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Product Review: New Hi-Pressure Sport DS™ Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements

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Earlier this spring, our first shipment of the new AdvancedFrame Sport DS arrived in port, becoming the fourth addition to the popular Advanced Elements DS series* of high pressure inflatable kayaks.
Manufactured by Advanced Elements exclusively for AirKayaks.com, the new Sport DS features the same footprint as the current low-pressure AE1017 Sport, but with high-pressure floor and upgraded accessories for added comfort and performance.

Following are details on the AdvancedFrame Sport DS AE1017DS, a 10’5″ hi-pressure inflatable weighing in at roughly 28 lbs with an MSRP of $499. (Please note: some of this will be repeated from prior reviews.)
Getting Started with the AdvancedFrame Sport DS Kayak
The box as received weighs 36 lbs, measuring 31 x 18 x 11 inches.

Inside, the rugged carrying case measures 33 x 19 x 11 inches, and houses the kayak body, high-backed lumbar seat, high pressure floor, repair kit, double action pump, gauge and instructions. The kayak and pump in the case weighs 30 lbs, while the kayak and seat alone are 28 lbs. The case has just enough room to include a 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 Sport DS Kayak Setup/Inflation
The instructions are located in a small plastic pocket inside the carrying case. The manual included is for the standard low-pressure Sport, with an additional sheet on using the high-pressure DS floor. The inflation procedure is similar for both versions of the Sport, with the one difference the floor inflation pressure of 4-6 PSI for the dropstitch floor.

Additionally, a short version of the DS inflation can be found on the tag attached to the rear carrying handle.
First step, unfold the kayak. The AdvancedFrame Sport DS – 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 5 inflation chambers – two military valves 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 pump comes with a screw-on adaptor for the main chamber, but a standard Boston valve adaptor will friction fit

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

AirKayaks 10-40% off Inflatable Kayaks, Paddle Boards and Paddling Gear

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AirKayaks 2018 Summer Kickoff Sale starts May 18th! Get ready for the season with 10-40% off select current and past season inflatable kayaks, paddle boards and gear from Advanced Elements, AquaGlide, Red Paddle Co, Kokopelli Packraft, Jobe, Stohlquist, MTI Adventurewear, C4 Waterman, NRS and Astral Designs.

Through May 28th, get 10% to 15% off select Advanced Elements inflatable kayaks, SUPs and accessories.

Through June 1st, get 20% off all AquaGlide inflatable kayaks, SUPs and gear, with even bigger savings on past season models such as the AquaGlide Rogue at $199.

All 2017 Red Paddle Co models are now at 20% to 25% off, with a free breakdown, adjustable SUP paddle. The popular Ride 10-6 is just $999, while supplies last.

Through May 28th, get 20% off all 2018 in-stock Kokopelli Packrafts. Remaining 2017 Kokopelli models – such as the Nirvana and Castaway – are now 10% off with a free Cascade breakdown paddle, with prices as low as $652.

Through June 4th, get 20% off all in-stock Astral Design, MTI Adventurewear and NRS PFDs, with 15% to 30% off all in-stock Stohlquist life vests.

And all remaining past season C4 Waterman and Jobe inflatable paddle boards are 35% to 50% off.
Add in NO state sales tax and free US shipping in the lower 48 states. Shop now for best selection! For details, visit the Specials and Promos page at AirKayaks.com
 
 
 
 
 

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Video: New AirFusion EVO Inflatable Hi-Pressure Kayak from Advanced Elements

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Our latest video on the new AirFusion EVO – Advanced Elements’ first all-dropstitch, hi-pressure inflatable performance kayak.

Compact and lightweight, the 32 lb EVO features aluminum alloy poles, 6-8 PSI main tubes and a narrower 24 inch beam, resulting in a rigid system that paddles well, glides smoothly, and handles waves/chop with ease.
The AirFusion EVO looks great, paddles well, and it’s fast! The rugged, hydrodynamic skin sheds water easily while built-in sleeves, printed alignment lines and the pole shock-cord system simplify assembly. Integrated storage makes it a great choice for extended explorations. With the compact size and included backpack, the EVO becomes highly portable, easily fitting in the trunk of a car.
For more info on set up, features, specification and performance, see our detailed product review/write-up with photos on the Advanced Elements AirFusion EVO inflatable Kayak. To purchase, visit the EVO product page at AirKayaks.com. 

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Video: AdvancedFrame Ultralite Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements

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Our latest AirKayaks video on the AdvancedFrame Ultralite inflatable kayak from Advanced Elements – weighing less than 20lbs.

