Tag Archives: Light Nitrylon

Product Review: New Innova Swing 1 LN High-Pressure PVC-Free Inflatable Kayak

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In May we received our first shipment of the newly-updated Innova Twist LN and Swing LN inflatable kayaks for 2016. Made in the Czech Republic, the new Twist and Swing models are now constructed from Light Nitrilon (LN), a lighterweight version of the rugged material used in the traditional Innova Sunny, Helios and Safari models. Light Nitrilon is known for making the kayaks more rigid as well as water and abrasion resistant, without substantially increasing weight. It’s also PVC-free, thus environmentally friendly.

Other new features on the Swing LN include an improved coaming area which can take optional redesigned spray skirts.
This week we had the first opportunity to take out the revamped Innova Swing I LN, a 10 foot 4-inch one-person inflatable weighing a mere 22 lbs (including seat and foot brace) with a selling price of $599.
Please note: Some of this information will be repeated from prior write-ups.
Getting Started with the Innova Swing I LN Inflatable Kayak
The box as received weighs 26 lbs with dimensions of 29 x 16 x 12 inches.

Inside is the Swing I LN body – neatly folded with a cinch strap – multiple instruction sheets, 2 metal insertion bars, tracking fin, seat, foot rest, repair kit, sponge, and valve adaptor. At 23 lbs for the combined package with accessories, and a folded size of 25 x 16 x 11 inches, the Swing I LN is small enough to fit inside plane overhead cargo bins.
Innova Swing LN Setup/Inflation
The main instruction manual covers set-up for both the Swing I LN and Swing II LN kayaks, thus there will be overlap in both of our write-ups. As with all the Innova manuals to-date, the instructions are quite detailed – there is one instruction sheet for fin installation, one for utilizing the valves, and another on the kayak in general; the Swing has added instructions detailing the “insertion bars.” Most include IKEA-style graphics which are occasionally mind-boggling and while some steps are dauntingly detailed, some are not mentioned.  As the kayaks are made in Europe, many of the details are based around European specs and regulations.

First step, unpack and unfold the kayak body. What is immediately noticeable is how FLAT the kayak is when deflated. Ascertain which is the bow and which is the stern; while the instruction manual says the stern has the Innova logo, the logo and the floor valves are located at the front of the kayak.

Install the tracking fin before inflating the kayak. The Swing I LN utilizes a single fin with double slots.

Slip the end with the larger slot in first, making sure that the fin is pointing towards the “back” of the kayak. This enables it to slide in enough to fit in the

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: New Innova Twist II LN Inflatable Tandem Kayak

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In May we received our first shipment of the newly-updated Innova Twist and Swing inflatable kayaks for 2016. Made in the Czech Republic, the Twist and Swing models are now constructed from Light Nitrilon (LN), a lighterweight version of the rugged material used in the traditional Innova Sunny, Helios and Safari models. Light Nitrilon is known for making the kayaks more rigid as well as water and abrasion resistant, without substantially increasing weight. It’s also PVC-free, thus environmentally friendly.

New features also include improved seating and beefed up foot brace. The new seating arrangement is removable and inflatable, making it easier to reposition the paddling locations, optimizing paddling performance and comfort.
This week we had the first opportunity to take out the  revamped Innova Twist II LN, an 11 foot 10-inch two-person inflatable weighing a mere 26 lbs (including seats and foot brace) with a selling price of $549.
Please note: Some of this information will be repeated from prior write-ups.
Innova Twist II: Getting Started
The box as received measures 21.5 x 16 x 10 inches, weighing in at 28.5 lbs.

Inside is the Twist II LN body, cinch strap, multiple instruction sheets, tracking fin, foot rest, repair kit, two seats, bilge sponge and valve adaptor. The Twist II LN body with seats and brace weighs 26 lbs with a folded size of 20 x 15 x 8. AirKayaks note: While the instructions say the Twist II LN comes with a drawstring carrying sack, these were not included in the first shipments. The bags are currently being shipped over and will be added to the boxes.
Innova Twist 2 Setup/Inflatation
We read through the included instruction manuals. As with all the Innova manuals to date, the instructions are quite detailed – there is one instruction sheet for fin installation, one for utilizing the valves, and another on the kayak in general. Most include IKEA-style graphics which are occasionally just short of a brain twister, and while some steps are dauntingly detailed, some are not mentioned.  As the kayaks are made in Europe, many of the details are based around European specs and regulations.

First step, unpack and unfold the kayak body. What is immediately noticeable is how FLAT the kayak is when deflated.

Install the tracking fin before inflating the kayak. The Twist II LN utilizes a single fin with double slots. Slip the end with the larger slot in first, making sure that the fin is pointing towards the “back” of the kayak. This enables it to slide in enough to fit in the second slot. While the first time can be a struggle to get the back side into position, after a couple of rounds it becomes quite easy. Pull up on the fin to ensure you

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Sneak Preview: Updated Swing and Twist Inflatable Kayaks from Innova

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Innova Kayak of Burlington, Washington, recently announced changes to their 2016 inflatable kayak line involving the popular PVC-free Twist and Swing models.

New for 2016, both models now feature Light Nitrilon (LN) material.

Light Nitrilon is a lighter-weight version of the rugged Nitrilon material used in the traditional Innova Sunny, Helios and Safari models. The base polyester ripstop material is coated with an outer layer of synthetic rubber, improving longevity as well as making the kayaks more rigid, water and abrasion resistant, without substantially increasing the kayak weight.

The Twist I and Twist II models have also had a design change. Both models now sport improved seating, with removable inflatable seats and beefed up foot braces. The new seating arrangement makes it easier to reposition the paddling point, optimizing paddling performance and comfort.

The Swing I, Swing II and Swing EX now sport improved seating and foot rests, while the cockpits have been stiffened for enhanced spray skirt attachment.
The first shipment of the new Twists and Swings have reached the US, and will start being distributed in late April. MSRP is the same as in 2015, at $449, $549 respectively on the Twist I and Twist II, and $599, $799 on the Swing I and Swing II.

The updated Swing Ex will also remain at 2015 pricing levels of $999, and will be available in May.

Innova’s long-awaited new Halibut inflatable fishing kayak should be available in June.
For updates and details, visit the Innova Product pages at http://www.AirKayaks.com. In anticipation of the new shipment, remaining 2015 inventory of Twists and Swings are now on sale, starting at $399.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>