Star Rival Review
Bottom Line:
The Star Rival inflatable kayak is an angler’s kayak – experts agree that this is one of the most stable and portable inflatable kayaks out there for recreational fun on the water. It’s great value for money, too!
However, reviewers warn that you probably shouldn’t depend on this boat too much for speed or straight paddling. However, with a removable fin, it tracks reasonably all the same.
Price Comparison:
Specs:
| Brand | Star |
| Size (length x width) | 12'6" x 38" |
| Weight | 31 lbs |
| Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Material | 1000 Denier PVC |
| Warranty | Three years |
Comparison to Similar Kayaks:
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| Star Rival | Advanced Elements Expedition Elite | Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2 | Sea Eagle RazorLite 393rl | Sea Eagle 380x Explorer | |
| Expert Rating | 7.5 | 8.3 | 8.1 | 7.9 | 7.9 |
| Size | 12'6" x 38" | 13' x 32" | 11'2" x 37" | 12'10" x 28" | 12'6" x 39" |
| Weight | 31 lbs | 42 lbs | 31.5 lbs | 35 lbs | 40 lbs |
| Handling | |||||
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| Durability |
Star Rival Review
- Highly durable in rough conditions
- Incredible stability
- Nice and easy to turn
- Compacts down well
- Fishing model has endless gear attachment options
- Not a fast boat by any stretch
- Not great on the legs from a seated position
Performance of the Star Rival
The Star Rival is a sit-on-top inflatable kayak for a single paddler. Experts agree that the Star Rival is almost like a floating deck and offers an extremely stable platform – great for kayakers who want to simply take a gentle trip out fishing on still waters. The shape of the boat’s hull and the sheer width of the kayak don’t seem to help it much against the waves.
Beyond these points, reviewers seem to agree that it’s a comfortable boat. It certainly appears comfy to lie down on and let drift and a drain port below the seat eliminates standing water on the kayak’s deck. However, a lack of foot or leg rests means you’re going to experience some fatigue over longer journeys.
Online experts also rate the fact this boat packs down impressively compact – with a carry bag provided for trips in the car or truck. However, there’s no carry handle on the side – meaning you pretty much need to hoist the boat up and carry it to the launch point if you’re heading to the water.
Durability appears to get a firm thumbs-up from experts, too, as this boat features a thick drop stitch deck. The floor inflates to a respectable 8 PSI while the side tubes inflate to 3 PSI with the top-quality Leafield C7 inflation valves.
The package includes a fin, seat, carry bag, pump, and repair kit, and reviewers claim that this is a very customizable boat for fishing enthusiasts in particular. Its stern fin plate allows interchangeable fins and the self-draining deck gives you lots of space and numerous lashing points for your gear.
