Tag Archives: advanced elements inflatable kayaks

New Limited Edition AdvancedFrame LTD Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements

As mentioned in prior posts, Advanced Elements of Benicia, California, unveiled two 2015 limited edition inflatable kayak models at last summer’s Outdoor Retailer Show.

The new 10.5 ft limited edition AE1012-LTD AdvancedFrame LTD touring kayak is in transit and scheduled to be available May 15th.
The AdvancedFrame LTD features a major color redesign, as well as some updated design changes. Now in a Hi-Vis lime green with yellow graphics, the AdvancedFrame LTD sports a sleek silhouette with improved seating. A high-backed, rigid seat for added comfort and support is standard in the limited edition model.
Velcro paddle holders are now included as well as new d-rings, making it easier to attach gear.
An integrated “pressure relief valve” ensures the floor is not over-inflated. Set at 1 PSI, the relief valve releases enough air to maintain 1 PSI when pumping it up, or if left in the hot sun.

Street price is $499. For more details or to purchase, visit the AdvancedFrame LTD product page at AirKayaks.com

The larger Expedition LTD – a 13 foot touring model selling for $679 – is currently available. For more info see the Expedition LTD product page at AirKayaks.com. You can also see our Detailed Writeup with Photos on the Expedition LTD from Advanced Elements.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

AirKayaks: Guide to Choosing Your Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayak

One of the leading inflatable kayak design companies is Advanced Elements, located in Benicia, California.

Founded in 2002 by two inventors, Charlie Hall and Clay Haller, the Advanced Elements line has grown into one of the best-known lines of inflatable kayaks. From the company’s inception, Clay and Charlie desired to push the envelope with a new concept – a “hybrid” design of inflatable and rigid components that perform more like a hard shell kayak, but portable, lightweight, and affordable.
Today, Advanced Elements is well-known for durability, performance and innovation. The 2015 lineup includes 12 kayak models with three variations, ranging in size from 7 ft 9 inches to 15 ft.  These span the gamut of recreational to touring, fishing to whitewater, open and closed designs, in both solo and tandem models.
With this many choices, where does one start?

If this is your first kayak, you may want to read our Guide to Choosing an Inflatable Kayak – What You Should Consider, which explains some of the generic features and concepts in inflatable kayaks.
If you have a good idea what you’re looking for, AirKayaks has prepared a table outlining and comparing each of the Advanced Elements models. This is separated into three sections:

Solo models under 10 feet in length
Solo models over 10 feet in length
Tandem models for one or two paddlers.

How do you use this table? First, ascertain the paddler sizes – are you big and tall or average?
Then decide the type(s) of paddling you want to do (paddling situations):

Touring – Long paddles, camping, open water
Coastal – Open water, waves, bays
Recreational – Lakes, sloughs, slower rivers, calm waters
Whitewater – Fast-moving maneuvering with eddies, drops.
Wave surfing
Fishing

Determine what attributes are important (or not!) to you – do you want portability or storage capacity? Stability or speed?

Follow the color key to decide which kayak is good for varying sizes and activities:
Blue – The kayak is great!
Green – The kayak is good.
Orange – The kayak is okay.
Yellow – This kayak is not recommended.
For instance, if you were average weight and height, and calm water paddling was a priority, then the AE1017 Sport might be a great choice. But, if you planned on some open water or inclement weather paddling, then the AE1012 – with its enclosed deck – might be best.

If you are having trouble viewing the details in the table (separated into three),  follow this link for a larger and printable version of the Choosing Your Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayak.
Solo models under 10 feet in length

Solo models over 10 feet in length

Advanced Elements tandem kayaks for solo or double paddling.

