Razor Kayaks Sprint Duo: Tested

Detailed summary

A sleek, portable inflatable kayak for one or two paddlers. We hit the water to find out where the Sprint Duo really shines.

We’ve had Razor Kayaks’ Edge Pro 1 in our kit for a while now, and it’s fair to say we’ve become rather fond of it. Its portability, rugged construction and versatility make it a handy adventure companion. So when the opportunity arose to test the Pro 1’s sibling, the Sprint Duo, we were keen to see how it stacked up.

Promising efficient glide, portability and the flexibility to accommodate one or two paddlers, it sounds like a compelling combination. But can one inflatable really tick all those boxes?

Measuring 4.89m long and 77cm wide, the Sprint Duo features an open cockpit, 8cm tech-stitch floor and 5cm sidewalls, inflated to 10 PSI. Like the Edge Pro, its reinforced PVC construction, welded seams and additional bow and stern protection inspire confidence.

Weighing 17.8kg (hull only), it offers a 300kg payload, adjustable solo/tandem seating, footrests and a removable tracking fin. Everything packs into an 85 × 50 × 40cm backpack.

There is something deeply satisfying about pulling a near-five-metre kayak out of a backpack and inflating it by the water’s edge. The hull weighs an impressive 17.8kg, while the complete package (including pump, paddles and other accessories) weighs 23.4kg. The included backpack swallows all of it easily and makes carrying the craft manageable enough to comfortably lug from the car boot to the bank, even if there’s a bit of a bushwalk involved.

Once pumped up, its low-slung, sleek profile immediately catches the eye. With considerably lower sides than your average blow-up bathtub, it’s a genuinely good-looking bit of kit that resembles a performance kayak rather than a floating Lilo.

Razor’s tech-stitch floor delivers a remarkably rigid hull, and the open cockpit makes clambering aboard refreshingly straightforward. Speaking of the cockpit, the ability to slide the modular seats apart as much as needed for taller occupants is welcome, as is the ability to tweak the supportive footpad. Once you’ve nailed your perfect fit, you’re good to go.

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Opening of the article, excerpted from Australian Geographic. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.