At 10 feet 5 inches in length, the new AE3022 AdvancdFrame Ultralite has the same footprint and larger cockpit-opening as the longstanding AE1017 Sport – but at a significant weight savings.
The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Ultralite’s hull is constructed from a lighter-weight ripstop material upper with a polyurethane tarpaulin 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 and cross bar 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.
The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Ultralite will appeal to adventurous souls looking for a performance-oriented kayak with a more back-packable design as well as paddlers with physical disabilities requiring lighter-weight options and easier entry.
Also read our detailed writeup – Product Review: New AdvancedFrame Ultralite 17.5lb Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements
– which covers setup, features, specifications and performance.
To purchase or for more info, visit our Advanced Elements  AdvancedFrame Ultralite Inflatable Kayak product page at AirKayaks.com.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: New AirFusion EVO Dropstitch Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements

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Nearly eight years ago, Advanced Elements debuted the original AirFusion kayak – an inflatable hybrid designed to rival the handling and speed of skin-on-frame kayaks. The AirFusion was unique in that it featured a blended design of aluminum alloy frame poles and pressurized air tubes, resulting in a high performance rigid frame system.

This was followed by the AirFusion Elite, which featured a streamlined set up procedure with fewer poles, a wider beam and integrated rear storage hatch.
At last summer’s Outdoor Retailer show, Advanced Elements unveiled their 2018 inflatable kayak product line with announcement of the new AE1042 AirFusion EVO a 6-8 PSI high-pressure model constructed from dropstitch material, with a Barbie-sized 24″ waistline.
Just this week the first AirFusion EVO arrived, a double cardboard box measuring 37 x 25 x 12 inches and weighing in at 47 lbs.
Getting Started with the Advanced Elements AirFusion EVO
The rugged carrying case/backpack houses the kayak body, seat, repair kit, foam floor, screw-on and Boston pin adaptors, instructions (located in the small plastic pocket inside the backpack), two thwarts, nose and stern bags, and anodized aluminum poles. The kayak folded size is approximately 34 x 17 x 8 inches. Everything in the case weighs 37 lbs, while the kayak with seat is 33 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 manual is pretty well-written though initially a little daunting. (AirKayaks note: Some of the initial AirFusion EVO boxes contained instructions for the droptstitch floor. The AirFusion EVO does not use an inflatable floor, so you can just toss those.) After the first read-through it seemed simple enough – piece together the poles, position the floor, pump up side chambers partially, insert bottom pole through the thwarts connecting both ribs, pump up thwarts, finish pumping up side chambers, pump up bow & stern tubes, attach seat, inflate coaming tube. Done!
AirFusion EVO Setup/Inflation

Unfold the kayak body, locating the kayak bow (front) and stern (rear) – this is easy as the integrated storage hatch is located at the stern.

Next, put the foam floor into position, setting the wider end inside the center of the cockpit – this will position the small rectangular cutout over the velcro tab in the floor. Make sure you pull the velcro tab through the cutout. Tip: the foam floor only covers the area where your feet rest.

Layout the bow and stern thwarts. Each of these is tapered. The front airbag (which also acts as a foot brace) is larger than the rear airbag, while the larger side of each airbag faces the cockpit/center. Lay

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: New AdvancedFrame Ultralite 17.5lb Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements

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At last 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.

We avidly waited for the first shipment to arrive in early March. The boxes had not been off the truck for two hours, before we were headed down to the beach.
So following is our “hot off the truck” review of the new Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Ultralite – a 10 ft 5-inch performance kayak.
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Ultralite
The box as received weighs 29 lbs, measuring 32 x 19 x 11 inches.

The rugged carrying case/backpack houses the kayak body, seat, repair kit, foam floor, screw-on adaptor, instructions (located in the small plastic pocket inside the backpack), foot brace, deck riser and deck pole. The kayak folded size is approximately 29 x 18 x 9 inches. Everything in the case weighs 21.5 lbs, while the kayak with seat is 19.5 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.
AdvancedFrame Ultralite Kayak Setup/Inflation

First step, unfold the kayak. The AdvancedFrame Ultralite – 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.

Now unroll the foam floor, centering it under the two main chambers, with the narrower side pointing toward the nose. The first time this can be a little tricky – smooth out the hull so it’s not wrinkled and then try to evenly position the foam. This can be fine-tuned later.

