NRS Star Raven II Kayak
Summary
Price At Time Of Writing | $1095.00
Our Overall Rating | 74 out of 100
Pros - Great whitewater performance, comfortable
Cons - Overstated weight capacity causes flooding
Overall - Best for solo paddlers; disappointing for most tandems
Technical Specifications
Open Size - 12’2”x38”
Weight - 44lbs
Load Capacity - 400lbs
Packed Size - N/A
Our Analysis & Ratings
The NRS Star Raven II is a versatile tandem inflatable kayak designed to handle everything from relaxed flatwater cruising to challenging Class III-IV whitewater. It positions itself as a do-it-all craft, promising performance and durability from a reputable brand. While it largely delivers on its promise of being a maneuverable and fun boat for whitewater, it comes with a significant and frustrating caveat regarding its load capacity and floor design.
Performance - The Star Raven II is very maneuverable, responsive and feels right at home in Class II-III whitewater, where its agility and quick-draining self-bailing floor are major assets. It's a playful boat that experienced paddlers will enjoy for its handling. Just keep in mind that its performance is heavily dependent on load. When loaded within its true comfortable capacity (closer to 300lbs rather than the advertised 400lbs), it rides high and drains well. When overloaded, the floor sinks significantly, causing the self-bailing ports to sit below the waterline. This results in water flowing into the boat instead of out, leaving occupants sitting in a puddle even on flat, calm water, which is a deeply frustrating flaw for a kayak in this price range.
Construction - NRS is known for quality, and the Star Raven II's construction is generally well-built. The hull is made from advanced, high-density PVC that feels tough and is resistant to UV degradation and abrasion. The seams are welded for durability and the inclusion of pressure relief valves is a thoughtful touch to prevent over-inflation on hot days. The high-pressure drop-stitch floor is the core of the design, intended to provide rigidity. The thing is, the floor feels thinner and less supportive than those on other kayaks and it feels as though it lacks the necessary buoyancy to keep the cockpit dry under the weight it's advertised to hold, which is the kayak's most critical construction shortcoming.
Setup/Pack Down - Setup is straightforward. The Boston valves are standard and easy to use with the included double-action pump. Inflating the main tubes and the high-pressure drop-stitch floor to the recommended 8 PSI is necessary for performance; under-inflation makes the sinking floor issue even worse. The folding seats are also simple to install and adjust. The entire process takes about 10–15 minutes. Pack-down is easy, too, and the boat fits well into the included carry bag alongside the pump and repair kit. Like all self-bailing inflatables, make sure the floor is completely dry before storing it away.
Portability - Weighing in at 44lbs, the Star Raven II is reasonably portable. The provided carry bag has handles, making it possible for one strong person to transport it short distances if they’re strong. Its true portability strength is in its packed size, allowing it to be stored in a car trunk or closet, which is a major reason for choosing an inflatable. When inflated, the bow and stern carry handles make it easy for two people to transport to the water's edge.
Comfort - The folding seats are supportive and comfortable for all-day paddling, a noted improvement over basic inflatable seats. The cockpit is spacious for two average-sized adults, and the ability to slide the seats along the D-rings to customize legroom is a great feature. Ongoing from prior letdowns, though, comfort is entirely negated if the kayak is loaded beyond its functional capacity. The experience of sitting in several inches of cold water transforms a comfortable seat into a very uncomfortable situation. For solo paddlers with gear, the boat has plenty of room and is much more comfortable, as the weight is distributed more effectively.
Overall - The NRS Star Raven II is a perplexing kayak. It's brilliantly maneuverable, well-built and a genuine thrill to paddle in whitewater when loaded correctly, but its severely overstated weight capacity and consequent floor submersion issue a critical flaw that is unacceptable for a kayak at this price point. It is best viewed as a capable 300lb capacity boat, making it good for a solo paddler with overnight gear or two very light adults. If you fall within that narrow window, it's a fantastic performer. If you're a heavier tandem team expecting a dry ride, this kayak will be a profound disappointment.
