It’s light, it’s durable, it’s compact and it’s a dream to paddle. The Sea Eagle EZLite10™ is the portable easy to manage solo inflatable kayak you’ve been waiting for.
We have been using the Sea Eagle kayaks for well over a decade and have found them to always be reliable and fun to paddle.
However the new EZLite10 really impressed us because it’s the perfect combination of convenience, portability and fun… AND the quality is next level.
As the name implies this inflatable kayak makes it very easy to get out on the water. It’s easy to transport, easy to setup and easy to paddle PLUS it has surprisingly good handling and performance.
It’s the perfect day trip portable kayak that anyone can enjoy regardless of your kayaking skill level.
In fact on our first outing my partner must have said this kayak is so cool about ten times. The EZlite10 is a kayak you will instantly love.
However as with any product there are both pros and cons to be aware of so let’s get into the detailed breakdown to see if this inflatable kayak model is right for you.
WHAT SETS THE EZLITE10 APART?
What sets the Sea Eagle EZLite10 apart from other solo inflatable kayak brands is that it is much more “kayak-like” than the typical cheap inflatables you may have seen before.
It uses a woven drop-stitch construction and a high-pressure V-bottom floor, resulting in a rigid hull that tracks well and paddles smoothly.
The performance is far closer to a hard-shell kayak of similar size than a traditional inflatable.
Yet even with the superior quality of construction it remains lightweight at only 25 lbs. and ultra portable.
➡ In short the EZLite10 stands out because it offers true kayak-like performance + inflatable convenience and portability.
IMPORTANT SPECS
Here’s a quick summary of the important specs to be aware of:
- Capacity: 1 person, up to 325 lbs (approx. 147 kg) load.
- Hull Dimensions: 10 ft long x 2 ft 8 in wide (305 cm × 81 cm).
- Interior Dimensions: 78″ long × 18″ wide.
- Hull Weight: 25 lbs (11 kg).
- Deflated / Packed Size: 29″ × 17″ × 12″ (74cm x 43cm x 31cm) – compact enough to fit in a car trunk or SUV easily.
- Inflation time: 3-5 minutes
- Material: 1000-denier reinforced PVC, woven drop-stitch construction.
- Floor: High-pressure V-bottom drop-stitch floor, with non-slip EVA foam padding.
- Air Chambers: 3 independent, high-pressure chambers for safety and rigidity – one on each side and one on the floor.
- Speed / Performance: Paddling speed is generally 2–5 mph, but it is capable of reaching up to 6 mph under good conditions.
- Water Rating: The hull is rated for up to Class II rapids, meaning it is good for calm lakes, slow rivers, light to medium waves but not for serious whitewater.
- Features: Adjustable footrest (new FlexBrace2™), tall-back seat, 4 carry handles (bow, stern and one on each side), bow and stern bungee cords and tiedown strips for gear, included backpack for storage/transport, removable skeg for better tracking, and optional Bixpy K-1 motor package.
PORTABILITY RATING
There’s no question the portability rating of the EZLite10 is 5 stars all the way.
It packs up into a large backpack making it easy enough to carry to and from your destination.
When the kayak is inflated the side handles make it very easy to carry solo. Therefore most people will have no trouble lifting this kayak all by themselves.
Also the side handles and the center floor handle are a brilliant addition for ease of transport to and from the water and not something you see on all inflatable kayaks.
On the other hand if you don’t want to carry it solo there are grab handles on both the bow and stern as well, which make it easy for two people to carry.
SETUP & BREAKDOWN ASSESSMENT
For setup you have two options…
- You can use the included hand pump.
- Or there is a package option with an electric pump.
Either way works great but if you are able to get the electric pump option I would highly recommend it.
The Handy Pump electric pump is small, lightweight and plugs into the 12V connection in your vehicle. It shuts off automatically once it reaches the target PSI level. As a result it’s very reliable and works great.
The electric pump makes getting on the water almost effortless and is well worth the upgrade as the extra cost is minimal. It took us barely five minutes to inflate the EZlite with the electric pump first time out.
However if you choose to go with the base package that comes with the dual action hand pump not to worry as the hand pump also works great and really isn’t any slower, just takes a little more effort.
The hand pump is the same one that comes with their inflatable SUP packages and it is able to inflate up to 29 PSI. It has two stages for easier pumping and has a pressure gauge so you can watch your progress.
Sea Eagle states that this kayak can be inflated in under three minutes. I believe that is true, just depends on how quickly you pump. We weren’t in any hurry and it took us about 5 minutes.
SEA EAGLE EZLITE10 PERFORMANCE
How Does It Feel and Handle On The Water?
