Super Nice

By gib3068096 Ranked #300 - Kayaks August 26, 2010

I bought this boat and the Lynx I to use on the Ocoee River in Tennessee. The Ocoee has some class IV and a lot of class III +. I am new to big whitewater but have been paddling for years.

We love the Aire line of boats and have no regrets about either. I prefer the Lynx I for the class IV sections and the 2010 Force for the Class III sections. The Lynx has a little more rise in the front and the little extra length causes it to stay on top of the water better. The Lynx also bails faster because of the front and rear bail holes. Both boats seem stable but I have turned over in both of them from doing stupid stuff. If you keep them straight and moving they will get you through the big stuff.

The floor of the Force blows up a little strange and it is important to make sure the air bladder is straight in the floor system. Still it inflates a little crooked. It makes no difference in the way it paddles though. There is no pressure relief valve in the floor of the Force you you cannot over inflate it. Inflating it too low causes it to handle bad. The pressure must be close to correct and this is tough going from the sun to cold water. That is why it is nice to have room for a pump.

I think as I progress I will prefer the Force over the Lynx and that is why I bought both. The Force will be a blast as I become more familiar with the river. I do like the storage room on the Lynx. The Force has no room for a dry bag, extra paddle, pump or supplies. When paddling alone I always take the Lynx because I like having the gear with me.

Short story, the boats are very similar. They are both stable and paddle great. For bigger water I like the Lynx. For smaller water and playing I like the new Force. So the decision depends on where you paddle in my opinion.

The quality is great and we have no regrets with either. If you are having trouble deciding, I would go with the Lynx.

Hope this helps someone.

View Details: Aire Force Inflatable Kayak

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes