Tag Archives: Advanced Elements kayak reviews

Product Review: New AirFusion EVO Dropstitch Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements

Nearly eight years ago, Advanced Elements debuted the original AirFusion kayak – an inflatable hybrid designed to rival the handling and speed of skin-on-frame kayaks. The AirFusion was unique in that it featured a blended design of aluminum alloy frame poles and pressurized air tubes, resulting in a high performance rigid frame system.

This was followed by the AirFusion Elite, which featured a streamlined set up procedure with fewer poles, a wider beam and integrated rear storage hatch.
At last summer’s Outdoor Retailer show, Advanced Elements unveiled their 2018 inflatable kayak product line with announcement of the new AE1042 AirFusion EVO a 6-8 PSI high-pressure model constructed from dropstitch material, with a Barbie-sized 24″ waistline.
Just this week the first AirFusion EVO arrived, a double cardboard box measuring 37 x 25 x 12 inches and weighing in at 47 lbs.
Getting Started with the Advanced Elements AirFusion EVO
The rugged carrying case/backpack houses the kayak body, seat, repair kit, foam floor, screw-on and Boston pin adaptors, instructions (located in the small plastic pocket inside the backpack), two thwarts, nose and stern bags, and anodized aluminum poles. The kayak folded size is approximately 34 x 17 x 8 inches. Everything in the case weighs 37 lbs, while the kayak with seat is 33 lbs. The case has just enough room to include a small pump and breakdown paddle (not included). AirKayaks note: Take a good look at how the kayak is folded BEFORE setting up, this will help during breakdown.
The manual is pretty well-written though initially a little daunting. (AirKayaks note: Some of the initial AirFusion EVO boxes contained instructions for the droptstitch floor. The AirFusion EVO does not use an inflatable floor, so you can just toss those.) After the first read-through it seemed simple enough – piece together the poles, position the floor, pump up side chambers partially, insert bottom pole through the thwarts connecting both ribs, pump up thwarts, finish pumping up side chambers, pump up bow & stern tubes, attach seat, inflate coaming tube. Done!
AirFusion EVO Setup/Inflation

Unfold the kayak body, locating the kayak bow (front) and stern (rear) – this is easy as the integrated storage hatch is located at the stern.

Next, put the foam floor into position, setting the wider end inside the center of the cockpit – this will position the small rectangular cutout over the velcro tab in the floor. Make sure you pull the velcro tab through the cutout. Tip: the foam floor only covers the area where your feet rest.

Layout the bow and stern thwarts. Each of these is tapered. The front airbag (which also acts as a foot brace) is larger than the rear airbag, while the larger side of each airbag faces the cockpit/center. Lay

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: New AdvancedFrame Ultralite 17.5lb Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements

At last summer’s Outdoor Retailer show, Advanced Elements unveiled their 2018 inflatable kayak product line with announcement of the new AE3022 AdvancedFrame Ultralite – a redesigned version of the AdvancedFrame Sport, weighing in at a minimalist 17.5 lbs.

We avidly waited for the first shipment to arrive in early March. The boxes had not been off the truck for two hours, before we were headed down to the beach.
So following is our “hot off the truck” review of the new Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Ultralite – a 10 ft 5-inch performance kayak.
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Ultralite
The box as received weighs 29 lbs, measuring 32 x 19 x 11 inches.

The rugged carrying case/backpack houses the kayak body, seat, repair kit, foam floor, screw-on adaptor, instructions (located in the small plastic pocket inside the backpack), foot brace, deck riser and deck pole. The kayak folded size is approximately 29 x 18 x 9 inches. Everything in the case weighs 21.5 lbs, while the kayak with seat is 19.5 lbs. The case has just enough room to include a small pump and breakdown paddle (not included). AirKayaks note: Take a good look at how the kayak is folded BEFORE setting up, this will help during breakdown.
AdvancedFrame Ultralite Kayak Setup/Inflation

First step, unfold the kayak. The AdvancedFrame Ultralite – along with all AdvancedFrame models – features an “inner rib” in the bow and stern, which is basically a u-shaped aluminum rib, about a foot long and one-half inch wide.

