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Riot Mako Air 8.5 and Mako 10.5 Pedal Kayaks: Tested and Reviewed

I tested two budget friendly Riot pedal kayaks, the inflatable Mako Air 8.5 and the new Mako 10.5, and pushed both hard on the water.

Published September 10, 2022 · 9:33 · Watch on YouTube

What’s in this video

My buddy Brandon from Water Powered filmed while I tested two Riot pedal kayaks. First up was the Mako Air 8.5. It has three chambers that inflate to 15 psi, a catamaran style hull, a comfortable seat, adjustable leg length and a drop down rudder. The Impulse Drive has a 6:1 gear ratio and is so smooth it practically pedals itself. It’s only 8.5 feet long and 36 inches wide, but the stability seemed to defy physics. The weakness is the rudder, which I’d give a 7 out of 10.

Next was the Mako 10.5, new for 2023 and the replacement for the Mako 10. It tracked straight when I pedaled hard, spun around easily and even pedaled backwards with control, which matters when you fish docks. I’d still like a slightly bigger rudder. It has long gunnel tracks, a cargo net, rear hatch, anchor trolley, EVA padding, a paddle keeper and recycled foam scupper plugs. It was $1,399 at the time.

They recommend around 200 lb and I’m 205, and I stood in the bow without flipping. I flipped it over multiple times and never got water in the hull, which impressed me.

Key moments

  • 0:00 <Untitled Chapter 1>
  • 3:48 Riot Mako 10 5
  • 4:16 Maneuverability
  • 5:24 Bow to Stern
  • 6:58 Paddle Keeper
  • 7:20 Foam Scupper Plugs
  • 7:51 Pedal Drive

Quick takeaways

  • The Mako Air 8.5 inflates to 15 psi in three chambers and was very stable for its size.
  • Both kayaks use a 6:1 gear ratio pedal drive that I felt was dialed in.
  • The rudders work but could be bigger; I rated the Mako Air's at 7 out of 10.
  • The Mako 10.5 took on no water in the hull after multiple flip tests.

Gear from this video

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