Updated on October 11, 2026
Razor Edge Pro 1: Hard-Shell Performance, Inflatable Convenience
The Edge Pro 1 from Razor Kayaks is certainly as close to a hard-shell sit-in kayak as you will find in the inflatable category.
Simple to inflate, nimble on the water, and truly robust, with the convenience of easy portability.
After taking the Edge Pro 1 on numerous trips in varying conditions, it has proven itself to be a game-changer in the inflatable kayak market.
It’s a fun kayak to paddle, with no real learning curve to set it up. Also, it will inspire confidence in beginner paddlers and children, as it is incredibly stable yet easy to manoeuvre and relatively quick on the water. In fact, I clocked an average of 6km/h on a lovely, calm lake recently.
Unboxing & Test Paddling Razor Kayaks Edge Pro 1
Who is the Edge Pro 1 Suitable For?
The kayak is 83cm wide and will suit almost any-sized paddler, with a capacity of 170kg and plenty of leg room for taller people. At the same time, though, it is perfectly manageable for smaller paddlers—a great all-rounder.
The flexible, padded seat is comfortable, even after a few hours of paddling. Every one is different, what one person finds comfy will vary to the next person. I have a rubber/latex kayak cushion seat that drains any water super fast and does add extra comfort, though I rarely use it myself, it was bought for a friend with pelvic pain issues.
Along with stainless steel clips to attach the seat, it is secured to the kayak’s floor with large velcro sections, allowing for adjustment based on the paddler’s size, leg length, and so on.
Edge Pro 1 Features
- The innovative design cleverly mimics a hard-shell kayak and performs well.
- It’s extremely stable, solid, and comfortable for short or long trips.
- It can be carried in the included backpack carry bag whenever necessary, at 18.9kg (hull weight) plus the seat, pump etc. I use a lightweight, foldable trolley if pulling the bag any distance, keeping it simple, I’m not tall.
- The Edge Pro 1 glides through the water efficiently and tracks beautifully in a straight line with the attached skeg/fin. It’s a pleasure, on calm water or while drifting down a river, to take a break from paddling and float along without constantly correcting course.
- The option to use a Razor Kayaks spray skirt, which is easy to attach thanks to the kayak’s rigid coaming, ensuring a good fit. During a recent lake crossing, it was invaluable. Despite having gear in dry bags, it was still nice to use the spray skirt so I wouldn’t get soaked through!
- Razor Kayaks have expertly redesigned the sit-in kayak concept. This kayak should last and perform well for years.
- The kayak is made with a 5cm drop-stitch core reinforced with Tech-Stitch™ mesh and dual-layer 1000D PVC—super tough materials. I have truly tested out how robust this kayak is on multiple small rapid trips!
- Additionally, the kayak is big enough to pack supplies for overnight/multi-day trips, with a length of 13’1”/398 cm and a load capacity of 170kg. We have a few expedition-style trips planned!
- Quick and easy to inflate/deflate and get on the water – with 3 simple inflation valves. It takes me under 10 minutes from arrival at a paddling location to actually getting on the water. The Razor Kayaks 12 volt/rechargeable pump is brilliant – fast, efficient and simple to use. Alternatively, the triple-action hand pump is an efficient way to inflate the kayak too (see the pump comparison video below).
- Packing up took a little practice; it’s amazing how forgiving this kayak is when learning how to fold it up, and how easily it fits in the carrier/backpack, along with the seat, etc.
How well does the Edge Pro 1 perform on the water?
The Edge Pro 1 has been a pleasure to use; it cuts through the water quite well and can handle moderately choppy conditions. Being inflatable and sitting higher on the water than regular hard-shell kayaks, it will be affected by gusty winds, but it still handles ok.
It’s far superior to the many cheap inflatable kayaks on the market. Any inflatable will be more vulnerable to windy conditions than a hard-shell.
On one reasonably long lake crossing, the wind picked up, and we paddled into a headwind most of the way. Despite the wind, it was pleasing to have still averaged 3 km/hour; the kayak pushed through the chop quite well: 3km an hour isn’t lightening speed, admittedly, but it was quite a headwind!