In general it performs quite well.Here’s our on-the-water performance assessment:
WHERE THIS INFLATABLE KAYAK SHINES:
Good straight-line tracking:
- The V-bottom drop-stitch floor, combined with the rear skeg, helps the kayak track relatively straight. This is important if you want efficient paddling with fewer course corrections and/or plan to go on longer trips. The tracking far outshines other inflatables that have flat bottom floors.
- It feels very stable and with the lightweight design it truly doesn’t take much effort to propel forward or turn.
Rigid ‘kayak-like’ feel:
- Despite being inflatable, once the high-pressure floor and side chambers are inflated to 10 PSI, the hull feels extremely solid. Therefore there is no hint of any flex even on waves or chop.
- The design and high-quality construction create a very rigid feel that helps with efficient paddling.
Ease and portability:
- At 25 lbs, this kayak is light enough to carry alone.
- The whole setup can be done within 5-10 minutes: roll it out, pump it up, attach the seat and footrests, connect the paddles and you’re ready to go.
- Deflated size is compact enough to fit in a car trunk, SUV, on a boat or for apartment storage. As a result it’s perfect for people without a lot of space and who don’t want to deal with heavy lifting or roof racks.
Versatility:
- It can be used on calm lakes, slow rivers, mild coastal waters, and on class I-II rapids.
- For those who want a “grab-and-go” kayak for urban living, road trips, travel by air, boat or train, this kind of inflatable offers a lot more flexibility than a bulky hardshell.
Overall quality and build:
- The woven drop-stitch hull and 1000-denier PVC material are much tougher than the thin vinyl common in low-end inflatables, meaning better resistance to punctures, abrasion, and long-term wear.
- The hull material is sun and saltwater resistant therefore helping to extend the life of the kayak.
- The three independent air chambers improve safety: even if one chamber fails, the others help keep you afloat.
Storage & cargo space:
- The front bungees at the nose can be used to secure a small dry bag, water bottle or anything you need within easy reach. Behind the seat there is more storage space with bungees on the rear spray skirt as well as dual rear daisy chain tiedown strips for securing your gear on the floor.
- The bow and stern storage bungees and the rear daisy chain tie-down strips offer more thoughtful cargo storage options than many other inflatables, especially for the smaller size of this kayak. The space is well optimized with everything you need for a comfortable day out on the water.
DRAWBACKS & LIMITATIONS
No kayak can be perfect for all situations therefore it’s important to also consider the product limitations to know if the EZLite10 will fit your needs and lifestyle.
*Pictured above is the Sea Eagle EZLite10 in front and the longer Sea Eagle FastTrack inflatable kayak behind.
Size vs. larger kayaks:
- Depending on your needs the size of the EZLite10 could be a pro or con. It is a smaller solo kayak that is quite stable and agile. However with the narrower beam and limited load capacity it might feel restrictive in certain situations. You may need a larger ultra stable inflatable kayak for bringing along kids or a dog, for longer trips, heavy loads or rougher conditions.
- For added space and stability check out our reviews of the larger Sea Eagle FastTrack or Explorer Kayaks – both highly recommended excellent options.
Performance vs. longer kayaks:
- At 10 ft long, the EZLite 10 is relatively short and that may affect speed and glide compared to longer touring kayaks. If planning to do a longer paddle you can expect an average speed of 4-5 mph (or up to 6 mph if you really work it and conditions are ideal). This is not bad at all for an inflatable, but you won’t get the speed or glide of a longer hard-shell boat or a sleeker inflatable kayak.
- *TIP: Be sure the drop-stitch floor is inflated to the proper PSI level. If it is not inflated properly the performance could suffer.
- *RECOMMENDATION: If you feel the need for speed and still want the convenience of an inflatable take a look at the Sea Eagle Razorlite kayak. We have a lot of experience with the Razorlite and it is fantastic for reaching higher paddling speeds.
Rough water / exposure limitations:
- This kayak is only rated up to Class II thus it is fine for calm lakes, slow rivers and mild whitewater. However it is not designed for challenging rapids, open-ocean conditions, or very rough weather.
- With the open-style and sit-on-top design you could be exposed to spray and may take on some water in rough conditions. We did not find this to be an issue at all in normal calm conditions with light waves.
Price to features trade-off
- Inflatable kayaks with basic builds and cheaper construction can be lower priced however they also offer far less buoyancy, rigidity, features and portability. The price of the EZLite10 reflects its higher-end materials and engineering. This is a kayak that will not only last but performs well.
STABILITY ASSESSMENT
In general the EZLite10 is quite stable, especially for a smaller recreational kayak that is designed for paddling on calm waters.
With the 32″ width hull, drop-stitch design and v-bottom floor you can expect decent stability for casual paddling.
