In late spring 2016, we received our first shipments of the newly updated AE1017 Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Sport inflatable kayak – a stripped-down classic blending performance, price and simplicity. The kayaks now feature an integrated 1-PSI pressure relief valve in the floor bladder, enhanced high-backed seating, beefed-up graphics and redesigned hardware.
At that point we realized our previous write-up was several years ago and featured the Gen 1 version. So, we took the opportunity to also update our readers with details on the newly updated AdvancedFrame Sport AE1017, a 10’5″ inflatable weighing in at roughly 26 lbs with an MSRP of $449. (Please note: some of this will be repeated from prior reviews.)
Getting Started with the AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak
The box as received weighs 34.4 lbs, measuring 32 x 18 x 11 inches.
Inside, the rugged carrying case measures 30 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 kayak body and seat in the case weighs 28 lbs, while the kayak and seat alone are 26 lbs. 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. The instructions are located in a small plastic pocket inside the carrying case.
AdvancedFrame Sport 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 Sport – along with all AdvancedFrame models – 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 4 inflation chambers – one military valve and 3 twist-loks. The military-style plunger valves are simple to use – twist up to inflate (this is the closed position where air goes in and doesn’t come out) and down to deflate (air goes in and comes back out).
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 based on the hose fittings. Otherwise, a standard Boston valve adaptor will friction fit into
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