Tag Archives: nitrylon

Product Review: New Innova Twist 2 N Inflatable Tandem Kayak

In June we received our first shipment of the newly-updated Innova kayaks for 2019 – in particular the Twist N, Swing N and Solar 2019. Made in the Czech Republic, the Twist and Swing models are now constructed from Nitrilon (N), the same rugged material used in the traditional Innova Sunny, Helios and Safari models. Nitrilon is known for making the kayaks more rigid as well as water and abrasion resistant, without substantially increasing weight. It’s also PVC-free, thus environmentally friendly.

Our first selection was a review on the Twist II N. The Twist 2 interior has been redesigned slightly to include additional d-rings, providing an easy conversion from a tandem to a solo kayak, thus more versatile for larger paddlers or those needing more space for extra gear. While the kayak silhouette remains virtually unchanged, the added material thickness increased the kayak weight from 24 lbs to 29 lbs as well as a price increase.
This week we had the first opportunity to take out the revamped Innova Twist II N, an 11 foot 10-inch two-person inflatable weighing a mere 29 lbs (including seats and foot brace) with a selling price of $599.
Please note: Some of this information will be repeated from prior write-ups.
Innova Twist IIN: Getting Started
The box as received measures 23 x 16 x 10 inches, weighing in at 32 lbs.

Inside is the Twist II N body, cinch strap, multiple instruction sheets, tracking fin, foot rest, repair kit, two seats, bilge sponge, valve adaptor and a drawstring stuff-sack. The Twist II N body with seats and brace weighs 28 lbs with a folded size of 20 x 16 x 8.
Innova Twist 2 N Inflatable Kayak Setup/Inflatation
We read through the included instruction manuals. As with all the Innova manuals to date, the instructions are quite detailed – there is one instruction sheet for fin installation, one for utilizing the valves, one on refolding and another on the kayak in general. Most include IKEA-style graphics which are occasionally just short of a brain twister, and while some steps are dauntingly detailed, some are not mentioned. As the kayaks are made in Europe, many of the details are based around European specs and regulations.

First step, unpack and unfold the kayak body.

What is immediately noticeable is how FLAT the kayak is when deflated.

Install the tracking fin before inflating the kayak. The Twist II N utilizes a single fin with double slots. Slip the end with the larger slot in first, making sure that the fin is pointing towards the “back” of the kayak. This enables it to slide in enough to fit in the second slot. While the first time can be a struggle to get the back side into position, after a

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Sneak Preview: New Innova Solar 410C Inflatable Kayak for 2+ paddlers

The Innova product line has recently been acquired by the manufacturer, Gumotex of Czech Republic, now operating as Gumotex USA LLC out of Burlington, Washington. With the transition comes the introduction of several new products to the Innova kayak line, as well as an expanded line of accessories. In Europe, Gumotex manufactures over 20 models of inflatable kayaks, canoes and rafts, of which only a small portion has been available in the States to-date.

Innova recently introduced the new Solar 410C at this summer’s Outdoor Retailer show, a cross between the Innova Sunny and new Twist 2 LN, with expanded options for 2+ paddlers. The Solar features an open-cockpit design, and is best suited for recreational paddling on calmer waters, slow-moving rivers and lakes.

The new 13’5″ model weighs 37 lbs with a carrying capacity of 595 lbs., and is constructed from Gumotex’s Nitrylon material. Nitrylon is a 1200 denier, heavy-duty rubber-coated material which is puncture resistant, easy to clean, quick-drying and environmentally-friendly – no outgassing!

The kayak comes with two foot braces, two seats, tracking fin, Innova backpack, sponge, repair kit and instructions. By moving the adjustable seats, the kayak can be set up for one or two paddlers, still leaving space for extra gear, a small child or a dog. An optional third seat can also be purchased.
MSRP is $759 and will be available in two colors – green or red – in Spring of 2017. For more info, watch the Innova product pages at AirKayaks.com, or contact us to get on the notification list.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Sneak Preview: New Halibut Inflatable Fishing Kayak from Innova

Innova Kayaks, Inc of Burlington, Washington recently announced the latest addition to the Innova inflatable kayak line – the Halibut, a 3 PSI fishing model.

At 12-feet 4-inches in length, with a 38-inch width and capacity of 440 lbs, the Halibut is a rugged, stable, angling model with a myriad of gear attachment options.
Feature-rich details include rod holder and fish finder mounts, tracking fin and stripping deck. High pressure floor boards and an inflatable, high seat chair allow the option of standing or sitting. Other amenities include integrated splash decks, drink holders, anchor line and paddle rests (paddle not included).

Like its siblings, the Helios, Safari and Sunny, the Halibut is made from an environmentally-friendly, 1200 denier rubber-coated laminate material called Nitrylon – this consists of a synthetic rubber coating over polyester on the inside and outside of the tube.
Nitrylon is the same material used in high-end Zodiac-type yacht tenders, and is stronger, more abrasion and puncture resistant than PVC as well as being greener – there is minimal out-gassing. Each of the kayaks are handmade in the Czech Republic.

Weighing in at 46 lbs, the Halibut still packs down to a smaller size of 28 x 18 x 12 inches. MSRP: $1499.
Stay tuned. The Innova Halibut should be available in spring, 2016. For upcoming details, watch the Innova Product Pages section at www.AirKayaks.com or contact us to get on the notification list.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>