This is a pretty interesting little craft. As a family we already own too many boats - 'glass, plastic, thermo - but all long tourer types. The team wanted something smaller, lighter and more maneuverable for quick jaunts and backwaters.
We picked up 2 Edge 13's. The price was way below the competition and the outfitting is quite nice. What surprised me was how much it really felt like a full-blown sea kayak. It's much faster and livelier than I would have expected in such a short kit, and for the price is an easy choice for anyone doing day tripping or single nights who doesn't want to fight 16'+ onto the car.
I purchased my Edge 13 last March (2012) and soon after I hit the river and never looked back. Extremely easy entry and exit due to the large cockpit. Great primary and secondary stability. Friends have tried it and wanted one for themselves. With the rudder it's easy to keep a straight course.
A great little boat for someone like myself who just wants to paddle easy and do some photography or weekend trips. It's great in class II and III rapids. The only problem I have with this boat is the oil canning, I'm told that all (most) plastic boats get this. I'm not racing so it's not such a big deal, I just don't like having a 'dent' in my new boat. And it certainly doesn't stop me from getting to where I'm going.
The Edge is a great beginner or entry level craft. I highly recommend it.
I picked up the Riot Edge 13 from REI's online outlet store with an additional 20% off the outlet price. All my other boats are 17-18 foot boats and I wanted a crossover boat for creeks and rock hopping in smaller water ways.
I have never seen a rec boat that has as much to offer as this one. It is not as wide as most rec boats and paddles very well. It tracks great with the skeg down. The seats are extremely comfortable and highly adjustable. It has almost every amenity you might want (two bulkheads, fishing rod holder, rescue straps for paddle float re-entry, two drain plugs, one for the rear compartment and one on the side of the cockpit, thigh braces, adjustable foot pegs and lots of deck straps). It even has a netted storage above the legs under the deck.
The only thing I am disappointed with is that the hatch covers seem slightly too big for the hatches and will most likely not seal well if the boat goes over. Even for a higher price than what I paid, this is an excellent rec boat, but with REI's current sale, it is a steal. I gave it a 9 because of the hatch covers.
I bought this boat online from the REI outlet because the specs sounded good, the price was unbelievably good and I needed a rotomolded boat for rock bumping or just as an extra. Plus, I was assured that if it wasn't what I wanted I didn't have to keep it. This has turned into a very pleasant surprise as it is very fun to paddle, stable yet good glide and speed. Skeg deploys flawlessly. Very nice transitional kayak, more than a rec boat, less than a sea kayak, just what I was hoping for.
My twelve year old grandson loves paddling it (and he is no slouch at paddling) and beginners quickly feel comfortable. Large opening means I can get in and out easily, but not sloppy feeling. Only drawback is the weight. It is listed as 44lbs. Hah! Only in the imagination of the sales crew is it 44lbs, I would love to weigh myself on this scale and I would never have to diet again. Granted I am a weak sister, but both my grown sons agree that it is closer to 54-60lbs. For this reason it tends to get left at home when I would prefer to use this as the extra boat. Because of the weight, we have (lovingly) dubbed her the SeaPig and when the boys do the hauling she is the first one chosen for themselves, a guest or my grandson (if they can get it away from him).
I hope this doesn't make it sound like a beginner only boat, because it certainly is not. Both beginners and those more experienced have enjoyed using her and would highly recommend this as a nice transitional kayak.