Well-known for eye-catching graphics and innovative technology, Hala Gear is one of the few standup paddle board companies focused on the inflatables market – most feature hard-shells with a few inflatables thrown into the mix.
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Advanced Elements: AdvancedFrame 2 versus Convertible Inflatable Kayaks
This past spring, we received first-hand information on Advanced Elements’ new two-person inflatable kayak model, the 13-ft AdvancedFrame 2. Available in limited quantities, the AdvancedFrame 2 combines features from several current models. The kayak is a lightweight and compact version of the popular Convertible kayak with the silhouette of the Expedition, has a floor and seating setup similar to the Lagoon 2, with a higher 450 lbs weight capacity.
Before they arrived, we began fielding numerous questions on which to choose – the Convertible (shown in blue on the bottom) or the AdvancedFrame 2 (shown in green on top). Here are some things to think about.
What’s the same?
Both the Convertible and AdvancedFrame 2 utilize the same type of hull material and three-layer construction, consisting of a kayak outer cover, with PVC side tubes in their own covered fabric sheath. Both have an integrated tracking fin, landing plate and beefed up bow and stern. Both have the removable bow and stern aluminum ribs, and plastic bow and stern stiffening sheets. Both kayaks come with two seats, repair kit, instructions and carrying case (though the carrying case for the AdvancedFrame 2 is generously oversized). Both have 6 inflation chambers – two military valves and four twistloks. Both have two molded rubber handles – bow and stern – and front bungee deck lacking with d-rings and quick-connect clips as well as four rear d-rings. Both have velcro paddleholders.
Both can use the optional rapidup sail, backbone, high-pressure floor and foot pegs.
This is where the similarities end.
At 13 feet in length, the AdvancedFrame 2 is 2 feet shorter than the Convertible, and at 43 lbs with seats in the carrying case, weighs 9 lbs less. While the Convertible features a 1-PSI PVC inflatable floor with i-beam construction, the AdvancedFrame 2 floor does not inflate; it is constructed from a half-inch thick closed-cell foam – similar to that used under sleeping bags (see photo above). The lower “center of gravity” in the AdvancedFrame 2 is compensated for with inflatable seat bases, while the Convertible features a non-inflatable 1-inch seat base with a stiffer, higher back. As the foam floor “rolls” up, the folded dimensions are not quite as compact – hence the larger carrying case.
While both kayaks have open seating areas, the AdvancedFrame 2 has a slim, one-inch coaming area that helps to keep out water, but can not use a deck or spray skirt. The Convertible features a zippered perimeter that allows one to attach optional single and double spray decks (shown above) as well as optional spray skirts.
The Convertible has more flexibility in seating positions, featuring front, rear and center clipping positions. The AdvancedFrame 2 does not have the center clipping position, and the seat straps
Video: Red Paddle Co Sport 11’3″ Inflatable SUP
Our latest AirKayaks video on the Sport 11’3″ inflatable paddle board from Red Paddle Co.
The Sport 11-3 inflatable standup paddle board from Red Paddle Company – a sleek, streamlined flatwater cruiser for those wanting performance and carrying capacity. Winner of Outside Magazine’s 2017 SUP of the Year award, the Sport 11-3 is rapidly becoming the SUP of choice for flat water paddling, just as the iconic Ride 10-6 is for all-water paddling. It’s one of our favorites!
The slightly wider 32-inch beam, bullet shape and long water line provide great performance, while the squared off tail enhances stability. Yet at a mere 21 lbs, it’s easily handled by smaller paddlers.
It’s great for shorelines, rivers, calm and choppy waters.
Also read our detailed writeup – Product Review: Sport 11’3 Inflatable Paddle Board from Red Paddle Co – which covers setup, features, specifications and performance.
To purchase or for more info, visit our Sport 11’3 Inflatable Paddle Board product page at AirKayaks.com.
Video: Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak
Our latest AirKayaks video on the AE1012 AdvancedFrame inflatable touring kayak from Advanced Elements, which updates our previous video from 2007.
The AdvancedFrame inflatable kayak from Advanced Elements, a classic model blending performance, price and portability. At 10 ft 5 inches, a weight of 33 lbs and a 350 lb payload, the AdvancedFrame is perfect for all ages and experience levels. It’s maneuverable, speedy, and glides through the water. Great for lakes, small rapids, rivers, bays and coastlines.
Also read our detailed writeup – Product Review: New Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak – which covers setup, features, specifications and performance.
To purchase or for more info, visit our AE1012 AdvancedFrame product page at AirKayaks.com.
Video: Expedition Elite Inflatable Touring Kayak from Advanced Elements
Our latest AirKayaks video on the new Expedition Elite inflatable touring kayak from Advanced Elements.
At 13 ft in length and a capacity of 450 lbs, the 42 lb Expedition Elite is comfortable for long paddles along the ocean yet can carry enough gear for an extended trip. The streamlined body – in conjunction with the 4-6 PSI high pressure floor – provides great tracking and glide. Great for lakes, calmer rivers, bays and coastal ocean.
