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New 2016 Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayak & Paddle Board Lineup

At the recent Outdoor Retailer Show held in August, Advanced Elements of Benicia, California unveiled their 2016 product line of inflatable kayaks, SUPs and paddling gear.

The Advanced Elements 2016 lineup features one new model, redesigns on four others, and the inclusion of three 2015 prototype models. Beginning in January 2016, pricing on several kayak models will increase 2% to 9% due to higher material, manufacturing and shipping costs.

The current 11-0 Fishbone inflatable paddle board will be joined by the new Fishbone EX – a 12-6 version with a 30 inch beam and 6 inch thickness. Max payload is 300 lbs, giving it the ability to fit one or two paddlers. Retail price will be $1199. All current inflatable paddle board models – Hula 11, Hula 8, Fishbone, Lotus YSup and Stiffy – will remain the same construction and same pricing as in 2015.

The Island Voyage II – which was available in limited quantities during 2015 – will now be added to the lineup. At 11’2″ in length and a 37″ width, the Island Voyage II features an open design with three seating positions, allowing one to paddle solo or tandem. See our Island Voyage detailed writeup and review. Retail price is $429.
In the AdvancedFrame series, most of the models remain status-quo in features, but with new color and graphic choices.

The popular AE1012 AdvancedFrame and AE1007 Convertible will now be available in the standard orange-red as well as hi-vis lime-green, with matching Convertible deck colors. Prices will increase $40 and $50 respectively, with MSRPs of $539 and $799. The AdvancedFrame Sport will also have a graphics redesign, with the price increasing $10 to $449.

The current yellow 13-ft Expedition AE1009 will be replaced by the popular 2015 Limited Edition Expedition. Now in a navy blue with orange graphics, the Expedition LTD sports a sleeker silhouette with integrated storage. A new “deck lift” – consisting of an aluminum bar – works in conjunction with the current integrated inflatable deck lifts, to create a sculpted look with more knee/legroom as well as shedding accumulated water.  A rear integrated storage hatch with rolltop closure provides easy access to paddling gear. See our detailed Expedition LTD writeup with photos. MSRP $749.
The Lagoon single and tandem kayaks will remain the same, with retail prices increasing $20 and $30. While the current Attack, StraitEdge Angler and StraitEdge 2 models are also unchanged in construction, prices will be increased $25, $20 and $50 respectively.
The Firefly, AirFusion Elite, Packlite and Friday Harbor Adventure inflatable kayaks will remain the same with no change in pricing. The Commander 9 and Commander 12 inflatable dinghies have been retired.
By 2016, most of the kayak models with low-pressure floors will include the integrated 1-PSI pressure

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 >>