Spotlight: AE AdvancedFrame Convertible

The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible is pretty cool and is popular for good reason. It looks good, paddles well and comes at a very affordable price for a tandem inflatable kayak.

It is best suited for flat water paddling be it lakes, rivers or ocean. It is ideal for two people looking for a convenient and well made tandem inflatable kayak that feels and looks much like a hard-shell kayak.

AE AdvancedFrame Convertible Specifics

The AdvancedFrame Convertible is 15 feet long and 32 inches wide. It weighs 56 pounds and is able to carry up to 550 pounds. It has enough space for two taller people as well as a little extra room for gear and accessories.

Advanced Elements is known for making good quality inflatable kayaks that are affordable and convenient to use by people of all ages. The AdvancedFrame Convertible is durable and the material is made of PVC Tarpaulin with 1000 Denier polyester out fabric.

What Makes the Convertible Special?

There are a few reasons the Convertible really stands out. For one it has a fantastic design. Often inflatable kayaks have an open design and sometimes lose the closed-in ‘kayak’ feel.

The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible looks more like a hard-shell kayak with 2 cockpits and even the option of adding spray skirts for ocean kayaking or for protection from the elements.

The optional backbone will give it extra rigidity which will help it to track straight and paddle more efficiently. It is stable enough to be comfortable but not so wide that it is difficult to paddle. For this reason paddling the Convertible is fun, easy and comfortable.

The other reason the Convertible is special is that it has the option of ‘converting’ from a tandem kayak to a solo kayak.

There are two deck options – a tandem and a solo – and this makes it ideal for those who want to sometimes paddle alone while other times have the option to bring a friend along.

Also if you do paddle this inflatable kayak solo you will have lots more room for storing gear.

The Convertible comes with a carrying duffel bag, 2 folding foam mesh seats, a 1 year warranty, and a repair kit.

The Down Side

Although the Convertible is extremely popular it does have a few negatives that are worth mentioning.

The first real negative is that it is quite heavy. At 56 pounds it weighs more than many other tandem inflatable kayaks and will be a little harder to carry and transport to the water. However if you are able to park your vehicle fairly close to the water and have two people to carry it, it is not that big of deal.

Also you could look into getting a little cart with wheels if the weight is an issue. In my opinion it would be awkward to take traveling by airplane but for transporting in the trunk of your vehicle it works fine.

The next negative is that it sits fairly low in the water and it is easy to splash water into the cockpit. Although this is a typical issue with many ocean kayaks, it is still worth mentioning. It is worth looking into purchasing the spray skirts for added protection if you plan to do any sea kayaking, especially in rougher conditions.

All the Pros and Cons

Below is a summary of all the pros and cons of the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible.

Pros:

• stable
• good maneuverability
• easy entry and exit
• easy to paddle
• can be converted for solo use
• excellent optional accessories
• affordable for a good quality tandem inflatable kayak

Cons:

• heavy and not easy to carry for one person
• water has been known to splash in the cockpit
• some people have mentioned the seats can become uncomfortable if paddling for long periods of time
• will not perform all that well in swells or rapids – definitely a flat water kayak

I like this inflatable kayak a lot and I think it will always be quite popular. It is a little heavy for my taste but otherwise a great middle of the road tandem inflatable kayak for a good price.

For pictures and more information on this inflatable kayak see our Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Review.

Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayak FAQ

Advanced Elements inflatable kayaks have and likely always will be some of the most popular inflatable kayak models. Every single one of their models has a great design and a nice look as well as very affordable prices.

As far as quality of construction, warranty and performance are concerned they lag behind some of the more expensive brands but for most recreational paddlers their inflatable kayaks and inflatable canoe work just fine.  If you are considering an Advanced Elements kayak then the below frequently asked questions should be helpful.

Advanced Elements FAQ

How long is the Advanced Elements warranty?
Each of the AE inflatable kayaks and canoes come with a limited one year warranty. You can register your warranty online or fill out the warranty registration that comes with the owner’s manual, and mail it in.

How many models do they have to choose from?
At this time there are 11 different kayaks and canoes to choose from. Some are for solo paddling and others are for tandem paddling.

