Air Glide 385 Inflatable Kayak
Summary
Price At Time Of Writing | $1698.00
Our Overall Rating | 87 out of 100
Pros - Speed, paddling efficiency, build quality, excellent tracking
Cons - Less stable than lower-walled designs
Overall - An excellent full drop-stitch pick
Technical Specifications
Open Size - 385x77cm
Weight - 14kg
Load Capacity - 200kg
Packed Size - 96x57x46cm
Our Analysis & Ratings
When we first tried the Air Glide 385 kayak, what stood out immediately was how solid and rigid it felt for an inflatable. Unlike many inflatable kayaks we’ve paddled in the past, this one uses 100% drop-stitch construction, giving it a firm, almost hard-shell feel on the water. Bay Sports have clearly thought about comfort too, with a high-backed seat and even a booster cushion, making it easy to settle in for a session. After spending some time with it, we realised that the Air Glide 385 has some strong advantages but also a few limitations depending on your experience and intended use.
Performance - On calm lakes and rivers, the Air Glide 385 performs very well. The deep fins and hard chines on the hull help it track in a reasonably straight line and once you’re paddling, the glide feels smooth and efficient. The rigidity from the drop-stitch design makes a real difference here and you can feel the kayak hold its shape under load. That said, the high side walls make it a little more prone to catching wind and on breezier days, we found ourselves working harder to stay on course. The optional rudder system can help with manoeuvrability, but we found it a little fiddly to balance the tension properly. For shorter paddles or sheltered waters, performance is enjoyable, but for long-distance trips or windy conditions, there are other kayaks that handle better.
Construction - The full drop-stitch build is easily the highlight of the Air Glide kayaks range. Both the floor and sides inflate up to 10 PSI, creating a stiff, reliable frame that doesn’t sag, even near its maximum capacity. We were impressed with how tough it feels, too, as the material should handle bumps and scrapes without issue. The seat design deserves mention too: the high-back support, sturdy straps and optional 10cm booster cushion add comfort and flexibility, while the foot brace provides better posture for paddling. The cockpit is very spacious, which is great for larger paddlers or extra gear, but the trade-off is stability. With kids or dogs on board, the wide open space feels a little too ‘tippy’ compared to more stable inflatable kayaks.
Setup/Pack Down - Setup is straightforward but does take effort. Using the included hand pump, it took us around 7 to 10 minutes to inflate, though we’d recommend an electric pump for convenience, given the high pressure required for drop-stitch. Once inflated, it feels rock solid. Packing down is fairly quick at about 5 minutes, though you’ll need to fold it carefully to fit everything into the oversized backpack. The bag is large and does fit the kayak, paddle and pump easily, but the wheel placement is slightly awkward as the straps can drag when rolling. It’s manageable, but not perfect.
Portability - At 14kg, the Air Glide 385 is not too bad of a weight, though, we did notice the weight when lifting it into the car. The middle carry handles are a helpful addition for solo carries and the ability to transport it on roof racks while inflated is a real bonus if you’re using it regularly. Packed down, the dimensions are reasonable for storage at home and although the bag is bulky, it does make transporting the kayak much easier than dealing with a hard-shell of similar size.
Comfort - The adjustable high-back seat feels supportive and with the booster cushion, you can raise your sitting position for more visibility and a stronger paddle stroke. We liked having the option of the foot brace too, as it takes pressure off the lower back on longer outings. The space in the cockpit means you’re never cramped, though the higher side walls make entry and exit slightly tricky, especially for beginners. Once seated, however, it feels roomy and relaxed.
Overall - After testing the Air Glide 385 kayak, our overall impression is that it’s a great choice for paddlers who want a tough, rigid inflatable for lakes, bays and calm coastal waters. The high sides and buoyancy make it more wind-affected than we’d like and its stability isn’t suited for kids, dogs, or fishing, so keep that in mind.