This comes “pre-assembled” meaning it arrives already inserted into two sleeves inside the kayak cover. Unless you remove the inner bladder, they remain in position. When the kayak is pumped up, the inner bladder with rib presses against the kayak cover – that, in conjunction with two bow and stern plastic sheets, give the kayak a sharp silhouette which aids in slicing through the water.

Now unroll the foam floor, centering it under the two main chambers, with the narrower side pointing toward the nose. The first time this can be a little tricky – smooth out the hull so it’s not wrinkled and then try to evenly position the foam. This can be fine-tuned later.

The kayak features 2 inflation chambers utilizing military valves and 1 twist-lok. The military-style plunger valves are simple to use – twist up to inflate (this is the closed position where air goes in and doesn’t come out) and down to deflate (air goes in and comes back out).

The kayak comes with a screw-on adaptor (found in the repair kit in the mesh pocket behind the seat) which will fit some pumps based on the hose fittings. Otherwise, a standard Boston valve adaptor will friction fit into the opening. AirKayaks note: Make sure to attach the

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: Newly Updated AE1017 Sport Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements

In late spring 2016, we received our first shipments of the newly updated AE1017 Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Sport inflatable kayak – a stripped-down classic blending performance, price and simplicity. The kayaks now feature an integrated 1-PSI pressure relief valve in the floor bladder, enhanced high-backed seating, beefed-up graphics and redesigned hardware.

At that point we realized our previous write-up was several years ago and featured the Gen 1 version. So, we took the opportunity to also update our readers with details on the newly updated AdvancedFrame Sport AE1017, a 10’5″ inflatable weighing in at roughly 26 lbs with an MSRP of $449. (Please note: some of this will be repeated from prior reviews.)
Getting Started with the AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak
The box as received weighs 34.4 lbs, measuring 32 x 18 x 11 inches.

Inside, the rugged carrying case measures 30 x 18 x 10 inches, and houses the kayak body, seat, repair kit and instructions. The kayak folded size is approximately 30 x17 x 10 inches. The kayak body and seat in the case weighs 28 lbs, while the kayak and seat alone are 26 lbs. The case has just enough room to include a small pump and breakdown paddle (not included).  AirKayaks note: Take a good look at how the kayak is folded BEFORE setting up, this will help during breakdown. The instructions are located in a small plastic pocket inside the carrying case.
AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak Setup/Inflation
We re-acquainted ourselves with the kayak by reading the updated manual. This, too, has evolved over the years and gives excellent explanations on inflation, usage, refolding, etc.

First step, unfold the kayak. The AdvancedFrame Sport – along with all AdvancedFrame models – features an “inner rib” in the bow and stern, which is basically a u-shaped aluminum rib, about a foot long and one-half inch wide.

This comes “pre-assembled” meaning it arrives already inserted into two sleeves inside the kayak cover. Unless you remove the inner bladder, they remain in position. When the kayak is pumped up, the inner bladder with rib presses against the kayak cover – that, in conjunction with two bow and stern plastic sheets, give the kayak a sharp silhouette which aids in slicing through the water.

The kayak features 4 inflation chambers – one military valve and 3 twist-loks. The military-style plunger valves are simple to use – twist up to inflate (this is the closed position where air goes in and doesn’t come out) and down to deflate (air goes in and comes back out).

The kayak comes with a screw-on adaptor (found in the repair kit in the mesh pocket behind the seat) which will fit some pumps based on the hose fittings. Otherwise, a standard Boston valve adaptor will friction fit into

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: Island Voyage 2 Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements

This week we received our first shipment of the Island Voyage 2 inflatable kayak from Advanced Elements. New in 2015, the Island Voyage 2 is a recreational model with an open-design – allowing one to easily switch from single to tandem paddling – yet economically-priced at $399.

Following is our writeup on the Island Voyage 2, an 11 ft 2 inch kayak. Please note, some of this will be repeated from prior write-ups.
Getting Started with the Island Voyage 2
We unpacked the box and laid out the pieces – inflatable kayak, drawstring duffel bag, instructions, repair kit, tracking fin and two seats.

