Inflatable Kayak Gear Review | Sea Eagle - RazorLite 393 

Take a free online US Coast Guard Safety Course for canoeing, kayaking, and stand up paddling (SUP): cms.americancanoe.org/Online-Courses/Present/Paddlesports-Safety-Online-Course

Only thing I'd like to add to this kayak is, some hook fastening points, to hook in a cargo net. Wouldn't have to worry about the possibility of your rucksack etc, falling out of the boat if overturned.

I just bought the Sea Eagle 393 after your high recommendations. Your review was spot on and I am very pleased with my purchase. Thanks for your expertise.

I absolutely love mine. I was nervous due to the price but I have zero regrets!!

The foot rest design of this boat is the key factor contributing to its stability. With feet being stuck at both sides of the boat, your body and feet will form a stable triangle structure against the boat, this is the reason that this narrow boat can have its good stability. Aqua Marina Tomahawk boat is too unstable as some of its customers complained just because it does not have such good foot rest design .

We've had two of these since 2015. First, the original model and now, the newer, updated model. The newer one is quite a bit more "beefy", weighing in about 5 pounds heavier and has the built-in footrests as the one in this video. I cannot say enough about this kayak AND Sea Eagle for their customer service. We live full-time in our motorhome and to have these safely tucked away in a basement bin everywhere we travel is the best. The video talks about the initial stability and while it does feel a bit tippy when you first enter, let me assure you (even you beginners) that it is VERY hard to flip. I wanted to practice reentries when we first got them so I put it in my swimming pool. You cannot believe how hard I had to try to flip the thing over. You would have to be in some really rough water to tip this thing and that's not the market for this kayak to begin with. Being in an open kayak without having to "sit on top" is wonderful, especially when we're in canals of Florida with gators only a few feet away! If you get one, do yourself a favor and spend the extra $200 on the battery powered pump. Makes the startup that much quicker and easier.

Cool kayak! Really should almost be called an inflatable pack canoe boat with its open cockpit design. As always great indepth reviews!

Very informative. We have a Dave Scadden inflatable, which is a great boat, but it is so wide it's like paddling your sofa. I like the narrower design and will do more research on this. Thanks.

Great job on the review Ken! I really enjoy watching your videos, you do a great job! I just received a sea eagle razorlite via UPS today. I’m going to be doing a review of it as well on my channel. I normally paddle rigid hull touring kayaks, but I want something more portable for traveling. Safe paddling!

Thank you for this review it has help me decide what is best and this is it I definitely need portability great job on video thanks again!!!!

Just bought one!!!! Thank you for your review.I cant wait to see your review of the Scupper 12.I want that one too!!!🥰

Amazing how that entire kayak gets packed in that backpack. I can imagine some cool trips with it.

I only go kayaking 3-4 times a year. Always been a rental. Transporting is the issue. 2k for a roof rack for my jeep, storage at home another issue so inflatable was my only easy option. What I found being a novice with the 393. You can flip it easssssy. You can also have no issue feeling very stable as well. It’s also very easy to right the kayak if you do flip and get back in. I’m 67 and it’s no issue. I practiced it a few times in my pool and was surprised at the ease to get back in. The cons imo are getting the beast back in the bag! Holy crap what an undertaking! No one shows that in their review. Also you’ll hear it said how you can throw it in your trunk. Yeah ok but that’s all you’ll get in there so if you need two kayaks the trunk is no option, when you read it fits in a back pack get the idea of a typical back pack out of your noggin! Ok it’s big and not all that light when it’s on your back. Ok maybe if your a weight lifter and 40 years old. Now for storage. Do you live where it’s hot. If you do this need to be stored in your home at room temp, not in your garage or shed. Not my opinion, that’s direct from Sea Eagle. I really like mine but I wish hard shells were an option for me. I think this is the next best thing but it’s not the all to end all by any means. I really wish when these reviews were done they were complete. An unbiased review that’s not complete is just that, Not complete . But that’s what I think we dreamers need.