Can I buy direct from Advanced Elements
AE only sells through retails stores. Please see our individual inflatable kayak reviews to see a list of which online retailers sell the specific models.

Do their kayaks come with a carry case?
Yes each one of the AE kayaks and canoes comes with an easy to carry, heavy-duty duffel bag for transportation and storage.

What size pump do I need?
The ¾” pump fitting is universal to all valves on Advanced Elements kayaks. A regular bellows foot pump works great. You can also use a 12v electric pump but you will need to top off the air pressure with a foot pump or a double action hand pump for full inflation. This is because a 12v pump works great to get the inflation started but has the possibility of bursting the kayak if pumped too far. With a foot pump or a hand pump it is impossible to burst your kayak and they will make sure it is inflated as rigid as it can be.

Are the Advanced Elements kayaks self-bailing?
The majority of their kayaks are dry boats meaning they are not self-bailing. The only boat that is self-bailing is the StraitEdge kayak as it is designed for rivers and whitewater use. This kayak has the option of opening the ports for drainage or keeping them closed for flat water use.

How long do the AE kayaks take to inflate?
Once you know what you are doing it takes approximately five minutes to inflate any of their kayaks with a foot pump.

Should I use a UV fabric protector?
It is recommended that you use a UV protectant spray with any inflatable kayak as it has shown to prolong the life of the material when it is exposed to sunlight and other environmental factors.

What is the best way to clean my kayak?
Wash it off with fresh water and let it air dry before soaking up any hard to get at wet spots with a towel and a sponge. You can also use an inflatable kayak cleaner that can be purchased at most inflatable boat stores which will help to remove any stains.

How easily can the AE kayaks be punctured?
Advanced Elements uses reinforced PVC fabric and hi-density fabrics for a strong construction. In order to puncture the main chamber from the bottom of the kayak you would need to pierce through three layers of material… this is not easy to do.

Why does air leak out when I remove the pump from the valve?
If air is leaking out when you remove the pump this is because the valve is in the deflate position. Make sure you twist the plunger so that it is no longer pushed in as this will stop any air from getting out as you inflate your kayak. See the owner’s manual for proper inflation and deflation techniques.

What is the easiest way to re-pack my inflatable kayak into its carry bag?
The kayak will be easiest to pack up once all the air is out of it. You can either reverse your pump and suck the air out of it or simply unlock the valves and work the air out with your hands. I usually lie down on top of the kayak and work the air out through the valves… it only takes seconds. Then follow the folding instructions in your owner’s manual.

Where can I order accessories for my inflatable kayak?
Accessories can typically be ordered from wherever you purchased your kayak from.

Where can I order replacement parts for my Advanced Elements kayak?
Replacement parts will need to be ordered directly from the manufacturer website.

What is the best way to store my kayak?
If you will be using it continually it doesn’t matter if you store it inflated or deflated. Just keep it out of direct sunlight and in a cool dry area. If it will be stored for a longer period of time then make sure it is completely dried out (so you don’t get any mold or mildew), deflate it and store it in the carry bag in a cool dry area.

See a complete list of Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayaks as well as pictures and comprehensive reviews of each model.

Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayaks New for 2010

It is always exciting to see who comes out with new inflatable kayak models for the New Year. This year it seems that Advanced Elements has topped the list with two brand new models to add to their popular fleet of inflatable kayaks.

These two models are quite different from each other but each has their place within the inflatable kayak world and will likely be very appealing to many people.

Below are the two new additions to the Advanced Elements kayaks. Please click on the kayak name to read the full detailed review of each individual kayak.

1. Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Sport Inflatable Kayak
   
   The new Advanced Elements Sport has been added to the Advanced Frame family. It is smaller than the original solo Advanced Frame and simplified in design.
   
   The Sport is designed for one person and paddles best on flat water. It is a great looking kayak; I personally love the designs on the material but looks aren’t everything and it is really quite simple in performance.
   
