Advanced Elements AirVolution Dropstitch Kayaks for 2021 – What’s New

Last summer, Advanced Elements of Benicia, California introduced two exciting new kayaks as precursors to the 2021 season – the AirVolutions. What makes them so special? The AirVolution solo and AirVolution2 tandem are constructed entirely from dropstitch material. With just two inflation chambers, and inflation pressures of 10 to 12 PSI, the kayaks are extremely rigid.

The sleek new models feature heavy-duty PVC Tarpaulin which offers a smooth, hydrodynamic outer skin, making them easy to dry. The wide cockpit provides easy entry and exit, while the hull has a unique V-shape that transitions to a chined hull for greater on-the-water performance.

The kayaks were an immediate hit, and the demand outpaced the inventory – the AirVolution2 sold out by the end of summer.

Based on feedback from the intro models, Advanced Elements has tweaked the designs for 2021. The newly updated AE3029 AirVolution and AE3030 AirVolution2 tandem kayaks are enroute, with estimated availability of late March.

You can read our detailed writeups on the 2020 AirVolution solo kayak and the Airvolution2 for one or two paddlers.
Product Review: New 10-12 PSI Hi-Pressure AirVolution Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements
Product Review: New 10-12 PSI Hi-Pressure AirVolution2 Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements

So what’s new on the AirVolutions for 2021?

Both models now come with an inflatable foot brace. For the AE3030, this will only be used in tandem mode for the front paddler.
Seat Improvements: The backrest is now stiffer and more supportive. Additionally, the adjustment straps have been shortened up and cleaned up. The webbing ends have been better melted to prevent fraying, and folded and bar-tacked for a cleaner finish.

Seat d-ring locations: The d-rings on the floor have been moved forward a few inches and also relocated to the sidewall of the cockpit. A new d-ring has been added to the front of the cockpit for clipping an additional item such as a water bottle, etc.
The Pressure Relief Valve rating has been lowered from 19 to 14 PSI, and the ring around the PRV reflects this.
Valve Location and Drain Well: The valve locations were flipped so that they are now on the same side, with the inflation valves on the left and Pressure Relief Valves on the right. This makes it easier to push out air when folding.

The deck bungee now sports heat-shrink material for a cleaner look
The pump was transitioned to a rugged Bravo dual-stage pump.
As a nifty little bonus, each of the kayak packages now includes a 12-volt, low-pressure battery operated inflator. The pump runs on 4 D-Cells (not included). While the pump does not have enough power to pressurize the kayak, it will rapidly fill out the body, saving physical pumping time and effort. The Bravo dual-action pump can then be used to get it

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

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