Tag Archives: aquaglide kayak reviews

Product Review: AquaGlide Chelan HB Tandem XL Inflatable Kayak for 1-3 paddlers

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Last summer, AquaGlide unveiled their new inflatable kayak lineup for 2015, which included a series of new models and revamps. Based on the number of inquiries, we were anxious to try out the new Chelan HB high-pressure series.
The new models arrived last week, and we started inflating and testing.

Our first review focuses on the Chelan HB Tandem XL, a 15 foot long inflatable kayak designed for one or two paddlers – with extra space for gear, child or pet. (Please note: some of the information will be repeated from other write-ups.)
Getting Started with the Aquaglide Chelan HB Tandem XL:
We unpacked the box and laid out the pieces – inflatable kayak, backpack, instructions, repair kit, foot braces, tracking fin, two seats, a jumper seat, valve adaptor and two pieces of plastic.

Initial measurements showed the kayak body weighs approximately 32 lbs, with a backpack size of roughly 27 x 22 x 18 inches, while the kayak with seats, fin and braces – all in the backpack – weighs 44 lbs. Boxed up, the dimensions are 26 x 25 x 14 inches with a shipping weight of 52 lbs.
(AirKayaks Side note #1: When initially removing the kayak from the carrying case, take a good look at how the kayak is folded. This is probably the most overlooked step and it is VERY helpful when trying to get the kayak back into the bag.)
The included instructions appeared adequate and include diagrams with inflation details.

Set up is straight-forward and simple  – unpack, unfold, inflate.

There are three military valves (both sides and the floor) with three more small chambers utilizing twistlock valves for the seat bases – the floor is pumped up first, to 6 PSI.
The floor is held in place with two adjustable straps. From our prior experience, we found it best to loosen up the straps, otherwise the floor could be inflated “lopsided.”

The military-style plunger valve is simple to use – with your finger, twist the plunger slightly to the “up” position to inflate (air goes in but doesn’t come back out) and “down” to deflate (air comes out).

The Chelan HB Tandem XL military valves require a special adaptor, which does not come with most standard pumps. In Aquaglide’s first year, the military adaptors were not included with the high-pressure kayaks, which caused problems. All the 2015 high pressure models now include the adaptor, which is found in the repair kit.
The Aquaglide military adaptor couples to the valve with a Boston valve adaptor; this is a common fitting, slightly conical and about 1/2 inch thick. Friction fit the adaptor onto the Boston valve fitting, then attach the fitting to the military valve with a slight twist. It is helpful to use a pump with

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Sneak Preview: New Chelan Inflatable Kayaks from AquaGlide for 1-3 Paddlers

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We continue with details on some of the new AquaGlide 2015 inflatable kayaks announced earlier this year.
The upcoming 2015 Aquaglide product line has expanded to 19 models – including 7 new kayaks and 3 redesigns – with MSRP pricing from $199.95 to $1099.95.

The new Chelan HB high-pressure touring series consists of three sizes ranging from 11’4″ to 15 feet, and is a hybrid of the original Columbia and Klickitat models. Designed for recreational touring and all-around use, the Chelans feature the Columbia’s long sleek waterline but are constructed in the smooth skin, quick-drying Duratex material used on the Klickitats.
The “Hard Bottom (HB)” 6-12 PSI high-pressure floor provides rigidity and stability which – when coupled with a streamlined silhouette and removable tracking fin – enhances the paddling performance.  Three military valves are located on the side chambers and floor; the side chambers can be inflated to 3 PSI. Front and rear spray guards are positioned to keep paddlers dry, each with ample bungee deck lacing for attaching gear.

Paddling comfort is enhanced with the adjustable Pro-Formance seats, featuring an inflatable base and high backrest with plenty of storage features – mesh pockets, integrated fishing rod holders and removable beverage holder.
Other features include quick-release tracking fin system, molded handles, drain plugs and adjustable foot rests. A running strip of velcro on the floor – coupled with numerous d-rings – provides infinite seating and foot brace positions. Each kayak comes with an oversized carrying bag with backstrap.

Single spray decks will be available for each of the models, and double spray decks for the two tandems; each of these can also be used on the Columbia series.

