The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame is an extremely popular inflatable kayak. There are several reasons for this.
- It is an excellent price. For the amount of money paid, you get a very good, comfortable, and stable inflatable kayak.
- It is fairly light and can easily be used by people of all ages.
- It looks great and has some great accessories and deck options.
The reviews on this kayak have been very positive pretty much across the board and it seems that those who have purchased it absolutely love it!
Best Uses: Day trips, flatwater, ocean, mild river, camping
Number of Paddlers: 1
| SPECS | |
|---|---|
| LENGTH X WIDTH | 10’5″ x 32″ |
| WEIGHT | 36 LBS. |
| MAX LOAD | 300 LBS. |
| STABILITY |  |
| PERFORMANCE | |
| WARRANTY | 1 YEAR |
| BEST DEAL | OUTDOORPLAY.COM |
Accessories Included: Carrying duffel bag 30” x 17” x 10”, folding seat, repair kit, owner’s manual
Kayak Material: PVC Tarpaulin with 1000 denier polyester outer fabric, heavy-duty 30-gauge PVC main chamber, high density polyurethane-coated polyester inner cover
Pros: Stable, rugged, easy to lift, comfortable, great maneuverability, compact, easy entry and exit
Cons: Can easily get water in kayak and is handy to have a small water pump with you, takes a while to dry (bring a towel to help speed process)
More In-Depth Info
The smaller size of this model makes it very easy to store. It deflates and rolls up into a nice neat package and can be stored and transported in its carry bag that is included when you buy it.
It inflates very quickly and is easily put in and removed from the water.
The AdvancedFrame works well for airplane travel as it is light enough to check in without any extra fees. It is known to be durable and tough and can easily be ready for any type of paddling experience.
There is a good amount of storage room, but keep in mind this is a smaller kayak so it won’t have as much storage room as it’s larger brother the tandem Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible.
If you want a little extra room the larger model is nice because it can be converted for solo use as well.
Performance
This kayak has a decent tracking fin which really helps to keep it going in a straight line and the speed is not too bad… should be good for most recreational paddlers.
It is not a top of the line model so I would not expect tip top performance. However there are very few complaints with the tracking or the speed. It is ideal for day trips and exploring.
There are built-in aluminum ribs that do help with the rigidity of the bow and stern as well as help with maneuverability.
There is also an optional backbone for extra rigidity that can be added to this model if desired.
The smaller size makes it very easy to handle and it turns really easily. There is a removable foam seat with adjustable back support that is easily removed from the kayak when storing away.
The optional spray skirt is perfect for ocean kayaking and really helps to keep you dry and protected from the elements.
The Downside
There have been a few comments that it can be hard to get the water out of this model while kayaking.
I believe that no matter what kind of kayak you are using it is important to bring a small bilge pump along in order to get rid of excess water, especially if you will be paddling in rough water.
The AdvancedFrame has a closed-in deck so when water gets in, it will be harder to get it out then if you were paddling an open-decked inflatable kayak.
Final Thoughts
Bottom line is that as a recreational kayaker you cannot go wrong with this one. Whether you are a 60 year old women or a 200 lb man, the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame will hold its own and offer a beautiful day on the water.
It is easy to handle and fun to paddle. Price, performance, durability and style… this inflatable kayak is not top of the line but it still gets five stars.
Where To Buy
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Hi! Do you know if spray skirts other than the advanced elements one would work with this kayak. If so, do you have any suggestions?
Thanks!
Hi Jane, No not that I’m aware of unfortunately. As far as I know the Advanced Elements kayaks have to use their own spray skirts.
I’m looking at potentially getting an inflatable kayak meant for lakes and oceans…I was looking at the AE advanced frame however I’m wondering if you have any insight on the leg room. I’m 6’3 and just dont want to be crammed. Thanks in advance
Hi Matt,
I don’t have the exact dimensions for leg room however I know of a couple who have the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame and they have told me that at 5’6″ the woman finds it very comfortable, however the man is 6’2″ and he has said that he always feels cramped and prefers a longer kayak. At 6’3″ I do worry that you will feel cramped in the AdvancedFrame. A similar kayak option to consider would be the Advanced Elements Expedition. It is 3′ longer and offers far more leg room inside the cockpit. Or another option would be the Sea Eagle Razorlite – I use this one a lot, it paddles really nicely and is far lighter in weight than the Expedition.
I have the West Marine version of this kayak (the Scout). It has been in the water for a total of three hours. Of the three hour long outings it has sunk twice. Their store found the leak in the seam near the bow. Then they said ‘TOO BAD’. They do not warranty inflatable boats.
Thank you West Marine. I am really enjoying my nearly new broken boat.
Aww brutal! So sorry this has happened to you Paul. 🙁
Thank God I read this – was just researching THAT kayak at THAT store… not any more!
why does my Advanced elements kayak not hold air for long?
Is it losing air in a single outing? Or do you mean over several days? If it is losing air in one outing I would say you either have a slow leak or the valve needs tightening. To check for a leak inflate the kayak and spray with soapy water. If you see bubbles then you found a leak and it will need to be patched. Watch particularly around the seams for any bubbles. If it is a valve issue it may be as simple as tightening the valve a little. If you can’t figure it out and it really won’t hold air I would suggest contacting Advanced Elements directly and see if they can help. Good luck!
According to you , what is the best kayak between Innova Swing I and AE AdvancedFrame?
I personally prefer the Innova Swing over the AE Adv Frame. I think it is better quality, easier to setup and much lighter in weight making it far more portable. Performance wise they are quite similar.
thank you !