I too have been taking hard look at this boat. When I last checked, sold out until Sept. 2021. One thing that was not mentioned is that Sea Eagle offers a money back satisfaction warranty unless they have recently changed their policy. I have no idea how difficult/easy a return would be. Definitely a quality company. Thanks for a great review!

Excellent, articulate review. I'm buying one based on your good review.

I like how you present your review. Looking forward to finding one on the model I'm considering.

Excellent review. I will stick with my Perception Pescador 100 Pro. It's great for fishing and for fun paddling.

Thank you! Great video!

Here in Europe we have decathlon inflatable kayak something similar. Portability is 100% the key factor for me, it fits in the boot of my small citroen car

Another great review. I’d love to see you review the Aquaglide Blackfoot 130.

Well, Ken, I bought the Razorlite 393 and I LOVE it. It had her maiden voyage last weekend, and it was incredible. A few thoughts: I didn't find it nearly as "tippy" as I expected from how much people were commenting on that. I wonder if people aren't bracing their knees? The moment I took a knee away from the side, it felt "weebly" (as in Weebles wobble but they don't fall down--did I just date myself?), but not in danger of tipping--or even like it might. The footrests are a game changer (even though the rods are the devil), and the main reason I went with the RL The seat wasn't exactly plush, but still better than my hardshell. I was able to paddle farther and faster than in my hardshell (which isn't the best to begin with, but still better than many I've tried). Better yet--so much less fatigue. The RL slices so nicely through the water, but it definitely doesn't turn on a dime. LOL I was able to zoom in (as much as my ancient phone can) and get a decent picture of a big-horned sheep up on the cliffs without constantly using the paddle to straighten myself out (and fearing I'd drop my phone). Rock steady! I have to work on being more efficient with set-up and tear down, but that will come with time. Happy paddling!

I have seen one of these is action. My friend has one and loves it.

The fin is very strong. Yesterday I had to beat mine severely with a rock to get it out since sand had locked it in the slot. Seaeagle sells spares in different sizes anyway. I have their magnificent 300x which will surf and autobail as advertised.

Good solid and honest review. Thank you. We will be getting a 385FT or 465FT, both great flat water boats for two people.

Hi again, Ken! I've been spending a lot more time in the 393RL (and even added my new rescue pooch to the mix). He's only 13.5 lbs, but when he moves from side-to-side, the boat registers that movement, but again--no fears of tipping. In fact, he lost his balance out on the bow once day and fell in. When I leaned over to grab the handle on his life vest, that secondary stability kicked in, and I could just focus on getting Henry back in the boat without any concerns that I'd tip. I still haven't managed to get the foot pegs out and install the new ones, but I've made some protective sleeves for the foot pedals to prevent them from damaging the boat while in storage. The one thing I would say that is the biggest drawback is the seat. The back is nice and supportive, but after 2 hours (and I'm usually out for 6+ hours with a break in the middle), the seat is downright uncomfortable. I might as well be sitting on a brick. In all the reviews you've done over the years, can you think of a seat that would work in the 393RL that is more comfortable (and has similar rigging)? I've tried adding 1" foam padding and that does help a little, but it rolls up and is a pain in the butt (literally and figuratively). I don't want to add too much height for fear of throwing of my center of gravity. Would love to check out any seat suggestions you have. In fact, it's the seat that's actually making me consider returning the 393RL.

I have the Sea Eagle Fasttrack (10 yrs.) and now the Explorer (1yr.). Never had a problem with the skeg. I love them.

Love your videos. What do you think of the Intex excursion pro k2. Have you review one as yet. Could not find if you did. I'm a beginner in the kayaking multiverse. Would like to use it every time we go rving. Once or twice a month.

As an avid seakayaker, I bought the Oru Coast XT, due to it being more like a traditional hard-chined greenland kayak, but I really came close to buying the Razorlite. Some folks in my local "inflatable kayak" meetup group have these.

I can verify to the tippyness. I used mine for the first time yesterday. I owned a sit-on-top kayak in Hawaii, and this is less stable. It really moves once you take a few strokes, but it's going to take some getting used to.