The decks create a more enclosed cockpit, keeping paddlers warmer and dryer during inclement weather. The decks will also be able to use standard spray skirts for even more weatherproofing.
Details on the three models:

Chelan One HB Inflatable Kayak from Aquaglide
Paddlers: 1
Size: 11’4″ long with a 36″ width
Weight capacity: 300 lbs
Kayak weight: 32 lbs
Comes with: Backpack, tracking fin, foot brace, ProFormance seat, repair kit, instructions.
Optional single deck available, $89.95
Chelan One HB: MSRP $799

Chelan Two HB Inflatable Kayak from Aquaglide
Paddlers: 1 or 2
Size: 13 ft 5 inches long with a 36″ width
Weight capacity: 400 lbs
Kayak weight: 40 lbs
Comes with: Backpack, tracking fin, 2 foot braces, 2 ProFormance seats, repair kit, instructions.
Optional single deck or double deck available, $119.95 each
Chelan Two HB: MSRP $999

Chelan HB Tandem XL Inflatable Kayak from Aquaglide
Paddlers: 1 or 2 with extra space for gear, child or pet. Includes a removable third “jumper seat.”
Size: 15 feet long with a 36″ width
Weight capacity: 600 lbs
Kayak weight: 48 lbs
Comes with: Backpack, tracking fin, 2 foot braces, 2 ProFormance seats, jumper seat, repair kit, instructions.
Optional single or double deck  $129.95 each
Chelan

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

New Aquaglide Inflatable Kayak Lineup for 2015

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Earlier this year, the launch of AquaGlide’s inflatable kayak line dramatically expanded the options available to paddlers looking for portability.
A division of North Sports Inc, the Aquaglide brand has grown steadily over the past 13 years, encompassing water sports products such as commercial and residential water trampolines, tow toys, recreational water equipment and the highly popular Multisport 270 – an inflatable windsurf/sailboat/pull toy/kayak combo.

Unveiled at last month’s Outdoor Retailer Show, the new 2015 Aquaglide inflatable kayak product line has expanded to 19 models – including 7 new kayaks and 3 redesigns – with MSRP pricing from $199.95 to $1099.95.
The new high-pressure Aquaglide models include the Chelan HB – a touring model in three sizes – and the BlackFoot HB – a high pressure fishing kayak for one to two paddlers. The current two Klickitat self-bailing whitewater kayaks, and the three Deschutes series recreational kayaks – both with high-pressure floor construction – remain the same.

The new Chelan HB high-pressure touring series consists of three sizes, and is a hybrid of the original Columbia HB and Klickitat HB models. The Chelans feature the Columbia’s long sleek waterline but are constructed in the smooth skin Duratex material used on the Klickitats,  which reduces drying time. The sizes include the 11’4 Chelan One HB for solo paddling, the 13’5 Chelan Two HB for one to two paddlers, and the 15 ft Chelan HB Tandem XL for 1 to 3 paddlers. Street prices $799, $999 and $1099 respectively.

The new 12′ 8 BlackFoot HB is a high pressure inflatable for one to two paddlers with the focus on fishing. The kayak body includes integrated Scotty mounts and a utility dry bag/cooler, rigid floor for standup fly fishing, and an ergonomic inflatable jumper seat for enhanced seating. See our recent Blackfoot Sneak Preview for more details. Street price $999.

The Columbia HB series has undergone a significant manufacturing change to a low pressure floor, and is now called the Columbia XP, bridging the gap between the Chinook and Chelan product lines. This includes the Columbia XP One single at 11’4, the 13’5 Columbia XP Two for one to two paddlers, and the 15 ft Columbia XP Tandem XL for 1-3 paddlers. The prices have been reduced to $599, $699 and $799 respectively.
Both the Columbia XP and Chelan HB series can be enclosed with optional single and double spray decks, allowing paddlers to use spray skirts in chillier weather.
While the Chinook and Rogue tandem models remain the same, three new low-pressure single models have been introduced – the Rogue XP1, Panther XP and Chinook XP One.

Weighing in at 20 lbs, the 8 ft Rogue XP One “diveyak” joins the current two person model as an economical fishing option, with

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: Klickitat One HB Whitewater Inflatable Kayak from AquaGlide

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We continue with our series on the new Aquaglide line of inflatable kayaks. Our previous reviews focused on the Chinook price-point line, the high-pressure Columbia touring series and the Deschutes recreational kayaks. We now move on to the high-pressure Klickitat whitewater models.

