Inflatables Guide

Tag: advanced elements

Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayaks Line
Advanced Elements is a well-known brand of inflatables. It is a supplier that is sought after mostly for their groundbreaking inflatable kayaks, but items like inflatable SUP (stand up paddleboard) and other outdoor accessories are also offered.

There are probably over a dozen manufacturers of inflatable kayaks, but only a handful truly stands out. From kayaks, to dinghies, and rafts, among others, each brand name often specializes in a specific type of inflatable, although there are several that have a wider catalogue than most.

In this article, we will be going over five of some of the company’s best products under their kayak lineups.

Brief Overview of the Advanced Elements Brand

Link to Advanced Elements SUPs

Before we discuss any model, going over how Advanced Elements started and what it aspires to be, is a good way to get a sense of its innovativeness and realize how they value their every creation.

To start with, the brand was founded back in 2007. With around a decade of experience in the inflatable boat industry, it is safe to say that Advanced Elements now has a good grasp over its manufacturing technique.

However, the group shows no signs of settling with only what works. Instead, it continues to reinvent and discover new ways to make their products stay in the lead, or be among with other notable names in the market.

The business was established in Benicia, California, but it has long since expanded its reach to other states in North America, and eventually around the world. From Canada, Japan, to China, New Zealand, and Israel, just to name a few, all these places can now enjoy almost everything Advanced Elements has to offer.

When it comes to the kayak models, there are several classifications you can choose from, namely: recreational, day touring, expedition touring, crossover, angling, and whitewater. As you can see, the company has almost every kayaking activity covered.

Aside from having an extensive array of quality inflatable kayaks, the unique technologies and features that are used in each unit are possibly what keep the customers coming back. The sturdy Aluminum Rib Frame design and reliable Drop-Stitch Floor are just two of Advanced Elements’ revolutionary inventions.

Advanced Elements Kayak Reviews

Now that you know a little more about the brand’s history and why it is highly esteemed, let us now go over 5 of its standout products. Note that the entries are not listed in any particular order. It is just a matter of choosing the one that fits your kayaking needs the closest.
- Advanced Elements AE1007-R AdvancedFrame Convertible
The AE1007-R AdvancedFrame Convertible is one of the more unique products in Advanced Element’s arsenal. The kayak can be interchanged between close and open deck setups. Moreover, it can also accommodate either solo or tandem seating arrangement, thanks to the available conversion decks (sold separately).

If you are paddling alone, the single deck will come with multiple D-rings and a bungee deck lacing, a rear cargo hatch, and deck riser aluminum stays. The double deck on the other hand, replaces the hatch area with a second seat, but a mesh pocket and added stowing utility are employed in order to compensate for your storage needs.

The bow and stern of the device are more defined, thanks to the firmness that the built-in aluminum ribs provide. It also features a 3-layer material construction, resulting to high resistance against punctures.

An integrated pressure relief valve is installed in the floor, which is useful for preventing over-inflations, or worse, blowouts. Two folding seats are bundled with the kayak, which are complemented with two adjustable padded back supports for long lasting comfort.

Aside from its molded low-profile handles, paddle holders are also present. Plus, with the affixed tracking fin, the AE1007-R AdvancedFrame Convertible is able to slice through water with ease. Other accessories include a carry duffel bag and a repair kit.

For the physical dimensions of the kayak, it measures 15 ft. x 32 in. (length x width). Moreover, it holds a total bulk of 52 lbs., and contains up to 6 air chambers. Max weight capacity rates at 550-lbs., which is enough for 2 users with some gears, or for cruising solo with plenty of equipment.

Lastly, the AdvancedFrame Convertible is one of the select few that is compatible with the brand’s very own BackBone® or Drop-stitch floor upgrade. If you wish to ramp up the performance of this vessel, any of the two flooring systems will satisfy. Whether you upgrade or not, this craft is perfect for both day touring and expedition kayaking.
- Advanced Elements StraitEdge Angler
Categorizing the StraitEdge Angler is a bit tricky because it falls under two classes of kayaking, but that is what also makes it great. In general, this model is a crossover, which means it is a hybrid of a whitewater kayak and a sea kayak. However, it is also specifically designed as a fishing/ anglers kayak, hence the name.

If you are an avid angler yourself, you know how important stability is, regardless of what type of watercraft you are using. Luckily, this unit not only has built-in aluminum ribs, but it also sports an accessory mounting bar that contributes to optimal bracing.

Apart from making the kayak more stable, such mounting frame can also accommodate rod holders, a fish finder, and other fishing utility tools. To help size up your catch, the floor is imprinted with a calibrated ruler, so you no longer have to bring in a separate measuring tool, except for an angling scale for getting weight.

The inflatable kayak has a length and width of 9 ft. 8 in. and 35 in., respectively, which is more than enough room for a solo kayaker, particularly for one that is meant for angling. The same generosity is also evident in its 300-lbs. (136 kg.) max weight capacity, allowing you to reel in those big ones without worry.

