kayak away.
I am trying to decide which would be a better tandom kayak for the ocean bay area in miami with a small dog. I don’t want the kayak to be unstable in rougher water and slow. I am used to a hard shell kayak. Which would be a better choice for me? The fast track tandom kayak or the razor lite 473?
Thanks,
Andy
I think the FastTrack is more ideal for paddling with a dog, especially in rough conditions. The Razorlite is faster for sure but less stable in choppy water. I do use the Razorlite with my small dog and it’s very comfortable to paddle on calm water but you’ll be dealing with windy/choppy conditions the FastTrack is going to feel more secure. Hope that helps!
Hi Allison
How many d-rings are there on the 393? I’m concerned about any gear not being tethered.
Thanks!
Hi Amer, There are 6 D-rings, 3 on each side.
I can’t find any info about the spray skirt. Have you used it? Any thoughts about it, installing, taking off, effectiveness? We would like to something use it on the bay that does get windy and white caps. Do you think this boat can handle that? So everything I;ve read says its for calm waters. Thank you!
As far as I know there is no detachable spray skirt. It just has the attached skirts at the bow and stern. I’ve used the Razorlite on windy ocean bays before and didn’t have any issues. It can get a little rocky in the waves and if the white caps are large enough you might get a bit of water spraying in the kayak. However I’ve never felt unsafe or concerned but I do try and only go out on calmer days.
Do you have a video showing it in slightly less calm waters?
How does the Sea Eagle 393rl Razorlite compare to the AIRFUSION™ EVO KAYAK: AE1042-O ? Both are at a similar price point. It looks like the Sea Eagle can hold around 250 more lbs than the Airfusion Evo. Does anyone know which one will dry faster? Which one would be more fun to use? Which is the overall better buy? I like the “back pack” of the Razorlite. I don’t think the Airfusion Evo can be carried on ones back. Thanks!
Hey Carlos, I haven’t tried the Airfusion Evo kayak yet. It looks cool but a couple things that stand out to me are the fact that it only has high pressure air chambers along the side walls whereas the Razorlite is totally made with high pressure drop-stitch material, which should make it more rigid and perform better than the Airfusion Evo. From past experience I usually find the Sea Eagle kayaks to be stronger and more durable than the Advanced Elements kayaks plus they come with a better warranty – 3 years for Sea Eagle compared to only 1 year for Advanced Elements.
For drying I would think the Razorlite material would dry faster, especially with the open cockpit. I really love the Razorlite but if you end up trying the Airfusion Evo I’d love to hear your thoughts on it!
I also considered both the Airfusion Evo (vs the Razorlite), but there is SO MUCH to set up with the Advanced Element! I owned an Advanced Frame for several years, I did love it, quite fast, and fun to paddle. My husband had the Exped, and we even did class I rapids with them! Over time, I grew tired of installing the metal “spine”, then the floor, then the lengthy inflating. They also felt quite heavy, The drying out was painful also, and they developed a pretty bad odor. The outer material was super-resistant, but the inner bladders not so much, and both in my husband’s and in mine, eventually they were too unreliable (puncturing and leaking 30 min into a paddle!). I just ordered a Razorlite…. Did you end up getting one? How do you like it?
I’m 6’3 tall and 300lb. I don’t want to carry much stuff with me. But I want to paddle fast down my local river, which Is fairly calm.
Which Razorlight would you recommend for me and why?
I currently have a three man itiwit and looking to upgrade after watching my friend fly down the river. The itiwit is like paddling a bin liner.
I personally prefer paddling the solo Razorlite because it takes less effort to paddle and is quick to turn. However for your size you will definitely have more leg room and might be more comfortable with the longer RL. It’s still a really nice ride and can pick up some good speed.
Hi Allison,
last year I was looking to replace my inflatable with a faster one, and the RL 373 was top of the list.
I live in Europe (italy) and shipping the boat form the States was quite expensive, so I started looking for alternatives. Then I found the X500 from Itiwit (a brand from Decathlon, a major european sport gear reseller) and decided to go for it.
It is entirely made of drop-stitch and has a V-shaped hull, the result is a very fast inflatable kayak. On the downside, it’s quite tippy, I had to re-set my basics (paddling, balancing, steering) and take some kayaking lessons, but I’m very happy with my boat.
It would be very interesting if you could get one and compare the 373.
Some links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPR9bbuV15Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q2fsYMbRC4
Ciao from Italy 🙂
Thanks for this Guido! It looks really awesome, I hope I get to try one at some point. Happy paddling!
