Tag Archives: 2016 Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayaks

Product Review: Updated AE1012 AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements

We recently received our first shipments of the newly updated AE1012 Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame inflatable kayak – a classic model blending performance, price and portability. Having paddled the AdvancedFrame through all iterations since 2002, we were interested to see some of the fine-tuned enhancements.

In 2015, Advanced Elements began a factory expansion, moving the production line to Indonesia. While plant construction was completed in the fall of 2015, the reopening took longer than anticipated, causing delays in spring 2016 production for several models. Despite stockpiling, huge customer demand caused the AdvancedFrame to be out of stock for nearly a year.
In late spring 2016, the first shipment of AdvancedFrame inflatable kayaks sailed into port, now featuring an integrated 1-PSI pressure relief valve in the floor bladder, enhanced high-backed seating, redesigned hardware and the addition of velcro paddle holders.
As our previous write-up was several years ago, we took the opportunity to also update our readers with details on the newly updated AdvancedFrame AE1012, a 10’5″ inflatable weighing in at roughly 34 to 35 lbs with an MSRP of $539. (Please note: some of this will be repeated from prior reviews.)
Getting Started with the AdvancedFrame Kayak

The box as received weighs 41 lbs, measuring 32 x 19 x 11 inches. Inside, the rugged carrying case measures 32 x 18 x 10 inches, and houses the kayak body, seat, repair kit and instructions. The kayak folded size is approximately 30 x17 x 10 inches. The case has just enough room to include a small pump and breakdown paddle (not included). AirKayaks note: Take a good look at how the kayak is folded BEFORE setting up, this will help during breakdown.
AdvancedFrame Kayak Setup/Inflation
We re-acquainted ourselves with the kayak by reading the updated manual. This, too, has evolved over the years and gives excellent explanations on inflation, usage, refolding, etc.

First step, unfold the kayak. The AdvancedFrame features an “inner rib” in the bow and stern, which is basically a u-shaped aluminum rib, about a foot long and one-half inch wide.

This comes “pre-assembled” meaning it arrives already inserted into two sleeves inside the kayak cover. Unless you remove the inner bladder, they remain in position. When the kayak is pumped up, the inner bladder with rib presses against the kayak cover – that, in conjunction with two bow and stern plastic sheets, give the kayak a sharp silhouette which aids in slicing through the water.

The kayak features 7 inflation chambers – two military valves and 5 twist-loks. The military-style plunger valves are simple to use – twist one way to inflate and the other to deflate.

The kayak comes with a screw-on adaptor (found in the repair kit in the mesh pocket behind the seat) which will fit some pumps

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

2016 Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame, Sport and Convertible Kayaks in Stock!

This past week we picked up our first shipment of Advanced Elements 2016 models, including the red and green AdvancedFrame, updated Sport in orange, and the popular Convertible tandem in red. Limited quantities are available – and going fast.

New features for the best-selling AE1012 AdvancedFrame include an integrated 1-PSI pressure relief valve in the floor bladder, enhanced high-backed seating, redesigned hardware and the addition of velcro paddle holders. The popular model is now available in two colors – traditional red (AE1012R) and hi-vis green (AE1012G). MSRP $539.
The 2016 AE1007R Convertible in red has also been updated with the integrated pressure relief valve, improved seats and redesigned hardware. Like its sibling, the tandem will feature two colors – traditional red (AE1007R) and hi-vis green (AE1007G – available in June). MSRP $749. Matching decks for the green will be available this summer.
Due to factory relocation, the sought-after AdvancedFrame series has been difficult to obtain over the past several months. As explained by Clay Haller, President of Advanced Elements, Inc., “After nearly 15 years in business, and constantly growing demand for our kayaks, we decided it was time to build a new and much larger factory to accommodate growth for years to come.”
Knowing the popularity of the AdvancedFrame line, AirKayaks attempted to stockpile as much inventory as possible in the event of delays, but were still woefully short of demand.
In the fall of 2015, construction of the new factory was completed however the reopening took longer than anticipated, causing delays in spring 2016 production for several models.
Production has been in full swing for a few months now and Clay is thrilled with the progress. “With some key advancements in machinery and the experience of our seasoned management and production techs, we are seeing the same high-level quality – if not better – that Advanced Elements has always been known for.”
The current shipment featured limited quantities – which are selling quickly. More containers with the 2016 Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame and Convertible models (in both red and the new hi-vis green) are on the water, with expected availability in the first or second week of June. These will be followed with Advanced Elements Sport and Expedition models, towards the end of June.

The current yellow AE1009 Expedition had been retired and replaced with the upgraded, ocean blue Expedition AE1009B at $749. The 2016 Expedition features high-backed seating, diamond ripstop material, integrated storage hatch, sculpted riser bar, pressure relief valve, velcro paddle holders and redesigned hardware.  A variation of the blue Expedition was released in 2015 as the Expedition LTD with the same features in non-ripstop material. AirKayaks has a Special Purchase of the 2015 Expedition LTD model at $599.

The 2016 Sport AE1017 also features the integrated

Original Source: AirKayaks >>