ADVANCED ELEMENTS AdvancedFrame Convertible Elite Inflatable Kayak

Like a lot of things I buy, I over researched various inflatible kayak choices, and this was one of the top two choices. I needed an inflatible since I don't have a vehicle suitable for a roof rack, and I needed a tandem for use with my family. Unlike other products where you can get +/- 90% of the quality/functionality of a higher cost choice by purchasing the cheaper alternative, in the case of inflatibles I absolutely believe its worth it to pay up for a higher quality. Better resistence to punctures, better wear resistence, better performace in the water, and most importantly, better user experience.User experience - if you buy a kayak that is made cheaply, feels cheap, and doesn't track well in the water while paddling, you will be discouraged and loose interest. This kayak is easy to use, feel high quality, and performs very well in the water. You will be happy spending $900-$1,000 for this versus $400-$600 for the next lowest tier. Also, you will have better resale value if you care for it. Other reivews here provide a good range of positives on this kayak, but I will add that while the manual pump I use is adequate, on a hot day, I would really rather have a battery powered (or 12v) pump to do the work for me. IMO, that is worth the expence if you can affort it, but I will be getting one in the Spring.

This kayak paddles well for an inflatable. Sometimes you forget it’s not a hard shell. A little trouble tracking straight but that’s expected. Lots of room to bring a cooler and backpack and more on board. Consider that the outer cover material is not waterproof (resistant only) and will soak up some water so it is nice to have some time for drying after your paddle. Also, the inner inflatable can be removed to help drying. An online comment suggested getting some boat/bailing sponges (eg, NRS) and these maybe getting water out of the kayak easy after a paddle. Also, helps wiping off the drop stitch floor. During multiple trips we put the kayak away damp for temporary storage with no problems. But better to give it a good dry for longer term storage. The hand pump is all we use to inflate, bought an electric but never used it. We really like this kayak and it was a good purchase. Recommend.

I did a lot of research before choosing an inflatable kayak. The reviews and descriptions of the Advanced Elements kayaks stood out to me. The company was also recommended by a well known sporting good store. The kayak lives up to its description and reputation. We have used it 4 times and it is now easy to set up and take down. Love being able to fit it in any vehicle. Very sturdy and fast. Comfortable to sit in. Time will tell how it stands up, but so far it looks to be a very wise and fun purchase for us.

Really like this kayak. The drop-stitch floor makes it super rigid and stable on the water. It can be a little awkward folding it up and putting it back in the bag so I would recommend packing and unpacking it a few times before taking it out to the lake or river. I brought my dog on it and haven't worried about it getting punctured. Only thing it is missing is cup holders :)

this is the worst customer service I have ever experiencedmy package arrived as a box of boxes with plastic insideI am still waiting for my refund after 4 months, it's awfulworst purchased product, worst customer service

I bought this after trying a Intex one, and was glad I did. This kayak is a great kayak, and will last as a loaner if you kayak with people who don't own one. It is backpackable, if you can carry a heavy load. It has multiple bladders, so even if one sprung a leak through all of the nylon and kevlar fabric surrounding it, no issues cause there are at least two others that will keep you up. Loaned this to a buddy when I got a better kayak, and he was impressed, ultimately buying it from me. I did get extras for it. I got the floor, the spine, and the skirt. Same buddy, we were out, and a storm rolled in cause we didn't check the weather. Four foot swells, he did get blown around a bit, but he was fine, still happy with the kayak. It is pricey for an inflatable, but its well worth it. The best thing i would say to get for it, is an electric pump. It's hot outside and hand pumping it sucks.

Hello,This Kayak definitely has the feel of quality and I was blown away by how fast and smooth it moves through the water. The installation of it was just a few minutes and took so much less effort compared to inflating my paddleboard.The only issue I have with the kayak is that the drop stitch floor seems to have only 1 layer of material on the sides and I am nervous about how long it will last. Time will tell though -- my first summer everything went well.One major point was Advanced Elements customer service. The bag I received was different than what was shown on the box and the company sent me a new one very quickly with no hassle. I was very impressed.Solid kayak, seems to be built well, with great on the water performance.

Easy set up! Kayaking in Louisiana. So glad we bought this. Was our first time ever!!

Très beaux et très robuste