Tag Archives: high pressure kayaks

Choosing Your Advanced Elements Convertible, Convertible DS or Convertible Elite Inflatable Kayak

Earlier this year we received our first shipment of Advanced Elements’ new model, the AE1007E Convertible Elite in red: the Convertible is a popular tandem inflatable kayak for one to two paddlers. This joined the current models, the Convertible AE1007R or Convertible AE1007G in red or green and the AE1007 Convertible DS in blue.  Before they arrived, we were fielding inquiries on all three models which came down to one basic question – what is different?
In a nutshell, all three kayak models are identical in construction, materials and footprint – the only variations are in the colors and included accessories.
Standard AE1007G and AE1007R

The standard Convertible has been available for nearly 15 years, and now comes as AE1007G and AE1007R. These are identical except for the color – green or red – and come with a low-pressure 1-PSI inflatable floor with i-beams and pressure relief valve. Both have high-backed seats and come with the standard Advanced Elements duffel-style carry bag. Both have a street price of $699.
Convertible Elite and Convertible DS

Both the Convertible Elite AE1007E and Convertible DS AE1007DS come with the hi-pressure 4-6 PSI drop stitch floor (shown above with the standard 1 PSI low-pressure floor), which greatly enhances paddling performance and rigidity. The drop stitch floor ($239 value) also provides a firmer surface for getting into – and out of – the kayak. Both of these also come with two upgraded, high-backed seats with inflatable lumbar support ($128 value), and an additional padded seat bottom, providing a more comfortable paddling experience. Both of these also include a carrying case with backpack straps ($107.95 value), making it easier to transport. The new AE1007E Convertible Elite is available in red, with a street price of $949.

The Convertible DS AE1007DS in blue is exclusive to AirKayaks, and has been available for nearly 5 years.

In addition to the floor, seats and backpack upgrades listed previously, the current version also includes an integrated, adjustable front foot brace system ($29.99 value).

The base kayak also includes the Advanced Elements double action hand pump with gauge ($39.99 value) as well as a bonus StashPack 20 Liter dry bag ($49.99 value). Street price is $899.
Bottom Line:
If you plan on doing mostly tandem recreational paddling on calmer waters, don’t need all the whiz-bangs, or are on a budget, then the basic Convertible AE1007R/G with 1-PSI floor might be your best choice at $699.
If you plan on paddling in a variety of conditions both tandem and solo, with comfort and performance as a priority, then go with the high-pressure versions. For at-a-glance comparison, see the table below.

For more info, or to purchase, visit the Convertible product pages on AirKayaks.com.

AE1007R Convertible Inflatable Kayak in Red.
AE1007G Convertible Inflatable Kayak in Green
AE1007E Convertible

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Sneak Preview: Innova Thaya Hi-Pressure Dropstitch Inflatable Kayak for 2+ Paddlers

Late last year we had the opportunity to take our first look at Innova’s newest product for 2019, the Thaya DS inflatable kayak. Designed for 1 to 2+ paddlers, the Thaya DS is a 13′ 5″ inch 7-PSI touring kayak – similar in design to the Innova Solar – now featuring a unique blend of Innova’s traditional Nitrilon material and dropstitch technology.

The Innova line is unique for a number of reasons. First, all the kayaks are handmade in the Czech Republic – the factory has manufactured inflatable boats for well over 50 years. Secondly, the manufacturing process produces kayaks that can become quite compact, making them a great choice for travel. And third, the kayaks are environmentally-friendly as they are mostly PVC-free.
The Innova Thaya DS is constructed from a 1200 denier rubber-coated laminate material called Nitrilon (also referred to as Nitrylon) – this consists of a synthetic rubber coating over polyester on the inside and outside of the tube.
Nitrilon is the same material used in high-end Zodiac-type yacht tenders, and is stronger, more abrasion and puncture-resistant than PVC as well as being greener – there is minimal out-gassing.
The Thaya is different from Innova’s other kayaks, as the Nitrilon material is used for the floor’s drop stitch construction.
Drop-stitch technology consists of two layers of fabric held together by thousands of threads, allowing the chambers to be inflated to much higher pressures. This creates a kayak body that is quite rigid, stable and maneuverable. The Thaya features a 34 inch beam with a max payload of 595 lbs (persons and gear) and weight of 39 lbs.

Features include molded rubber carrying handles, tie-lines, two inflatable seats, two inflatable foot braces, multiple d-rings, gear rigging, removable tracking fin, a nifty 80-liter backpack, repair kit and sponge.
The Thaya is touted for 1-2+ paddlers; the numerous d-ring attachment points allow one to reposition the seats for optimal paddling comfort, as well as for securing extra gear, or adding an optional seat to carry a child. The Nitrilon material is rugged and easy to clean, yet still packs up extremely flat and compact.

