Sea Eagle 393RL Tested – The Fastest Inflatable Kayak

The Sea Eagle RazorLite 393RL is a high-performance inflatable kayak designed for serious paddlers seeking an experience close to that of a rigid touring kayak. Featuring drop stich construction with molded end sections, sleek design, and remarkable paddling performance, this is not your average flimy inflatable kayak. Below, we explore the key features, paddling performance, stability, setup process, and who might benefit most from this high performance kayak.

SeaEagle RazorLite 393RL

Sea Eagle Amazon

What we liked:

Exceptional paddling performance for an inflatable kayak
Lightweight and easy to transport
Compact storage size
Drop-stitch construction ensures rigidity
Adjustable footrests improve paddling leverage
Molded bow and stern enhance speed and tracking

What we didn’t like:

Less stable than most inflatable kayaks; not ideal for beginners
Footrest installation can be cumbersome
Seat slides on the floor due to lack of grip
High price point compared to other inflatable kayaks

Specifications

Size – 12’10” x 28″
Weight Capacity – 250 lbs
Kayak Weight – 37.5 lbs
What is included – Kayak, seat, detachable footbraces, double action pump and bag. There are 2 paddle options.

Video Review

Key Features of the SeaEagle 393RL

Let’s dig into the details of the SeaEagle 393RL

1 – Drop-Stitch Construction

Unlike many inflatable kayaks, the RazorLite 393RL uses high-pressure drop-stitch technology across its three main compartments. This creates a rigid hull that closely mimics the performance of a traditional hard-shell kayak, allowing for efficient gliding and tracking.

2 – Molded Bow and Stern

The molded bow and stern provide enhanced water dynamics, allowing the kayak to cut through water more efficiently. This improves speed and reduces drag compared to standard inflatable kayaks with rounded ends.

3 – Compact and Portable

Weighing only 35 lbs and measuring 12’10” long by 28” wide when inflated, the RazorLite deflates to a compact size that can easily fit in a car trunk or storage closet. It’s perfect for paddlers with limited storage space or those who travel frequently.

4 – Adjustable Footrests

The adjustable footrests provide additional leverage while paddling, catering to users of varying heights. While functional, they require some effort to install (more on that below).

5 – Adjustable Seat

The 393RL comes with a padded seat with 4 attachment straps. It is padded just enough to be comfortable for an hour and after that you’ll be wishing for a memory foam pad. The seat is attached with 4 adjustable straps. You can adjust the seat position and angle with the straps.

Nothing keeps the seat bottom from sliding. The seat bottom slides a lot so it’s hard to keep the seat in a consistent position and angle. Some velcro stuck to the bottom and to the seat would help a lot to keep the seat more stable.

6 – Minimalist Design

The kayak is sleek and streamlined, with no extra bungees or clutter. While this simplicity enhances performance, some may miss additional storage options or comfort features.

Paddling Performance

The Sea Eagle RazorLite 393RL is among the fastest and most efficient inflatable kayaks on the market. When compared to a rigid 12’6” sit-in touring kayak, it holds its own surprisingly well:

1 – Speed and Glide

The RazorLite’s narrow, rigid design allows for impressive speed and a smooth glide. Experienced paddlers will appreciate how quickly it moves and its ability to maintain momentum with minimal effort.

2 – Tracking

Equipped with an optional skeg, the kayak tracks well over long distances. However, with the skeg installed, turning becomes more challenging, especially in choppy water. For maneuverability, removing the skeg is recommended.

3 – Responsiveness

Without the skeg, the kayak is highly responsive and easy to control, making it suitable for rivers with grass and weeds where the skeg might get caught.

4 – Stability

While most inflatable kayaks are known for their stability, the RazorLite 393RL bucks the trend. Its narrow 28” width prioritizes speed over stability, making it less forgiving for beginners:

• For Beginners: The reduced width and rigid design require a better sense of balance than standard inflatable kayaks. Beginners may feel wobbly until they get used to the narrower profile.
• For Experienced Paddlers: Paddlers with experience will appreciate the performance-focused stability, which is closer to that of a rigid kayak. Lighter paddlers may find it easier to handle than those near the kayak’s 250-pound weight limit.

Setup and Footrests

Setting up the RazorLite 393RL is relatively straightforward but requires some effort:

• Inflation: Using the included double-action pump, the kayak can be inflated in about 10 minutes. Each compartment inflates to 10 PSI, providing the rigidity needed for optimal performance. An electric pump is recommended for frequent use.
• Footrests: The removable footrests are the most challenging part of the setup. They require bending the kayak slightly to slide them into place, which can be cumbersome. However, the effort is worth it, as they greatly enhance paddling efficiency.
• Seat Installation: The seat attaches via D-rings and is adjustable for comfort. However, the lack of Velcro or anchoring on the kayak floor means the seat may shift during use, especially when getting in or out.

The instruction video on the SeaEagle website does a very good job of showing how to get the footrests in and out and also how to fold the 393RL so that it fits the bag.

Comparison with other kayaks

We have tried several inflatable kayaks here from several different brands. Most inflatable kayaks have a big tube running down each side and then some kind of inflatable floor. The drop-stitch floor helps a lot with rigidity. The 2 giant tubes running down the sides always make inflatables feel fat and tubby. They are usually in the 35 to 40 inch width range.

Because of this width and soft floor, they do not track worth anything without a fin hanging off the bottom.

The RL393 with it’s drop stitch sides and floor becomes a very compact and light feeling kayak. At 28 inches wide, it is the same width as a lot of rigid sit in kayaks. It also tracks okay on the water because of it’s narrower shape.

The downside is that it will never be as stable as a 35 inch wide tubby boat with bit inflatable pontoons on the sides.

The only other inflatable that comes close to the RL393 in terms of performance on the water is the Advanced Elements Airvolution. It also has all drop-stitch construction. It is a bit wider and more stable than the RL393 making it a bit more beginner friendly.

Who Is the RazorLite 393RL For?

The Sea Eagle RazorLite 393RL is best suited for experienced paddlers looking for an inflatable kayak that performs like a rigid touring kayak. It’s ideal for those who:

• Value speed and efficiency over stability
• Have limited storage or transportation options
• Are comfortable with a more performance-focused, narrow kayak
• Paddle in open water or calm rivers and prioritize long-distance touring

Who Should Look Elsewhere?

• Beginners or casual paddlers seeking a stable and forgiving kayak
• Budget-conscious buyers, as this kayak is more expensive than most inflatables
• Those who prioritize comfort and storage over performance

Recommendation

The Sea Eagle RazorLite 393RL is a game-changer in the inflatable kayak world, offering performance that comes remarkably close to a rigid kayak. Its lightweight, portable design, and innovative features make it a great choice for serious paddlers who want the convenience of an inflatable without sacrificing speed and efficiency.

While its price and stability may deter beginners, it’s a worthwhile investment for experienced paddlers seeking a high-performance kayak for touring or recreational use.

If you’re ready to upgrade your inflatable kayak experience, the RazorLite 393RL is a top-tier choice worth considering.

See Best Deals!

Sea Eagle Amazon

Ryan Craig
Chief Editor

I am a total gear nerd and love learning how things work and thinking about how they could be improved. Nothing excites me more than trying out new gear. I’d rather spend 3 hours taking my bike apart and learning how to change something than go to a bike shop. These days, I reside in Michigan by the Great Lakes and go skiing, biking, and boating as much as possible. Visit our About Us page and learn more.

ryan@greatlakesbikeskiboat.com