   I believe the Advanced Frame Sport will really appeal to those looking for an affordable, decent quality inflatable kayak that is stable, roomy, comfortable and very easy to travel with.
2. Advanced Elements AirFusion Inflatable Kayak
   
   The AirFusion is a hybrid inflatable kayak meaning that it encompasses aluminum poles to create a rigid frame as well as inflatable tubes for the kayak. The fact that the AirFusion comes with the rigid aluminum pole frame makes this kayak rigid and great to paddle. It has a sleek design and was built to reach fairly good speeds.
   
   The unfortunate part is of course that having to construct the frame will take up more time than simply inflating a normal inflatable kayak. Advanced Elements states it should take about fifteen minutes but I would count on a lot more than that on your first try.
   
   The AirFusion is a very nice looking solo inflatable kayak and is built to paddle best on flat water in either lakes, bays, estuaries or calm rivers.

It is always nice to see new inflatable kayaks being added to the already great selection of inflatable kayaks on the market. More choice equals more options for all of us.

We would love to hear your first impressions on these two new inflatable kayaks. As for myself, they don’t make my wish list, but I am looking forward to hearing from those who will be among the first to purchase.

Sea Eagle Kayak Comparisons

Sea Eagle kayaks are some of the most popular inflatable kayaks on the market. They are not the top of the line but they do offer more versatility and features than most others in their price range.

It is no secret that I am a big fan of Sea Eagle kayaks, in particular their Explorer kayaks. My favorite model is the Sea Eagle 380X. I found that this inflatable kayak meets almost all of my needs:

1. Tandem kayak that can also be paddled solo
2. Versatile enough to paddle in different types of water
3. Decent warranty
4. Rigid yet very comfortable
5. Can be taken traveling… anywhere
6. Costs under $1000

Those were my basic requirements for an inflatable kayak and the 380X Sea Eagle kayak fit the bill… but how does it stack up to other comparable inflatable kayaks?

Below I will go through some comparison factors to other similar models.

The Sea Eagle 380X Compared To:

Aire Super Lynx

I strongly considered the Aire Super Lynx when I began searching for the right inflatable kayak. This kayak has been extremely popular and is similar to the Sea Eagle kayak in that it is a jack of all trades but a master at none. I don’t mind that because it tends to mirror my kayaking style.

• The Super Lynx is longer and is able to pick up higher speeds, which is nice.
• It weighs 43 lbs.
• It can hold a good amount of weight
• It is self-bailing and is known to be very comfortable.
• The quality is excellent and it has a top of the line warranty.

The problem… it is expensive. The Aire Super Lynx runs roughly at $1500 and that only includes the kayak and the seats. With the Sea Eagle kayaks you can get the kayak, the good seats, the good paddles, the air pump, etc. all for just over $800. Once you add all the essentials to the Super Lynx it will end up costing more than twice as much. Even though I do believe the Super Lynx is worth it, I am willing to settle for a slightly less impressive inflatable kayak for a much, much lower price.

Another thing to consider is that if you do plan on paddling your tandem kayak solo at times, the Super Lynx is long and may not be as easy to handle for one person.

Advanced Elements StraitEdge 2

The AE StraitEdge 2 has had its share of popularity. I would describe Advanced Elements kayaks as “middle of the road”. I like the StraitEdge because it can be paddled on flat water or whitewater, it is self-bailing, similar in size and weight to the 380x as well as similar in price.

I ended up dismissing it for a few reasons:

• There is no option to add a rudder.
• I am not fond of the AE seats (though these can always be changed).
• The Advanced Elements quality of construction is not as good as the Sea Eagle kayaks, nor is their warranty.

Aire Lynx II

No doubt about it, the Aire Lynx is a fantastic inflatable kayak. This kayak has many factors that are better than the Sea Eagle kayaks including:

• the quality
• the warranty
• the performance

In fact they are better than just about every other inflatable kayak on the market. However the Lynx is purely designed for whitewater and would not track well or paddle well on flat water.

I like the fact that it weighs only 39 pounds but dismissed it because I am not a hardcore whitewater kayaker. The Lynx II costs almost twice as much as the 380X and if I were to pay that kind of money, the kayak better meet all my needs. The Lynx II would be well suited to those wanting a really good quality, compact inflatable kayak that is able to take on big rapids.

