Riot Edge 11 Kayak - Special Buy

Comments about Riot Edge 11 Kayak - Special Buy:

Bought this as a Special Buy last year (2011). You cannot find anything close to this in this price-range. Reviews comparing to real touring kayaks (above $1000) are unfair and absurd. Apples with apples people. This is a nice recreational kayak, much better than any Old Town or some of the better known rec kayaks out there. The skeg really sets it apart. You will leave other rec kayaks in the dust. Other nice features in addition to skeg include the sealed rear compartment, all the shock cords to hold your stuff, and the front floatation bag - unheard of in this price range. It feels, however, heavier than the 42 lbs. advertise, but lighter than other rec kayaks. Oh, and it looks like a much more expensive kayak.

Comments about Riot Edge 11 Kayak - Special Buy:

Took first trial in a lake to get used to the craft. Very stable, everything adjusted easily. Shoreline paddle with stops. Tried with and without skeg deployed. Second trial was in a river (CL 2+). Reasonable maneuverablility in and out of eddies - still working on my skills too. Set up for an overnight trip and there was plenty of space in the rear compartment for my gear, but did not get there yet. VERY satisfied with the product.

Comments about Riot Edge 11 Kayak - Special Buy:

Purchased as a second boat to use on small lakes and rivers. Turns very quickly and easily. Is very stable yet quick for it's width. Seat is quirky but with some more modification it's workable. Very happy and satisfied with it.

Comments about Riot Edge 11 Kayak - Special Buy:

Weighs closer to 55# instead of the 42# claimed and hull was wavy. We also got an Old Town Vashon and it's much nicer and faster. This is going back for another Vashon. Not horrible, but not great. Spend a little more for a quality boat or you might regret it.

Comments about Riot Edge 11 Kayak - Special Buy:

This is a great boat for the size. I think it is important to compare apples with apples when looking at boats. The boats has features that a found almost nowhere in boats that size like a skeg and a fairly advanced seating system. It is slighly heaver than a dressed down 10 foot boat but I think it i well worth it in terms of safety (sealed bulkheads) and overall feel of the boat.(skeg and seating system) Plus at the REI price, it is a fantastic deal. I dont think there is anything anywhere near that on the market now.

Comments about Riot Edge 11 Kayak - Special Buy:

Lots of great features found on more expensive boats but lacking a high level of quality. It does track well and the skeg is quiet both in use and not in use. Easy to paddle and stable for any level of kayaker. Speed is acceptable for its size - won't win any races, but doesn't feel totally slow either. Overall I would say this is a good value boat in its class, but has some definite design flaws. Seat does not adjust forward or back, so getting a good fit with thigh braces may be a challenge if you are not a big guy or it may require extra padding. Backrest itself is totally weird and gives when you lean on it, so doesn't provide a great level of support. If there were one upgrade I would make to this boat, a better backband/backrest would be it. And otherwise the lever that deploys the skeg works great and is super easy - but the placement makes that when you are paddling you knock it accidentally to deploy the skeg when you don't want it. Annoying for sure. A good boat for the price, but not without some limitations. For me I haven't decided yet whether the compromises are worth it and I may not keep this boat.