Following is our writeup on the Klickitat One HB, a 10-foot inflatable one-person self-bailing kayak selling for $599.
Getting Started with the Klickitat One:
We unpacked the box and laid out the pieces – inflatable kayak, backpack, instructions, repair kit, foot brace, tracking fin and seat.

Initial measurements showed the kayak body weighs 22 lbs, with a backpack size of roughly 27 x 22 x 12 inches, while the kayak with seat, fin and brace – all in the backpack – weighs 28 lbs. Boxed up, the dimensions are 33 x 20 x 17 inches with a shipping weight of 37 lbs.
(AirKayaks Side note #1: When initially removing the kayak from the carrying case, take a good look at how the kayak is folded This is probably the most overlooked step and it is VERY helpful when trying to get the kayak back into the bag.)
The included instructions are adequate and include diagrams with inflation details.

Set up is straight-forward and simple  – unpack, unfold, inflate.
There are three inflation chambers utilizing high-pressure military valves – the two side chambers and the floor. The floor is pumped up first.

The military-style plunger valve is simple to use – with your finger, twist the plunger slightly to the “up” position to inflate (air goes in but doesn’t come back out) and “down” to deflate (air comes out).

The Klickitat One HB floor requires a military valve adaptor, which does not come with most standard pumps. Here is where we came to our first issue, but one we already knew about from previous reviews – no military valve adaptor was included. In the interim, Aquaglide had shipped us a box of adaptors, so we were ready to keep going. (AirKayaks note #2: The first couple of Aquaglide shipments did not include the adaptor, but subsequent shipments will. We did obtain a number of fittings that we will be including with the first shipments.) Friction fit the military valve adaptor onto the Boston valve adaptor, then lock onto the military valve with a slight twist. Since the chambers are inflated from 3 to 12 PSI, it is helpful to use a pump with pressure gauge to ensure the kayak is inflated appropriately.

The floor is held in place with two straps. Pump up the floor to  at least 6 PSI – this took us about 20 complete pumps with a double action pump. While the instructions say it can be inflated up to 12 PSI, at 6 PSI it is

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: Columbia Two HB Inflatable Kayak from AquaGlide

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We continue with our series on the new Aquaglide line of inflatable kayaks. Our first two reviews focused on the Chinook price-point line. Our third and fourth reviews featured two in the flagship Columbia line of high pressure inflatables; the Columbia One HB – a high-pressure touring model for one paddler, and the Columbia Tandem for 1-3 paddlers.

We’ve  now moved on to the Columbia Two HB, a 13.5 foot long inflatable kayak designed for one or two paddlers. (Please note: some of the information will be repeated from other writeups.)
Getting Started with the Aquaglide Columbia Two HB:
We unpacked the box and laid out the pieces – inflatable kayak, backpack, instructions, repair kit, foot braces, tracking fin and two Pro-Formance seats.

Initial measurements showed the kayak body weighs approximately 32.5 lbs, with a backpack size of roughly 27 x 23 x 14 inches, while the kayak with seats, fin and braces – all in the backpack – weighs 44 lbs. Boxed up, the dimensions are 30 x 29 x 15 inches with a shipping weight of 54 lbs. As a note, we were able to also get the pump in the case, with the paddles stuffed into the mesh pocket.
The included instructions are adequate and include diagrams with inflation details.

Set up is straight-forward and simple  – unpack, unfold, inflate.
(AirKayaks Side note #1: When initially removing the kayak from the carrying case, take a good look at how the kayak is folded This is probably the most overlooked step and it is VERY helpful when trying to get the kayak back into the bag.)
There are two inflation chambers utilizing Boston valves – the two side chambers – while the high-pressure floor features a military valve. There are two more small chambers with twistlock valves, for the seat bases. The floor is pumped up first.

The military-style plunger valve is simple to use – with your finger, twist the plunger slightly to the “up” position to inflate (air goes in but doesn’t come back out) and “down” to deflate (air comes out).

The Columbia Two HB floor requires a military valve adaptor, which does not come with most standard pumps. Here is where we came to our first issue – no military valve adaptor was included. We were aware of this from our previous write-ups and had one handy. (AirKayaks note #2: We spoke with AquaGlide. The first couple of shipments did not include the adaptor, but subsequent shipments will. We did obtain a number of fittings that we will be including with the first shipments.)
Lock the adaptor onto the conical Boston valve adaptor by friction fit, and then attach to the military valve with a slight twist. Since the main chambers are inflated to 2

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: Deschutes Tandem HB Inflatable Kayak from AquaGlide

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We continue with our series on the new Aquaglide line of inflatable kayaks, now turning our sights on the Deschutes HB line of high-pressure recreational kayaks. Prior reviews focused on the Chinook price-point line, then moving on to the flagship Columbia line of high pressure inflatables.

