Can an Inflatable Perform Like a Hard-Shell?
The Sea Eagle RazorLite 393rl is billboarded as an inflatable kayak that paddles as well as a hard-shell. That's a bold claim – one that I simply had to test out for myself. Let's unpack the specs and features and then I'll breakdown the results of my paddle-test. Is the RazorLite truly as good as they say?
ABOUT THE SEA EAGLE RAZORLITE 393rl KAYAK
Retail Price: $1,099 (USD)
Length: 12'10”
Width: 28″
Weight: 35 LBS (16 KG)
Max Capacity: 500 LBS (227 KG)
Best Use: Protected Waters & Slow Rivers
The Sea Eagle RazorLite 393rl has a removable skeg, adjustable foot braces, rigid and “slicey” bow and sterns, an adjustable high back seat, 2 drain valves, and 3 air chambers (designed so that if one is punctured, the kayak will still float). The package also comes with a backpack, repair kit, hand-pump, and basic paddle.
Is the RazorLite Kayak drop-stitch?
Yes! The RazorLite 393rl is made with a drop-stitch construction that can be inflated to a solid 10 psi.
Is the Sea Eagle RazorLite kayak easy to set up?
The RazorLite came together beautifully – probably one of the quickest setups of any inflatable kayak I've worked with. The only hiccup I had was with installing the foot braces. It was simply one of those things where once you've done it once, the ureka! moment will apply to all future assemblies.
Is the Sea Eagle RazorLite kayak heavy?
At 35 pounds, the RazorLite 393rl requires a bit of a grunt to carry to the water's edge. Nothing crazy, but the whole package is about equivalent to a well-stocked trekking bag in terms of weight and bulk.
Can you store inflatable kayaks in a garage?
Make sure to fully deflate and dry out (to prevent mold) the RazorLite before packing it away. If deflated and folded properly, it will fit into the provided carry case. The full package fits easily in a trunk or back seat and can be stored in a closet at home. Sea Eagle advises against leaving your RazorLite in a shed or garage as this could potentially expose it to mice and other critters. If you choose to do so, make sure to seal it in a protective container.
Is the Sea Eagle RazorLite 393 kayak stable?
The RazorLite 393rl is designed to emphasize performance over stability. The already slim 28-inch base of the kayak further tapers to about 25 inches at the waterline. That's done in order to give this boat a true, recreational-touring kayak feel. Because it slices through the water easier than a typical inflatable kayak, it also has a little less initial stability (i.e. how the kayak feels when just sitting flat) by comparison. This high-performance design is one of the reasons why the 393rl is recommended for intermediate and above paddlers. The flip-side of the narrow, tapered design, is that it produces excellent secondary stability (i.e. how the kayak holds while leaning on edge). This is another asset for folks looking to do some advanced paddling.
Are Sea Eagle kayaks durable?
Another automatic, inherent-in-the-physics trade off of inflatable kayaks, is that they aren't going to be as durable as a quality hard-shell. That being said, from what I could gather from an hour-long outing on the 393rl, I have a lot of confidence in its craftsmanship. I accidentally collided with a rock during my test and the kayak took it like a champ. If you generally keep to the recommended environment then you should expect a good lifespan from the RazorLite 393rl. The one weak point to watch out for is the removable skeg. This is simply because it's a large piece of plastic that plunges into the unknown depths. It's a necessary addition to ensure good tracking, but just be aware of what lies beneath.
Are Inflatable Kayaks Hard to Paddle?
While the portability benefits of an inflatable kayak are huge, they typically come at the cost of performance. That being said, the Sea Eagle Razorlite 393 performs extremely well for an inflatable kayak. In fact, most novice paddlers probably wouldn’t be able to tell much difference between the Razorlite 393 and an equivalent hardshell kayak. This is largely due to the drop-stitch construction, which makes the kayak stiff. But, does it perform as well as a comparable hard-shell kayak? While it comes close to doing so, there’s no doubt that you give up a little performance for the kayak’s portability.
Is the RazorLite Kayak Comfortable?
A hard-shelled kayak with a good seat tends to be the paramount comfort offering. So while the comparison does drop off here for the RazorLite 393rl, it can still be classified as comfortable by inflatable kayak standards. The shell lends a bit of softness, the foot braces offer support for the legs, and the high back seat does what it needs to do. So if comparing apples to apples, the RazorLite 393rl isn't as comfortable as a hard-shell of an equivalent class, but it is by no means uncomfortable.
RazorLite kayak features
As is to be expected from even a high-class inflatable kayak, the features of the RazorLite 393rl are basic. It has what you need but nothing flashy that would only add weight or impede the assembly process. Not every inflatable has adjustable foot braces like the 393rl does. If I'm looking to do any serious paddling then these are an absolute must-have feature in my kayak. They really do make a difference for generating power and enhancing comfort on longer outings. The only other major feature to point out is the high back seat. It gets the job done in terms of what a portable kayak can achieve. Just note, a compatible life jacket is required for optimal use (i.e. one without padding in the low back).
Who is the RazorLite 393 kayak for?
The RazorLite 393rl is an excellent kayak for anyone wanting to prioritize portability, but who still wants to get a good workout in and/or cover some distance. Because of the sleek design, this kayak isn't really designed for a beginner or casual paddler. It is, however, well-suited to a wide range of body types. Because of the open concept and adjustable foot braces, I could see this boat working well for experienced youths upwards to grown adults exceeding my build of 6'2″ and 200lbs. Anyone in these applicable demographics will ideally want to keep this boat in calmer water (i.e. protected from harsh wind and big waves) and/or slow moving rivers. The 393rl can handle some excitement, but for durability sake, it's best to stick to the recommended conditions.
Are Sea Eagle inflatable kayaks any good?
The Sea Eagle RazorLite 393rl inflatable kayak is a mouthful to say but a joy to paddle. It's designed like a true recreational-touring kayak and that shows in terms of its performance. I think it compares nicely to a hard-shell kayak of equivalent class when it comes to paddling, but naturally falls a bit short in regards to comfort (and likely durability). If you're an experienced kayaker looking for something that's not only portable but performance-oriented, then the RazorLite 393rl is a great kayak for you.
I hope you enjoyed this article. For more information, check out my gear reviews, tips, and adventures on PaddlingTV.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links in which Ken Whiting earns a small commission at no additional cost to you, but it is a great way to show your support. Thanks!