Also read our detailed writeup – Product Review: New Advanced Elements Expedition Elite Hi-Pressure Inflatable Kayak – which covers setup, features, specifications and performance.
To purchase or for more info, visit our AE1009-XE Expedition Elite product page at AirKayaks.com.
Guide to Choosing Your 2018 Red Paddle Co Inflatable SUP
2018 heralds the 10 year anniversary of the Red Paddle Co inflatable SUP brand – these have now hit the market!
For 2018, Red Paddle Co has 23 models for surfing, whitewater, recreation, touring and racing, ranging in size from 8’10 to 22’0. This includes the introduction of 1 new model – the Voyager Tandem 15’0″ – 6 renames, a limited-edition anniversary model, a consolidation of the racing boards, revamped graphics and added features on several of the current boards. With all the models, activity types, sizes and features, how does one choose the best board? Each year we update our previous posts to reflect the new Red Paddle Co models and product upgrades – use this guide to take away some of the guesswork when looking at the myriad of options with Red Paddle Co iSUPs.
The more noticeable new features include:
Updated graphics and color scheme for most of the boards and paddles.
Further advances in Red Paddle’s innovative new Monocoque Structural Laminate (MSL) fusion technology. For 2018, Red Paddle again tweaked the material across the entire product line, making the injected, reinforced second layer thicker with increased bond strength.
Boards with removable fins continue to use the standard US Fin box – these are divided into two types. The Sports, Explorers and Whip now feature FCS Connect Tool-less Fin Systems which quickly snap into position without need for hardware or tools, yet now come with a finger screw to ensure the fins are secure. The racing boards (Elites, Max Races) come with a glass race fin.
Each board with removable fin now includes an extra fin pin/screw in the repair kit.
A third set of d-rings with expanded bungee deck lacing on many of the models. This provides a larger surface for attaching gear.
Embroidered logos on the carrying handles, making them softer to touch.
Upgraded deck pads
Inclusion of a second, complementary deck lacing on select boards, allowing one to change the color on the board if desired.
Two versions of the popular Red Paddle backpack – the Classic version and the new All-Terrain Rugged with some upgraded features for traveling comfort.
Expanded list of attachable third-party accessories utilizing the integrated nose mount, from Railblaza.
Updated seals and handles on the Titan dual cylinder hand pump.
Prices are generally remaining the same with some slight decreases over 2017. (See a complete list of the new 2018 Red Paddle Co Line and new features on this blog article.)
All 2018 Red Paddle Co iSUPs (except the 3 giants) come with either the Classic or Rugged All-Terrain roller backpack featuring integrated wheels, making it easier to thread through airport lobbies, while still comfortable enough to pack into the remote country. Most of the boards come with the Titan dual action pump; the two
Sneak Preview: Limited Edition AdvancedFrame 2 Inflatable Tandem Kayak from Advanced Elements
This past month, Advanced Elements of Benicia, California, released information on their new two-person inflatable kayak model, the 13-ft AdvancedFrame 2.
Available in limited quantities, the AdvancedFrame 2 combines features from several current models. The kayak is a lightweight and compact version of the popular Convertible kayak, yet features more open seating and a higher 450 lb weight capacity than the Lagoon 2. A large cockpit opening similar to that found on the Advanced Elements Sport, allows for easy entry and exit.
The AdvancedFrame 2 contains the same aluminum rib inserts, deck-lacing, d-rings, paddle holders, materials and construction as the other models in the AdvancedFrame series, yet combines some features from the Lagoon 2 – such as a closed cell foam floor and inflatable seat bases – and integrated PVC fishing rod holders as found on the StraitEdge kayaks.
Specifications:
Dimensions: 13 ft long by 32 inches wide
Carrying Capacity:450 lbs
Weight: Approximately 40 lbs.
Two military valves and four twistlok valves
The AE1009-A2 AdvancedFrame 2 is a great choice for lakes and mild rivers, to bays and estuaries. The kayak comes with two seats, instructions, repair kit, double action pump, fishing rod holders and carrying case.
The kayak can also be purchased as the AdvancedFrame 2 DS with a high pressure 4-6 PSI floor, for better paddling and greater rigidity.
The new 13 ft AE1009-A2 AdvancedFrame2 tandem inflatable kayak is in transit and scheduled to be available October 15th.
Street price is $599 for the standard version or $785 for the high-pressure DS version; both come with the AE2009 compact double action hand pump. For more details or to purchase, visit the AdvancedFrame 2 or AdvancedFrame 2 DS product pages at AirKayaks.com. You can also contact us at 707-998-0135, or ask to get on the Notification List.
Sneak Preview: New 17.5 lb AdvancedFrame Ultralite Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements
At this summer’s Outdoor Retailer show, Advanced Elements unveiled their 2018 inflatable kayak product line with announcement of the new AE3022 AdvancedFrame Ultralite – a redesigned version of the AdvancedFrame Sport, weighing in at a minimalist 17.5 lbs.
The AdvancedFrame Ultralite joins the AE1042 AirFusion EVO as one of two new models for next season.