We begin this series with the Deschutes Tandem HB 2+, a 12-foot long inflatable kayak designed with multiple seating positions for one or two paddlers – yet still with extra space for gear, child or pet. (Please note: some of the information will be repeated from other write-ups.)
Getting Started with the Aquaglide Deschutes HB Tandem:

We unpacked the box and laid out the pieces – inflatable kayak, backpack, instructions, repair kit, foot braces, tracking fin, two standard seats and a jumper seat.
Initial measurements showed the kayak body weighs approximately 34 lbs, with a backpack size of roughly 27 x 22 x 18 inches, while the kayak with seats, fin and braces – all in the backpack – weighs 45 lbs. Boxed up, the dimensions are 36 x 24 x 14 inches with a shipping weight of 56 lbs. Folded, the kayak body is 30 x 21 x 9 inches.
(AirKayaks Side note #1: When initially removing the kayak from the carrying case, take a good look at how the kayak is folded This is probably the most overlooked step and it is VERY helpful when trying to get the kayak back into the bag.)
The included instructions are adequate and include diagrams with inflation details.

Set up is straight-forward and simple  – unpack, unfold, inflate.
There are two inflation chambers utilizing Boston valves – the two side chambers – while the high-pressure floor features a military valve. There are three more small chambers with twistlock valves, for the seat bases. The floor is pumped up first.

The military-style plunger valve is simple to use – with your finger, twist the plunger slightly to the “up” position to inflate (air goes in but doesn’t come back out) and “down” to deflate (air comes out).

The Deschutes Tandem HB floor requires a military valve adaptor, which does not come with most standard pumps. Here is where we came to our first issue – no military valve adaptor was included. – but we were aware of this from our previous writeups on the Columbia and Klickitat series, and pulled one out of our parts box. (AirKayaks note #2: As previously mentioned, we spoke with AquaGlide. The first couple of shipments did not include the adaptor, but subsequent shipments will. We did obtain a number of fittings that we will be including with the first shipments.)
Friction fit the military valve adaptor into the conical Boston valve adaptor (found on most pumps) and then lock the adaptor

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: Columbia Tandem HB Inflatable Kayak from Aquaglide – for 1-3 paddlers.

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We continue with our series on the new Aquaglide line of inflatable kayaks. Our first two reviews focused on the Chinook price-point line – the Chinook Two and the Chinook Tandem inflatable kayaks.
Our third review moved into the flagship Columbia line of high pressure inflatables, beginning with the Columbia One HB – a high-pressure touring model for one paddler. The Columbia line also consists of the Columbia 2 HB (for one to two paddlers) and the Columbia Tandem (for 1 to 3 paddlers).

Our current review focuses on the Columbia Tandem HB, a 15 foot long inflatable kayak designed for one or two paddlers – with extra space for gear, child or pet. (Please note: some of the information will be repeated from other writeups.)
Getting Started with the Aquaglide Columbia HB Tandem:

We unpacked the box and laid out the pieces – inflatable kayak, backpack, instructions, repair kit, foot braces, tracking fin, two standard seats and a jumper seat.

Initial measurements showed the kayak body weighs approximately 40 lbs, with a backpack size of roughly 27 x 22 x 18 inches, while the kayak with seats, fin and braces – all in the backpack – weighs 49 lbs. Boxed up, the dimensions are 33 x 30 x 15 inches with a shipping weight of 60 lbs.
(AirKayaks Side note #1: When initially removing the kayak from the carrying case, take a good look at how the kayak is folded This is probably the most overlooked step and it is VERY helpful when trying to get the kayak back into the bag.)
The included instructions are adequate and include diagrams with inflation details.

Set up is straight-forward and simple  – unpack, unfold, inflate.
There are two inflation chambers utilizing Boston valves – the two side chambers – while the high-pressure floor features a military valve. There are three more small chambers with twistlock valves, for the seat bases. The floor is pumped up first.

The military-style plunger valve is simple to use – with your finger, twist the plunger slightly to the “up” position to inflate (air goes in but doesn’t come back out) and “down” to deflate (air comes out).