The Innova Thaya is estimated to be available in the States in late April or early May, with an MSRP of $1199. Stay tuned, we will have our detailed write-up on the Innova Thaya next month. You can also ask to get on our Notification List at AirKayaks for further updates on availability.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Sneak Preview: New Convertible Elite High Pressure Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements

Advanced Elements of Benicia, California recently introduced one of two new kayaks for the 2019 product year. The AE1007E Convertible Elite is a package upgrade to the long-standing, popular AE1007R Advanced Elements Convertible inflatable kayak for one or two paddlers.

First introduced in 2003 as the AE1004 AdvancedFrame2, the original model featured an integrated deck for double paddling. The kayak was reintroduced in 2006 as the AE1007R AdvancedFrame Convertible, sporting an open cockpit design which could be enclosed with optional single and double decks for solo or tandem paddling.

The new AE1007E Convertible Elite features the identical kayak materials and construction as the current AE1007R, but with upgraded accessories and features. The Convertible Elite now comes with a 4-6 PSI drop stitch floor, rather than the standard 1 PSI PVC floor with i-beams. The increased floor rigidity enhances the paddling experience with better tracking and glide.

Other new features include the high-backed lumbar seat, now with a padded seat base. This increases the comfort providing a stiffer seat with inflatable lumbar support, and a slightly higher position that compensates for the rigid floor.

The standard carrying case has also been replaced with the roomier, backpack style case. making it easier to transport.

The current Convertible remains in the product line in the standard red color (AE1007R) as well as the high-visibility green color (AE1007G). Street price is $699.

The AE1007E Convertible Elite is available in red with a street price of $949.

AirKayaks also has the top-selling Convertible DS AE1007B-DS inflatable tandem with the same features as the Convertible Elite yet includes a front foot brace, double action pump with gauge and the StashPack 20L deck bag for a street price of $899.
Optional single and double decks are available for all three colors – red, blue and green.
See the AirKayaks.com website (links below) for more details or to purchase. AirKayaks also features customized and bundled packages at additional savings.

AE1007R Convertible in Red
AE1007G Convertible in Green
AE1007E Convertible Elite in Red
AE1007B-DS Convertible DS in Blue

The new Advanced Elements Attack Pro high-pressure inflatable whitewater kayak will be coming late spring 2019. Stay tuned for details.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Video: Advanced Elements Sport DS High-Pressure Inflatable Kayak

Our latest video on the new Sport DS Inflatable Kayak – manufactured by Advanced Elements exclusively for AirKayaks.com.

The new Sport DS high-pressure inflatable kayak is fun, nimble and paddles beautifully. Compact and lightweight with a 4-6 PSI floor, the Sport DS features a simpler, streamlined, open cockpit design best suited for lakes, bays, calm rivers and inland waters. At 10 feet 5 inches, 28 lbs and a payload of 250 lbs, the Sport DS is perfect for all ages and experience levels, appealing to price-conscious individuals who simply want performance.
The Sport DS is fourth in AirKayaks’ high-pressure inflatable kayak series, joining the 10’10” AdvancedFrame DS XL, the AdvancedFrame DS XLC with zip out deck, and the Convertible DS tandem for one or two paddlers.
The Sport DS series for AirKayaks comes with upgraded accessories:

High-pressure double action pump with a pressure gauge
High-backed lumbar seat
Blue diamond rip stop fabric
4-6 PSI inflatable drop stitch floor for extreme rigidity compared to the standard pvc floor.

For more info on set up, features, specification and performance, see our detailed product review/write-up with photos on the Advanced Elements Sport DS inflatable Kayak. To purchase, visit the Sport DS product page at AirKayaks.com. You can also contact us at info@airkayaks.com or give us a call at 707-998-0135.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: AquaGlide Chelan HB One Inflatable Kayak

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

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Sneak Preview: New BlackFoot HB Inflatable Fishing Kayak from AquaGlide

Earlier this month at the Outdoor Retailer summer sporting goods show, North Sports, Inc. of White Salmon, Washington unveiled their new AquaGlide inflatable kayak lineup for 2015.

One of the models being introduced later this year is the 12′ 8″ Blackfoot HB – a high-pressure inflatable, whitewater and fishing kayak that can be paddled by one to two people.

Designed with the angler in mind, the Blackfoot HB features 7 integrated Scotty mounts (three each side and one on the floor), which can be used to add anything from rod holders to GPS.

Included with the kayak is an integrated utility bag which works as a cooler or dry storage. The bag includes 4 rod holders, two side pockets, a clear map and license window, 4 side d-rings and a mesh pocket inside the lid. Velcro strips on the kayak floor allow one to reposition the utility bag nearly any place in the kayak.

Forward-mounted accessory straps and plentiful tie-downs provide easy stowage for dry bags or other gear.

A single “Whitewater” seat is mounted on a removable, raised platform for a higher seating perspective, providing more ergonomic comfort.

The seat back also includes mesh storage pocket and integrated fishing-rod holders. Four adjustable straps and the velcro strip system allow one to place the seat virtually anywhere in the cockpit.

The kayak is constructed from a smooth-skin Duratex, cutting down on drying time. Designed with extra width (39 inches) for added stability, the 6-12 PSI high pressure floor is extremely rigid and durable enough to stand-up and fly fish.