I agree that foot pegs are essential. When I see a world class paddler like Ken in action, I notice that they really bring their legs into the game. I didn't see that here. I *did* notice considerable yaw under fairly mellow forward strokes. That thing was wagging it's tail more than any 12+ footer I've ever seen! (presumably with skeg affixed) Ken's experience speaks for itself, and his reviews are top notch. $1000 can buy a much more suitable intermediate+ boat in my opinion. I left this review with the feeling that the featured boat will appeal to a very narrow slice of the paddling community. Thanks Paddle TV for such wonderfully produced content. I truly enjoy every episode!

Great video! Do you have any preference between the FastTrack vs Razorlite for ocean kayaking?

I was glad to come across your video. I have been using a Tutjak sea kayak for 10 years now and just ordered one of these for solo outings on calmer waters. The carrying bag in your video wasn't available for purchase. I have a large nylon duffel bag with sturdy wheels that I'm hoping to use. Do you think that might be suitable? Any tips for packing?

awesome review! Are you planning to review the Decathlon Strenfit X500 anytime? it literally looks like the closest an inflatable can come to a hard shell kayak! Keep up the great videos!

Hey Ken, great video! I was recently in the market for an inflatable kayak and putting a list together (had a whole spreadsheet and everything). I wanted something fast but comfortable and this video really helped flagged the Sea Eagle RazorLite 393 as one to have a closer look at. After researching it more I fell in love and bought one. Just wanted to say thank you for the review and keep up the awesome work!

Love to see a review on the Sea Eagle 385 ft

What a great review! There aren’t many in-depth reviews on this boat like this so it was great to see it in action. I’m torn between this boat and the Aqua Marine Tomahawk. The Sea Eagle is twice the price, but is it twice the boat? Both seem to have plus points from just looking at them. It’s hard to see which is best without buying both 😫

Nice review Ken. Would you think the RazorLite would be capable on Class I and II rivers? I'd like something good for lakes and ocean but also capable on mild rivers and to load with gear for 2-3 night trips.

Just watched another video where reviewer said very little difference without the skeg, he never uses it. Also he showed stability was great by sitting crossways and dangling feet in water. He turned completely around to get to cooler behind seat. Seems pretty stable to me.

I have the explorer and have used a ton over my first year. I hit over 50 unique water bodies on it. I chose it for stability and for helping my wife to feel more comfortable. How does the razorlite compare having reviewed both especially for speed? I’m looking at the single person version this time. Also I’ve found the skeg on the explorer which is the same as the rl to be very tough. It really takes a beating hitting things, dragging on sand and rocks, and supporting the kayak out of eater.

Hi been kayaking a few times with rentals in Oahu, Hawaii (calm open ocean) and a few still lakes in California. Looking to get this Razor but also interested in knowing any other must and good to have items for a newer kayaker? Open to specific Brand or general recommendations. Your videos have been really helpful to narrow selection and definitely a subscriber!

I would like to see your review on the TuckTech folding kayak. It looks interesting, and sells for only $350. One of the most attractive things about it was the company's claim of setup time in as little as 1.5 minutes, but most user reviews seem closer to 5 minutes, and tear down time even longer than inflatables. I'd like to know how realistic that setup time is. I'd love to know how the TuckTech compares to my Razorlite 393rl, and also how the 20 lbs ORU Inlet compares to both.

Nice video. It would be great to get your impression of white water inflatable kayaks (Sea Eagle 380x, Star, Aire, NRS, etc)

Thanks for the review. Would the Razorlite be stable enough to use on the sea if it got a bit choppy? I was also considering their Fastrack kayak which doesn’t look as fast but maybe has more stability?

Thanks for the information! Just curious, if I'm looking for a quality inflatable similar to this one, but as an inexperienced beginner, what would you recommend? Thank you so much!