Fishing usually takes a lot of time and patience, and the longer you stay on your kayak the harder it will be on your lower back. Fortunately, the bundled seat for this model is supplemented with a high backrest and an adjustable lumbar support. Thus, you can comfortably position however you want for long hours.

Like with most Advanced Elements creations, the StraitEdge Angler is also pre-assembled at the factory. This means all you need to do is unfold it evenly, inflate, and then install the seat. However, you may have to set in and assemble the mounting frame before you start pumping air in order to ease up the process.
- Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite
The AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite model is one of the sturdiest among the entire Advanced Elements product line. It doubles as a folding frame kayak and a regular inflatable kayak. This is all thanks to the aluminum rib-frame technology in its bow and stern, as well as the drop-stitch floor.

Unlike some of the other units, which need to be upgraded to obtain such flooring, this one actually has it by default. Compared to a generic air-filled floorboard, the drop-stitch variety offers considerably better rigidity to the base of the boat, essentially acting like a backbone.

When it comes to the largeness of the item, the AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite kayak measures approximately 13 ft. in length and 32 in. in width. More importantly, even though the kayak is meant for only one person, it can actually withstand up to 450 lbs. (204 kg.) of weight. There is also a huge compartment at back, so you can take full advantage of such weight limit.

It may seem excessive, but seeing as this craft is made for both day touring and expedition touring, having such capacity will actually benefit you. One principal reason as to why the AdvacedFrame Expedition Elite can bear so much heft is because of its 9 air chambers.

The adjustable high-back seat with inflatable lumbar support also pairs quite well with the close deck setup of the device. With it, not only will your lower back be optimally buttressed for long periods, but you will also get to stay warmer and drier all throughout, especially if you attach a spray skirt via the inflatable coaming.

With the boat’s neoprene knuckle guard, your rowing becomes more seamless and less likely to result in abrasions. There is also an adjustable foot brace, which aims to reduce strain on your lower extremities. Plus, the rubber-molded handles encourage easy transport of the item in and out of the water.

Packaged with the main module are the following accessories: rudder mount, duffel bag with detachable shoulder straps, and repair kit.
- Advanced Elements AirFusion Elite
Out of all the various inflatable kayaks under this specific brand name, the AirFusion Elite has the narrowest profile. Its build is so thin compared to the others that you can easily distinguish it just by looking. With that said, this design approach enhances the model’s main asset, which is all about speed.

If you are looking for an inflatable vessel that can get you from point A to B, with speed that is almost, if not on par with skin-on-frame kayaks, then this one is for you. Such feat is made possible with the combined help of the hybrid aluminum alloy frame poles and high-pressure air tubes.

In terms of build size, the AirFusion elite sports a 28-in. wide and 13-ft. long body. Additionally, it only weighs 32 lbs. (14.5 kg.), and can carry up to 235 lbs. (106 kg.) of total weight.

Passenger capacity is limited to one. As for the number of air chambers, it has seven. For your storage demands, you can access the roll-top rear hatch to load in your important gears.

Other notable features of the unit include a bungee deck lacing, multiple D-ring tie downs, and an inflatable coaming for affixing a spray cover. Moreover, the device can be outfitted with an optional fixed skeg, which further improves tracking.

Much like the previous entries, this model is also built using PVC-based material. As for the accessories, you will receive a carrying bag, folding seat, and a repair kit.
- Advanced Elements FireFly Kayak
The Advanced Elements FireFly kayak belongs under the recreational inflatable kayak category. It’s a great budget friendly kayak and can be used on calm lakes and bays, inland waters, and even slow rivers (Class I and II whitewater), making it quite versatile.

The FireFly can seat only one person, and with up to 250-lbs. (113 kg) of maximum weight capacity. As for the size of the boat, it measures 7 ft. 10 in. long, and 35 in. wide, when fully assembled. For the weight, it has a total heft of 16 lbs. (7 kg), which is light enough for you to carry alone.

If folded, the kayak will measure around 23 x 18 x 5 inches, which is effortless to pack. There are 3 air chambers in this unit, which adds to its level of safety in case one accidentally tears.

Some of the best features of the Advanced Elements FireFly include a rubber molded handle, a bungee deck lacing, mesh pocket, and a tracking fin. Speaking of tracking, the craft’s built-in rigid panels in its bow and stern also improve performance in this regard.

Construction-wise, the kayak is manufactured using 600 D polyester for the cover, a durable PVC tarpaulin material for the hull, and heavy-duty PVC for the main chamber. Furthermore, FireFly also features a welded perimeter seam.

Setup up is quick thanks to its accessible Twistlok™ valves and high flow Spring™ valves. In terms of accessories, a carrying duffel bag and a repair kit is bundled along with the main module.

What makes the Advanced Elements Kayaks so great?

There are a lot of facets that make each lineup of this brand a cut above the rest, more so with the 5 abovementioned kayaks. Although there are some differences in build and parts of the construction, all units are durable as is. Nevertheless, these are the aspects that make this inflatable kayak manufacturer noteworthy:
- Amazing design
One of the most impressive advancements that the company has developed is the patented Aluminum Rib Frame design. It is, in its simplest form, an arrangement of aluminum frame, air chambers, and rigid panels, resulting in a kayak that is not only flexible, but also one that can compete with hard-shell versions.