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, you can view details on the various Advanced Elements inflatable kayaks at http://www.AirKayaks.com. You can also read the following product reviews –

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

AdvancedFrame vs. Expedition: Choosing Your Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayak

Introduced nearly a decade ago, the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame inflatable kayak series (originally called the AirFrame) has expanded over the years to include four models – the two 10.5 foot AdvancedFrame and Sport models, the 13 foot Expedition, and the 15 ft tandem Convertible.
One of the most popular questions is between the AdvancedFrame and Expedition – which one should I choose? While the lower pricepoint on the AdvancedFrame is appealing to many, the smaller size may not be as comfortable to some, or carry enough gear.

The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame (photo above) is a 10.5 ft recreational and touring model while the Expedition (photo below) is an elongated 13 ft version with upgrades. Though they have many similarities, there are just as many differences. Ultimately your choice comes down to a personal preference, but here are some things to think about.

Both kayaks are made from the same materials, use the same valves and have the same 1 PSI PVC floor i-beam construction with 2 PSI side chambers. Both come with bungee deck lacing, molded rubber handles, multiple d-rings, neoprene knuckle guards, integrated tracking fin and carrying case. Both have the integrated aluminum rib/plastic inserts in the bow and stern to sculpt the shape. Both have the same size cockpit seating area with coaming tubes to attach optional spray skirts. Both models can use optional backbones and high-pressure floors for added rigidity and tracking, as well as a myriad of Advanced Elements accessories to enhance the paddling experience.

At 10.5 feet in length with a weight of 34 lbs in the pack, the AE1012 AdvancedFrame is lighterweight and shorter – easier to carry around solo in windy weather. It paddles well. This is a great choice with small or average-sized people concerned about kayak size and weight, who don’t plan on long or multiple days of touring and don’t need room for lots of gear. And it costs slightly less.
The Expedition AE1009 is 2.5 feet longer and weighs 10 lbs more (13 feet and 44 lbs). The longer waterline makes it a great choice for extended (and short) range touring. It paddles well and has great glide. Upgraded accessories – such as a foot brace and high-backed lumbar seat – come standard.

We put the AdvancedFrame and Expedition next to each other to get a better feel – in this photo shoot we had the AdvancedFrame DS (blue model with high pressure floor) available – the AFDS is identical in size to the standard red version. We set them up, mid-handle to mid-handle, and positioned each of the seats towards the back of the cockpit area.
We took measurements and then did the ultimate test – my “6’2″, 180 lb, 10.5 shoe-size” husband was asked

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Sneak Preview: Advanced Elements Expedition LTD & AdvancedFrame LTD Inflatable Kayaks

Earlier this month, Salt Lake City in Utah hosted the Outdoor Retailer Summer Show, one of the largest sporting goods events of the year. Nearly 1700 manufacturers – representing camping, cycling, water sports and outdoor activities – took this opportunity to showcase their 2015 line, unveiling new products and features to retailers around the world.

One of the major inflatable kayak manufacturers, Advanced Elements of Benicia, California, unveiled two limited edition models being introduced in 2015. The two popular models – Expedition and AdvancedFrame – feature two facelifts in limited production runs.
 

The Expedition LTD Limited Edition features a major color redesign, as well as some innovative design changes. Now in an Ocean 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. MSRP $749.

The number-one selling AdvancedFrame has undergone a similar facelift, now in a hi-vis Lime Green with yellow graphics. The standard seat has been replaced with a stiffer, higher-backed version, providing more support. Velcro paddleholders are now standard. MSRP $549.
Both models feature new d-rings, making it easier to attach gear.
The Expedition LTD and AdvancedFrame LTD should be available in early 2015, in limited quantities.
Two new accessories for the 4-lb Packlite are also currently available. The Packlite Bellows Pump is a small-profile foot pump weighing just under 1 lb and capable of inflating to 2 PSI.

The Ultralite Paddle is a lightweight, 23.2 oz. 4 pc breakdown paddle with a longest shaft length of 23.5 inches. When bundled with the Packlite kayak and pump, the BakYaking package weighs in at 7 lbs. and sells for $350.
For more details and upcoming availability, watch the Advanced Elements product pages at http://www.AirKayaks.com. Or you can send us an email to get on the Advanced Elements LE Notification List.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>