Razor Edge Pro 1 Review

Razor Edge Pro 1 Review

Australia’s Razor Kayaks enters the US market with the bold claim that its single-passenger Edge Pro 1 is the fastest, most agile inflatable kayak ever built. After putting the Edge Pro through its paces, we’ll make a pretty bold claim of our own. Namely, what sounds like marketing hype actually proves pretty spot on.

Note: Razor Kayaks has just opened a warehouse and has staff in California, meaning US orders how ship locally!

Borrowing a construction method more commonly used in inflatable SUP construction — but tweaking it to provide shape and curvature — Razor has created an inflatable that looks and feels very much like a hard-shell, yet packs away into a compact (if somewhat heavy) backpack. Setup is remarkably quick with an electric pump. On-water performance backs up the potential promise, with surprisingly few reservations.

Looking for a true performance kayak but need the practical advantages that come with an inflatable? The Razor Edge Pro 1 just may be the solution.

Construction and Setup

The ace up Razor’s sleeve is the use of drop-stitch construction, a method that internally connects the top and bottom layers of an inflatable object — be it a raft, SUP or kayak — via thousands of fine threads, allowing it to inflate into a rigid, well-defined shape.

In Razor’s case, that drop-stitch core forms a trio of lengthwise panels just 2 inches in depth. Over top, Razor adds a reinforced mesh layer dubbed Tech Stitch, and tops everything off with an additional layer of high-density, 1000-denier PVC to give the exterior durability comparable to a white-water raft. Unlike traditional, mostly flat panels, these sections are engineered with bends to more closely approximate the shape of a hard-shell kayak while preserving cockpit space and avoiding the bulk of a conventional inflatable bladder. The end result is a sleek, streamlined profile with performance that edges closer to rigid designs than most inflatables.

Setup with an electric pump proved surprisingly quick. We unrolled the Edge Pro 1, filled the individual starboard, port and floor panels via one-way inflation valves (pop up when filling, push down to deflate), and were done in about six minutes. Razor claims about four minutes with an electric pump, and that’s probably close once you get the hang of things. If you have to go the manual route, Razor’s dual-chamber, triple-action aluminum pump also impressed. It allows users to start on a high-volume setting to maximize air flow, then switch to higher-pressure to get panels to the required PSI.

Like the pump, the paddle is an a la carte purchase. Aluminum, fiberglass and carbon-fiber options are available. We weighed our carbon-fiber tester at 1.8 pounds. The lone catch to all is that they’re not adjustable for length, measuring in at a fixed 88.5 inches.

Once the Edge Pro is inflated, the foam-cushioned seat attaches to the floor using Velcro strips, allowing it to be adjusted fore and aft to suit different heights and position preferences. The backrest secures via hooked straps that clip into internal D-rings. A foam cylinder footrest can be clipped into a series of loops sewn into interior web straps. Notably, all hardware is marine-grade stainless steel.

Complete the setup by installing a single 8.5-inch fin into the slide-in finbox and securing with a tethered clip.

Carrying any extra gear? There are crisscrossing bungees fore and aft to secure dry bags or other items. There’s also room within the interior at bow and stern should you wish to squeeze in a little extra or protect gear from the elements.

Go With The Flow

Slip into the cockpit and take a few initial strokes, and the Razor Edge Pro 1’s stability is immediately evident. Unlike designs using bulky air bladders, the drop-stitch core produces a relatively flat, solid-feeling hull. Paired with its single fin, the hull tracks cleanly through the water and glides efficiently, carrying momentum well in calm water.

Even when venturing into the choppier, wind-whipped conditions of the adjacent Intracoastal Waterway, that sense of stability holds…even when encountering wakes of passing boats. It’s a combination that will satisfy a variety of audiences, from beginning paddlers to those looking for added speed and performance.

While the occasional splash wasn’t unwelcome on a warm Florida afternoon, a spray skirt is an available option. It attaches neatly around the rolled cockpit coaming and cinches in place via a perimeter bungee cord. We quickly overheated with the black spray skirt in place, but it’s a nice option on cooler days or when tackling rougher water. A screw-in drain plug aft can empty any water that does make its way through the cockpit opening.

In all conditions we tested, Razor’s agility claims held up. The Edge Pro responds quickly to paddle input, initiates turns with ease and handles tight confines with confidence. In short, once again it felt very much like its hardshell counterparts, a claim not that many inflatables can share.

As to ergonomics, the footrest is highly adjustable, accommodating a range of paddler sizes and comfort preferences, while the seat back can be reclined to suit individual paddlers. The cockpit coaming edge is soft and forgiving, reducing the risk of elbow bumps or arm scrapes. We also found the seating positioning to strike a thoughtful middle ground, less elevated than a sit-on-top kayak but not as low as most sit-in designs.

In terms of durability, the Razor Edge Pro 1 seemed no worse for wear after gentle encounters with dock or pilings. We’d feel confident in the material to maintain its integrity if slid up on the occasional rocky or shell-filled shoreline. Both bow and stern are reinforced, adding an extra layer of protection beyond the PVC skin alone.

Final Thoughts

A real-world complication with many inflatables is just how easily they can be packed away at day’s end. Models that pair a bladder with a fabric cover can retain moisture, and should be fully dried before packing away to avoid mold and mildew. By contrast, the Edge Pro’s PVC exterior doesn’t easily absorb water, making it quicker to wipe and dry. Still, be aware of areas like grab handles, seat and web straps.

Weight is also worth noting. Fully loaded with kayak and extras, the included backpack can weigh as much as 45 pounds, which is a substantial carry over any real distance. The inflated kayak itself is easier to manage for short trips to and from the water, but still tips the scales at around 35 pounds. The plastic fin also requires care. Be careful laying the kayak down on its bottom when on dock or shore with it attached to prevent damage.

As to the price, the Razor Edge Pro 1’s $1,499 retail price (currently discounted $250 online) is no small chunk of change. But we’d argue you get what you pay for. Budget inflatables are fine for casual recreational use, but an inflatable that looks, feels, and most importantly performs much like a hardshell — while offering the storage and transport advantages of an inflatable — is something special.

In short, the Edge Pro 1 lives up to the hype.