Really enjoyed your review. I found a great deal on a Razorlite 393RL from a 3rd party, brand new but missing the skeg and one of the side foot pegs/bars. Do you know if they are the same on both sides, or is there a left and right peg? It included the backpack, pump, and a left or right foot peg & metal bar. The tall back seat & paddle were missing, but I happen to have an extra tall back seat as I prefer the inflatable Deluxe seats on my other Sea Eagle kayaks. The idea of hard shell kayaking is appealing and there will be a time & place I'll enjoy that. This kayak I can also use to go kayaking with friends, where as my Paddleski will either be slower or way ahead with my Torqeedo motor. I also like the back pack idea so I can access remote areas by foot. As we're visiting the beautiful Onedia Lake, NY area at the moment, I'm quickly reminded why the Paddleski 435ps is by far my favorite kayak. My wind app says it was only a 5mph wind, but the lake clearly rough between power boats, and it's size of 50,894 acres wide open with nothing blocking the wind. The 3 times I've visited the area in the past year (yet to kayak it), it's way too rough for a kayak or even an inflatable kayak. I have a fleet of Sea Eagles. Only my Paddleski could reasonably comfortably handle a place like this using either my motor or full sail rig. We could paddle the calm areas if there are any. Our Paddleski, motor and tons of accessories fit in the trunk of any sedan, and the sail rig goes in a bag the size of a golf bag. The incredible Sea Eagle Paddleski is finally back on the market as of last week. The new model does paddle with a kayak paddle, but many of us suspect since it is a foot wider, it won't paddle as well as the focus is more it's improved ability to take an even larger motor and stand up casting for people that fish. I'd love to see your review on the brand new Paddleski 437ps. And I'd also love to see it compared to the 435ps which had been out for several years until spring 2020. The most versatile kayak in the world. The 435ps was categorized as a "kayak" by Sea Eagle. The 437ps that replaced it, is now under "boats" but does paddle as a kayak.

Would like to have seen you do some turns or circles to see how it handled

I am using for paddling & trolling the tandem version 473RL 3 years now and i'm very happy. Recommended inflatable. No flex brace option 3 years ago, I made a custom footplate for better performance. Some videos on my channel.

Its on sale right now for 899. By the way i live in a condo and have a sonata so for me its very practical. How is the storage after getting it wet?

Good day, What do you think of the AIRCANOE CRUISER 393S DROPSTITCH KAYAK? I have never heard of the company. Thanks Peter

Just watching you paddle, it moves like a hard shell kayak. That front fin thing really works, in fact they should have them on hard shells too.

A heads up for tall folks. I was excited about this boat, but at 6'5" and a 36" inseam I maxed out the footpegs and had to move my seat back which threw off the balance and subsequently, it tracked quite poorly. A great boat to consider, though if you're the right size.

I've been looking at the new 473rl for its storage capacity on multi-day trips but it seems like they don't make it compatible for a solo kayaker like the older model, which allows you to attach your seat more towards the center on solo trips and additional D-ring attachments specifically to attach footrests for solo. I would buy the 393rl but it definitely won't fit a 70L dry backpack.

Any tips for paddling the tandum version, solo?

Hi, really like your reviews. I'm looking for a higher performance kayak ( I have a sea eagle 380x, as a workhorse, two up with wife, or fishing etc) . Narrowed my choice to razorlight 393rl, and the itiwit x500. Could you please answer three questions? How does the material thickness compare for both these? How do they compare speed wise? And how do they compare in wind, especially side wind?. Thanks in anticipation. Kev

Would you still recommend the Sea Eagle RaxorLite 393 for extremely shallow water (without using the skeg)? The Russian River can go from 30 feet deep to lonog stretches of just 5 to 10 inches. Without a skeg, I'd float over most of the shallows, but with a skeg I'd have to get out and walk.

Does it seem feasible to just chill in it or even swim from it sometimes? I guess the fasttrack is a better choice, but this seems like a much more agile kayak. Thanks?

The sea eagle skegs are next level tough. Don't really have to worry about them breaking. On my excursions this year between me and my friends, there have been 7 skeg/paddleboard-fin breaks, all of which have been non sea eagle. The sea eagle ones are way thicker and tougher, from experience

I’m trying to decide between the Airvolution2 and the Razorlite 473rl for my wife and I (plus a small 20lb dog). We are kinda beginners and would only use the kayak for day trips in good conditions on lakes, bays and Sea of Cortez etc. I’m leaning towards the 423rl as it has more space, better comfort and superior performance but was concerned about stability. Is the Razorlite 423rl going to be to unstable for us or will we learn to handle it as we get more experience?

