Features To Consider when choosing an Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayak
Getting an Advanced Elements inflatable kayak is quite exciting and many people may buy the first one they see and like but in reality there are quite a few features you need to consider before you buy one impulsively. Think about what you are going to use the kayak for, how many people you want to bring with you, do you need a kayak that can be folded into a bag and easy to carry or do you have a car big enough to fit a kayak.
Capacity – people/weight
The first thing you need to consider when you look for an inflatable kayak is the capacity it can carry. You need to know this so you can know how many people you can take with you on your adventure. Aside from how many people you can take, you need to know the weight capacity as well so you don’t find yourself submerged underwater.
Weight, Packing, and Mobility
Another important thing is the ease of use. This includes the weight of the kayak when deflated, whether you can pack it or not and how easy it is to carry it around from one place to another. The Advanced Elements inflatable kayaks are all very easy to use. The procedure for inflating them is not complex at all and some of the kayaks can be folded for easy transportation.
Stability and comfort
The stability and comfort are also important and depending on what you are going to use your kayak for there are different types you can choose from. If you are going on a chilling session with a friend you would like increased comfort so you can enjoy your time in the water but if you are going fishing you may need to consider getting a kayak that is much more stable and has plenty of hooks where you can hang your gear.
Storing your kayak
Once the season is over you will be left with the task of storing your kayak. Many people forget about this part and run into a problem eventually. You need to take this into consideration before buying an inflatable kayak to make sure you have enough room to keep it well stored in your home without it taking a lot of space.
Types of Inflatable Kayaks
Aside from the many different features an inflatable kayak can have there are different types of kayaks that are better for different circumstances and waters. These inflatable kayaks can be used recreationally as well as for extreme purposes like whitewater kayaking. You can pick a recreational type of kayak if you want to casually paddle around in calm waters or you can get a day touring kayak if you want to paddle for long distances. You can also go on extended trips with expedition type kayaks or pick a crossover if you want to use it in both whitewater and flatwater. Angling kayaks are also available for those who love to go on fishing trips and whitewater kayaks for those who like the extreme.
The Top 9 Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayaks Reviewed
1. Advanced Elements Advancedframe Convertible Tandem Inflatable Kayak
The improved design improves the kayak’s efficiency on the water and simplifies setup—just unfold, inflate, connect seats, and you’re ready to go. New and simple to use pumps are compatible with spring valves and Twistlok valves, which allow for faster setup time. Adjustable seat positions switch from tandem to solo touring mode, and a zip-on single-deck conversion spray skirt (not supplied) provides protection. In rougher and cooler circumstances, a double-deck conversion spray skirt is also available for paddling tandem. The rigid bow with aluminum frame strengthening cuts through the water smoothly, rivaling the tracking of a hard-shell day touring kayak. The aluminum frame strengthened stern works as a skeg, improving tracking performance; the new tracking fin improves it even further. It’s small enough to embark on an excursion at almost any place. Provides enough on-board storage without sacrificing legroom, making long flights much more pleasurable. Puncture resistance is excellent thanks to the triple-layer polyester material with double PVC coating, and the welded seams provide extended life. On the water, removable seats with adjustable, inflated back supports increase your comfort.
2. Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2 Inflatable Kayak
Multilayer construction ensures long-term endurance, and the small form eliminates the need for a roof rack; just store it in the trunk of your car or fly it to far-flung locations. For improved performance, a pointed bow with rocker and a detachable deep tracking fin is included. Extreme puncture resistance is provided by strong polyester tube coverings and heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin hull material. Honeycomb ripstop deck material with 600-denier durability. Three seating options for solo or tandem paddling are provided by removable high back chairs with pockets and bottle storage. Low-profile carry handles make getting to and from the water a breeze.
3. Advanced Elements Expedition Kayak
There are three levels to the AE1009 Expedition. The bladders are contained in a zippering cloth cover that allows them to be changed if necessary. The bladders are hidden inside the kayak’s outer shell. The kayak upper is made of a diamond ripstop material made of 600 denier polyester/PVC laminate. The hull is made of a tough, puncture-proof PVC tarpaulin with electronically welded seams, an integrated tracking fin, and a landing plate. Although there are two molded rubber carrying handles (bow and stern), transporting the kayak by slinging the side over your shoulder is quite straightforward. This inflatable kayak performs admirably on the water and is comfortable, tough, and steady. This inflatable kayak performs admirably on the water and is comfortable, tough, and steady. It can endure every weather condition, including calm water and waves. It’s been dragged on rocky beaches, scraped through shallow water, and carried about in a pickup truck, among other things.
