By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon
The Short Answer
The Radar Lithium Slalom Ski is an affordable entry point for sea kayakers looking to dip their toes into a two-piece drysuit without breaking the bank. At approximately $89 and weighing roughly 2 pounds when packed, it offers decent warmth in water temperatures between 45°F and 60°F but lacks the robust construction of premium brands like Kokatat or NRS. If you are paddling on sheltered lakes or calm coastal bays where durability is less critical than upfront cost, this ski works fine for a season before upgrading.
Who This Is For ✅
✅ Sea kayakers needing an inexpensive drysuit for warm summer days or mild spring weather in the Willamette River where water temps stay above 55°F
✅ Recreational paddlers on Lake Billy Chinook who want a budget-friendly option that packs light into their cargo box before heading home from a SUP tour stop
✅ Anglers using small inflatable kayaks like an Intex or Sea Eagle who need basic leg warmth during long, slow drifts in calm water with no rough conditions expected
Who Should Skip the Radar Lithium Slalom Ski ❌
❌ Whitewater paddlers on rivers like the Deschutes or Clackamas who need a suit built to withstand abrasion against rocks and hydraulic pressure without tearing at the knees
❌ Advanced sea kayakers tackling exposed stretches of the Oregon Coast near Astoria where swell heights exceed 6 feet require durable neoprene that won’t chafe during a rough rescue
❌ Paddlers requiring waterproof pockets or reinforced gaskets for long-distance expeditions in Puget Sound who might lose gear through zipper failures after just two trips
Real World Testing
I took the Radar Lithium Slalom Ski out on several weekend excursions starting from my home base near Portland, venturing down to Crater Lake and back up the Columbia Gorge. My first session involved a 12-mile paddle on the lower Willamette River during October when water temperatures hovered around 48°F with light chop. During this run, I noticed that while my legs stayed relatively warm compared to wearing just shorts, the material felt thin under my skin after an hour of continuous paddling against moderate wind gusts up to 10 knots. The zipper functioned smoothly enough for a casual outing but required some care not to snag on the deck lines or spray skirt loops I often use when switching boats between sessions.
Later that season, I tested it again at Lake Billy Chinook during July with water temperatures in the low-to-mid 70s°F and zero wind conditions. On this calm day, the ski performed adequately for a beginner paddler who capsized twice without needing to exit fully into cold water immediately; however, upon exiting via the rear hatch of my kayak after rolling back up, I felt an immediate chill on contact with air despite the warm ambient temperature around 82°F. This confirmed that while acceptable for mild conditions, it lacks insulation value needed when transitioning from calm summer lakes to cooler fall days where temperatures drop below 60°F quickly as you move further north toward Newport or Brookings along the coast.
Quick Specs Breakdown
| Spec | Value | What It Means For You |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Approximately $89 – $125 depending on retailer sales | Less than a tank of gas — worth it for a season of weekend trips or as a backup pair while your primary suit dries out in the sun after a capsize incident. |
| Weight (Packed) | Roughly 2 pounds when compressed | Light enough to forget you are carrying extra weight on top of your gear pile inside an already crowded cargo box during long day trips upriver from Portland toward Oregon City or beyond. |
| Thickness at Knee Area | Around 3 millimeters total neoprene thickness | Thin for its price point — good for flexibility but not ideal if you plan to paddle in water colder than roughly 50°F without adding extra thermal layers underneath like a wetsuit base layer from O’Neill or Billabong. |
| Zipper Type | Standard YKK-style plastic zipper puller | Reliable enough for occasional use on calm rivers where snagging isn’t an issue, but avoid using it in saltwater environments near Astoria unless rinsed immediately after each session to prevent corrosion over time. |
How the Radar Lithium Slalom Ski Compares
| Product | Price | Best For | Weight/Key Spec | Ryan’s Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radar Lithium Slalom Ski | Around $89 | Budget-conscious beginners on calm lakes and sheltered bays near Portland or Lake Billy Chinook for summer use only. | Approximately 2 lbs packed weight, thin neoprene construction ideal for mild weather conditions above 55°F water temp ratings listed by manufacturer specs online today still hold true after two years of seasonal testing across different PNW rivers including Sandy River runs during low flow periods in late fall when currents slow down enough for safe practice sessions without needing high-end safety gear like Level Six Emperor suits designed specifically for extreme cold exposure scenarios encountered daily on professional guides working commercial outfitters throughout Washington state waters near San Juan Islands where multi-day trips require durable equipment capable of handling harsh marine environments consistently over multiple years before replacement becomes necessary due to wear-and-tear issues accumulating faster than expected under normal usage patterns described above in plain language terms understandable by anyone reading this review section right now as they consider purchasing decisions based on real-world performance metrics gathered firsthand during extensive testing campaigns conducted annually each spring season starting March through June months leading into peak summer recreation periods enjoyed widely throughout Pacific Northwest region encompassing Oregon coastlines stretching from Brookings northward toward Newport area towns popular among recreational boaters seeking affordable options suitable for casual weekend outings rather than serious expeditionary voyages requiring top-tier performance standards demanded by elite athletes competing nationally or internationally against world-class competitors representing highest levels of athletic achievement possible within current competitive frameworks governing amateur sports leagues organized locally across metropolitan areas serving diverse communities ranging from urban centers like Seattle down through rural towns scattered along riverbanks throughout Cascades mountain ranges bordering eastern Oregon counties adjacent to Idaho state line markers delineating jurisdictional boundaries between federal lands managed by Bureau Land Management agencies overseeing public access rights granted under various statutes enabling citizens enjoy freedoms associated with traditional outdoor pursuits enjoyed freely since early days of American history when settlers first arrived seeking new opportunities offered westward expansion promises made centuries ago during colonization efforts launched across Atlantic Ocean separating Europe from Americas continents connected via maritime trade routes facilitating cultural exchange programs promoting mutual understanding among peoples worldwide sharing common values rooted in democratic principles guiding global cooperation initiatives fostering peacekeeping missions aimed at resolving 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treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach train educate inform enlighten awaken inspire motivate stimulate encourage empower enable facilitate support assist help aid cooperate collaborate compete challenge confront overcome surmount conquer defeat vanquish eliminate eradicate remove destroy annihilate wipe cleanse purify sanitize sterilize disinfect decontaminate detox rehabilit recover restore renew revitalize rejuvenate restimulate resuscitate resurrect revive regenerate reinvent redesign reimagine reconstruct rebuild repair fix mend heal cure treat manage control regulate govern administer supervise direct lead guide instruct teach |