Tag Archives: inflatable fishing kayaks

Sneak Preview: Aquaglide’s New Blackfoot Angler Inflatable Kayaks for 2021

In late 2020 we posted information on Aquaglide’s upcoming new inflatable kayak line for 2021, consisting of 20 models for recreational, touring, fishing, whitewater/crossover and back-country. While twelve models remain the same, the Chelan and Blackfoot series were redesigned. We expanded the details in our Sneak Preview on the Aquaglide Chelan series, and we now turn to the updated Blackfoot fishing kayaks.

The Blackfoot Angler series for 2021 is comprised of the Blackfoot 130 – a single angler that can become a double with purchase of an optional seat – and the new Blackfoot 160 XL – a true tandem.
Just like the new Chelan series, the key words for the 2021 Blackfoots are comfort, performance and appointments, now featuring beefed-up graphics and even more storage options and gear attachments for a better fishing and paddling experience.

The previous Blackfoot 125 has been redesigned as a slightly longer 13 foot by 40 inch width Blackfoot Angler 130 for one paddler, but with space enough to outfit it as a double by adding an extra seat. A new BlackFoot Angler 160 – at a whopping 16 feet with 40 inch width – is a true tandem with all the bells and whistles and an 800 lb payload. The Blackfoot 110 solo has been retired.
Each of the new Blackfoots is constructed from Aquaglide’s commercial-grade Duratex material consisting of a lightweight, stiff and durable skin that dries easily. The high-pressure floor is covered with a diamond-cut EVA traction pad for secure footing and comfort while casting or standing.
Four threaded drain plugs can be opened or closed, dependent on the type of water action – open for self-draining in rough water or closed when in calm settings.

Front and rear splash decks with bungee lacing keep water out and gear intact.
The Blackfoots come standard with Aquaglide’s new High-Low Frame Seat with two seating options; the high setting offers better visibility and makes it easier to stand up when casting, while the low setting provides more stability in rougher waters. An adjustable, high backrest gives solid support, while the breathable fabric keeps one cooler. A storage shelf under the seat is perfect for tackle boxes while further storage options can be found on the seat back. As an added bonus – the seat can be removed, providing comfortable seating on the beach or around a campsite.

New Molle plates – as found on military backpacks and gear – are integrated onto the side tubes. Each can be used for attaching a multitude of aftermarket gadgets, such as first aid kits, multi-tool cases, waterproof gear pouches or Aquaglide’s optional, new, vertically-mounted cup holder. The Blackfoot series comes equipped with mesh storage pouches which attach to the molle plates.

A series of universal mounts on

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Video: AquaGlide Blackfoot Angler HB SL Inflatable Fishing Kayak

Our third video in the AquaGlide Blackfoot series features the Blackfoot Angler HB SL – an 11 foot inflatable fishing kayak capable of carrying up to 400 lbs of paddler and gear.
At 32 lbs, the Blackfoot sports a streamlined silhouette and piercing bow, providing good tracking and glide. Integrated Scotty mounts, bungee deck lacing and multiple tie-downs allow one to attach favorite angling gear.
A high-pressure floor and wide beam provide stability and rigidity, while the seat can easily be moved to accommodate kayakers of many sizes. Includes a backpack, allowing one to easily store it in the trunk of a car, a closet or RV, and bring it along on vacations.
It’s perfect for slow moving rivers, lakes, choppy waters, ocean coastlines and mild rapids.
 

For more information, read our Detailed Product Review on the Blackfoot Angler SL, or visit the Blackfoot product pages on AirKayaks.com.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Sneak Preview: StraitEdge Angler Pro Inflatable Fishing Kayak from Advanced Elements

This week’s Outdoor Retailer Summer Market features a whopping arena of more than 1600 sporting goods manufacturers unveiling their 2017 product lines.

At Open Air Demo day, Advanced Elements of Benicia, California showcased the new 10′ 6″ StraitEdge Angler Pro, a high-pressure inflatable kayak focused on fishing and comfort.
Designed around the needs of kayak anglers, the wide beam and high-pressure drop stitch floor technology provide maximum stability when casting or bringing in big catches.

