If you’re in the market for an inflatable kayak, chances are you’ve come across the Sea Eagle 370 Pro and Deluxe models. As two of the most popular options from Sea Eagle’s impressive lineup, these kayaks share a lot of similarities but also have some key differences depending on the type of paddling you plan to do.
In this in-depth comparison guide, we’ll break down the pros, cons, features, and performance factors of each kayak to help you decide which is the better choice for your needs.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy-to-use option for lakes and mild rivers or an experienced paddler needing a rugged kayak for ocean touring, one of these Sea Eagles will likely fit the bill.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Sea Eagle 370 Pro | Sea Eagle 370 Deluxe |
| Length | 12 ft | 12 ft |
| Width | 34 in | 34 in |
| Weight | 32 lbs | 26 lbs |
| Max Capacity | 650 lbs | 500 lbs |
| Material | Polykrylar hull & tubes | Polykrylar hull & tubes |
| Chambers | 4 chambers | 3 chambers |
| Seats | Deluxe kayak seats with cushions | Standard molded seats |
| Whitewater Rating | Class III | Class III |
| Bow/Stern Reinforcement | Yes | No |
| Spray Skirts | Yes | No |
| Carry Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Packed Size | Slightly larger | More compact |
| Best For | Whitewater, ocean, heavy loads | Flatwater, light loads |
Sea Eagle 370 Pro Overview
The Sea Eagle 370 Pro is a 12 foot inflatable kayak capable of handling Class III whitewater rapids while still remaining compact and portable enough for backcountry adventures.
With a weight capacity of 650 pounds, this one-person kayak provides excellent stability while its inflatable spray skirts help keep water out. The 370 Pro comes with two deluxe kayak seats for improved comfort on long paddling days.
Key Features:
- Length: 12′
- Width: 34”
- Weight: 32 lbs
- Max Capacity: 650 lbs
- Tube Diameter: 33”
- Number of air chambers: 3 + skeg
Pros
- Great for whitewater up to Class III rapids
- High weight capacity for gear
- Improved seats with cushioned backs
- Bow and stern spray skirts keep water out
- Highly portable and packable
Cons
- Not as fast as hard-shell kayaks
- Set up and breakdown takes time
- Skeg needs to be adjusted manually
Sea Eagle 370 Deluxe Overview
The Sea Eagle 370 Deluxe is another popular one-person kayak featuring a streamlined build optimized for speed and tracking. At just 26 pounds, this inflatable kayak packs down small for easy transport without sacrificing durability.
The 370 Deluxe can handle up to Class III whitewater but really shines on open water like lakes, rivers, and coastal shorelines. With a 500 pound capacity, there’s still plenty of room for gear inside this nimble kayak.
Key Features:
- Length: 12′
- Width: 34”
- Weight: 26 lbs
- Max Capacity: 500 lbs
- Tube Diameter: 33”
- Number of air chambers: 3
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Faster than the 370 Pro on flat water
- Excellent tracking from bow to stern
- Can still handle Class III rapids
- Compact pack size for storage and transport
Cons
- Lower weight capacity than 370 Pro
- No included spray skirts
- No cushioning on Deluxe seats
- Skeg needs manual adjustment
Comparison of Key Factors of Sea Eagle 370 Pro And Deluxe Kayaks
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each kayak, let’s do a side-by-side comparison of some of the most important factors to weigh when deciding between the Sea Eagle 370 Pro and Deluxe.
- Performance
The streamlined shape of the 370 Deluxe gives it a slight edge in speed over the 370 Pro on flat water. It tracks well and maintains momentum for less paddling effort on long trips across lakes or slow rivers.
However, the Pro model is no slouch and can still cover distance efficiently. If tackling whitewater, the Pro’s heavier weight capacity gives it an advantage with more stability in rapids up to Class III. The Deluxe is still capable on rapids but favors open water overall.
- Maneuverability
These compact one-person kayaks both maneuver quite well, with the ability to spin and turn swiftly when needed. The Pro model feels a bit livelier thanks to its grippier kayak seat and the high-pressure drop stitch floor that creates a stiff standing platform.
The Deluxe isn’t far behind in agility but the lack of supportive foot braces limits aggressive edging ability. It’s still quite nimble for its size.
- Portability
One of the main advantages of an inflatable kayak is easy transport and storage. The Deluxe wins out in this category thanks to its slightly smaller pack size at just 31 x 19 x 10 inches. It stuffs down smaller since it lacks the spray skirts of the Pro model. At 26 pounds, the Deluxe is also several pounds lighter for carrying.
Still, the Pro model at 32 pounds remains manageable for one person to carry and packs away into a compact bundle. The skirts add some weight and bulk, but many paddlers find they are worth it.
- Build Quality
Sea Eagle consistently produces rugged and durable kayaks using thick 38 mil Polykrylar hulls and 9 inch tubes. The Pro and Deluxe models are no exception, both constructed to handle abrasion, punctures, and general wear and tear that comes with outdoor water use.