Tributary Strike 2

For some reason the Tributary Strike seems to get overlooked. The Tributary kayaks (owned by Aire) do not offer the same excellent quality that the American made Aire kayaks do. The Tributary Strike however is one of the better ones and does offer versatility, a decent performance, similar dimensions to the Sea Eagle 380X as well as great stability.

It is in truth quite comparable to the Sea Eagle Explorer kayaks… the big difference is that it costs a fair amount more. Why would I pay almost $1000 for this kayak then still have to buy my paddles and my pump when I can get just as good of a kayak with Sea Eagle for a lot less? Well I wouldn’t.

Conclusion…

I know that not everyone would agree with me but even when I consider all these other similar inflatable kayaks, my choice is still the 380X Sea Eagle kayak. I am willing to sacrifice a little speed for a kayak that meets all my other needs.

The one thing that I would have preferred was a kayak that weighed a little bit less. The Sea Eagle 380X weighs 47 lbs which is still okay but for traveling I would have loved it to weigh less. However for all the pluses it offers I was willing to overlook this. Besides when a kayak is too light it tends to get blown by the wind and becomes hard to control.

I suppose that if I were to recommend one inflatable kayak that offers everything the Sea Eagle explorer kayak does and more it would be the Aire Super Lynx. It comes down to whether it is really worth it for you to spend twice the amount of money for a slightly better kayak. For me right now, it is not… but I would consider it down the road.

For more detailed information on individual models please see our reviews of inflatable kayaks.

Cheap Inflatable Kayaks

I would classify a cheap inflatable kayak as one that can be purchased for under $500. Sometimes we don’t want to spend a lot of money on a boat if we are not going to become avid kayakers. If you are looking for an inflatable kayak to pull out a few times a year for some paddling fun or perhaps to bring along with you on camping trips with the family you may not want to invest a lot of money.

There are some really excellent choices for inflatable kayaks that cost less than $500 that will last a fairly long time. Just because you are not spending a $1000 or more does not mean that you will be getting a glorified pool toy. Inflatable kayaks have come a long way as far as quality and performance are concerned and there are some really good name brand cheap inflatable kayaks. Read more

New Inflatable Kayak and Inflatable Canoe Reviews

We have added four new inflatable kayak reviews and one new inflatable canoe review over the last couple of months that may be of interest.

New Inflatable Kayak Reviews

• Innova Twist – Extremely lightweight, small inflatable kayak that can be carried on your back and taken hiking, camping, traveling, cycling or on an airplane. Inexpensive yet with Innova’s great quality. Read full review.

• Advanced Elements Firefly – The smallest of the Advanced Elements kayaks it is really best suited for flatwater recreational paddling. It is recommended for new kayakers, children or for someone who wants a solo inflatable kayak that can be taken easily be taken anywhere in the world. It is not suited for a larger person. Read full review.

• Sevylor XK1 – Known as a river kayak but can actually be used on all types of water. Its versatility and lightweight make it ideal for traveling. Read full review.

• Sevylor XK2 – Tandem version of the XK1 and has a fair amount of room for two people. Good for traveling, rivers and ocean surf. Read full review.

New Inflatable Canoe Review

• Innova Vagabond Inflatable Canoe – Extremely rugged and superior river trekking inflatable canoe that can handles up to class III rapids. It is light enough to take anywhere and works very well for multi-day expeditions. Read full review.

Check back often as we are continuously adding more inflatable kayak and inflatable boat reviews each month.

View a complete list of our inflatable boat reviews.

Best Inflatable Kayaks for Traveling

If you have considered bringing an inflatable kayak along on your travels there are a few things to consider…

• Weight
• Size
• Inflation time
• Will you be kayaking solo or tandem?
• Type of water you will be kayaking in

It is a really fantastic idea to bring along an inflatable kayak and it allows you the convenience of stopping to kayak anywhere your travels take you. Often when renting kayaks you are limited to where you can go and for how long. Having an inflatable along for the ride means that you can hop into any river, lake or ocean and explore areas and scenery you would not have been able to see otherwise.

