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Sea Eagle 380x vs 420x: Which is Better?

by Aquatic Venture on Nov 26, 2024

Sea Eagle 380x vs 420x: Which is Better?

Sea Eagle 380x vs 420x In-Depth Comparison

Sea Eagle has a range of inflatable kayaks, with its Explorer collection being some of its most popular—especially among recreational and whitewater paddlers. 

 

Out of the four kayaks in the Explorer range, only the Sea Eagle 380x and the 420x are suitable for one to three paddlers. And for this reason, potential buyers often compare the two.

 

If you’re reading this in-depth review, then it's likely you, too, are weighing up the similarities and differences of these two inflatable kayaks. 

 

In this article, we’ve delved into all the specifications, features, and performance capabilities of the Sea Eagle 380x and the 420x so you can make an informed decision when purchasing. 

 

Specifications

Sea Eagle 380x

Sea Eagle 420x

Exterior Length x Width

380 cm x 99 cm or 12’4” x 3’2”

427 cm x 100 cm or 14’ x 3’2”

Interior Length x Width

358 cm x 40.6 cm or 11’7” x 1’3”

406 cm x 40 cm or 13’3” x 1’3”

Person Capacity

3

3

Hull Weight

18 kg (39.6 lbs) 

20 kg (44 lbs)

Load Capacity

3 person or 340 kg (750 lbs)

3 person or 388 kg (855 lbs)

Air Chambers

3 (port, starboard, floor)

3 (port, starboard, floor)

Inflation Pressure

3.2 psi

3.2 psi

Air Valves

3 Recessed One Way

3 Recessed One Way

Inflation Time

8 minutes

9 minutes

Material

1100 Decitex Reinforced

1100 Decitex Reinforced

Seam

Glued Quadruple Overlapped

Glued Quadruple Overlapped

Floor

1000 Denier Reinforced

1000 Denier Reinforced

Whitewater Rating

Suitable up to Class IV

Suitable up to Class IV

 

Sea Eagle 380x Explorer

The smaller and more affordable of the two kayaks is the Sea Eagle 380x Explorer—an ideal inflatable kayak for those who wish to paddle solo or with a buddy in tow!

 

Suitable for fishing, touring, whitewater, and recreational use, the Sea Eagle 380x Explorer is a fantastic option for both first-time and experienced paddlers, thanks to its stable yet easy-to-maneuver design. 

Durability

Sea Eagle created the 380x Explorer inflatable kayak from 1100 Decitex Reinforced material—an extremely durable PVC fabric with impressive abrasion resistance. 

 

Then, to enhance the boat's durability even further, they joined the seams with Glued Quadruple Overlap and installed a1000-Denier Reinforced floor to help the 380x withstand bumps, knocks, and potential tears when paddling in whitewater conditions. 

 

Inflatable watercraft have come a long way in terms of durability, and the 380x Explorer is a prime example. However, understandably, they aren’t completely indestructible. But, if you were to get a puncture, you can usually repair it with a simple patch kit. 

Performance

The Sea Eagle 380x Explorer is such a versatile kayak that both beginner paddlers and advanced kayakers can appreciate how well it performs on the water.

 

At 99 cm wide, the 380x creates a stable platform for recreational use. And although it isn’t the fastest model on the market, the kayak’s included skeg and inflatable rigid floor do ultimately improve the boat’s tracking. 

 

This boat can even take on up to class IV rapids, so strong currents and intense waves won’t phase it. 

Load Capacity

The Sea Eagle 380x Explorer is a two-person watercraft. But you can also fit a smaller passenger or a dog—they just won’t have the comfort that comes with a dedicated seat. 

 

With a total weight limit of 340 kilograms, the 380x Explorer offers a decent load capacity, allowing paddlers to kayak with additional gear. Whether you plan on using the 380x for fishing or you wish to take it on your next camping trip, the need to pack light won’t be an issue. 

Size and Weight

Once fully inflated, the 380x kayak is 12’4” long and 3’2” wide. However, the hull has slightly less space at 11’7” and 1’3”. 

 

The 380x’s length is a sweet spot—manageable for solo paddlers yet long enough for tandem kayakers—while its width provides a stable platform that beginner adventurers will appreciate. 

 

The entire boat also weighs just 18 kilograms, making it an extremely portable tandem kayak option.

Features

Sea Eagle knows what it’s doing when it comes to creating high-quality watercraft, which is why, over the years, they’ve added even more features to the 380x to aid in performance, comfort, and inflation. 

 

  • High-Pressure Rigid Floor: The 380x Explorer’s new high-pressure rigid floor not only makes the boat more durable but it also improves performance with better tracking and minimal drag. 
  • 16 Drain Valves: The 380x is both a recreational and whitewater kayak, so Sea Eagle installed 16 drain valves to release any water that makes its way into the hull.
  • Front and Rear Spray Skirts: Another feature that comes in handy during whitewater paddling is the front and rear spray skirts, which will ultimately deflect water spray when you’re navigating waves. 
  • D-rings: You can never have enough D-rings. So, Sea Eagle fitted five—a total of ten—down either side of the kayak for you to attach gear and paddling accessories. 
  • Bungee Cords: In a similar fashion, there are bungee cords at both the front and rear of the boat where you can store dry bags and other waterproof items. 
  • Front and Rear Carry Handles: Carry handles at either end of the kayak make it easy to carry down to the water.
  • Slide-In Skeg: To improve tracking, Sea Eagle gave the 380x a removable slide-in skeg that attaches to a fin box on the underside of the kayak.
  • 3 One-Way Valves: The 380x boasts three separate air chambers, each with its own one—way valve. If you were to get a puncture, rest assured that you’d have two fully inflated chambers to get you back to dry land. 

