Aqua Marina Laxo 320 Review
Rating
Performance: 6
Size/Weight: 6
Durability: 5
Setup: 6
Value: 6
OVERALL: 5.8
A super comfy kayak for two that holds its line nicely on the water.
Let’s be real: the Laxo 320 is the smallest kayak on our list for two people, and it’s a tight fit for two grown adults. No footrests and a fabric cover that’s slow to dry make it a bit frustrating, BUT, thanks to its two-fin setup and slightly V-shaped bottom, it goes in a straight line much better than other kayaks in this size range, which earns it a spot in our picks.
Comparison
Rank: #9
Open Size: Very short, wide
Packed Size: Bulky
Weight: Light
Capacity: Very low
Best For: Calm water, fun outings.
Pros: Easy to put together, steady, good tracking.
Cons: No hard base, very tight for two adults.
Verdict: A good budget-friendly choice if you don’t mind sitting close.
Skip ahead to First Impressions, Setup/Packdown, Paddling Experience, or the Final Verdict, check out how the Aqua Marina Laxo 320 compares to others in our list of the Top Ten 2 Person Inflatable Kayaks or see how we choose the best inflatable kayak.
Specs:
Open Size: 10’6x35in
Packed Size: 35x22x16in
Weight: 26.5lbs
Capacity: 396lbs
Approx Price: $479.99
First Impressions
Just like the 285 (and the larger three-person version, the 380), the Laxo 320 arrives with everything you need in the box: two paddles, two seats, two fins, a foot pump and a pretty decent carry bag. The paddles are perfectly fine, but as we mentioned in the Laxo 285 review, the included foot pump is barely usable. Save yourself the hassle and grab a proper double- or triple-action pump instead, or you’ll probably leave the kayak sitting in the garage because inflating it will feel like too much work.
The twin fins are a clever idea for a kayak that doesn’t have a super firm base, as they help it move straighter through the water.
The bag it comes with is handy too, as it unzips around the edge which makes it much easier to get the kayak in and out. A small but helpful feature.
Setup/Packdown
The 320 uses three matching Boston valves, all grouped together, which makes this one of the easiest setups we’ve come across. You pump up the floor first to 1 psi (don’t forget to check the pressure!), then move on to the side chambers.
No need to inflate the seats, which is great news, and the velcro underneath each seat matches up with a strip on the floor, then you attach the side clips to the D-rings on the tubes. One thing to note: it’s one of the few kayaks in this price range using plastic clips, and we’re not completely sold on how long those will last. The fins slot in without much fuss, though getting the pin out can be annoying.
We already said this in the 285 review and here it is again: THERE ARE NO FOOTRESTS. This makes paddling a bit harder than it should be.
When it comes to packing up, the fabric shell becomes a bit of a pain. Since it’s fully wrapped in fabric, drying it out takes a long time, so usually you’ll end up rolling it, tossing it into the car, taking it out again at home, blowing it up and leaving it out to air dry for a few days before putting it away properly.
Paddling Experience
The Laxo 320 won’t blow anyone away with speed or performance, but it actually stays pretty straight in the water compared to other kayaks in its range. This is thanks to the slight V-shape created by the long inner tubes on the bottom, which gives it a natural direction, along with the two fins. You might wonder if one longer fin would do the same job (it probably would) but then it wouldn’t be as useful in shallow water. For a V-shaped kayak, it also feels pretty stable because of the wide side tubes.
Just like the Itiwit Cruising Kayak, though, the thick side tubes mean you have to reach over them to paddle, which makes each stroke a little more tiring than usual.
The biggest issue on the water is the lack of space. The seating area is extremely tight for two average-sized adults, let alone for me and my test partner, who’s 6’4” (his feet ended up halfway down my legs). It’s not the best spot to be stuck in for more than a short paddle.
The seats are made of fairly thick foam, so they do feel comfortable and give decent support. Still, I’ll repeat it, NO FOOTRESTS. Having something under your feet to push against helps a lot with paddling technique. Without that, and with the soft inflatable floor, you probably won’t want to cover too much distance.
Final Verdict
The Aqua Marina Laxo 320 does a decent job as a straight-tracking kayak for people on a tighter budget. It has a few real downsides like the small seating area, fabric outer layer and the missing footrests, but if you want something affordable that won’t zigzag all over the place, this one’s worth considering.
Want to see how the Aqua Marina Laxo 320 compares to other kayaks we tested? Head over to our list of the Best Two-Person Inflatable Kayaks.
Water & Outdoors reviews are written by our staff writers, who combined have over fifty years of experience on the water and outdoors. We may earn commissions if you choose to buy through a link you’ve clicked on our website, however this does not influence our reviews. For more information, please see our Editorial Policies.