The Columbia Tandem HB floor requires a miltary valve adaptor, which does not come with most standard pumps. Here is where we came to our first issue – no military valve adaptor was included. We were aware of this from our previous writeup on the Columbia One, and pulled one out of our parts box. (AirKayaks note #2: We spoke with AquaGlide. The first couple of shipments did not include the adaptor, but subsequent shipments will. We did obtain a number of fittings that we will be including with the first shipments.)
Lock the adaptor onto the military valve with

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: Columbia One HB Inflatable Kayak from AquaGlide

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We continue with our series on the new Aquaglide line of inflatable kayaks.
Our two previous reviews focused on the Chinook price-point line. Our next set of reviews features the Columbia HB series, AquaGlide’s flagship line of high pressure inflatables.
We begin with the Columbia One HB – a high-pressure touring model for one paddler. The Columbia HB line also consists of the Columbia Two HB (for one to two paddlers) and the Columbia Tandem HB (for 1 to 3 paddlers).

Following is our writeup on the Columbia One HB, a 11.25 foot inflatable one-person model selling for $699.
Getting Started with the Aquaglide Columbia HB One:
We unpacked the box and laid out the pieces – inflatable kayak, backpack, instructions, repair kit, foot brace, tracking fin and seat.

Initial measurements showed the kayak body weighs 26.5 lbs, with a backpack size of roughly 27 x 22 x 12 inches, while the kayak with seat, fin and brace – all in the backpack – weighs 32 lbs. Boxed up, the dimensions are 31 x 26 x 12 inches with a shipping weight of 42 lbs.
(AirKayaks Side note #1: When initially removing the kayak from the carrying case, take a good look at how the kayak is folded This is probably the most overlooked step and it is VERY helpful when trying to get the kayak back into the bag.)
The included instructions are adequate and include diagrams with inflation details.

Set up is straight-forward and simple  – unpack, unfold, inflate.
There are two inflation chambers utilizing Boston valves – the two side chambers – while the high-pressure floor features a military valve. The floor is pumped up first.

The military-style plunger valve is simple to use – with your finger, twist the plunger slightly to the “up” position to inflate (air goes in but doesn’t come back out) and “down” to deflate (air comes out).
The Columbia One HB floor requires a miltary valve adaptor, which does not come with most standard pumps. Here is where we came to our first issue – no military valve adaptor was included. Luckily, we rummaged through our box of parts and found one that fit. (AirKayaks note #2: We spoke with AquaGlide. The first couple of shipments did not include the adaptor, but subsequent shipments will. We did obtain a number of fittings that we will be including with the first shipments.) Lock the adaptor onto the military valve with a slight twist, and push the conical adaptor in to friction fit the two. Since the main chambers are inflated to 3 PSI, it is helpful to use a pump with pressure gauge to ensure the kayak is inflated appropriately.

The floor is held in place with adjustable straps. Pump up the floor to  at

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

New Video: Aquaglide’s Chinook 2 Inflatable Kayak for 1-2 Paddlers

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Check out our newest video on the Chinook 2 inflatable kayak from Aquaglide.
Perfect for one person with gear, an adult and child, or two smaller adults, the 10 ft Chinook 2 inflatable kayak is lightweight, rugged, fun and highly portable. And it’s available at a family-friendly price of only $399 including backpack.

For more details or to purchase, see the Aquaglide Chinook 2 product page at AirKayaks.com. Or read our Detailed Product Review of the Aquaglide Chinook Two Inflatable Kayak with Photos, here on our WordPress blog.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

New Video: AquaGlide’s Chinook Tandem Inflatable Kayak for 1-3 paddlers.

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Our third in the AquaGlide inflatable kayak series! Check out our newest video on the Chinook Tandem inflatable kayak from Aquaglide.
The 12.5 ft Chinook Tandem inflatable kayak offers multiple seating arrangements with a capacity of 600 lbs. Perfect for one person with lots of gear, two adults, or with the included third seat – bring along a child or furry friend!  The Chinook Tandem is rugged, fun and highly portable. And it’s available at a family-friendly price of only $499 including backpack.

For more details or to purchase, see the Aquaglide Chinook Tandem product page at AirKayaks.com. Or read our Detailed Product Review of the Aquaglide Chinook Tandem Inflatable Kayak with Photos, here on our WordPress blog.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>