I popped my Sevylor inflatable due to the Arizona sun. Does this one have pressure relief valves?

We’ve been looking at the Oru Inlet and Beach LT for my wife and myself, respectively. She’s 5’2” / 130 and I’m 6’2” 275. I love this as an option to the Oru’s as I worry about durability, but the 17” interior width has me concerned. Sitting down, my hips are about 20” and I’m left wondering if the 17” inflatable will expand to accept my wider hips. Any thoughts?

I've kayaked a number of times, though I would not consider myself an intermediate. So would you NOT recommend this boat for someone who has moderate experience like me? I'm thinking long term... if I could buy just one kayak instead of buying an entry level, then buying another one later, could this one serve that purpose? I was also looking at the Sea Eagle 300x, but because the two are close in price, I wondered if the 393rl might be better to get. My primary use would likely be on the ocean. I'm 6'-3", 215 lbs. Thanks!

I bought a Tupelo 12 5 because of your review..... unfortunately my shoulders are damaged to the point where I can't get in or out of it very well... the jakson bite I got to go along with it is like paddling a dock around... so I think my next one will be the sea eagle... so I can just throw it in the jeep no trailer needled anymore

Any thoughts on whether the RazorLite 393 RL would be good for Lake Ontario (downtown Toronto)? I don’t have the room for a hard sided kayak, and am trying to decide between the 393 RL Sea Eagle and the 300 X Sea Eagle. The vast majority of my experience is in a sea kayak on the ocean in NS. Won’t be running rapids, but would like to be able to go out on windy days, as well as when the lake is flat.

Thanks for the video. Very well-presented and you stick to the subject. I do have a question. My background is paddling solo canoes. This boat looks very much like a solo canoe and I'm wondering if anyone has tried paddling this craft with a canoe paddle. I would be sitting, not kneeling, but I just like canoe paddles a lot more than kayak paddles. Any thoughts?

How would you install a Torqueedo Ultralight 1103 or 403 on an inflatable kayak? Thanks

Please compare this directly to the Hobbie itrek. This is sleeker, but the hobbie is lighter with the mirage pedal drive with the kick up system and a rudder that easily flicks up out of the way. I'm undecided between these models.

I see you have the footrests fully extended. I’m wondering how a tall person would do with this? Care to share your inseam and height?

Fantastic video. You're very good at this. Question for the expert: How does paddling this compare to paddling an ocean kayak? Something like a frenzy from Ocean Kayaks. I've paddled those boats as rentals and they're obviously not designed for touring. They're a bit of a dog on the water.

Oh wow! Now they need to make a true inflatable sea kayak... like a Rockpool or a Sertling

How would you compare this kayak to the Advanced Elements Airvolution that you reviewed in a different video?

Good day, I just saw what seems to be a great deal on a new CORRAN WATERGLIDE KAYAK (similar layout to the kayak reviewed above). I have never heard of Corran or Waterglide. Furthermore, I can not find any information on the internet. Any thoughts you might have, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Peter

what PFD were you wearing in the video? I'm looking for something with a high back like that. Thanks!

Do you think this could be paddled with a single blade open canoe style paddle?

still not seen one used in the wind ! living in the UK its a part of the experience , if it weathercocks its not worth the air you put into it

I would be interested in a review on the tomahawk by aqua marina

Can you configure the 473RL for a solo kayaker?

So you cannot use this Kayak for fishing in calm saltwater?

