Riot Edge 14.5 Sea Kayak Sea Trial test, Review and Specs

These brand new Riot 14.5 Edge kayaks wandered in one day so what else could I do but to haul one to the lake? Here are my thoughts, and if I may say so, my opinion is worth every penny you paid for it.

[@EdgarPace]

I like your style of review whether boat or bike. Quite rightly said. I have a Riot Edge 14.5 and really like it for a lot of the reasons you pointed out.

[@nituandrei8061]

a formidable review, today I bought 14.5, I can't wait to put it in the water. Thx!

[@Scootchels]

Greay choice! Enjoy.

[@njkid5520]

Thanks for posting this. I used to do some sea kayaking years ago (in rented fiberglass boats) and have been looking for a reasonably-priced way to get back to some paddling. This looks like it will fit the bill nicely. Just ordered one from REI's online outlet at a nice discount and am really looking forward to trying it out. Thanks again!

[@Scootchels]

Good for you! I hope you really like it. Hard to beat the price with the REI closeout.

[@njkid5520]

Scootchels I've had my boat for about three weeks now and just thought I'd do a quick followup. I love this boat. Can't see how you'd beat it at this price point. I'm a little bigger than the reviewer, at 6' 195 lbs. No problems getting in and out, and I find the cokpit perfectly comfortable. The seat has a nice ratcheting adjustment that allows you to tighten the back tension while you're sitting. The back rest is, as the reviewer noted, a matter of personal taste. For my part, I like it. Plenty of support and is quite comfortable for me. It also has a vertical adjustment, so there's some accommodation allowed for individual fit. At 14.5' long and 62 lbs, it's not exactly a whitewater play boat, but I have no problem transporting it on the roof of my Ford Fiesta, one of the smallest cars on the market. For what it's worth, everyone from the folks at REI to a half-dozen or so pretty experienced paddlers I've met while out and about who have checked out this boat have been impressed. I'm very pleased. Thanks again for the insightful review!

[@EPiQ_cR]

njkid5520 Scootchels So glad to find your comment! I've been scouring the internet for recent info on this boat. I'm a beginner looking for my first kayak (rented various recreational and paddled calm rivers and 2-3 foot swells). I'm 5'8" 200lbs. I read somewhere this kayak rides quite low for heavier paddlers. What's your impression? Also, I've never had an issue with stability in kayaks and canoes before, but with as narrow as this one is I'm worried. I've been looking into the Point65 Modular kayaks as well, but for the REI Outlet price this is reallllllly intriguing to me.

[@Scootchels]

Chris Ragan Chris, You'll have no problem with the weight. It rides a bit low anyway, but at 200lbs you're not taxing it at all. As for stability, again I think you'll have no problem. While it's a tad narrower than most of the boats in this length, it isn't squirrelly. You'll be used to it in the first or second paddle. Keep in mind, these are close outs from REI and not stock so they'll be gone sooner or later. Those modular Point 65's are a smart idea, but no clue how they paddle.

[@EPiQ_cR]

Scootchels Any experience with the Edge 13? They have the same size cockpit, but the 1ft 6in diff in length adds 5 lbs and 25 lbs of carrying capacity. It's quite a bit wider at 27.5" vs the 22, but is also 2" deeper. It is devoid of a rudder, and has the retractable skeg in its place. Saving the $80 diff in price is intriguing as its that much more to apply towards my paddle. With my experience, I definitely don't want something slow that I'll regret 1 season in, but also don't wanna buy a 14.5 if the return to an amateur like myself is quite negatable .

[@rickdownunder8904]

Fantastic review thanks.Looking at buying this exact model and as I am 5 10 like you I am glad to hear its a good fit.I am about 180 pounds so is this kayak good for my weight ? I have a Tarpon 120 fishing Kayak but this will be my first Touring kayak.Your review style is excellent and has given me confidence to buy this.Thanks again

[@peterwrigley1434]

Scoot held, I am so glad I got the Whiskey. Fancy doing a review of one?

[@peterwrigley1434]

Scootchels, cursed auto correct.