This build is mostly seen in the AdvancedFrame® and StraitEdge™ series. However, the default built-in rigid panels, like the one found in the Firefly model, are not bad either, especially with its cheaper price tag. If you are more of a recreational kayaker, then the standard bow and stern build is more than enough.
- Cutting-edge flooring system
The normal inflated floor that Advanced Elements utilizes already provides sufficient stability. But, the company is never satisfied in settling with what is merely good enough. Instead, it strives to be the very best.

This commitment is only proven true with breakthroughs such as the drop-stich floor technology and the BackBone® accessory. These two are uniquely designed but carry a singular purpose, which is to make the base of the kayak even more rigid.

The BackBone® is a multi-sectional keel beam that you can place below the inflatable floor of the boat during setup. The beam will allow the hull to assume a V shape with the help of your body weight. It not only yields additional bracing for the unit, but it also augments general trackability.

When it comes to the drop-stitch floor, it caters the most rigid hull you can ever get from the brand. It is similar to what the manufacturer uses in its SUPs, which are boards meant to be stood upon without a lot of flexing. That being said, having a floorboard in a kayak that can fully support an average-sized human that is standing upright, promises extreme rigidity.

Unfortunately, such floorings are only obtainable on certain models, one of which is the AdvancedFrame® class. Furthermore, the drop-stitch variant is more expensive than the BackBone®, so bear that in mind.
- Reliable Construction
Majority of Advanced Elements’ products employ a multi-layer construction. What this basically entails is that the air chambers and outer lining of the kayak have their own covers. It is a huge contrast to other known inflatable boat companies that only uses one fabric for both aforesaid sections.

As for the type of material, PVC is the go-to component of the brand. An example of this is the PVC tarpaulin hull of the kayaks.

This particular build utilizes a polyester mesh fabric that is packed in between layers of vinyl. This results to a tough exterior while also maintaining flexibility, which makes each unit easy to fold and unfold.
- Highly buoyant
All kayaks made by Advanced Elements do not have less than 3 air chambers. The AdvacedFrame Expedition for one has up to 9 different air chambers.

Now, why would the quantity be important, you ask? Well, the number of bladders will influence the boat’s ability to withstand heavy loads. However, its most significant impact is perhaps the provision of several backups for when one accidentally deflates, allowing you to paddle back to land safely.

There is no right or wrong choice here. As long as you have a clear idea of what type of kayaking you want to do, then choosing between the 5 entries above should be no problem. Also consider a high quality standup paddle board (SUP) of Advanced Elements. Just remember not to go beyond your means, especially if you are just starting out.
June 28, 2017
Advanced Elements Straitedge Angler Kayak
Kayak Overview

Advanced Elements has done it yet again, another rugged and durable kayak is here. The Straitedge Angler kayak is designed with serious anglers in mind. Just like the majority of Advanced Elements kayaks, this one also sports the patented aluminum rib frame. Tracks almost as straight as a hard shell, has plenty of options for additional fishing accessories and is also very stable. If you’re looking for an inflatable kayak that you can use for fishing, you’ve found it. The durable design has made the Straitedge Angler a popular choice for people looking to go down class 3 rapids as well.

The kayak is 9 feet long and has a carrying capacity of up to 300 pounds, total weight of the boat is 41 pounds. It’s made out of multi-layered materials, which makes this bad boy durable as few. The hull is actually so tough that it’s possible to take it down class 3 rapids, and no, scraping against rocks and other rough surfaces will not puncture it easily. It has abrasion pads on top, if any hooks, tackle or fish were to fall, you will have that added protection. To add to the security, it has multiple air chambers, if one were to fail, you still have the other ones intact, allowing you to safely paddle back to shore. Some handy features on the Straitedge include; stainless steel d-rings, and bungee deck lacing for gear.

The Straitedge is an open kayak and can be compared to a regular canoe. Unlike a regular canoe however, it’s super stable. The low center of gravity, wide body and the wide frame makes it a challenge to tip it over. Unless you actually try to tip it over, nothing’s going to happen. This is because they knew that bringing home the big catches is not always a walk in the park, since when did you casually sit down and reel in a big one? Never.

You’ll be sitting on a high-back seat with an inflatable lumbar support. A lumbar support will help people with lower back problems and reduce the amount of pressure put on it. On the backside of the seat you’ll find two simple rod holders.

At the front of the Straitedge, you’ll find the patented aluminum accessory frame. This is a truly unique feature which no other inflatable kayak has. With it, you’ll be able to mount all kinds of fishing accessories, fish finders, rod holders and loads more. It can even be used to mount smaller action cameras like the GoPro.

If anything were to fail on this kayak, like a leaky seam or a mysterious puncture, you got your back covered by the one year warranty. Advanced Elements are quick to respond and if anything is broken you will most likely get a replacement.