High-frequency welded seams ensure these kayaks won’t leak air. Despite their comparable quality, the Pro model gets the edge for longer-term durability thanks to the extra rubber reinforcement on the bow and stern. The stern also has an additional air chamber as a safety feature.
- Setup and Breakdown
Inevitably, inflatable kayaks require time and effort to inflate and deflate before and after each use. Thankfully, Sea Eagle packs each kayak with a foot pump, meaning you don’t have to blow them up manually.
Both models take about 8-10 minutes to reach the proper inflation level of 3-4 PSI. The Pro model requires a bit more pumping effort since it maxes out at 4.25 PSI while the Deluxe only needs 3 PSI.
Deflation is quick, taking just 2-3 minutes to expel air and pack down. Overall, setup and takedown is straightforward for both options.
- Comfort
After hours of paddling, comfort can make a big difference in your enjoyment on the water. Here the Sea Eagle 370 Pro pulls ahead thanks to its deluxe kayak seats with cushioned back support. This gives essential lumbar support for good paddling posture.
The seats on the Deluxe model have molded backs without padding, reducing comfort during long stints or multi-day trips. It’s easier to install additional seat cushions on the Pro versus trying to retrofit the Deluxe.
- Storage and Carrying Capacity
Both of these single-person kayaks offer decent interior storage room for gear behind the seat. The Pro model offers more wiggle room thanks to the 650 pound weight capacity versus 500 pounds on the Deluxe.
The Pro can take on a heavier paddler plus more equipment for multi-day camping adventures. The Deluxe can still carry a decent load but is ultimately more optimized for speed over capacity.
- Price
As two of Sea Eagle’s most popular kayak models, the Pro and Deluxe are priced very competitively. The 370 Pro commonly retails for $599 while the 370 Deluxe costs $569 – just a $30 difference.
Given their comparable quality and performance, the pricing offers great value for either choice. The Pro costs slightly more but also includes the spray skirts and better seats.
Recommended Uses
Now that we’ve compared these kayaks across all of the key factors, let’s discuss which specific paddling situations favor the Sea Eagle 370 Pro or 370 Deluxe.
Sea Eagle 370 Pro Ideal Uses:
- Whitewater kayaking up to Class III
- Ocean and coastal kayaking
- Camping trips with lots of gear
- Tandem paddling with small passenger
- Paddlers over 250 pounds
- Knee security in rapids
Sea Eagle 370 Deluxe Ideal Uses:
- Recreational paddling on lakes and mild rivers
- Light overnight trips with minimal gear
- Fishing from a stable standing platform
- Paddlers under 250 pounds
- Trips focused on speed and distance
Also Read: Comparison of Oru Kayak And Advanced Elements Kayaks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There is no definitively “best” Sea Eagle as models like the Pro and Deluxe cater to different needs. The 370 Pro is best for more extreme paddling situations with its whitewater credentials and heavier weight capacity. It’s also the better choice for comfort on long trips.
The 370 Deluxe excels as a recreational kayak for lakes and easy rivers where speed is preferable to ruggedness. It packs down smaller but can’t carry as much gear. Choose based on your paddling environment and needs.
Absolutely. Both the Pro and Deluxe 370 models are designed specifically as solo kayaks for one paddler. Their compact size and maneuverability allow them to be easily controlled by a single adult. Having two people try to paddle one of these kayaks would be very cramped.
Sea Eagle makes some of the highest quality inflatable kayaks available today. Their boats are constructed from durable materials and can withstand years of steady use if properly maintained. Features like multiple air chambers provide redundancy if one area gets punctured.
Inflatables can’t match the speed of hard-shell kayaks, but Sea Eagles like the 370 Pro and Deluxe are much more portable. Overall, these are excellent and versatile options for paddlers who prioritize a balance of performance, packability, and quality.
All Sea Eagle inflatable kayaks, including the 370 models, feature a heavy-duty construction using rip-resistant Polykrylar hull material. This high-density fabric is thicker than standard PVC.
The inflatable tubes are also made from durable Polykrylar and use 38 mil and 42 mil material thickness. High-frequency welded seams ensure no air leaks through. Sea Eagles can withstand scrapes, punctures, and abrasions much better than cheaper vinyl inflatables.
The Verdict
Whether you’re tackling whitewater or paddling placid lakes, the Sea Eagle 370 Pro and Deluxe both deliver excellent performance in a portable package. Choosing between these popular models means weighing your priorities.
The 370 Pro is the more rugged and versatile pick for paddlers facing rougher conditions, bigger loads, or multi-day adventures. Its higher weight capacity, spray skirts, and deluxe seat make it comfortable and capable over the long haul.
If you’re looking for a recreational kayak focused on cruising speed over cargo capacity or whitewater handling, the sleeker Sea Eagle 370 Deluxe has the edge. It packs down smaller and paddles more efficiently across open water.
Ultimately, experience level, usual paddling environment, and desired features should drive your decision between these two quality inflatable kayaks. Either Sea Eagle model is hard to go wrong with, providing years of fun and adventure at a very reasonable price point.
Just pick the one aligned with your paddling priorities.
