When I first mentioned the words "Stearns" and "Cordova" to a major kayak retailer, I was told "they look great but they're not great". I was advised instead to plumb for a Gumotex boat (these are excellent). But I perservered with my instincts and I'm rather glad I did.
When it arrived in its box it felt peculiarly heavy compared with a plastic hull kayak. Obviously this was because its 16kg was packed into a 64 x 30 x 50cm case - so there's more pound per inch, as it were.
Out of the bag, the Stearns is extremely simple to inflate - taking about five minutes or so to fill its numerous chambers. It is even easier and far faster to deflate (I think I've got it down to under 20seconds).
The backrest is comfortable, the foot rests adjustable and it feels remarkably like a rigid hulled kayak. This continues on the water; sure, you know it is an inflatable when you think about it, but its inflatable status is easily forgotten when you're enjoying yourself.
On flat water, its tracking is superb, the feel equally so and the deck bungees and rear hatch make it a truly versatile exploration craft. The construction and materials are robust, easily cleaned and have a great, 
reassuring feel.
Not that this should matter, but it looks great too. And the best thing of all is when you're done, you can sling it in the boot of your car (rather like a suitcase in dimensions).
So is there a downside? Well, yes - but I think this may well apply to all inflatables.
Firstly, although the marketing says its a great craft for exploring sheltered bays etc, I've found there's a tendency for sand and salt build up between the side and bottom air chambers. Even the most fastidious of kayakers would find getting this stuff out virtually impossible. My recommendation would be to take it out on lakes and rivers and avoid the sea.
Secondly, and this is related, it takes an awful long time to dry. This might sound a minor point, but unless your going to let it dry in your living room, you're going to have to leave it out for most of the day after cleaning before its dry. The manufacturer is insistent on it being clean and dry before being folded and stored and I've been happy to stick to that because at the end of the day this boat relies on the integrity of its materials. This makes it a warm weather kayak because in winter, when the risk of rain is ever present, getting it dry - and therefore ready to pack away - could prove a problem.
Thirdly, its chambers - particular the floor of the boat - are prone to letting in water. Not, it must be said, when out on the water - but when you've delfated it at the river bank or beach. Water in the kayak tends to travel towards the air hole and get in. This can be rectified periodically by removing the surfboard-shaped bottom chamber and hanging it out to dry, but this takes deft skill and is fiddly.
That said, I've enjoyed my Stearns Cordova for two years now. It has meant I can carry a kayak with me wherever I go, which means I can get out on the water whenever I see some. It's a great boat to paddle. It is, contrary to my trusty retailer's opinion, a very well thought out and well made kayak. It is also an excellent - and I'd say genuine - alternative to a rigid kayak per se. It is comfortable, easy to inflate and deflate, packs away beautifully and, if you can live with the drying time, a real joy to own.
Finally, and whether this is positive or a negative you'll have to judge for yourself, the Steans Cordova gets attention. Whenever I've unpacked it on the beach or beside a river, you always get at least one person standing three feet away watching the boat come to life. They'll ask questions, tell you about how they once went kayaking, or make a comment like "wow, that's a really cool looking dinghy".
This reviewer would give the Stearns Cordova 8/10 as an inflatable kayak and 5/10 as a kayak. From £450