I have installed the FlexBrace footrests (courtesy Sea Eagle) in my 393rl – whole process took under 2 hours, and would have been much quicker if I hadn’t been recording the whole thing for a short video. Like the rest of the craft, the FlexBrace kit is very well designed and made of quality material. Also, Sea Eagle’s installation instructions are excellent. I didn’t have to figure anything out on my own.
While I haven’t paddled extensively since the installation, the foot position for paddling is night and day. I found the heel position of the older footrest design was fine, took some getting used to and provided a less solid centering support. I expect my paddling will be much better with the new footrests.
I also installed a short (16”) section of pool noddle under the front of the seat, lifting it up about 3”, providing better thigh support. I velcroed the noodle to the bottom of the seat, so it stays in position, whether paddling or carrying the craft. It stays on the seat when folded and put back in the bag.
My only regret? It’s September and I haven’t paddled nearly enough this year! Yet.
Also – Sea Eagle now has the FlexBrace available on its web site.
Rob thank you for your comments! Really glad to hear you are loving the Razorlite and happy to hear you have successfully installed the Flexbrace footrest. I totally agree I think it makes a big difference and I definitely notice a difference in the power of my paddling stroke. I really like the sound of what you did with the noodle velcroed to the bottom of the seat as well, I might give that a try and see how it feels. Hope you get a few more good days out paddling this year!!
With the new footrests can you still convert the 473 to a solo kayak? Seems like you can’t move the seat to the middle any more, correct? If you can’t change the seat position any more, is this no longer as good for paddling solo (for people like your bf who can handle a bigger boat)?
You can definitely still paddle it solo. The middle foot rest pegs can be removed so that they are not in the way. The only downside is that you wouldn’t be able to use the footrests.
I have been paddling my 473rl solo, and it’s true that the footrests don’t work in that configuration. What I did to fix that is recreated the old footrest model– A strap and pool noodle attached to the closest D-rings to my feet. It works beautifully. I hope this helps!
That’s a great idea!
Just saw your drone shots. Very nice!
If the video, I noticed that there is a bit of seaweed growth. Have you noticed whether or not the new skeg design picks up debris less than the older one did? That is our determining factor as to whether we use ours or not. Some of our regular paddling locations have quite a bit of weed growth that makes it to the surface and this can really slow you down when it gets tangled in the skeg. We are hoping this new design won’t be as prone to it so we won’t have to leave them off as often.
Hi Tim, Yes just a ‘bit’ of seaweed in that river I was paddling… It gets really bad there. I’d like to say that the new fin is less inclined to get seaweed wrapped around it but I’m not so sure. At the end of our paddle the day that we shot the video I didn’t notice any seaweed attached to my fin on the 393rl but there was some on Darryl’s fin – he was paddling the 473rl with the newer fin. He was shooting the drone footage so he was off to the side a lot where the seaweed was more abundant whereas I wasn’t in it quite as much. I’ll really test it next time I go out and see if I can get you a more definitive answer!
Great. I look forward (as always) to your response!
I did call SeaEagle this week and inquire about the new footrests and skeg, but they said they aren’t quite ready to sell them individually yet, but they will be “hopefully in a few months”. I’m guessing next season we’ll have them in for sure!
Hi Tim! I’ve had the Razorlite out a few times to test out the fin in the seaweed. I purposely paddled through the heavy seaweed area. Once I had no seaweed issues at all, twice I had one or two strands of seaweed attached to my fin at the end of the paddle. Not sure if it can be avoided completely but the swept back fin seems to pick up a little less debris than before. Also you may have already seen it but the Flexbrace footrest is now available on the Sea Eagle website. Cheers!
Thanks for the updated review! I hope that we can purchase the new footrest system separately and retrofit our original RL’s. Looks far more comfortable and functional. The new skegs might be worth a look, as well.
As for Sea Eagle’s recommendation that this is for “intermediate to advanced” paddlers, that sounds like overkill. We were complete novices (only had been in a kayak once!) when we decided to purchase ours three years ago and we’ve never experienced any issues, at least none that we wouldn’t have found with ANY kayak, hard shell or IK.
I think it’s a testament to just how good this kayak is that after 3-plus years, they have only made these minor improvements.
Totally agree with you Tim! I do think the footrests will be sold separately but haven’t heard when yet. The newer swept back fin is actually quite nice, I prefer it to the older one we have. I just got back from a quick evening paddle, I’m still loving this kayak so much.