See our new video on the AquaGlide Columbia XP Tandem XL – a 15 foot inflatable kayak perfect for two adults and child, furry friend or gear – with set-up overview and features.
You can also see our Detailed Product Review on the AquaGlide Columbia XP Tandem with photos!
Last summer, AquaGlide unveiled their inflatable kayak lineup for 2015, which included a series of new models and revamps. Based on the number of inquiries, we were anxious to try out the new Chelan HB high-pressure series.
As the new models arrived, we started inflating and testing – initially focusing on the longer AquaGlide Chelan HB Tandem and Columbia XP Tandem kayaks.
Our third AquaGlide review for 2015 focuses on the Chelan HB One, an 11′ 4″ long, high-pressure, inflatable kayak designed for solo paddling. (Please note: some of the information will be repeated from other writeups.)
Getting Started with the Aquaglide Chelan HB One:
We unpacked the box and laid out the pieces – inflatable kayak, backpack, instructions, repair kit, foot brace, tracking fin, seat, valve adaptor and two plastic splash guards.
Initial measurements showed the kayak body weighs approximately 22 lbs, with a folded size of 25 x 9 x 21 inches. The kayak with seat, fin and brace – all in the backpack – weighs 29 lbs with a backpack size of roughly 27 x 22 x 18 inches, which can be cinched down. All boxed up, the dimensions are 27 x 23 x 14 inches with a shipping weight of 35 lbs. We were able to get everything – plus a pump and paddle – into the pack.
(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.)
The included instructions appeared adequate and include diagrams with inflation details.
Set up is straight-forward and simple – unpack, unfold, inflate.
There are three military valves (both sides and the floor) with one more small chamber utilizing a twistlock valve for the seat base.
The instructions say to pump up the floor first, to 6 PSI. As the floor is held in place with two adjustable straps, from prior experience, we found it best to loosen up the straps, making it easier to center if necessary.
The military-style plunger valve is simple to use – with your finger, twist the plunger slightly to the “up” position to inflate (air goes in but doesn’t come back out) and “down” to deflate (air comes out).
The Chelan HB One military valves require a special adaptor, which does not come with most standard pumps. In Aquaglide’s first year, the military adaptors were not included with the high-pressure kayaks. All the 2015 high pressure models now include the adaptor, which is found in the repair kit.
The Aquaglide military adaptor couples to the valve with a Boston valve adaptor; this is a common fitting, slightly conical and about 1/2 inch
Last year, Aquaglide – a division of North Sports – launched their inflatable kayak line with a series of 13 models. For 2015, Aquaglide expanded to 19 models – including 7 new kayaks and 3 redesigns – with MSRP pricing from $199.95 to $1099.95.
The current line includes three Tandem XL models designed for one to two paddlers with extra space for gear, child or furry friend. This includes the Chelan (new model), Columbia (redesign) and Chinook (original model) inflatable kayaks.
The new Chelan high-pressure touring series is a hybrid of the original Columbia HB and Klickitat models. The Chelans feature the Columbia’s long sleek waterline but are constructed in the smooth skin Duratex material used on the Klickitats, which reduces drying time.
The Columbia HB series has undergone a significant manufacturing change from a high-pressure version to a standard pressure version, and is now called the Columbia XP, bridging the gap between the Chinook and Chelan product lines.
The Chinook XP series remains with its original design as an economical, standard pressure, recreational kayak.
We often get questions – which one should I choose?
The Columbia and Chelan Tandems are 15 ft touring models with a sleek silhouette and long waterline, while the Chinook is a 12.5 ft recreational model built for price-point. While they have many differences, they have just as many similarities. Ultimately it comes down to a personal preference, so here are some things to think about.
AquaGlide Tandem XLs: What’s the same?
All three kayaks feature an open design for 2+ paddlers, but they can also be easily paddled by one. They each utilize velcro floor strips and multiple d-rings to create infinite seating positions while still leaving room enough for gear, a child or furry friend. All come with two seats with integrated fishing rod holders, a third jumper seat with TwistLok valve, foot braces, splash guards, bungee deck lacing, drain plug, removable tracking fin and molded rubber handles. Each have similar widths of 36 to 37 inches.
AquaGlide Tandem XLs: What’s different?
At 12.5 feet in length with a weight of 42 lbs in the pack (34 lbs kayak only), the Chinook XP Tandem is lighter-weight and the shortest. The XP construction consists of three PVC chambers (floor and two side bladders) utilizing three Boston valves. The inflation chambers have a zippered fabric covering, which allows the chambers to be replaced if necessary, but also increases drying time. These chambers can be inflated 1 to 2 PSI respectively. Despite the lower pressure, the floor covering is attached to the sides, which helps in durability and increasing structural rigidity somewhat. Other features include paddle holders, drawstring carrying case and one drain plug. The Core seats have a one-inch foam base (paddlers sit lower in
This past month we received our first shipment of standup inflatable paddle boards from Mistral.
Founded in 1972, European-based Mistral rapidly became one of the leaders in the windsurf industry. Mistral has since refocused the product line, branching into paddle boards and kite surfing – even watches and clothing.
Recently, Mistral expanded into the inflatable SUP market. The 2015 line includes the popular all-around Adventure boards, a fitness-oriented board named the Kailua Fit, and a new line of high-pressure, lightweight, sub-20 lb. boards made in Europe – the Equipes and Crossovers. With the introduction of the new Crossover inflatable WindSup boards, Mistral is brought full-circle, back to their roots.
Our first review features the Mistral Kailua Fit, an 11′ 5″ inflatable paddle board decked out for stand up paddling as well as yoga/fitness workouts.
(Please note: some of the info will be repeated from prior write-ups.)
Mistral Kailua Fit 11’5 Inflatable Yoga Standup Paddle Board – Getting Started
The board as-arrived is 33 x 18 x 10 inches in the box, weighing in at 34 lbs.
Inside is the Kailua body, backpack, repair kit, single action pump with pressure gauge, removable fin, fitness cord and instructions. Once rolled up, the SUP board fits into the backpack, as well as a breakdown paddle under 35 inches (longest shaft length) and the pump.
The board itself weighs 24.6 lbs, or 28.8 lbs inside the backpack with pump – these all easily fit in the back of a small car.
For your first set up, remove the SUP body from the backpack, and unroll. Lay it out face up so that you can access the military valve.
The Kailua 11-5 utilizes one spring-loaded military valve for inflation. These are very simple to use and feature an inflate mode (spring plunger is UP) and a deflate mode (spring plunger is DOWN). By using your finger to gently push on the plunger, it can be moved to the inflate mode (air goes in and doesn’t come back out) and deflate mode (air goes in and comes back out) – before you make the effort to inflate the board, PLEASE make sure the plunger is in the inflate position.
The Kailua paddle board system includes a high-pressure, single-action pump with a gauge – what we term the “slim barrel” as it pushes out a bit less air, making it easier to attain very high pressures.
First, hook the gauge onto the pump then attach the hose to the gauge. Push and twist the military valve adaptor onto the valve, and lock into position – you’re ready to pump!
Initial pumping is a breeze. I pumped for about 180 strokes (3+ minutes) until the board filled out and the gauge started to move. With another 50 strokes I was at
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