NRS Star Raven I Inflatable Kayak Lime

2024-08-03T06:30:21

People complain that you sit in water, well then don't get a self-bailing boat because this is a very typical feature of these type of boats. If you weigh 130 you most likely won't be sitting in water if on a lake, but you will still end up wet on White water. My dog is 60 lb and sits up front and never gets wet. I weigh 156 and do end up with a wet butt. Very durable, a sports car on water, can take the abuse of my dog's nails, enough room for me and the dog and still plenty of space behind the seat for a lot of gear. Cruises nicely on Lake and was easy to handle on my first White water experience on class 1 +/ 2- for 22 miles.... Stable enough that neither the dog nor I were thrown out. I weighed this boat three times on a high-end calibrated scale and it came out to 30 lb. This includes the floor. Add almost 4 more pounds for the seat and you get a total of nearly 34 lb,.... Making portaging easy. Quick to inflate too with the pump they send you and with a beefy well made backpack. I ordered four more d-ring patches to glue to the front of the boat for storing more gear if I don't take the dog. I backpack so it would be easy to fit my backpacking gear in this boat for overnight trips. Could probably even still fit the dog but that might make it a little tight. Got to remember the boat is rated for 275 lbs. Also NRS has good customer service!

Amy B.

Originally posted at

2023-08-06T16:57:09

Been great Have used it 4-5 times now and not disappointed.

Robert E.

Originally posted at

2020-12-30T20:12:36

I've had this bad boy for a full season and it handled quite nicely. I have ran it solo and tandem. Always have a great time. I love the seat backs although the cushioning does retain water and makes for a soggy bum. Currently daydreaming about when it warms up enough to take it out again!

Rio K.

Originally posted at

2020-07-15T10:13:05

I love how it works the rapids-- totally fun! That said, there is a design flaw with the floor-- it gets the narrowest right where the most weight is, which ends up leaving you sitting in a puddle of water. The neoprene seat soaks that water up like a sponge, so you are guaranteed to be unable to escape a freezing cold, wet butt. I would recommend this boat to people who like to have fun in whitewater, and who don't mind having a cold, wet butt. I'm still looking for solutions to keep myself comfortable and dry-ish (not opposed to getting wet, just sitting in a cold, wet puddle on a cold, wet neoprene seat.). I have had other self baing kayaks that don't do this. I really like this boat except for this one, very uncomfortable flaw.

JOANNA W.

Originally posted at

2020-07-06T19:41:30

Awesome IK! I was expecting something similar to the "duckie" when I purchased the Raven 1 and I was pleasantly surprised to find out it's a sporty whitewater job! The drop-stitched floor is super stiff when fully inflated. I was able to stand up after only a minute or so. Very impressed with the maneuverability of this boat in swift water, especially with NRS thigh straps. Only complaints would be that #1 - it definitely needs a foot brace in swift or flat water which brings me to #2 - it is not the most comfortable boat for a full day on flat water, especially if its windy! But hey, this bad boy is absolutely designed for some serious whitewater action for sure, no doubt about it! I've only had it long enough for a couple of river runs so far with the last & best being sections 3 & 4 of the Chattooga River (Paddle faster! I hear banjo music!) It was a blast and the Raven 1 held it's own and performed like a true champ! For the money the Raven is a heck of great deal but my buddy bought the Star Viper which is even a step up from there and it also lived up to the hype! He was able to roll it after only 2 attempts! I know the Raven is only "rated" for Class 4 rapids but our next trip is down the infamous Linville River which is chocked full of Class 5's but I think this boat will do just fine. Even if I get killed I'm sure the Raven will be fine. If not, whoever finds it should be able to quickly and easily repair it with the included repair kit!

Jason R.

Originally posted at

2020-06-29T19:35:21

We have recently purchased both the Raven 1 and Raven 2 and my wife and I are thoroughly impressed with both the quality/durability of the yak and the performance and versatility in the water. We have used it on mostly class1 and class 2 waters but the ease of navigation and how quickly we can inflate and deflate makes every dollar spend worth it. We are looking forward to our next trip. Thank you the most important thing that needs to be said is how multiple people bent over backwards to help us get our order shipped to us on time for our vacation. Our order was a 2 part order and the 1st part was shipped out as a UPS ground package and wasn't going to make it. The team at NRS jumped through hoops to send a third order and cancel the first order that had already shipped, to make sure that all of our items would make it in time for our whitewater trip.(I can't recall the ladies name maybe Nicki or Danielle?), she took the lead and spoke with her supervisor to make it happen. Thank U

Christopher V.

Originally posted at

2020-06-15T15:31:32

I bought a cosmetic blem Raven for my son and am very impressed. We have an old Trib Strike that we have been using (also great for what it is), but this Raven has many improved features. The drop stitch floor is flat and more rigid, also easy to remove to allow for complete drying after use. The bow and stern tips are hard plastic with handles. The bottom is much smoother and flatter for better efficiency (doesn't have the 'tri hull' look of older Tribs). No messy stitching, no miles of webbing, no seat belt material, no massive zippers with key chain loops through them, etc etc. The back pack is a nice touch, seat installs easily, etc. Great boat. Only quibble is the name is a bit odd? Could easily be mistaken for a box store buy at first glance. Would be nice if NRS would step up the branding a bit. NRS customer service A+.

Michael S.

Originally posted at

2020-03-19T20:00:01

NRS's service is the best in the nation, hands down. Everytime I call, they take good care of me. Even if its just an O ring for a pump or something small.

Sendy b.

Originally posted at

2019-06-23T20:00:01

I'm really pleased with this kayak. It's stable and quick on the water and roomy enough for me, my son, and the dog. It tracks well, even in some wind. My only gripe would that it lacks D rings fore and aft but I can always add those myself.

Tom

Originally posted at