Features
- Has built-in aluminum frame in the bow and stern which makes for superior tracking and steering
- Plenty of space for accessories and rods
- A high-back seat with an inflatable lower back support
- Covered by a one-year warranty if anything were to fail
- Heavy duty and rugged hull that can withstand all kinds of abuse
Specifications
- Dimensions: 116 inches (9.5 ft) in length, 34 inches (2.9 ft) in width
- Weight: 41 pounds
- Carrying Capacity: 300 pounds
- Material: Multi-layer heavy duty PVC
Our Review

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Every inflatable kayak we’ve tested from Advanced Elements have impressed us in some way, and this one is no different. The Straitedge is an open kayak, meaning the deck is not enclosed. It’s more or less the same design as a canoe, but it behaves more like a kayak.

Built-in frame provides excellent tracking and maneuverability

Like all Advanced Elements kayaks with the built in aluminum frame, this one tracks very well and it’s also very stable. Thanks to the wide beam going down the middle there was no problem moving around, the kayak was stable and never were we worried we would tip over. We even gave it a test run with our dag in the back, he moved around a lot trying to find a comfortable position, same experience here, as stable as ever. When my wife gave it a test spin, she managed to catch a pike and right then we saw the true stability of the yak. If it hadn’t been so stable, my wife would have probably been in the water.

The inflatable lumbar supports makes longer days much more enjoyable

We have healthy backs so we never bother to use lumbar supports, but we figured we could give it a try since so many people have said good things about it. We cannot justifiably compare to other lumbar supports but from our tests it felt really comfortable. We decided to keep it on the whole day and had no problems what so ever, it wasn’t too hard or too uncomfortable, it was just perfect.

Drying the Straitedge is a pain, takes a lot of time

But as with all inflatables, there are drawbacks. The biggest drawback with the Straitedge is the amount of time it takes to dry. And boy, does it take a while. There are loads of small creases and folds the water can get into, the main floor chamber is one of those places. Even when we checked days later we still managed to find some water that hidden underneath the floor chamber. To dry it completely we suggest putting out on a big flat surface in the sun, shaking and turning it around every 10 minutes or so.

The accessory bar is neat, allows you to mount several different fishing accessories

The accessory bar is another feature we like a lot, even though it could been tweaked a little more. First of all, it feels like they’ve put it too far in the front. This made it hard for us to reach any accessories we had. We tried fixing this by putting on the accessory bar backwards, but no success there either., it’s shaped to be installed in one direction only. Other than that, the bar is really useful, we do not have any fancy fishing equipment, so we mounted 2 rod holders and a GoPro on it. It felt really sturdy even with heavier accessories installed.

Can take a beating without getting punctured or deflated

This thing is durable. We were told it’s possible to use the Straitedge for white water kayaking. We spent a day out on a class 3 river, we had a blast, even though we’re no pros. The kayak got slammed and scraped against multiple rocks, by the end of the day it had a lot of scratch marks but nothing had been punctured. Oh, the scratch marks disappeared with some soap water and rubbing.

Can hold up to two people without problems (it may get a little cramped)

This is a one person kayak only, but we like to push the limits and see how far we can take our testing. Turns out it will hold my wife and I just fine, I’m not gonna lie, it was a little cramped but it handled well and there was no sign of instability. While two full grown adults might not be the best idea, bringing your kid or dog along will work just fine.

Super portable, folds up into a very thin luggage styled bag

We almost forgot to mention, but another very impressive feature about the Angler is just how small it can get when folded. It’s comparable to a normal luggage bag in terms of size but the width is the best part, it’s only 10 inches wide when folded into the carrying bag. You could store it in a Smart cars trunk if you wanted to. Remember that it’s 9.5 feet when inflated, that makes the foldable size just so much more impressive.

Pros
- Tracks straight and is easy maneuver
- Durable, scraping and smashing against rocks will scratch the hull but not puncture it
- Plenty of space for fishing accessories thanks to the mounting bar
- Very stable
- Highly portable, folds into one of the smallest bags we’ve seen
Cons
- Mounting bar is hard to reach when sitting down
- Drying takes a long time
Conclusion:

If you’re a fisherman and want to purchase an inflatable kayak that is portable, versatile and suitable for fishing, the Straitedge Angler is just what you want. While it’s designed specifically for fishing, it can be enjoyed as a recreational kayak, you could even take into it class 3 rapids if you so wanted. It’s perfect for the type of fisherman that doesn’t like to fish in one spot all year long but rather like to challenge himself by trying new environments and such. You’re getting a lot of value for your money.
January 19, 2016
Advanced Elements AE1012-R Review
Kayak Overview

Advanced Elements AE1012-R AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak is yet another smash hit from Advanced Elements.It was first introduced in 2002 as the “AirFrame Kayak” but has since then undergone several major design changes, slowly evolving into one of the best solo inflatables out there. It’s almost identical to the Advanced Frame Expedition when it comes to features and specs, the biggest difference being the size. The Ae1012-R is smaller than the Expedition and is a better fit for smaller and lighter people. Just like all the other kayaks from Advanced Elements with the AdvancedFrame technology, this is a mix between a foldable and inflatable kayak, you cannot get any closer to a hard shell than this.