It does not tip easily even when paddling in wind or choppy water and is easy to step into from the shore or from a dock and easy to exit.
However it does not have the same stability rating as a wider inflatable kayak with pontoon-style sides and a flat bottom.
Our Recommendation:
Our recommendation is to make good use of the adjustable footrests for a stable paddling posture as well as the removable skeg for enhanced control and tracking.
We feel most beginners will build confidence quickly and enjoy the comfortable ride.
COMFORT FEATURES
There are several factors that really add to the overall comfort level of this kayak.
Tall Back Seat
The inclusion of an adjustable tall-back seat in the package helps with posture and staying comfortable for longer paddling sessions. The seat easily attaches to the D-rings on the floor of the kayak.
The seat has a cushioned bottom made of molded thermal foam and a 19″ tall back that can be adjusted by pulling the back straps for more or less rigidity. It weighs only 2 lbs.
There is also a removable zippered pouch on the back of the seat that is ideal for storing small items that are easy to reach.
We have used this seat for quite a few years with other Sea Eagle kayaks and it has always served us well for day trips because it feels comfortable and supportive.
However if you feel you need even more cushioning for longer trips or if you would prefer to sit up a little higher, you can always add a separate cushion on top.
Adjustable Footrests
The adjustable FlexBrace2 footrest enables you to find a comfortable paddling posture, helps with efficient strokes, and is easy to install/remove.
In fact the new FlexBrace2 is FAR easier to install and adjust than the previous Sea Eagle FlexBrace version. We love this one.
The ergonomic FlexBrace2 footrest is a massive bonus. Most inflatable kayaks do not have footrests and those that do are not as good as the FlexBrace2.
This footrest has 20 different positions so you can easily slide it to the correct position for your height and comfort.
Using the footrests truly improves paddling efficiency as you are able to brace your feet against it to support your back and get more power in your paddling strokes.
Worth noting the FlexBrace2 Footrest can be added to other inflatable kayaks if it does not interfere with the position of the air valve.
Spacious Cockpit
There is enough room in the cockpit to easily stretch out your legs so you don’t feel cramped.
Also you can loosen the straps on the seat and place the seat further back in the kayak for extra front leg room if you really need it.
EVA Foam Padding
Another key feature that helps with comfort is the non-slip EVA foam padding on the drop-stitch floor.
Inflatable kayak floors can sometimes be slippery. The rigid construction of the drop-stitch floor combined with the EVA foam padding provides a solid surface with grip for stepping in and out of the kayak.
Relaxed Paddling
Finally with the solid stable design, easy handling, smooth tracking (when skeg is attached) and support from the tall-back seat and footrests, you can expect a relaxed and enjoyable ride.
CONSTRUCTION & DURABILITY
In this area we give it a massive 5 star rating. It’s hard for other inflatable kayaks to compete with the quality of materials, structural design and durability that the EZlite10 offers.
Top 10 Reasons You Can Rely On The Quality of the EZlite10:
1. High-Quality Reinforced Fabrics
The hull and floor materials are made from high-grade 1000 Denier/1100 Decitex reinforced PVC, which is sun & salt-water resistant. So it is designed for a long life in outdoor conditions.
2. Woven Drop-Stitch Floor
The unique all-woven drop-stitch material used for the floor is created with thousands of tiny threads connecting the top and bottom layers. It is comparable to the construction of a good quality inflatable paddle board.
When inflated to pressure, this creates a very rigid floor that improves performance and reduces flex. Therefore it offers both strength and stiffness that many standard inflatables simply don’t have.
3. Welded and Overlapped Seams
The seams are welded with quadruple-overlapped glued finishes, which improves resistance to leaks and helps the hull hold pressure over repeated inflations and deflations.
4. Multiple Independent Air Chambers
It has three separate high-pressure air chambers (port, starboard, and floor), so even if one chamber is damaged, the kayak usually stays afloat and usable. This is a huge plus for safety and durability.
5. Protective Underside Layer
There’s an extra 1000 denier underside protection layer on the V-bottom floor for abrasion resistance, which helps when docking on gravel shores or even when paddling in shallow water.
6. Sun and Saltwater Resistant
The hull material has built-in resistance to UV and saltwater, which therefore helps slow degradation of the material if you paddle often in bright sun or coastal areas.
7. High Inflation Pressure
The floor and hull can be inflated up to 10 PSI, which means the kayak becomes stiffer and stronger than lower-pressure inflatables that only inflate to around 3-4 PSI. With this higher inflation pressure it therefore feels more like a hard-shell hull.
8. Decades Of Experience
Sea Eagle has over five decades of experience building inflatables. Each year that experience grows and the quality of craftsmanship improves. With so much experience they know how to make a quality product that lasts.