Set-Up

One downfall of inflatable kayaks—or any inflatable watercraft, for that matter—is the fact that to get out on the water, you’ll first need to spend a few minutes pumping the boat up.

 

Inflating the 380x with a foot pump takes roughly 8 minutes. However, you could also invest in an electric pump which will cut inflation down to a fraction of the time. 

What’s Included

Sea Eagle sells several different package options for the 380x Explorer—some for solo paddlers, some for tandem paddlers, and even some for those who wish to add a motor to the back.

 

The 380x’s standard deluxe package, however, includes a paddle and an inflatable seat (two if you’re opting for the tandem deluxe), a carry bag, a SUP pump, a slide-in skeg, and a repair kit. 

7'10" AB30 Paddle

The 380x comes with a 4-part aluminum shaft asymmetrical blade paddle that weighs just 2.62 lbs. 

Deluxe Inflatable Kayak Seat

When paddling long distances, or even for long durations on the water, a comfortable seat is mandatory. The 380x Explorer comes with Sea Eagle’s inflatable kayak sea, which offers extra back support—14 inches, to be exact—and weighs just 3.5 lbs.

Kayak Carry Bag

If you’ve ever tried to stuff anything back into its bag—think a tent or a sleeping bag—then you’ll know that it isn’t the simplest task. To eliminate this problem entirely, Sea Eagle created a bag that wraps around the boat’s hull, making the packing-up process as easy as can be. 

 

The carry bag can also fit the kayak’s foot pump.

Slide in Skeg

The 380x comes with a removable slide-in skeg that improves tracking and reduces swaying of the boat’s hull.

Repair Kit

You’ll also receive a repair kit with all the components you need to repair a puncture in a matter of minutes. 

Sea Eagle 420x Explorer

At a quick glance, the 380x and 420x may look identical—they do boast many of the same features. However, the Sea Eagle 420x Explorer provides paddlers with a much larger load capacity as well as an additional 32 inches worth of hull space.

 

Sea Eagle created the 420x with kayak campers and anglers in mind, providing them with a spacious platform for fishing and storing gear. The 420x’s larger size also makes it a great option for small families looking to get out on the water, as it supplies enough space for two adults and a young child to paddle comfortably. 

Durability

Like its smaller sibling, Sea Eagle crafted the 420x Explorer out of durable 1100 Decitex Reinforced material, combined its seams with a Glued Quadruple Overlap, and used a 1000-Denier Reinforced floor.

Performance

For a singular paddler, the 420x isn’t the most efficient kayak, as it requires a lot of strength and effort to propel the boat through the water. But, with two people paddling, then the 420x is more than capable of gliding smoothly while also being able to take on up to class IV whitewater. 

 

If you plan on solo paddling fairly often, then the 420x may not be your best option. However, for couples, families, or friends who like bonding out in nature, then the 420x is worth considering.

Load Capacity

One mentionable difference between the 380x and the 420x is the load capacity. The 420x gives paddlers a further 48 kgs (105 lbs) worth of weight allowance—a substantial amount for anglers, kayak campers, and families.

 

Whether you use that extra weight for gear, a third passenger, or even your four-legged friend, it can really be a deal breaker when determining the right kayak for you. 

Size and Weight

In addition to a higher weight capacity, the 420x is 32 inches longer and 2 kilograms heavier than the 380x. The longer length of the 420x does mean extra storage space and enhanced comfort, but it also makes it heavier and more laborious to transport.

Features

All features of the 420x are on par with the 380x, with the only distinction being that the 420x has 12 D-rings running down its sides instead of 10. 

 

The 420x Explorer features a high-pressure rigid floor, drain valves, spray skirts, bungee cords, a slide-in skeg, and three one-way valves.

Set-Up

It’s understandable that with 38 more inches worth of boat, the inflation time of the 420x will be slightly longer—and by slightly, we mean just one minute. So, in total, with a hand pump, it will take 9 minutes to inflate the Sea Eagle 420x Explorer. 

What’s Included

 

Sea Eagle markets numerous accessory packages for the 420x. However, the lowest package—the deluxe package—includes the same items as the 380x, just with an additional paddle and kayak seat.  

 

With the deluxe package, you’ll receive two 7'10" AB30 paddles, two Deluxe Inflatable Kayak Seats, and a kayak carry bag. Plus, you’ll also get a SUP pump, a slide-in skeg, and a repair kit.

Which Is Better, the Sea Eagle 380x or the 420x Explorer?

Determining which kayak comes out on top really comes down to a few significant factors. And two of those factors are who the kayak is for and what you intend to use it for. 

 

For example, anglers, families who wish to paddle with dogs or kids, taller kayakers, and kayak campers will greatly appreciate the additional hull space and weight allowance that comes with the 420x. In contrast, solo paddlers and couples who don’t require as much legroom would benefit from the 380x’s enhanced performance and its improved portability. 

 

Another factor to consider is budget. The 380x’s tandem deluxe package is $200 cheaper than the 420x’s, making it a far more affordable option. 

 

All in all, the two kayaks are extremely similar, with their length, weight, and weight capacity being the most notable differences. Once you’ve decided the type of paddling you plan to do with your inflatable kayak, then the boat that's right for you will really be a straightforward answer.