Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Sport
Best Uses: Flatwater, lakes, calm river, traveling
Brand: Advanced Elements
Available At:
- Amazon.com – Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Sport Inflatable Kayak
- REI.com – Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Sport Inflatable Kayak
Number of Paddlers: 1
Stats: Length 10’ 5”, Width 32’’, Weight 26 lbs, Load Capacity 250 lbs
Accessories Included: Tracking fin, removable and adjustable seat, repair kit, heavy duty duffle bag
Kayak Material: PVC-coated polyester/aluminum ribs
Pros: Bungee deck lacing and D-ring tie downs, storage below the deck, compact, lightweight, good for traveling, quick set-up, roomy and comfortable
Cons: Lightweight and may get blown by wind, hard to handle in heavier water – not recommended, slow, tracking not so good
More about the Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Sport
The Advanced Frame Sport is a brand new model for Advanced Elements as of 2010. It is designed after the AE Advanced Frame but offers a much simpler and more stream lined design.
The Sport is ideal for those who want a very simple recreational inflatable kayak for not a lot of money. The Sport has a nice look to it, offers some good features but it won’t compare to the performance and style of the original Advanced Frame.
There are some similarities to the solo Advanced Frame such as material, size, cargo space, valves, seats and the included tracking fin. However there are some definite differences as well, such as:
- The cockpit opening of the Sport is larger
- The inner main chamber cannot be removed as can be done in the Advanced Frame
- The Sport can only hold 250 lbs. where the Advanced Frame can hold up to 300 lbs.
- There is a smaller bungee deck lacing on the Sport
- The cockpit coaming of the Sport is non-inflatable and too thin to support a spray skirt
- The Sport weighs almost ten pounds less
- The Sport offers two sets of velcro paddle holders
- The Sport costs a little less
Is the Advanced Frame Sport Right for You?
Well that depends…
The Sport may be right for you if you are looking for a lightweight, super compact, affordable inflatable kayak that is good for traveling, for kids or for easy recreational fun.
However, if you are concerned at all with performance, with being able to paddle in different types of water, with tracking or with weight capacity, then the Sport is likely not your kayak.
The Sport may be good to take traveling, but if it were me, I would want my traveling inflatable kayak to not only be light weight but also to be versatile enough to handle more types of water. I think I would choose the Advanced Frame over the Sport and deal with the extra ten pounds just to have a more versatile and better performing kayak.
Final Thoughts on the Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Sport
No doubt about it the new Advanced Frame Sport is a very basic inflatable kayak.
The Advanced Frame Sport is best suited for easy paddling on calm water. I like the look of it, the design on the material reminds me of native art, the color is attractive and the large open cockpit looks comfortable and roomy.
This inflatable kayak will not be going on my favorites list but I am sure the Sport will be very popular and will work great for anyone on a budget looking for a decent quality inflatable kayak for some easy paddling fun.
Pro Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Sport
- Good bungee deck lacing and D-ring tie downs
- Decent storage below the deck
- Compact
- Lightweight – good for traveling
- Very quick and easy set-up
- Roomy and comfortable
Against Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Sport
- Its light weight may cause it to get blown by wind
- It would be hard to handle in heavier water and is only recommended for calm lakes and rivers
- There is nothing speedy about this inflatable kayak
- Tracking is lacking even with the fin
The Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Sport is Available At:
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