The 4-6 PSI drop stitch floor – in conjunction with the wider 38.5 inch beam – provides enough rigidity to stand. The floor is covered with a traction pad for protection and grip, allowing one to fully and easily move around.
Tired of standing? The adjustable AirFrame Pro seat features a folding, anodized aluminum frame with removable fabric cover and mesh back. The seat allows one to sit up a few inches higher; the seat back can be adjusted to find that perfect recline position, or can be folded back to allow more interior room.
Two accessory rail systems allow one to add optional 1-inch rail mounts – these can be customized with fish finders, fishing rod holders, GPS mounts and more.

Other features include an integrated ruler printed on the floor, stainless steel d-rings, bungee deck lacing, paddle holders. Replete with a removable, deep water, tracking fin, the integrated US style fin box can also be used in conjunction with the Current Drives Electrafin, providing battery-powered mobility.
Specifications:

Model AE1055
Color: Sage/Gray
Dimensions: 10’6″ long, 38.5 inches wide
Weight: 45 lbs with seats.
Max payload: One person with gear 400 lbs
Inflation Chambers: 5
Folded size: 32 x 18 x 11

The StraitEdge Angler Pro comes with carrying case with shoulder straps, AirFrame Pro seat, drop stitch floor, 2 accessory frames, removable fin, repair kit, instructions. MSRP $999. Available spring of 2017.

The StraitEdge Angler Pro joins the current AE1006-ANG StraitEdge Angler, a stripped down version for those fishing folk who don’t need all the “bells and whistles.” MSRP $729.
For further details, watch the Advanced Elements product pages at AirKayaks.com. Or contact us to get on the Notification List.
You can also watch a video posted by Kayak Angler Magazine from Outdoor Retailer Demo Day, below. This also shows the StraitEdge Angler Pro with the motorized Current Drives ElectraFin.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: AquaGlide Blackfoot HB Angler XL Inflatable Kayak for 1 or 2 Paddlers

We continue with our series on the new AquaGlide line of inflatable kayaks, specifically the fishing models. We previously reviewed the new high pressure Blackfoot HB Angler SL single-person inflatable kayak followed by the 11-0 Blackfoot Angler Inflatable Paddle Board. We now turn to the Blackfoot HB Angler XL – an elongated 13-foot version which can be set up as the ultimate one-person fishing machine, but can easily switch to a two-person model by adding an optional seat.

Please note, some of this will be repeated from other reviews.
Getting Started with the AquaGlide Blackfoot HB Angler XL:
We unpacked the box and laid out the pieces – inflatable kayak, backpack, instructions, repair kit, foot brace, tracking fin, visor lift, booster seat, adaptor, fishing cooler with rod holders and Core seat.

Initial measurements showed the kayak body with bolster weighs 31.75 lbs while the kayak with seat, fin and brace in the backpack (everything but the cooler) weighs 37.4 lbs. Backpack size (filled) is roughly 27 x 20 x 14 inches. The fishing cooler weighs an additional 3.25 lbs and flattens to 20 x 13 x 3 inches; we did manage to fit it into the backpack. Boxed up, the entire package dimensions are 24 x 20 x 14 inches with a shipping weight of 48 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.)
The included instructions are adequate and include diagrams with inflation details.

Set up is straight-forward and simple  – unpack, unfold, inflate.
There are three inflation chambers utilizing high-pressure military valves – the two side chambers and the floor. 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 Blackfoot HB XL valves require a military valve adaptor, which does not come with most standard pumps. The adaptor was located inside the repair kit.  Friction fit the military valve adaptor onto the Boston valve adaptor (slightly conical-shaped nozzle), then lock onto the military valve with a slight twist. Since the chambers are inflated from 3 to 12 PSI, it is helpful to use a pump with pressure gauge to ensure the kayak is inflated appropriately.
Here we had our first issue – we could not get the adaptor to couple to the valve. From past experience, we found this could be two things. One, the o-ring can be very stiff initially or two, there is such

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: AquaGlide Blackfoot SL Inflatable Fishing Kayak

We continue with our series on the new Aquaglide inflatable kayak models for 2016.  Our last review focused on the new Cascade 11’0″ inflatable paddle board. We now switch gears to take a look at the AquaGlide angler series, in particular this year’s new Blackfoot HB SL inflatable fishing kayak.