[@peterwrigley1434]

Hi, love your videos. I'm looking for a bit of advice. I am trying to decide between the edge 14.5 and a 2004 seayak. I am 5'19 and 175 pounds. I paddle in rivers, lakes and estuaries. Mainly day trips and overnighters. I currently paddle a Dagger Catalyst 12.8 and am looking for something faster and more interesting to paddle. Any recommendations? Cheers, Pete

[@Scootchels]

Peter Wrigley - Thanks for the kind words. Oof! Tough one. The Riot Edge will be “edgier”. A tad faster and more nimble. The Prijon is rock-solid in all conditions and a better quality build with bigger storage capacity. For long trips, reliability in rough or just plain durability, it’s the Seayak. For fun and playfulness, the Riot. I’d go Seayak personally, but if your doing back bays and inland rivers the Edge would be funnner.

[@peterwrigley1434]

Wow! Thanks heaps for the quick reply. It is really hard trying to pick a kayak. I tried a tsunami 145 today and it felt like I was paddling a log! Looking for something sporty that I can overnight in. My gear is all ultralight backpacking gear so I'm used to carrying a week's worth of stuff in a 40L pack. The Prijon available is in really good condition but it seems like the edge will be more fun to paddle. Thanks again👍

[@Scootchels]

Peter Wrigley - Well, if you didn’t like The Tsunami then you may find the Seayak to be loglike, too. The Riot slightly better. Tempest, Scorpio, Marlin?

[@Scootchels]

Never paddled the Catalina but even small Prijons seem to have some cockpit space.

[@peterwrigley1434]

Scootchels The more I look the harder it gets to make a decision 😀. The point65 whiskey 16 3l is also a possibility.

[@just-dl]

Looks good to me! I’m drooling over a second hand Riot, 13-footer. It has the skeg which I prefer to the rudder. It’s nylon too, I believe, so your comments stand! Do you still have/love your Riot?

[@dgm1514]

Hi. We actually just got two of these finds at an amazing price. Still need to take them out on the water. :) Wanted to know what model of rack you have?

[@Scootchels]

Hey, that's great! Enjoy your new kayaks. I use a Thule rack system. The one shown here is the rectangular bar with a foot pack to attach to my factory luggage rack. I use a wider load bar configuration than what is recommended so that I have more room for boats and bikes - just watch your head getting out of the car and when passing bus stops. The attachment is a Thule 835xt Pro, I think.

[@dgm1514]

Do you still use this boat by any chance? I noticed it was a 2013 review. There's surprisingly little info about this yak online!

[@Scootchels]

No, I had 6 or 7 for resale, but I've sold whatever I had.

[@mochazarba4834]

Very good

[@thejasongenova4327]

Don't know why the UK has the riot 15 but you guys have a 14.5?

[@Scootchels]

TheJasongenova if memory serves they made - maybe still make - both.

[@laefwhittaker3858]

great video

[@GGGtube]

Lake Luxembourg?

[@Scootchels]

Why, yes!! See you on the lake.

[@mehdimho]

I am 6'4", muscular 250lb, would I fit in it?

[@Scootchels]

Snug for sure. I’m not that size, so it’s a bit hard for me to judge, but it’s concerning enough that I’d suggest a try-before-you-by. You’d “fit”, but I’m not sure you’d be comfortable. There are other boats that are more specifically designed for bigger folks.

[@mehdimho]

@@Scootchels Thanks so much for reply. Any suggestions what kayak to look into for my size? thanks.

[@Scootchels]

@@mehdimho i’m a bit out-of-touch on current models. Most articles will push you to a sit on top, which would work. For sit-ins We used to find Prijon Kodiaks or original Perception Sea Lions (not Sea lion Shadow). They may come up on the used market, but out of print for many years. Sorry I’m not more help.

[@TheInferno550]

Have room for 6ft 2 ?

[@Scootchels]

It’s been a while since I paddled this boat, but I’m 5’10 and had plenty of adjustment left.

[@NWWCSeattle]

Thanks for the review...I found it at REI on sale - www.rei.com/product/868032/riot-edge-145-kayak-special-buy#tab-reviews

[@Scootchels]

Excellent! I'm a little surprised they still have them in stock, but good news for you. Enjoy your kayak!

[@StevenKeirstead]

No PFD?

[@tranquility9325]

If you are going to be teaching ppl about this boat you need to set a good example and have on a life jacket.

[@Scootchels]

tranquility - fair enough. I do support the use of pfds