Advanced Elements Air Frame Inflatable Kayak

Pros: very convenient, set up is simple and fast
Cons: leg room is a bit cramped, seat could be better

I have been eager to find an easy way that I might be able to go kayaking on weekends. I didn't want to fit my car with a carrier, and, in any event, I didn't think that I'd have a second person to help me get a boat on and off the car. So, I ...

Pros: Stable Manuverable Affordable Durable storage space ease of use packability
Cons: speed - slow compared to hardshell berth - sits lower in the water required setup

Background / inital thoughts / warm fuzzies I purchased this kayak this summer to be able to keep up with my Fiance in her perception sonoma kayak! It's inflatable and it's Pretty cool, on top of that it should do pretty much everything I want (flat, ...

Pros: Stable, Compact, Portable, Durable, Great Design, Good Color and easy Setup.
Cons: Can't think of any.

I bought my Advanced Frame earlier this year. I have been able to take it out several times. This is a great kayak. First off, you need to understand that it is an inflatable kayak and that if you are expecting it to perform exactly like a ...

Pros: Tracks well, extremely durable, safe, tough enough for the ocean
Cons: Black plastic on rigid parts for both ends should be stronger like fiberglass

This has to be the best inflatable kayak out there unless you're into whitewater. All the other inflatable kayaks wag back and forth with every stroke, which is totally unacceptable for touring. You still get a little of that with this one, but not too ...

Pros: Great in wind, stays online well, faster than other inflatables.
Cons: Time of set-up & take down, water absorbing materials, lack of room/compartments in bag.

I took my new 2005 Advanced Elements Kayak (single) out for the first time on a very windy day and the boat really stayed the course, seemed faster than my other inflatables in the water and cut through the waves. It is also my least easy to use of my ...

Pros: Portability, comfort, sturdiness, fun to paddle
Cons: It lacks a foot rest, with a home made one the paddling force increases

This amazing little kayak out shines hard shell kayaks in every respect except speed: A HS is often so delicate, that you dare not get ashore on a rocky beach afraid of scratching it, not to talk about the risk of making a somersault trying to get out of ...

Pros: Portable, tough fabric, comfortable, inexpensive.
Cons: Cramped leg room, skirt doesn't work, little storage space, can lose inflation covers easily.

I've had two of these for a couple months now, and am pleased overall. It is great to toss them in the trunk of my Accord sports coupe, (which nothing seems to fit) and drive off to a mountain lake. Inflation is pretty simple, and they actually fit back into the storage bag. They track fairly well, but cannot keep up with a rigid kayak. That's not really the point, though. You can check these in your airline baggage, try doing that with a 1.35 Carolina.
There is some hype in the advertising literature. They claim plenty of storage room, without cramping your legs. I've yet to spot much storage room, and my legs are cramped (5'10") without anything added. That said, it is very comfortable aside from the limited leg space.
OH! Don't buy the skirt made by Advanced Elements! I found one online because no one seems to carry theirs in the shop, and discovered that it flat out won't work, won't cinch in around either the coaming or yourself (fabric too stiff, cord too weak). Get your skirt from another manufacturer till they get it right, and enjoy your portable kayak.

Pros: Handles great, easy to set up, fits in trunk.
Cons: The directions could be better.

I have had one for 3 months, use it weekly on the Pacific. Not chimp simple to figure out, the first 20 minutes were not fun, but it does make sense and you catch on right away. The only thing you can do wrong is over inflate in hot sun - if you under inflate, you can tell and fix that. Easy to pick up and carry, after the first time, easy and quick to set up. AND it tracks well, I beat hard body yaks and keep on going. Easy to move inside, you can turn around w/o falling over, like on a SOT. It is a ton of fun for the $. No racks required.

Pros: Saves space and is very comfortable
Cons: Doesn't track as well as a hard shell and from car to water
is longer.

We live in a condo.  So, space is an issue.  We also
purchased the "backbone" that keeps the kayak
stiffer in the water.

The backbone adds an additional few minutes to putting it
together.  With the backbone, it takes about 20-30
minutes to blow up. 

Tracks well.  Is VERY comfortable compared to a hard shell
kayak.  The seat was very low so bought a high back seat.

The main pain is that you have to set it out to dry after
each use or there is a risk of mold and such.