The NRS Outlaw shoots rapids first and lets you ask questions about how you did it later.

One of the best price-point boats of the bunch at $645, the Outlaw comes with a removable (for cleaning or repair), PVC-coated, drop-stitch floor that—while looking like a SUP insert—inflates rock-hard to 8-10 psi for rigidity while punching through waves. Eighteen inches of rocker, meanwhile, helps you climb up and over those same waves and a 37.5-inch beam provides ample stability for everything short of a Niagara.

On low-water runs, its PVC-coated polyester easily slid over rocks that some of our navigationally challenged testers couldn’t avoid, while its 10’5” tubes—combined with the four-inch inflatable floor—provided all the flotation we think we could ever need.

For paddlers of different gaits, its inflatable thwart seat secures to drain holes for customized placement. We also liked its tough carry handles—perhaps the best of the the six we tested—for portages and other carries.

Other points out testers noted: The bombproof Leafield C7 valves, which you know will hold air as you’re holding your line; its feather-light 26 lbs. for hoisting (it was the easiest inflatable kayak to shoulder of the six in our test); and the three-year retail warranty (the Outlaw puts its money where its bandana-covered mouth is).

The only knock our testers had: How about making the optional thigh straps standard to help hold you in? 

Specs: L: 9′ 10″; W: 37.5″