Initial measurements showed the kayak body weighs 25 lbs while the kayak with seats in the duffle is 30 lbs. The drawstring case is roughly 37 x 28 inches. Boxed up, the dimensions are 25 x 19 x 14 inches inches with a shipping weight of 35 lbs.
(AirKayaks Side note #1: When initially removing the kayak from the carrying case, take a good look at how the kayak is folded This is probably the most overlooked step and it is VERY helpful when trying to get the kayak back into the bag.)
Island Voyage 2 Inflatation and Setup
The included instructions appear adequate and include diagrams with inflation details.

Set up is straight-forward and simple  – unpack, unfold, inflate.

The first step is to attach the removable tracking fin, which enhances paddling/tracking in deeper water. Make sure the fin is pointing towards the rear of the kayak, then insert the front of the fin, pushing down and back, to lock the front end. Then move the fin back until the holes line up, and replace the retaining pin. At this point, pull up on the fin to make sure you have it locked in position. AirKayaks side note #2: You may want to bring along a towel, as the fin and bottom hull of the kayak are black, and become quite burning in the sun.

There are three inflation chambers utilizing Boston valves – the floor and two side chambers. Boston valves are two-part, screw-on valves. The bottom portion is threaded onto the kayak, the top valve is screwed open for inflation and then tightened shut after inflation. Air is easily released by unscrewing the base connector. How does it work? A flap inside the valve opens when air is pumped into the kayak, and falls shut when not pumped so that air will not rush back out.
(AirKayaks Side note #3: The Boston valves have a tether that keeps the valve attached to the kayak, ensuring that the valves don’t get lost after deflating. Make sure this does not get in the way when screwing on the valve base, and the valve is not cross-threaded, or

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

New Limited Edition AdvancedFrame LTD Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements

As mentioned in prior posts, Advanced Elements of Benicia, California, unveiled two 2015 limited edition inflatable kayak models at last summer’s Outdoor Retailer Show.

The new 10.5 ft limited edition AE1012-LTD AdvancedFrame LTD touring kayak is in transit and scheduled to be available May 15th.
The AdvancedFrame LTD features a major color redesign, as well as some updated design changes. Now in a Hi-Vis lime green with yellow graphics, the AdvancedFrame LTD sports a sleek silhouette with improved seating. A high-backed, rigid seat for added comfort and support is standard in the limited edition model.
Velcro paddle holders are now included as well as new d-rings, making it easier to attach gear.
An integrated “pressure relief valve” ensures the floor is not over-inflated. Set at 1 PSI, the relief valve releases enough air to maintain 1 PSI when pumping it up, or if left in the hot sun.

Street price is $499. For more details or to purchase, visit the AdvancedFrame LTD product page at AirKayaks.com

The larger Expedition LTD – a 13 foot touring model selling for $679 – is currently available. For more info see the Expedition LTD product page at AirKayaks.com. You can also see our Detailed Writeup with Photos on the Expedition LTD from Advanced Elements.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: The Limited Edition Expedition LTD Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements

Last summer we were able to get a sneak preview of the new Limited Edition Expedition LTD inflatable kayak from Advanced Elements. As long-time fans of the current yellow model, we were impressed with the LTD’s spiffed up graphics and feature enhancements.

Last week, the AE1009LTD hit the West Coast, and we managed to grab one before our first shipment sold out – not to worry, we picked up more.  Here are details on the Expedition LTD AE1009LTD, a 13 foot inflatable weighing in at roughly 42 lbs.
Getting Started with the Expedition LTD LTD Inflatable Kayak
The box as received measures 33 x 21 x 11 inches with a weight of 52 lbs. Inside is a rugged carrying case measuring 37 x 17 x 9 inches (seam to seam) which contains the kayak body, high-backed seat, aluminum riser, repair kit, foot brace and instructions.