Hello Ken, ... and/or subscribers. Looking for some advice/suggestions/opinions. I am thinking of this kayak as a stepping stone to a surf ski. I am 60, no previous paddling experience. Plenty of triathlons. Bad knees hence the direction of paddling. This kayak is mentioned as being for intermediate +. That is not me, ... but I am prepared to put in the time on this unit as a "trial" before maybe/maybe not moving to a surf ski. I am in Hong Kong, so a surf ski purchase would also come with a club membership for storage. Not cheap. No storage at home. Hence the bonus of the storage with this. Mainly coastal in good weather. Occasionally traveling with it (airline pilot), when the occasion may permit. Lake Como. London Canals. Rhine. Lake Michigan. Boston. That is if travel opens up for Hong Kong. A bit stuck at the moment. Thanks in advance. Good health to all.

For extra space could you get the longer tandem model and paddle on your own??

It really does look like an inflatable pack boat. Thanks, Ken. 👍🚣‍♂️

I have owned a hard shell and a cheap inflatable kayak. gave up my hard shell bc of space and transport. switched to the cheap inflatable. I floated with my dog for about 3 years on and off, i even took it to mexico and got into the shark infested waters lol. just a little sagging but not a problem. i got the razorlite a month ago. after the second trip the bottom got scratches in a way that you would anticipate after years of use. i recall going over one rock which is expected when you are on the water. So one rock (round not pointy) caused 2 huge scratches? Now i feel like i am sitting on something really not durable. i tend to take care of my things so that they would last me longer. i don't know except for not using it what else can i do to minimize damage. the other thing i don't like is the metal on the foot rest. takes some strong fingers and i have to fight it to get it in. a guy NO PROBLEM. i had a guy put mine in when i got really frustrated. they could just engineer something that can be screwed in and out. you know like ikea does. other than that yes it is fast and tracks well they should make the skeg half the size so that you don't get stuck. that thing is too long. is it tippy? yes. you feel a little out of balance but with a lot of hip practice you get used to it. if you get big waves you won't be able to reach the valves at the end to let the water out. wish they had put some rings for putting a skirt on. other than that.... would i buy this again pbby not.

Sea Eagle is a good brand.

Best ib kayak ul

My big question is: how is it that after 4+ years, this seems to be the only kayak in this category worth buying? Is the 393rl updated every year or no competitor even tries?

Do you think you could take a dog in this kayak? I'm going to be traveling in my truck camper and can't load/unload my beloved Crescent kayak UL on the camper. So I'm trying to sell it and get an inflatable but I don't want a "tug boat". I want a good paddler but I also want to be able to take my little buddy along.

Where can I buy a life jacket like you are wearing with the high back?

I was wondering how easy it is to get in and out of frm the water?

This could be for me. Do they export to the uk?

Can a person comfortably use a tandem razor lite kayak as a single person kayak.

i'm a Noob. Thank you for the Video : A+.

I wonder how you tie down or bungy down your gear?

Just scored a year old 393 pro carbon in mint condition with life jack and battery BTP turbo pump for $600. Deals are out there if your patient.

That removable skeg looks like literally the exact same one that came with my 90$ inflatable kayak. Seems like everything is high quality except that.

I got one due to limited space and the portability issue. I use a Greenland style paddle with it. I always use the skeg. I would have preferred a Rebel Greenland style kayak but the space issue will be with me for a while. Overall for an inflatable it is pretty good. Just use the 303 PVC protectant on it once in a while.

What paddle are you using?

Anybody knows how does it compare to a Tomahawk AquaMarine drop stich one?

Would you say it is not suitable for a beginner?

I really like this boat but don’t think I’m ready for it. I currently own a sea eagle 370 and it stays in my camper. We have only used it a handful of times. With my son getting older we want to get an additional kayak. We were thinking about a Sea Eagle 330. We mainly are out on lakes. Being in Michigan we have some bigger lakes but are very careful to take it out when it’s calm. Do you have any suggestions?

I've tried this boat, at least the tandem 473RL, and my initial impression was that unless someone was a very experienced paddler, they should not take this boat very far offshore even in the calmest weather. It is extremely unstable due to the overall design -- flat bottom and all drop stiched tubes -- has anyone thought about how difficult re-entry might be. You can tell from the video of this kayak, at least looking at it broadside, how unstable it is. I miss my Innova Helios II but alas Gumotex stopped making them.

Hows it track without skeg