The kayak features 2 inflation chambers utilizing military valves and 1 twist-lok. 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 the opening. AirKayaks note: Make sure to attach the

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Sneak Preview: New AE1017DS AdvancedFrame Sport Hi-Pressure Kayak from Advanced Elements

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AirKayaks.com, an internet-based retailer of inflatable kayaks, paddle boards and paddling gear, today announced the addition of a fourth inflatable model to the popular Advanced Elements DS series* of high pressure kayaks – the AdvancedFrame Sport DS.
Manufactured by Advanced Elements exclusively for AirKayaks.com, the new Sport DS features the same footprint and silhouette as the current low-pressure AE1017 Sport, with upgraded accessories in a Limited Edition blue.
The concept behind the new Sport DS was explained by Chuck Lamb, co-owner AirKayaks, “The AdvancedFrame Sport is a time-proven, excellent-performing kayak with thousands of loyal owners. At 10′ 5″ long, it represents a great balance of size, weight and tracking ability for those that don’t need a lot of “bells and whistles. But, what if you take a great design like the AdvancedFrame Sport, and repackage it with upgraded accessories so that it will have even more universal appeal? That is exactly what we did with the Sport DS.”
The Limited Edition Sport DS Series includes the following accessories (a $284 value) with each kayak:

AEDS High-pressure inflatable 4-6 PSI dropstitch floor for extreme rigidity
AE2011 Double action high-pressure 14 PSI handpump with pressure-gauge
AE2013HB High-back lumbar seat for the ultimate in a comfortable, adjustable back rest.
Carrying case, one year warranty, repair kit and instructions

According to Lamb, “The Sport DS is pretty snappy, maneuverable and paddles well – in short, it’s fun. The enlarged cockpit opening provides easier entry and taller paddlers may be happier as their knees can be bent without hitting the upper deck. It’s an excellent choice for beginners and experienced kayakers alike, looking for a great performing kayak at an economical pricepoint.”
The Sport DS joins the two AdvancedFrame AE1044DS-XL and XLC kayaks as well as the Convertible DS tandem kayak.

The two AdvancedFrame AE1044 DS models are an elongated version of the classic AE1012 AdvancedFrame. The longer, streamlined body – in conjunction with the high pressure floor – provides better tracking and increased glide with minimal increase in weight, as well as being comfortable enough for both taller and smaller paddlers. The kayaks now come standard with an adjustable foot brace.

While the DS-XL cockpit geometry is the same as the standard Advanced Frame, the DS-XLC (Cover) has a removable deck similar to the AE1007 Convertible. This allows you to use the kayak as either a semi-enclosed kayak like the DS-XL or as an open-frame model with easier access and – depending on your preferences – more paddling comfort.

The three kayaks join the popular Convertible DS – a 15 foot inflatable kayak with high pressure floor for solo or tandem paddling. The Convertible DS also comes with two high-back lumbar seats and double action pump with gauge, and is exclusive to AirKayaks. Matching blue single

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: Carbon Nass 12’6″ Inflatable Paddle Board from Hala Gear

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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.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Closeout Sale on 2017 Red Paddle Co Inflatable Paddle Boards

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AirKayaks is pleased to announce a special purchase of remaining 2017 Red Paddle Co inflatable standup paddle boards, now 20% off, with savings as high as $380 – including a carbon breakdown paddle.

Considered the number one inflatable paddle board, Red Paddle’s SUPS are known for their ruggedness, featuring quadruple rail construction, double layering, thick traction pads and fins. Each board comes with the Red Paddle Titan pump, allowing one to inflate a paddle board to 18 PSI in less than 10 minutes.
In 2017, Red Paddle SUPs racked up a number of accolades including Gear of the Year from both Backpacker Magazine and Men’s Journal. The newly-introduced Sport 11’3 was named Outside Magazine’s 2017 Board of the Year and the Digital Trends “2017 Best Recreation Gear of the Year” award went to Red Paddle’s Ride 10-6 inflatable SUP.

The 2017 line featured 22 models with the addition of five new boards in the U.S. – the 10’7″ Windsurf, the Sport 11’3, the Race 14′ and the multi-paddler Ride L and Dragon.

AirKayaks is  clearing out the 2017 inventory. Now is your chance to get one of the best inflatable SUPs on the market, with prices ranging from $939 to $1529. The incredibly popular Ride 10-6 is now $1039, the Explorer 12-6 is now $1279, while the Elite 12-6 is at an all-time low of $1299. AirKayaks also has a few remaining 2016 boards – such as the Sport 11 and the WindSUP 10-8 at $999 – as well as closeout Titan pumps ($99) and Roller Backpacks ($89.95).
If that isn’t enough, AirKayaks is throwing in a free adjustable, breakdown carbon SUP paddle – a $159 value with each 2017 board. Check out the remaining available inventory on the Red Paddle Co product pages on AirKayaks.com – but don’t hesitate. When they’re gone …. they’re gone.

Each board comes with the rugged Titan hand pump, cell phone case, repair kit, instructions and wheeled roller backpack. Not sure which one is right for you? See our 2017 Guide to Choosing Your Red Paddle Co Inflatable Paddle Board.  Or, give us a call at 707-998-0135, email info@airkayaks.com or visit the website at www.AirKayaks.com.
Up to 20% off, free paddle, free shipping in the continental US and no US tax – what are you waiting for!
 

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Advanced Elements: AdvancedFrame 2 versus Convertible Inflatable Kayaks

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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

Original Source: AirKayaks >>