The AE1012-R is 10.5 feet long and just as tough as all the other ones in the AdvancedFrame series, made from durable double coated PVC with electronically welded seams. Going through rough water, scraping against rocks and other potentially dangerous objects might scratch the surface the AE1012, but will not puncture it. If you take a closer look on the outer fabric you’ll see a faint diamond pattern, this is to stop eventual tears from spreading.

The removable rigid ribs in the bow and stern are made from high quality aluminum, which allows the kayak to carve through the water with ease. Thanks to the aluminum ribs, the stern acts just like a skeg and will increase tracking performance significantly. When you inflate the air chambers of the kayak, these aluminum ribs are pressed against the outer part of the hull, forming the high performance bow and stern. For even better performance, it’s possible to install a backbone that will give the kayak bottom a v-shape.

Even though this is a smaller version, there’s space for on-board storage, without sacrificing legroom, making longer day trips a much more enjoyable experience. There’s a mesh pocket behind the seat and bungee laces at the front to carry small items like water bottles or other gear. You can fit medium sized gear behind the seat. It has a carrying capacity of 300 pounds.

It’s comfortable, paddles and tracks well. You can take it into lakes, calmer oceans and in rivers with class 2 rapids. Its wide body makes it very stable making it a good choice for beginners looking for a recreational inflatable kayak.

Features
- AdvancedFrame technology, a built in aluminum frame makes the kayak stiff and improves tracking
- Comes with a hefty carry bag, pump adapter (no pump is included), instructions and a maintenance kit
- Heavy duty PVC fabric that’s puncture and abrasion resistant
- Can be paddled in calm lakes to class 2 rapids
Specifications
- Dimensions: 126 inches (10.5 ft) in length, 34 inches (2.8 ft) in width
- Weight: 36 pounds
- Carrying capacity: 300 pounds
- Material: Double coated PVC covered with Tarpaulin
Our Review

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The AE1012-R is a shortened version of the tandem kayak called AE 1007-R. While they look pretty much identical, it behaves a lot more like the Expedition kayak. If you’re on the heavier side and have been thinking about getting this kayak, we recommend reading our review carefully.

If you’re heavy, consider using the Backbone from Advanced Elements

Since this is a one man kayak, the carrying capacity is almost twice as low as the 1007-R (300 lbs vs 550 lbs), something to think about if you’re a heavier person. When I tried it I found that the kayak would sag a little in the middle because of my weight (I weight around 210 pounds). This was easily fixed by installing the Advanced elements backbone (not included in your purchase). If you’re light weight the backbone is not really needed, as my wife found out. We still recommend getting it though, since it stiffens up the whole kayak and makes it handle more like a hard shell. The backbone helps with tracking, speed but most of all paddling efficiency, as you go further with each stroke and have to spend a lot less energy trying to go straight.

Gear space is nothing too impressive

The gear space on the kayak is OK, it’s not too small but you won’t be taking anything larger than a medium sized backpack with you. The mesh pocket behind the seats are pretty small but will fit a repair kit. If you need to bring a lot of gear with you, it’s better to get yourself something like a KayakKaddy or upgrading to the tandem version, the AE1007-R

It’s wide and super stable

Taking a look at the kayak it’s easy to see it is much wider than your average hard shell. The extra width makes it super stable, combined with the low center of gravity it’s almost impossible to tip over. We tried our hardest to tip the AE1012 over but it just wasn’t possible. While the advantage of a wide hull is added stability, the downside is the sacrifice of speed. If you’re experienced in kayaking like us, you will be able to keep up with other hardshellers, but it will take a lot of effort from your side. The wide hull makes paddling a little awkward with shorter paddles, both me and my wife kept scraping our knuckles against the hull when paddling. We found that around the 220 cm mark is a the sweet spot.

Made for lighter and shorter people

The AE1012 is similar to the Expedition model, but it’s much smaller. If you’re tall or weigh more than the average Joe, we recommend taking a look at the Expedition, mostly due to it’s size and increased carrying capacity. Now we’re generalizing pretty much, but the generally speaking the AE1012 will be a better choice for women while the expedition will be a better choice for men.

Inflation/deflation and set up time is quick

Using a dual action hand pump it will not take more than 10 minutes to inflate the whole kayak, expect more time (around 15 minutes or so) if you’re new to kayaking. The whole assembly process is simple and straightforward, it took us 15 minutes to roll it out, inflate and install all the accessories. Deflating and disassembling it is a slightly faster processes, takes about 10 minutes from fully inflated to deflated and packed into the carrying bag.

Carrying bag is slightly too small

We think that the carrying bag could be slightly larger, as packing the kayak after you’ve used it is pretty hard, takes a lot of fiddling to get it back again. There’s also no carrying straps on the bags, carrying this over longer distances is not recommended. We don’t find this to be an issue however, we always manage to find parking spots close by to our kayaking spots.