The BlackFoot HB also has a long waterline and tapered bow for quickly covering distance, and it turns easily. In whitewater settings, the front splash guard help keep paddlers dry, while seven cockpit drains allow pooled water to pass through quickly.

The Blackfoot HB is a highly versatile inflatable. While the kayak comes with one seat and the booster base, by removing the utility bag and adding a second seat (not included), the kayak can be used by two paddlers on slow and fast moving water through Class II.

Blackfoot HB.
12’8” x 39” length and width.
Weight 38 lbs.
600 lb carrying capacity.
What’s included: Utility bag, whitewater and booster seat, removable tracking fin, backpack, maintenance kit.
Price $999.
Available late 2014.
Watch a Video on the new Aquaglide BlackFoot HB.

For more details and availability, see the AquaGlide Blackfoot Inflatable Kayak Product Page at www. AirKayaks.com

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: Deschutes Two HB Inflatable Kayak from AquaGlide

We continue with our series on the new Aquaglide line of inflatable kayaks. Our first several reviews focused on the Chinook price-point line, then moved to the flagship Columbia line of high pressure inflatable touring kayaks. This was followed by the  Deschutes line of high-pressure, recreational models for 1 to 2+ paddlers.

The first Deschutes review was on the Tandem HB, a 12-foot long inflatable kayak designed for one or two paddlers, with extra space for gear, child or pet. We now follow-up with the Deschutes Two HB, (shown above) a smaller 10-foot long inflatable kayak with multiple seating locations, allowing it to be paddled by one or two persons.  (Please note: some of the information will be repeated from other writeups.)
Getting Started with the Aquaglide Deschutes HB Two:
We unpacked the box and laid out the pieces – inflatable kayak, backpack, instructions, repair kit, foot braces, tracking fin and two seats.

Initial measurements showed the kayak body weighs approximately 27 lbs, with a backpack size roughly 27 x 23 x 14 inches. The kayak with seats, fin and braces – all in the backpack – weighs 38 lbs. Boxed up, the dimensions are 36 x 24 x 14 inches with a shipping weight of 49 lbs. Folded, the kayak body is 27 x 22 x 6 inches.
We were able to get everything, including an optional pump, into the backpack. Paddles can be placed in the side mesh pocket.
(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 are adequate and include diagrams with inflation details.

Set up is straight-forward and simple  – unpack, unfold, inflate.
There are two inflation chambers utilizing Boston valves – the two side chambers – while the high-pressure floor features a military valve. There are two more small chambers with twistlock valves, for the seat bases. The floor is pumped up first.

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 Deschutes Two HB floor requires a military valve adaptor, which does not come with most standard pumps. Here is where we came to our first issue – no military valve adaptor was included. We were aware of this from our previous writeups on the Columbia series, and pulled one out of our parts box. (AirKayaks note #2: As previously mentioned, we spoke with AquaGlide. The first couple of shipments did not include the adaptor, but

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: Columbia Two HB Inflatable Kayak from AquaGlide

We continue with our series on the new Aquaglide line of inflatable kayaks. Our first two reviews focused on the Chinook price-point line. Our third and fourth reviews featured two in the flagship Columbia line of high pressure inflatables; the Columbia One HB – a high-pressure touring model for one paddler, and the Columbia Tandem for 1-3 paddlers.

We’ve  now moved on to the Columbia Two HB, a 13.5 foot long inflatable kayak designed for one or two paddlers. (Please note: some of the information will be repeated from other writeups.)
Getting Started with the Aquaglide Columbia Two HB:
We unpacked the box and laid out the pieces – inflatable kayak, backpack, instructions, repair kit, foot braces, tracking fin and two Pro-Formance seats.

Initial measurements showed the kayak body weighs approximately 32.5 lbs, with a backpack size of roughly 27 x 23 x 14 inches, while the kayak with seats, fin and braces – all in the backpack – weighs 44 lbs. Boxed up, the dimensions are 30 x 29 x 15 inches with a shipping weight of 54 lbs. As a note, we were able to also get the pump in the case, with the paddles stuffed into the mesh pocket.
The included instructions are adequate and include diagrams with inflation details.

Set up is straight-forward and simple  – unpack, unfold, inflate.
(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.)
There are two inflation chambers utilizing Boston valves – the two side chambers – while the high-pressure floor features a military valve. There are two more small chambers with twistlock valves, for the seat bases. The floor is pumped up first.

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 Columbia Two HB floor requires a military valve adaptor, which does not come with most standard pumps. Here is where we came to our first issue – no military valve adaptor was included. We were aware of this from our previous write-ups and had one handy. (AirKayaks note #2: We spoke with AquaGlide. The first couple of shipments did not include the adaptor, but subsequent shipments will. We did obtain a number of fittings that we will be including with the first shipments.)
Lock the adaptor onto the conical Boston valve adaptor by friction fit, and then attach to the military valve with a slight twist. Since the main chambers are inflated to 2

Original Source: AirKayaks >>