We have taken the Edge Pro 1 down minor rapids with no problem at all.
**It is not rated for whitewater, so the decision to do a trip like that is up to each paddler. I had no worries, personally, that it wouldn’t handle the trip well as I have paddled the Razor Kayaks R2 Ultra in similar conditions.
The Edge Pro is a head-turner with its unique design; people regularly ask questions about it and are often surprised to hear it is an inflatable!
Overnight Camping Trip
The Edge Pro 1 is designed as a recreational and touring kayak, and it excels! I like to pack minimally so there isn’t too much to unload at the destination. Regardless, it’s hard to avoid taking a fair bit of gear when camping.
30-litre dry bags were stored undercover at each end, along with smaller bags that filled the gaps and a small eski (icebox) behind the seat.
A small dry bag with camera gear was secured at the front under the bungy cords, and another 30-litre dry bag had to be stored on the rear of the kayak, due to carting firewood across, too!
I now use a Sea-to-Summit brand deck bag on the Razor, it attaches to the D-rings on the front easily and carries camera gear, spare batteries.
There is enough space beside the seat to conveniently pack a small drybag/ water bottle and such.
Equally important, it actually felt almost no different to paddle loaded than empty.
Razor Kayaks Spray Deck
Love it! The spray deck works as it is intended. Because the coaming on the Edge Pro is rigid, the spray deck (spray skirt) fits snuggly and stays put when correctly put on.
During a rather choppy lake crossing on a weekend kayak camping trip, the spray deck performed fabulously. I would certainly have regretted leaving it off!
I tend to paddle without one most of the time, unless it’s really cold and the conditions are likely to be choppy. The bung in the end of the kayak makes it so easy to drain any water that gets in, though avoiding getting wet in the first place is prudent.
Due to the clever design of the front and back decks of the Edge Pro, water is deflected to a degree, plus the coaming stops a good amount of water from washing in.
Still, having a spray deck and using it, is a smart move, ready for whatever the weather throws at you!
Carbon Fibre Paddle
The carbon fibre paddle is fabulous to use; it was especially appreciated on the overnight camping trip. The smooth shaft was pleasant to hold for long stretches, grippy enough in the wet; since I tend not to wear gloves, it was terrific.
No blisters during 30km or thereabouts of paddling, much of the time against the wind! The lightness compared to a standard paddle is noticeable.
However, is it a must-have? No, but a paddle is something you can use for many years, so it is worth considering the upgrade.
Inflatable v Hard Shell Kayak?
This is a personal choice; everyone has different requirements. Inflatable kayaks offer advantages like ease of storage and portability, which are key benefits for many users.
Equally important is whether you can lift a kayak onto a car roof, or whether it would be more manageable to pack an inflatable into a car. Not to mention the added initial cost of installing roof racks and kayak holders.
Having one of the Razor Kayaks stored in a camper van, or back of a car, ready for a quick paddle on the spur of the moment is fantastic. The Edge Pro 1 will fit in a small boot space, leaving little room, but it fitted: this was tested in a Hyundai I30.
The time taken to get the kayak out of a car or van, inflate the 3 sections, then deflate and pack it away, is minimal. An added benefit of having an inflatable kayak is avoiding height restrictions in underground parking areas, which can be, understandably, a hassle.
Folding and Packing up the Edge Pro 1
With a little practice, folding the kayak is quite simple. This was about my fourth or fifth time, and I am getting better each time.
If the sides are folded in as it is rolled up, as in the directions that come with it, it’s quite a tidy results and fits easily into the carry bag.
12 Volt rechargeable pump versus the triple barrel hand pump!
Which pump works faster to inflate a kayak? Is one preferable over the other?
I tested, in real time, both of the Razor Kayaks pumps. They are both simple, efficient and recommended!
Purchasing Razor Kayaks Edge Pro 1
The Australian Razor Kayaks company makes several innovative designs, including inflatable and foldable models. Read more about the Edge Pro 1 here.
Delivery is super fast, and any questions are responded to by email quickly and clearly.