Classified for class 2 rapids, but could potentially go into class 3

Unlike the the 1007-R this kayak is only certified up to class 2 rapids. We’re not really sure why as it’s basically the same vessel, just a little smaller. With that said, you could probably take this down a class 3 river (we only tried it in a class 2 river) without any issues, but it’s better to not push the limits of the craft if you don’t have to.

Pros
- Tracks very good, comparable to hard shell kayaks
- Quick set up, doesn’t take more than 10 minutes when you’ve gotten the hang of it
- Takes up very little space when folded
- Low center of gravity and wide base makes it super stable
Cons
- Carrying bag is small and putting the kayak back in again is difficult
- Only classified up to class 2 rapids
- Pump and paddles are not included which will bump up the cost (unless you already own those)
Conclusion:

The Advanced Elements AE1012-R AdvancedFrame Inflatable kayak is what we call a “wannabe hard shell”, in a good way. Just like the other AdvancedFrame kayaks it handles almost as good as a hard shell. From our testing this model is just like the AE1007-R with the exception of the length. It’s just as tough, tracks as straight and is almost as versatile (it doesn’t go up to class 3 rapids, only class 2). If you’re on the larger side and been looking at this kayak, we recommend taking a look at the Expedition or the tandem (which can be converted into a solo kayak) AE1007-R.
January 10, 2016
Advanced Elements Convertible Review
Kayak Overview

Another highly loved inflatable kayak from Advanced Elements, the AdvancedFrame Convertible (also known as advanced elements ae1007-r) is strong, stable and balanced. This is a tandem kayak and is mean to be paddled by two people, but can be just as well be paddled solo. It’s a lot heavier compared to other inflatable tandems, so paddling it solo can be quite difficult. Just like the Expedition, this kayak is a hybrid mix between a foldable and an inflatable. Most inflatables you see today ride ‘on’ the water, but thanks to the built in aluminum frame the Advanced Elements Convertible rides ‘in’ the water.

The Advanced Elements AE1007-r is 15 feet long and made with heavy duty materials, with three layers of puncture resistant material you can treat this kayak like garbage and it will still float. The fabric on the outside is PVC Tarpaulin covered with 1000 denier polyester. Not only that but there’s an additional double layer of material on top of that. To make it even more durable they added landing plates to the bow and stern to protect the hull of the kayak from rocks and other dangers.

The AE1007-r can be used in lakes, oceans and rivers with class 3 rapids. The tough hull makes scraping against rocks and other rough objects a worry of the past, so going down a class 3 river is nothing to worry about, your kayak will survive.

Thanks to the aluminum frame inside, the kayak glides through the water with ease, like a knife through butter. Combine this with the skeg and you have an inflatble that will track almost as straight as a hardshell.

It has a carrying capacity of 550 pounds and can hold plenty of gear, even more if you plan on riding solo. It has a mesh pocket in the front, and if you install the additional deck you’ll have two mesh pockets in total.

One to thing to keep in mind when purchasing the Advanced Elements Convertible is that there are no accessories included. Things like paddles, pump, spray skirts and the additional solo deck are all sold separately, which will bring up the cost at least a hundred dollars. On the bright side, you get to choose exactly what you want, no need to be stuck with low quality oars or a pump that will break on you.

Features
- Built in aluminum frame which makes the bow and stern rigid and also help the kayak to track better
- Comes included with a carry bag, instructions, pump adapter(no pump is included) and a maintenance kit
- The AdvancedFrame Convertible can be used as either a tandem or a solo kayak
- Has plenty of storage for gear behind the rear seat
- Made from heavy duty PVC that’s abrasion and puncture resistant
Specifications
- Dimensions: 180 inches in length, 34 inches in width
- Weight: 56 pounds
- Carrying Capacity: 550 pounds
- Material: Double coated PVC covered with Tarpaulin
Our Review

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Just like Advanced Elements Expedition, this kayak is a blast to ride, the tracking, storage capabilities and the option to either use it as a tandem or a solo kayak is what we love about this boat.

Quick and easy setup
Setting it up is simple and straight forward. Even though it has a built in aluminum frame it’s easy to unfold and start inflating. From unpacking it to fully inflating it will take you about 15minutes, it all depends how quick and experienced you are. We can usually inflate most of our kayaks in 10-15 minutes, but we’ve been kayaking for years. Don’t be surprised if it takes you 20-30 minutes the first time!

Dries up slowly
Something we do not enjoy too much with this kayak is its drying time. Because they have used a heavy duty fabric, it takes a while to dry completely. We found that we actually needed to pull the floor out and the shell as well to have dry properly. Unless you fully disassemble it, you’ll have to wait a long time before it dries up completely.

No accessories included
As you may already know, the AE1007-R doesn’t come with any accessories, things like paddles, a pump, spray skirts and extra decks. We don’t see this as something negative compared to a lot of other people. Why? Very often the included pumps and paddles are cheaply made and will sooner or later break on you. Now you’ll have the chance of buying high quality paddles that will last a life time and a pump that actually works. Get yourself an electrical pump and you’ll have everything inflated and ready to go in a matter of minutes.

