Tag Archives: inflatable kayak review

Product Review: New 10-12 PSI Hi-Pressure AirVolution2 Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements

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Advanced Elements of Benicia, California recently 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.

We initially posted a Sneak Preview on a pre-production sample of the solo AirVolution.
The Airvolution production models arrived this past week so we took the opportunity to check them out. Here are details on the Advanced Elements AirVolution2 AE3030 (Patent Pending), a 14.5 foot high-pressure inflatable kayak weighing in at roughly 52 lbs.
Getting Started with the AirVolution2
The box as received weighs 68 lbs, measuring 45 x 23 x 15 inches.

Inside, is a super-sized, backpack-style carrying case with wheels (7 lbs) , kayak body (47 lbs), 2 EVA seats (2.2 lbs each), pump with gauge (3.25 lbs), tracking fin (0.45 lbs), cinch belts, repair kit (0.8 lbs) and instructions. The kayak with backpack and parts weighs in at 62 lbs, while the kayak body with seats is 52 lbs. The folded kayak size is roughly 44 x 18 x 10 inches.
We began by reading the manual. This includes pump set-up, inflation, deflation, folding, repairs and troubleshooting. And here we come to AirKayak’s Tip #1: No matter how excited you are, take a good look at how the kayak is folded before you set the kayak up, so that you can get it back into the carrying case.

First step, unfold the kayak.

The Advanced Elements AirVolution2 utilizes two main military valves for inflation, similar to the ones found on many standup paddle boards. 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 go to all the effort of inflating the kayak, PLEASE make sure the plunger is in the inflate position.

Next, set up the pump. The AirVolution2 comes with a very nifty, collapsible, dual-action pump with built-in pressure gauge. First step, attach the feet.

The bottom of the pump barrel features tabs that match up to slots on the feet; if you look carefully, you will see that two of the slots are longer than the third – meaning the foot will only go on one way. Line up the tabs, push the barrel into the foot and then twist to lock into position. Attach the hose to the side that says Inflate (there is also a Deflate

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Choosing an Aquaglide Tandem XL Inflatable Kayak: Chelan vs. Columbia vs. Chinook

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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

Original Source: AirKayaks >>