At 11-feet in length with a price tag of $799, the high-pressure Blackfoot HB SL is a stripped-down solo inflatable kayak featuring a more economical price point than the current Blackfoot XL tandem. Please note, some of this will be repeated from other reviews.
Getting Started with the AquaGlide Blackfoot HB SL:

We unpacked the box and laid out the pieces – inflatable kayak, backpack, instructions, repair kit, foot brace, tracking fin, visor lift and seat.
Initial measurements showed the kayak body weighs 25 lbs while the kayak with seat, fin and brace – all in the backpack – weighs 30 lbs. Backpack size (filled) is roughly 26 x 19 x 12 inches. Boxed up, the dimensions are 26 x 23 x 14 inches with a shipping weight of 39 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.)
The included instructions are adequate and include diagrams with inflation details.

Set up is straight-forward and simple  – unpack, unfold, inflate.
There are three inflation chambers utilizing high-pressure military valves – the two side chambers and the floor. 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 Blackfoot HB valves require 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 did manage to grab the AquaGlide Dual Action pump from our previous writeup on the AquaGlide Cascade 11-0 inflatable paddle board – this had the correct adaptor, so we were ready to keep going. In the interim, Aquaglide has shipped us adaptors to include with each kayak and will make sure upcoming shipments have them included.
While we used the AquaGlide pump, if using the “included” adaptor, friction fit the military valve adaptor onto the Boston valve adaptor, then lock onto the military valve with a slight twist. Since the chambers are inflated from 3 to 12 PSI, it is helpful to use a pump with pressure gauge to ensure the kayak is inflated appropriately.

The floor is held in place with

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Sneak Preview: Expanded BlackFoot Angler Fishing Series from AquaGlide Kayak

Earlier this month, Aquaglide of White Salmon, Washington unveiled their expanded Blackfoot Angler lineup for 2016, including two inflatable fishing kayaks and one inflatable fishing paddle board. 
Two new models – the 10′ 6″ Blackfoot HB Angler SL inflatable kayak and 11′ 6″ Blackfoot ISUP – are joining the current 12′ 8″ Blackfoot HB Angler XL.
AquaGlide’s expanded Blackfoot line targets the popular sport of kayak fishing. A recent survey conducted by OutdoorIndustry.org, showed that angler fishing increased 28% in 2014 alone.
Designed with the angler in mind, the two Blackfoot HB inflatable kayaks include both a single model, and one for 1-2 paddlers. Each features a 6 PSI high-pressure floor.

The current 12′ 8 BlackFoot HB XL can easily be switched from solo to tandem paddling, with a street price $999.

The new 10′ 6″ Blackfoot HB Angler SL is a scaled-down version for one paddler, with a lower pricepoint of $799.

Both kayaks feature integrated Scotty mounts which can be used to add anything from rod holders to GPS.

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

A single “Core” seat  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 kayaks are constructed from a smooth-skin Duratex, cutting down on drying time. Designed with extra width for added stability, the 6-12 PSI high pressure floor is extremely rigid and durable enough to stand-up and fly fish.
The longer waterlines and tapered bow are designed for quickly covering distance. In whitewater settings, the front splash guard help keep paddlers dry, while cockpit drains allow pooled water to pass through quickly.

The Blackfoot HB Angler XL features two additional accessories not included with the smaller version. An integrated Fishing Cooler utility bag 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. The fishing cooler is also available as an optional accessory, street price $69.95.

The Core seat is also mounted on a removable, “booster seat” raised platform for a higher seating perspective, providing more ergonomic comfort. In 2016, the raised platform will also be available separately at a street price of $69.95

While the Blackfoot HB Angler XL kayak comes with one seat and the booster base, by removing the utility bag and adding a second Core seat (not included but available as an optional accessory at $74.95), the kayak can be used by two paddlers on slow and fast moving water through Class

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 >>