Reclining in your seat is hard
We love to be able to recline in our seats when taking a rest but it just wasn’t possible for us to find a comfortable position. The seats are still plenty of comfortable, especially when you compare them to hard shell ones. The included seats do not have any lumbar support but it’s possible to buy it as an extra accessory.

Tracks perfectly, even in moderate winds
We never encountered any problems with the tracking either, it tracks straight as an arrow, even in moderator wind conditions, we paddled in 10 knot winds and didn’t experience any drifting.

Tough and stable
Since Advanced Elements claim that his kayak can take class 3 rapids, we had to give it a shot. We took it to a river that has an extremely rough bottom, rocks, sticks and banks are literally everywhere. It was a rough but stable ride down the river, actually a lot more stable than we would imagine. Upon closer inspection we had a few scrapes and scratches, but nothing had been punctured and we could go down the river several times over we wanted to.

Our advice to you
As a last piece of advice we recommend installing the aluminum backbone, it does require a little fiddling to get it perfectly centered during the inflation process, but boy does it makes a difference! It gives the kayak a much more rigid feel and will not flex as much when paddling in wavy conditions.

We just want to remind you that this is heavy kayak, if you plan on going kayaking with hard shells, don’t expect to be able to keep up with them. The AE1007-R is best used for sightseeing and leisurely activities, not for racing your friends with hard shells.

Pros
- Spacious, both the for the people paddling and for gear
- The interchangeable decks, choose between paddling solo, tandem, zipped or unzipped
- The materials can really take a beating, rock and stones may break my bones, but not my inflatable kayak!
- Can go up to class 3 rapids
Cons
- Need to disassemble the kayak fully in order to dry it completely
- Paddles and pump not included which could potentially bump up the cost (unless you already own everything)
- Heavy compared to other tandem kayaks
Conclusion

The Advanced Elements Convertible is a well built and long lasting inflatable tandem kayak. Because of its weight and size it might not be a speed demon, but it was never meant for that either. The 1007-R is meant for people looking to get out on the lake and enjoy a nice day, and occasionally take it down a river or two. It might be cost a little bit more than your average inflatable tandem, but for a good reason, it’s built like a tank and will you last you many years.
January 6, 2016
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Kayak Review
Kayak overview

Just by looking at the picture, you might see that this does not look like your average inflatable kayak, and that is for a very good reason. The Expedition is a hybrid mix between a foldable and an inflatable one, meaning you get the best of both worlds. If you like taking long trips and spending most of your day out on the water, you’re going to love Advanced Elements Expedition.

This is a 13 feet long inflatable hybrid kayak with plenty of storage space, perfect for those times when you want to be away for a longer time. It has a carrying capacity of 450 pounds, there’s plenty of room for you and all the gear you can imagine. It features an adjustable seat with lumbar support (which means the seat has support for your lower back), rubber handles, inflatable spray skirts (to protect you from the splashing water), mesh pockets, an adjustable foot brace and a of course, a carrying bag.

Inside the hull you’ll find a built in aluminum frame, this helps to shape the bow and stern for tracking, it also has a skeg to make tracking better than ever. You do not have to connect any poles to shape the frame as they’re already connected to each other, it’s as simple as taking it out of the bag and unfolding it. It has a low center of gravity which adds more stability to the vessel.

With the high flow spring valves (made for easy and quick set up) it takes about 10 minutes (5 minutes if you’re quick!) to completely pump it up. These valves also make deflation of the kayak quicker and easier.

Whether you’re a tall person looking to get a kayak that fits you or if you want to have something that resembles a hard shell kayak as much as possible, this will be your go to choice. With its hybrid design and low center of gravity it’s really a unique and beginner friendly kayak. People say you’ll turn into a spokesman for Advanced Elements while out paddling with the Expedition, and after we’ve tried it, we can definitely see why.

Features
- Hybrid design lets you have the best of both worlds.
- Adjustable seat with support for lower back
- Lots of space for gear and other accessories
- Repair kit is included
Specifications
- Dimensions: 156 inches in length and 32 inches in width
- Weight: 42 pounds
- Carrying Capacity: 450 pounds
- Material: Heavy Duty PVC
Our Review

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So, where do we start with this one? This is definitely one of the funnest inflatables we’ve gotten the chance to paddle.

Hybrid design with slightly malfunctioning air valves
The folding design makes it really easy to unfold and assemble. We had it assembled and all inflated 10 minutes after taking it out of the carry bag. The air valves work really good, just push them down with your finger and they’re open. We did notice however that sometimes when you pumped too much air, the valves would close on themselves, making it impossible to inflate. With a little bit of tinkering we figured out that opening the valve ever so slightly, rather than having them fully opened fixed this issue.