4. Advanced Elements Advancedframe Kayak
The package weighs 41 pounds and measures 32 x 19 x 11 inches when unpacked. The kayak body, seat, repair kit, and instructions are all housed inside the sturdy carrying container, which measures 32 x 18 x 10 inches. The folded dimension of the kayak is about 30 x 17 x 10 inches. There’s just enough room in the case for a tiny pump and a breakaway paddle. The AdvancedFrame AE1012 has two molded rubber carrying handles (bow and stern), but it’s also easy to carry by looping the kayak’s side over your shoulder. There are four d-rings with a revised, lower profile that make attaching the optional rapidup sail or dry bags more easier. The front zipper and inside are easily accessible thanks to three quick release clips. The AdvancedFrame kayak is comfortable, stable, robust, and paddles well, much like the previous models. It’s been used in a variety of conditions throughout the years, from calm water to waves. It’s been dragged down rocky beaches, run through duckweed and tules, carried about in a pickup truck, and battled white caps and wind.
5. Advanced Elements Advancedframe Sport Kayak
Sets up quickly and is small enough to carry with you on any excursion; no assembly required—just unfold, inflate, connect the seat, and get out on the water. Puncture resistance is excellent thanks to the triple-layer polyester material with PVC covering, and the welded seams provide extended life. The rigid bow and stern, which are reinforced with aluminum, slice elegantly through the water, rivaling the tracking of hard-shell kayaks. The addition of a tracking fin on the underside improves handling even further. All-day comfort on the water is enhanced by a removable seat with adjustable back support; neoprene paddle protectors on the sides protect knuckles. The addition of a tracking fin on the underside improves handling even further.
6. Advanced Elements Straitedge
The stability and simplicity of paddling of a sit-on-top kayak are combined with the convenience of an inflatable boat in this innovative design. Lakes, gentle rivers, bays, and estuaries are all good places to paddle. Sets up quickly and is small enough to carry with you on almost any excursion. When in severe wave conditions, self-bailing ports allow water to flow out of the kayak; when on flat water, ports can be blocked. The rigid bow, reinforced with aluminum ribs, cuts through the water with elegance, rivaling the tracking of a hard-shell day touring kayak. The kayak has a long life thanks to its durable outer cover, electronically welded seams, and military and Boston-style air valves.
7. Advanced Elements Firefly Inflatable Kayak
The Advanced Elements Firefly inflatable kayak is highly stable and pleasant to paddle, making it ideal for leisurely days on slow-moving rivers or still water. The Firefly is easy to put up, and it’s 7 ft. 10 in. length makes it portable enough to take on any expedition. Puncture resistance is excellent thanks to the use of robust materials, and the welded perimeter seams assure extended life. Rigid bow and stern reinforcements slice through the water beautifully; a tracking fin is sculpted into the hull to assist handling, and a landing plate adds durability. Bungee deck lacing makes stowing gear a breeze, and molded, low-profile rubber handles make transporting the 16-pound kayak a breeze.
8. Advanced Elements Lagoon 1
The Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 inflatable kayak is made of tough materials that can withstand punctures. The top side of the kayak is constructed of a high-denier polyester and PVC laminate, while the hull is built of a PVC tarpaulin that can withstand a battering without puncturing. Sets up quickly and is small enough to carry with you on almost any excursion. A tracking fin is sculpted into the hull to assist handling. Rigid bow and stern reinforcements slice elegantly through the water. On the water, a supportive seat back improves comfort. The inner cover protects the inflating tube while also increasing the rigidity of the kayak hull.
9. Advanced Elements Packlite
The new Packlite kayak from Advanced Elements is one of the most interesting inflatable kayaks. An ecologically friendly, PVC-free, 7′ 10′′ minimalist weighing in at 4 lbs with a street price of $299. The kayak is made of a lightweight, high-density polyester ripstop with a protective polyurethane laminate covering. In the event of a puncture, the ripstop contributes to the kayak’s resilience. Abrasion protection is provided by four “additional layers” of polyurethane coating around the hull and internal well. There are three inflating chambers: one twist lock for the floor and two military valves for the two major chambers. Six front d-rings – two on either side of the handle – and another four 18 to 24 inches apart and 15 inches deep are available for attaching gear. At the stern, there are four more d-rings. It’s really simple to get into this kayak. The first thing to keep in mind is that water will drop in from your feet when you enter the kayak. One leans against the back of the kayak bladder because there is no seat. While there is a side gunnel that collects water, some of it flows down the center ribs and into your seat.