Roughly 15 years ago, Advanced Elements launched the AdvancedFrame line, beginning with the original 10′ 5″ AdvancedFrame (then called the AirFrame) followed by the Convertible, Expedition and Sport. Each iteration saw both major and subtle improvements, culminating in a seasoned line known for quality and performance.
Key to the line is the aluminum rib frame found in the bow and stern, allowing the kayaks to easily slice through the water.
At 10 feet 5 inches in length, the new AdvancdFrame Ultralite has the same footprint and larger cockpit-opening as the longstanding AE1017 Sport. As with the Sport, the AF Ultralite comes with the more rigid high-backed seat, integrated fin and front bungee deck lacing.
What sets it apart is a series of redesigns and tweaks.
To begin with, the AdvancedFrame Ultralite hull is constructed from a lighter-weight ripstop material upper with a polyurethane tarpauline underside. Left and right bladders are also made of a lightweight – yet rugged – polyurethane rather than PVC. Both bladder covers on the AdvancedFrame Ultralite feature open ends without a zipper, allowing the bladders to be pulled out for cleaning or replacement.
Instead of the traditional low-pressure PVC floor, the AF Ultralite sports a foam floor similar to that found in the Lagoon series. To compensate, the high-backed seat features a 1.5 inch EVA closed cell foam seat base.
The switch to open bladder cover, foam floor, polyurethane bladders and polyurethane tarpaulin hull provide most of the weight savings, making the AdvancedFrame Ultralite roughly 10 lbs lighter than the Sport, and nearly half the weight of the AdvancedFrame.
Other features include a thin aluminum bar riser (as found on the Expedition Elite) and cross bar (as found on the AirFusion) which together provide a pitched deck, allowing water to run off. A second set of bungee deck lacing is found on the rear deck upper.
According to Ryan Pugh, designer at Advanced Elements, the AF Ultralite provides a more portable option that still features the performance of the AdvancedFrame series. “The kayak feels just as stable as the AdvancedFrame and paddles just as well as the Sport.”
With that focus on portability, the AdvancedFrame Ultralite also comes with Advanced Elements new backpack/duffel bag with removable back straps as currently included with the Expedition Elite.
While the AdvancedFrame Ultralite can utilize many of the optional Advanced Elements accessories, it can not be used with the spray skirts, dropstitch floor or backbone.
The AdvancedFrame Ultralite
Product Review: New Advanced Elements Expedition Elite Hi-Pressure Inflatable Kayak
At last summer’s Outdoor Retailer show, Advanced Elements unveiled the next generation in the Expedition series – the Expedition Elite. As long-time fans of the original yellow model – and the subsequent blue Limited Edition – we were impressed with the Elite’s feature enhancements.
Earlier this spring the Elite hit the West Coast, and we managed to grab one before our first shipment sold out – not to worry, we have more. Here are details on the Expedition Elite AE1009XE, a 13 foot inflatable weighing in at roughly 42 lbs.
Getting Started with the Expedition Elite Inflatable Kayak
The box as received measures 34 x 21 x 11 inches with a weight of 57 lbs.
Inside is a new, backpack-style carrying case measuring 36 x 16 x 11 inches which contains the kayak body, high-backed lumbar seat, aluminum deck riser, rear thwart, repair kit, foot brace and instructions (these are located in a pocket inside the carrying case) . The repair kit, screw-on adaptor and floor adaptor are located in the mesh pocket behind the seat. The kayak with seat weighs 44.5 lbs, or 48 lbs in the pack.
The kayak folded size is approximately 31 x 16 x 10 inches, leaving just enough room to store a pump and breakdown paddle (not included) if folded properly.
First step, unfold the kayak. As with all the AdvancedFrame models, the Expedition Elite features an “inner rib” in the bow and stern, which is basically a u-shaped aluminum rib, about one 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 Expedition Elite kayak features 11 inflation chambers – three military valves (main chambers and floor) and 8 smaller twist-loks (4 deck lifts, 2 coaming tubes, thwart and seat).
Each Expedition Elite comes with a screw-on adaptor (center image, found in the repair kit in the mesh pocket behind the seat) which locks onto many pumps with pin/slot hose fittings. Additionally, a standard Boston valve adaptor (left image) will friction fit directly into the valve opening. A separate adaptor is also included for the high pressure floor (right image).
First step, turn the military valve to the inflate position. The military-style plunger valves are simple to use – twist one way to inflate (UP position) and the other to deflate (DOWN position).
Attach the screw-on adaptor to your pump and then couple it to the first main chamber, located on the
Sale! 20% Off AquaGlide Kayaks, Paddle Boards & Gear
AquaGlide’s Super Summer 20% Off Sale starts June 27th.
Get 20% off all in-stock AquaGlide inflatable kayaks, paddle boards and gear during the Super Summer Sale from June 27th through July 4th.
Shop early for the best selection, with kayaks priced at $183.95 to $879.95 and paddle boards as low as $559. 95. No tax and free US shipping via UPS ground on orders over $398.
Visit the AquaGlide product pages at www.AirKayaks.com for details or to purchase.
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