Advanced Elements AirFusion
Best Uses: Lakes, mild rivers (class I – II), bays, estuaries
Brand: Advanced Elements
Available At:
Number of Paddlers: 1 
Stats: Length 13’, Width 25’’, Weight 32 lbs, Load Capacity 300 lbs
Accessories Included: Duffel bag, fold-down seat, adjustable foot braces, repair kit, optional spray skirt
Kayak Material: PVC-coated polyester/aluminum ribs
Pros: Narrow beam allows to easily pick up speed, coaming is capable of attaching a spray skirt, zippered access to a lower storage compartment, bungee deck lacing, d-rings, comfortable seats with storage pocket in back
Cons: Harder to take traveling with the aluminum poles, longer set-up time, no tracking help like skeg or rudder, stability is so-so (as usual with narrow, faster kayaks)
More About the Advanced Elements AirFusion
What an interesting new inflatable kayak this is for Advanced Elements. The AirFusion is new for 2010 and offers a unique feature: Aluminum alloy frame poles with inflatable pressurized air tubes.
The AirFusion is mostly inflatable but because of the aluminum poles it allows for a powerful rigid frame that can be paddled very much like a hard-shell kayak. This inflatable kayak was designed to be able to rival the handling and speed of skin-on-frame kayaks while simplifying the setup process.
Normally I would say that half and half kayaks (meaning half inflatable and half not) are a bit of a nuisance. However I have to admit that I like what Advanced Elements has done with the AirFusion. They have designed a sleek looking kayak that will paddle very nicely on flat water in lakes, rivers or in the ocean.
It may take a bit longer to set-up than a regular inflatable kayak but many may consider the performance to be worth it. The AirFusion is still quite light weight for a hybrid inflatable kayak and is easily carried by one person. It also has rubber handles that make it even simpler for transport.
Final Thoughts on the Advanced Elements AirFusion
I am always a little bit nervous with brand new inflatable kayak models as you never quite know if there are any kinks that will need ironing out. The AirFusion is so new that it is hard to say how popular it will be.
However it has many great features and it is nice to see Advanced Elements thinking a little outside the box. For myself even though I like the look of the AirFusion, I know I wouldn’t be bothered with a hybrid inflatable kayak like this one, mostly because I don’t want to have to attach poles and put it all together, even if it can be done in 15 minutes as Advanced Elements states. I much prefer to unroll my kayak and just pump it up. Perhaps my lack of patience has something to do with this.
I will say that the AirFusion has a lovely design and a very sleek look. Hopefully Advanced Elements will come up with some sort of rudder system to add on because it is a shame to have a semi high-performance inflatable kayak without tracking help.
Pro Advanced Elements AirFusion
- Narrow beam allows to faster speeds
- Capable of attaching a spray skirt
- Zippered access to a lower storage compartment
- Bungee deck lacing
- D-rings
- Comfortable seats with storage pocket in back
Against Advanced Elements AirFusion
- Harder to take traveling with the aluminum poles
- Longer set-up time
- No tracking help like a rudder
- Stability is so-so (to be expected with narrow, faster kayaks)
The Advanced Elements AirFusion is Available At:
- Amazon.com – Advanced Elements AirFusion Inflatable Kayak
We Also Recommend…
- Innova Sunny
- Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Expedition
- Innova Helios I
- Aire Sea Tiger
- Airis Velocity
If you own or have used the Advanced Elements AirFusion please leave a comment and share your thoughts with others.
Did You Know?By clicking on our links then shopping at Sea Eagle
, NRS, MPGear, Amazon, Altrec, Innova, Backcountry, REI, Water Outfitters or West Marine you are helping us to keep IKWorld growing. Thank you for supporting us at Inflatable Kayak World.
Print
