Comments for AIRE Rafts

Comment on 160DD by Greg Von Doersten

Greg Von Doersten — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 18:16:20 +0000

I’ve been rowing my 16DD for the last 4 years in the SW and PNW and can’t say enough good things about this raft. It’s great for paddle rafting on Class IV-V and can carry enough gear for a multi-day trips on the GC or MF. It handles well and the diminished bow is great for heavy winds. My only problem I’ve had is one of the bladders blew out and Aire replace it w/ no questions asked.

Comment on Super Puma by Ricky McDaniel

Ricky McDaniel — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 21:06:05 +0000

I’m mostly a kayaker but in 2018, I bought a Super Puma, made in 1997. It came with an NRS rowing frame, 3 Carlisle oars and a Carlson barrel pump. I’ve taken it down the Rogue 3 times. Once on the Yampa and once on Gates of Ladore and several day trips on the South Fork of the American. I’m now selling my Super Puma, I just need a bigger raft. But looking at this now 28 year old raft, it’s in amazingly great shape. There is one small tear in the fabric on the bottom of the tube that has been repaired. Never a hole in any of the three bladders. Also, I guess thanks to Aire’s unique floor system, I’ve never flipped this raft. I’ve had a lot of good times in my old raft. Thanks Aire!

Comment on Outfitter II by Kathy W.

Kathy W. — Fri, 23 May 2025 21:53:00 +0000

My first IK. Not disappointed. Used as 1 and 2 person. Stable and well built. Can’t wait to get on the water again soon. Would highly! recommend.

Comment on Lynx II by Chris

Chris — Wed, 07 May 2025 17:58:39 +0000

If you’re considering the Lynx II, just go for it. It has everything you could want in a beautiful, sturdy, easy to maintain package. I’m so happy with my purchase and glad I got the best the first time. Simply the best boat made exceptionally well.

Comment on 156D by AustinR

AustinR — Tue, 06 May 2025 16:34:33 +0000

We live in Western Colorado – this boat is excellent for day trips, overnight and extended trips. This boat handles like a small raft but has the stability of a large raft – open floor if you run light and want stability in rapids, sealed floor if your consistently running a heavy boat as it will track better. All in all, probably the best raft on the market in the 16’ category.

Comment on 146DD by AKSKUNDY

AKSKUNDY — Fri, 02 May 2025 20:12:54 +0000

This is a great boat. Ive paddled/rowed all configurations Aire makes. I bought a 146DD for my family of 4 and have done multiple 4-5 night floats in the west and it packs like a barge, is fast on the water and drafts less than most boats if not all the same size. We live and do day floats on the upper colorado and eagle river sections. awesome boat that handles like a champ with an oar frame. I have never paddled this boat. I would argue this is an alternitive to a 16′ boat. A shorter boat for moving around and day floats, but packs like a barge for long trips. Highly reccomend as a quiver killer for western US

Comment on Outfitter II by Stephen Robertson

Stephen Robertson — Thu, 01 May 2025 19:39:29 +0000

Versatile, stable, tough. Incredible two person for any adventure and nearly any water. Hauls lots of gear with ease. Love it in Montana.

Comment on Lynx II by David Barnes aka Ducky Dave

David Barnes aka Ducky Dave — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 12:14:15 +0000

I have paddled my Lynx ll thru all kinds of water, class 1 to class 4. I bought it about 26 years ago. The boat has served me well. I would buy another one, but my first one is still going strong! Thanks Aire!

Comment on Tributary Strike II by Shawn Waddell

Shawn Waddell — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 15:54:21 +0000

I have had this kayak for 15 years.
I used it mainly on class 2/3 Rivers.
It even performed fairly well in flatwater.
I enjoyed it every single trip and never had any problems with it whatsoever until a catastrophic blowout of the left side wall. The way the tubes are designed let me paddle out by using rope to secure the tube. It could have been a lot worse but the design let me get out without walking. If I would have treated my boat properly and stored it properly every time, it would have lasted a lot longer. I am replacing it with a lynx 2 on Tuesday. Despite the catastrophe at the end, I got more than my money’s worth out of this kayak and I would recommend it to anybody. I was so close to giving it five stars despite the blowout. That is genuinely the only bad thing that ever happened.
Aire customer service has always been incredible and helpful and I just cannot say enough good things about them.

When this boat died I felt like I had lost a member of my family… RIP Blue Betty

Comment on 143R by Kraig Cochrun

Kraig Cochrun — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 23:01:54 +0000

I bought the 143R a decade ago after I took my Achilles down the Grand Canyon.
I flipped and my buddy picked me up in his 143R and let me row to chase down my raft.
I immediately noticed the difference and bought one as soon as could afford it.
I’ve used her as a gear boat and a paddle crew multiple time and she’s strong at both.
10 years later my 143R is still going strong and we’re adding a second to our family this week.
It’s got enough room to run multiple setups for big water, fishing trips, and kid friendly runs.
There’s literally nothing she can’t do.
I’ve only had 2 issues. The floor bladder blew a seam and a chamber valve started leaking.
Both were super easy to repair and customer service were very informative and helpful.
Hope this helps.
Cheers.