The kayak folded size is approximately 31 x16 x 10 inches leaving just enough room to store a pump and breakdown paddle (not included).
The included manual features the current Expedition – set up is pretty much the same – so we will re-copy some of the instructions written in our initial Expedition write-up.

First step, unfold the kayak. The Expedition LTD features an “inner rib” in the bow and stern, which is basically a u-shaped aluminum rib, about one foot long and one-half inch wide.

This comes “pre-assembled” meaning it arrives already inserted into two sleeves inside the kayak cover. Unless you remove the inner bladder, they remain in position. When the kayak is pumped up, the inner bladder with rib presses against the kayak cover – that, in conjunction with two bow and stern plastic sheets, give the kayak a sharp silhouette which aids in slicing through the water.
The Expedition LTD kayak features 9 inflation chambers – two military valves (main chambers) and 7 smaller twist-loks (deck lifts, floor and coaming tubes).
Each Expedition LTD comes with a screw-on adaptor (found in the repair kit in the mesh pocket behind the seat) which locks onto many pumps with pin/slot hose fittings. Additionally, a standard Boston valve adaptor will friction fit into the opening.

First step, open the military valve. The military-style plunger valves are simple to use – twist one way to inflate (UP position) and the other to deflate (DOWN position).

Attach the screw-on adaptor to your pump and then couple it to the first main chamber, located on the rear hull. While there is not a pressure gauge included with the kayak, the adaptor features a “lip” that pushes open the spring plunger, allowing a pump gauge to read the back-pressure; if using the Boston valve adaptor, most gauges will only register as you are inflating.

Pump up the first chamber until

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

AirKayaks: Guide to Choosing Your Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayak

One of the leading inflatable kayak design companies is Advanced Elements, located in Benicia, California.

Founded in 2002 by two inventors, Charlie Hall and Clay Haller, the Advanced Elements line has grown into one of the best-known lines of inflatable kayaks. From the company’s inception, Clay and Charlie desired to push the envelope with a new concept – a “hybrid” design of inflatable and rigid components that perform more like a hard shell kayak, but portable, lightweight, and affordable.
Today, Advanced Elements is well-known for durability, performance and innovation. The 2015 lineup includes 12 kayak models with three variations, ranging in size from 7 ft 9 inches to 15 ft.  These span the gamut of recreational to touring, fishing to whitewater, open and closed designs, in both solo and tandem models.
With this many choices, where does one start?

If this is your first kayak, you may want to read our Guide to Choosing an Inflatable Kayak – What You Should Consider, which explains some of the generic features and concepts in inflatable kayaks.
If you have a good idea what you’re looking for, AirKayaks has prepared a table outlining and comparing each of the Advanced Elements models. This is separated into three sections:

Solo models under 10 feet in length
Solo models over 10 feet in length
Tandem models for one or two paddlers.

How do you use this table? First, ascertain the paddler sizes – are you big and tall or average?
Then decide the type(s) of paddling you want to do (paddling situations):

Touring – Long paddles, camping, open water
Coastal – Open water, waves, bays
Recreational – Lakes, sloughs, slower rivers, calm waters
Whitewater – Fast-moving maneuvering with eddies, drops.
Wave surfing
Fishing

Determine what attributes are important (or not!) to you – do you want portability or storage capacity? Stability or speed?

Follow the color key to decide which kayak is good for varying sizes and activities:
Blue – The kayak is great!
Green – The kayak is good.
Orange – The kayak is okay.
Yellow – This kayak is not recommended.
For instance, if you were average weight and height, and calm water paddling was a priority, then the AE1017 Sport might be a great choice. But, if you planned on some open water or inclement weather paddling, then the AE1012 – with its enclosed deck – might be best.

If you are having trouble viewing the details in the table (separated into three),  follow this link for a larger and printable version of the Choosing Your Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayak.
Solo models under 10 feet in length

Solo models over 10 feet in length

Advanced Elements tandem kayaks for solo or double paddling.

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, you can view details on the various Advanced Elements inflatable kayaks at http://www.AirKayaks.com. You can also read the following product reviews –

Original Source: AirKayaks >>