Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Sport


Best Uses: Flatwater, lakes, calm river, traveling

Brand: Advanced Elements

Available At:

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: Hard to handle in choppy water – not recommended, slow, tracking so-so

More about the Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Sport

The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Sport is a brand new model for Advanced Elements as of 2010. It is designed after the AE AdvancedFrame 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.  It has a nice look to it, offers some good features but it won’t compare to the performance and style of the original AdvancedFrame model.

There are some similarities to the solo AdvancedFrame 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 AdvancedFrame
  • 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 AdvancedFrame 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 with high performance, with tracking or with weight capacity, then the Sport is likely not your kayak.

The AdvancedFrame Sport is truly ideal to take traveling, but keep in mind that it is really best suited for flat water paddling. 

Personally I think I would choose the AdvancedFrame 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 AdvancedFrame Sport

No doubt about it the new AdvancedFrame Sport is a fun yet very basic inflatable kayak.

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

  • It would be hard to handle in heavier water and is only recommended for calm lakes and rivers
  • It is said to not paddle too fast
  • There have been comments that the tracking is lacking even with the fin
The Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Sport is Available At:

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