I purchased this Kayak over 2 years ago and it is worth every penny. I had previously bought another brand and that lasted only 3 months and had to be returned. The Lynx II has lasted so long considering how much I use it. I have taken it everywhere. It has been on the lake, river, ocean, lagoon.
It is very stable because of the holes at the bottom, cuts waves great. The only time you would have a hard time paddling is if it is windy. It is very durable considering I use it at least 2-3 times a month. It is so easy to inflate and deflate and fit perfectly in my car, including the Audi TT. It is also eye catching and I have had many people stopped and ask me about it. Highly recommend it for durability, portability, comfort and beautiful look.
Pros:
Great design, Build quality, Performance, Ease of use
I was initially looking at purchasing the tomcat II make by aire (tribute line), but decided to buy the lynx II due to better quality of the raft. The lynx II is extrememly comfortable, I use it with my friend we are both under 150 lbs so weight limit is not a problem. In fact, I am sure we could load it up with enough camping equipment for 1-2 nights ad still have enough leg room (however, we are also both under 5'6").
I was worried that the raft would be too wide for me to paddle comfortably (since I am a little small and short). However, paddling has not been an issue so far. The raft is not made for open water therefore it does not track that well but it does track better than the tomcat. The raft is very stable and I believe that it feels much more stable than the tomcat. Stability is also better than the bandit made by NRS. The seats are very comfortable and easily adjustable even once you are in the raft and on the water.
The back of the seats have a pocket and a holder for water bottles. Foot pegs and thigh straps can be purchased for further comfort and control but I have not tried the raft with those accessories yet. Inflating and deflating is both quick and easy. I inflate it with the bravo foot pump and it only takes about 8 minutes. I am able to carry the raft by myself if rolled up, and is easily carred by two people once inflated. Storage is easy since it rolls up into the size of an inflatable full mattress.
Even though the lynx II is an expensive raft I feel that the quality of the raft will pay off in the long run. I believe it is the most comfortable two person raft I have also been in (have tried rafts by NRS and other Aire models). Overall I am very happy with my purchase.
I've owned my Aire Lynx II inflatable kayak for just over a year, and my experience has been a delight. Very fast to inflate, this boat is also built like a tank: Unlike most inflatables, I have no fear of this one sinking, and it's backed by a 10 year warranty.
Control is very sure via my 4-piece 230cm (90 in.) paddle, and this boat can turn on a dime. In windy weather, control can be an issue (as with all inflatables), but in rough water this boat tends to skim over the top of waves rather than punching through them.
Overall, I'd recommend the Lynx II for paddlers of Beginning to Intermediate ability looking for an easy-to-use get-out-and-go kayak that's easily portable, rugged, and good looking (I regularly receive compliments RE: my boat). While there are less expensive inflatables available, I like knowing that my boat can stand up to rocks and water hazards far better than most.
Northern Rim Wilderness Adventures utilizes only the very best, superior class inflatable watercraft. We oar-rig (row) and paddle a number of exemplary American manufactured designs in our river-running task force including: Self-bailing rafts, Catarafts, IKs (inflatable kayaks), IC (inflatable canoes), and personal Paddle Cats. Currently, we furnish our fly-in, remote destination, wilderness adventure, and whitewater float trips with the advanced, modern design and exceptional product line from AIRE. We depend on AIRE that produces the highest quality, trustworthy inflatables in the world.
The IK (inflatable kayak) is the perfect getaway boat. Test your inspiration of running Alaska's rivers with the support of a raft trip. On easier stretches of the river trips, it is sometimes nice to have the ability to float independently from the rest of the group as an optional extra. Possibly you want a taste of the frothy stuff and paddle more tricky sections? For example: you'd like to have some personal challenge on your trip and added fun as a feature. Great idea!!! While you play - Your gear is stowed, waterproof, and protected aboard the large whitewater rafts or cats & safety or support are floating close at hand. The AIRE Lynx IK is all PLAY either way! (When I first hopped into this boat, I could not wipe the grin from my face - I'm convinced the same will happen to you!)