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4 min read
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?
Design
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.
In the field
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.
We put the Sprint Duo through its paces in both solo and tandem setups, hauling extra gear along for one ride. On the water, its performance is surprisingly smart. That narrow profile and rigid tech-stitch floor deliver impressive speed, stability and glide compared to wider, tubular recreational inflatables.
With two paddlers aboard, the Sprint Duo really finds its groove. Sharing the workload across a 5.0-metre waterline it turns it into a fun and fast machine, making it a great option for a portable recreational tandem capable of knocking out decent distances without wearing you out. Drop down to a solo configuration, however, and that near-5.0m length makes it a little less nimble through tight turns than its shorter siblings.
Measured against standard recreational inflatables, the Sprint Duo’s efficient glide and flexible layout offer a clear edge and that convertible setup is a massive win for couples who don’t always paddle as a duo.
The final word on the Razor Kayaks Sprint Duo
The Sprint Duo sits in a neat, sweet spot between casual recreational inflatables and dedicated performance craft. Its standout traits are serious portability, dual-mode versatility, and impressive on-water efficiency.
If you and a partner want to explore sheltered waterways without sacrificing half your garage or a roof rack, the Sprint Duo delivers plenty to smile about.
RRP: $2195
For more information, explore Razor Kayaks’ two-person inflatable kayaks or view the Sprint Duo.
