which raft??

[Jpleonhard]

I'm looking to get a raft in the near future and have it narrowed down between Aire's 156 R series, NRS's E-150 and NRS's Otter 150. Any thoughts??

[rafterbrooks]

Have you given any consideration to a Sotar?

[LSB]

NRS E series. expensive but quality and they stand by their product. I personally dont trust zippers.

[Randaddy]

Hyside and NRS are the way to go. Judy at AAA inflatables told me that she had 15 and 16 foot new Hysides that she will hook up a discount on if you buy before her Canyon trip. I think it's this month.

[Red West]

Originally Posted by Randaddy

Hyside and NRS are the way to go. Judy at AAA inflatables told me that she had 15 and 16 foot new Hysides that she will hook up a discount on if you buy before her Canyon trip. I think it's this month.

I'm looking for a raft also, but planning of getting a smaller one that two to three people could handle.

Is NRS just a re-named Hyside, or two diffrent manufactures?

What do you think of Star rafts?

[Randaddy]

Hysides are typically a little lighter, but both are high grade hypalon. Hysides are made in S. Korea and NRS are made in Mexico. I have a mini-me and LOVE IT for 2-3 people.

Star rafts are inexpensive glued PVC boats. Lots of opinions here, but I think comparing them to Hyside or NRS is like comparing apples and Cadillacs.

[Red West]

Originally Posted by Randaddy

Hysides are typically a little lighter, but both are high grade hypalon. Hysides are made in S. Korea and NRS are made in Mexico. I have a mini-me and LOVE IT for 2-3 people.

Star rafts are inexpensive glued PVC boats. Lots of opinions here, but I think comparing them to Hyside or NRS is like comparing apples and Cadillacs.

I was reading that hypalon will roll and store tighter than PCV.
Is that true?

[FatmanZ]

AIRE rafts - people either love them or hate them. Personally I think they're awesome, the inner chamber concept is great. I've not had a problem with their zipper system, and as a company they really stand by their product. Check out the D series.
Case in point - tore the floor in an AIRE raft on a low water Middle Fork Salmon float - tear was about 16 inches long - but the inner tube was no tdamaged. All we did was to stitch it up that night in camp to prevent snags or further tears. Didn't need any patching. After the trip was over, we ran the raft back to the factory in Idaho and had them fix it up - didn't cost us a dime.
Also, have you considered Saturn Rafts? You can buy 3 for the price of 1 NRS E series. It don't think it's near the quality of the NRS E rafts - but if you're only going to be using it casually over the next 10 years, I'd personally pocket the extra $3K.
Search around the Buzz, there was a thread on that topic, comparing one brand vs. another, use, etc.

[Fuzzy]

Love my Hyside

[ENDOMADNESS]

Hypalon will roll up much smaller than PVC. I store one of 14' cat tubes in a cooler, the other in a dry box...

Yes Hyside, Yes NRS, Yes Hypalon