9. Three Year Warranty
All Sea Eagle kayaks are covered by a fantastic 3-year warranty against manufacturer defects. We love that they stand behind the quality of their products and the peace of mind this affords the buyer.
10. Unbeatable Reputation
Finally it’s important to note that Sea Eagle kayaks reputation is excellent. Speaking from our own experience and for the countless number of people we personally know who use Sea Eagle inflatable boats, they have lasted for years and provided hundreds of hours of fun on the water.
Their reputation is impressive both for quality of product and for excellent customer service.
Overall Assessment
After one season of use we are definitely fans and we’ll be using this kayak a LOT in the warmer months to come.
It absolutely shines in the convenience and portability department. Old or young, this inflatable kayak is easy to manage from unpacking and setup to carrying to the water to paddling.
In fact it’s not an understatement to say that the EZLite10 offers the best balance of convenience, portability and performance from any inflatable kayak we’ve seen of similar size.
It is strong and durable, rigid and stable and comes with excellent safety and comfort features.
Equally important is the fantastic 3-year warranty that provides you with the peace of mind needed to make a safe and knowledgable purchase.
Tips For Longevity:
Next it’s important to follow these steps to keep your inflatable kayak in excellent shape so that it will last for years to come.
- Rinse with fresh water after saltwater use.
- Avoid prolonged UV exposure by storing the kayak out of direct sunlight and away from exposure to the elements.
- Avoid dragging on rocky shorelines when launching.
- Dry off well with an old towel before storing the kayak away to prevent mold and mildew.
- Use 3M Marine Cleaner once in awhile to clean mud, bird droppings, oil or other debris from your kayak. Or as an alternative you can use a mild natural detergent for cleaning.
- Also if possible store your inflatable folded and stored in the backpack in a dry space away from mice and other critters.
WHO SHOULD BUY THE EZLite10?
Still wondering if the EZlite10 is right for you? We think this inflatable kayak is best suited for 5 categories of people including:
- People prioritizing convenience and portability, especially those who want a kayak that is easy to handle on their own.
- Those with limited storage and transport options. It’s perfect for urban dwellers and those who want the convenience of transporting it in the trunk of their vehicle.
- Casual paddlers who want a reliable kayak to paddle on calm lakes, slow rivers and protected shorelines.
- Travelers and adventurers who want a kayak they can easily take on road trips, camping, on a larger boat or even by airplane travel.
- Beginner to novice kayakers who want a safe, easy, stable and fun kayak for casual outings.
WHICH PACKAGE TO CHOOSE?
On the Sea Eagle website you will notice that there are four package deals to choose from so you can customize the kayak based on your needs and not pay for things you don’t need.
Each package comes standard with:
- Hull
- Backpack
- Tall Back Seat
- FlexBrace2 Footrest
- SUP Pump with Pressure Gauge
- Skeg
- Repair Kit
Then you can choose from these four options:
Option 1: Pro Package
Comes with the standard gear plus a 7’9″ AB40 aluminum shaft paddle with reinforced fiberglass blades and asymmetrical spoon blades. This paddle comes apart into four pieces.
This is the base package that has everything you need except your lifejacket to get on the water.
Option 2: Pro Carbon Package
Comes with the standard gear plus the AB50 8′ kayak paddle with lightweight and durable carbon-fiberglass shaft and asymmetrical spoon blades. This paddle comes apart into four pieces and weighs just 2.43 lbs.
This package is worth it for those who will be doing longer kayaking sessions and want a higher-end carbon paddle for less strain and fatigue and more powerful efficient strokes.
Option 3: Electric Pump Package
This is the package that we have. It comes with standard gear plus the AB40 aluminum shaft and fiberglass blade paddle as well as the Handy Pump Auto-Stop Two-Stage Electric Pump.
This package is worth it for those who don’t want the hassle of manually inflating their kayak. The electric pump does the work for you and consequently makes the process of getting on the water even easier.
Option 4: Bixpy Motor Package
Comes with the standard gear plus the AB40 aluminum shaft and fiberglass blade paddle as well as the Bixpy K-1378 motor kit. This motor runs for about 80 minutes at top speed or up to 12 hours at slower speeds and weighs only 10 lbs. including the battery and motor.
Finally this fourth package is worth it for those who want to stay out longer exploring new waters. It’s perfect for those who love to fish and who want to effortlessly get back to shore quickly.
HOW TO GET THE BEST DEAL?
To take advantage of the 3-year warranty it’s important to purchase directly from the manufacturers website at SeaEagle.com.
They ship worldwide and often have great package deals available.
Do you have experience with the EZlite10 or have a question regarding this kayak? Feel free to leave a comment below.
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