Tracking has never been straighter
Thanks to the aluminum frame and the skeg, the tracking capabilities of this kayak are incredible. We’ve been paddling mostly on calm lakes and never encountered any problems with tracking. For us, it tracked as straight as a hard shell one. We have however talked to people that have had the complete opposite experience. One owner told us that each time he went paddling with his Expedition, it tracked differently, sometimes it would go straight and sometimes it would do hard starboard’s all the time. According to him, he would set it up the same way each time he went to the lake, yet it would track different each time. We will never know if he did actually set it up properly or not, but the majority of the owners do not have these kinds of problems, including us. This one of the best tracking inflatable kayaks we have tried (along with the other AdvancedFrame kayaks).

Spacious, even for tall people
A common problem tall people face with inflatable vessels is trying to fit into them, often there’s not a lot of room to move in and you’ll end up sitting awkwardly with bent knees. We found that this is not the case with Advanced Elements Expedition kayak. After all, it’s 13 feet long and has plenty of room for storage. If you find that entry (maybe you still have all that Christmas food left) is bit a tight, you can unzip the deck which makes it easy, even if you’re tall and large. It’s no wonder why tall people praise this boat so much. We could easily put two backpacks under the deck storage without compromising leg room, and with the bungee cords we could even pack more things onto the kayak if we wanted.

Carry bag leaves more to be desired
While it does come with a carrying bag, the weight of everything packed into this bag makes it really uncomfortable to carry. There are no carrying straps, just a one-hand suitcase styled handle. We’d love to see a shoulder strap or some kind of backpack straps to make it easier for one person to transport it. The one-hand handle works great for short distance, like getting the kayak from your car to the beach, but you won’t be going any further than that, unless you’re built like the Hulk.

No pump included
Also bare in mind that this kayak does not come with a pump, we recommend getting a dual action chamber hand pump from Advanced Elements with a pressure gauge, it’s fast, durable and small enough to throw into the kayak without taking up too much space. If you don’t want to spend around $40 on a pump, head over to Walmart and grab one of those cheap yellow ones although it’s so much easier to use a good dual chamber pump compared to a cheap single chamber pump…

Included paddle is top notch
The included paddle works great, which in our experience is quite uncommon. The paddle can be split into 4 separate pieces. While we only tested this for one day, some owners have said that the paddle becomes harder to disassemble after longer use, some even said they couldn’t disassemble the paddle at all. Most likely it’s rust build-up so be sure to wipe the excess water.

Pros
- Very spacious which allows you to carry a lot of gear with you
- Excellent tracking thanks to the hybrid design
- Setting it up takes 5-10 minutes depending on how quick you are
- Low center of gravity makes it stable and easy to control
Cons
- The included carry bag only has a suitcase styled handle, making it really hard to transport longer distances
- Some of the included paddle will seize up after longer periods of use, making it impossible to disassemble
- It’s heavy compared to other one man inflatable kayaks
Conclusion

The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Kayak is a really great one man kayak. With its aluminum frame and skeg, tracking has never been straighter, we actually dare to say that this is one of the best tracking inflatable kayaks out there. It might not be as portable as other inflatables due to it’s weight and the lousy design of the carry bag, but it’s still way more portable than a hard shell. Tall people will love the Expedition as there’s plenty of legroom. Some people say this is the closest you will come to a hard shell kayak without actually being one. Do we agree? Most certainly! If you want to get yourself a hard shell but cannot do so due limited space, this will your best choice.
January 5, 2016
Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayaks

Advanced Elements are known for their colorful designs and top quality models. If you’ve seen inflatable kayaks that are bright yellow or fire orange, you can be pretty sure it’s one of their models.

Their intent is to make high-end quality kayaks with an affordable price tag. As if that wasn’t enough, they aim to provide cutting edge technology with all of their inflatables, whether it’s a kayak or canoe, you can be sure it will utilize the latest technology.

Down below you will find two of our favorite kayaks from Advanced Elements.

Advanced Elements Expedition

One of the best selling Advanced Elements kayaks is the Expedition. It’s a mix between a folding frame and an inflatable kayak. Unlike other inflatables, the Expedition has an aluminum frame. The built in aluminum ribs helps to define the bow and stern, it also makes tracking really easy, you won’t notice much difference between a hard shell and this inflatable kayak.The Expedition is a versatile model that can be used for recreational activities.

> Click here to read our review of the Advanced Elements Expedition Kayak <

Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible

If you’re looking to get an inflatable tandem, Advanced Elements offers a 15 feet long convertible inflatable kayak. Just like the Expedition, the convertible has built in aluminum ribs that defines the bow and stern, and makes tracking easy as pie. It has three seat locations to allow for paddling solo or tandem.

> Click here to read our review of the AdvancedFrame Convertible 1007-R Kayak <

High quality and Affordable

For the amount of money you spend on an Advanced Elements inflatable kayak, you should really get a lot less, but you get so much more than your money’s worth. Whether you’re looking for a large tandem kayak or a small one seater, Advanced Elements has something high end for you, at a low a price too. If you’re already familiar with inflatable kayaks and want to get something more high end, this is the company you should turn to. Their products are generally more high end than others

January 5, 2016