Weight of the Kayak

For traveling I would say the lighter the kayak the better. If the kayak is awkward or heavy to carry it will become a burden… especially if you are flying on an airplane. If you are traveling by car or RV then it is not such a big deal as you simply have to haul it out of the vehicle. A lighter kayak may not perform as well as many of the heavier ones (especially in wind) but I guarantee it will be much easier to travel with.

Size of the Kayak

Again consider how you will be traveling. If you are going by car, most inflatable kayaks will fit in the trunk with absolutely no problem. If you are going by airplane then size is going to matter. Many inflatable kayaks can be packed into a normal suitcase very easily but beware of the weight restrictions on the airplane. Usually if your suitcase is over 50 pounds you will have to pay extra. So obviously the smaller the kayak, the lighter it will be and the easier it will be for transport.

Inflation Time

This is not such a big deal as most inflatable kayaks can be inflated in 10 minutes or less. However when traveling it is nice to have a kayak that sets up quick and easy.

Will you be Kayaking Solo or Tandem?

Although some love to travel solo, most travel in pairs. Decide whether you want to be able to have someone kayaking with you or will you be kayaking alone?  Would you prefer to carry two lightweight solo inflatable kayaks or one slightly heavier tandem model?

Type of Water you will be Kayaking in

This is really important as not all inflatable kayaks are built to perform in the same types of water. Some will paddle best in whitewater while others are only suitable for calm flatwater. Ideally it is nice to have a kayak that will handle all types of water decently so that you have the option while traveling to try out whichever body of water appeals to you.

Which are the Best Inflatable Kayaks for Traveling?

The kayaks listed below are the lightest options and the most convenient for traveling. They are all super lightweight, compact and have very fast inflation times.

• Aire Force – Solo, whitewater, 26lbs., failry compact, 26 lbs., great for rapids class I – IV

• Airis Play – Solo, between 15 & 18 pounds and excellent for flatwater as well as calm rivers and oceans, comes with its own backpack.
  

  Airis Sport

• Airis Sport – Solo, 20 pounds, great for flatwater, calm rivers, and ocean surf, comes with its own backpack

• Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Sport – Solo, sporty, compact, flatwater paddling, 26 lbs.

• Advanced Elements Firefly – Solo, compact, 16 pounds, good for flatwater

• Advanced Elements Lagoon – Solo, best suited for flatwater lakes and bays, 23 lbs.

• Innova Helios – Solo, very portable, 24 – 29 lbs., great for flatwater, sea kayaking and slow rivers, comes with backpack

• Innova Sunny – Tandem but can also be converted for solo, 29 pounds, very fast, great for flatwater, calm rivers and oceans

• Innova Safari – Solo, 24 pounds, extremely popular whitewater kayak, good for up to class III rapids and ocean surf

• Innova Twist – Solo, only 16 lbs., comes with backpack, best suited for flatwater, small kayak but great quality 
  

  NRS Bandit

• NRS Bandit – Solo (also comes in a tandem version), 21 pounds, good for whitewater rapids up to class IV

• Sea Eagle 330 – Tandem but can be converted for solo as well, 26 pounds, good for flatwater, calm rivers and very calm oceans

If you feel you can handle a bit more weight then there are several other options that could work for traveling as well, especially other tandem kayak options.

Final thoughts on which are the best inflatable kayaks to travel with…

When traveling I would highly recommend going for an inflatable kayak that is easy to carry. If you are finding it difficult to carry on your own, then the kayak is going to become a burden instead of a great traveling accessory.  Whichever you choose… happy traveling!

To compare the specs of each of the inflatable kayaks listed view our comprehensive Inflatable Kayak Comparison Chart.

OR check out our inflatable kayak reviews.

Advanced Elements Kayaks

Advanced Elements came on the inflatable kayak scene with the goal of developing unique kayaking products with cutting edge technology. They succeeded in not only making excellent quality inflatable kayaks for paddlers of all skill levels but also to become one of the most popular brand names on the market.

I think one of the things that has made Advanced Elements Kayaks so popular is that they design very attractive kayaks that are completely functional. They have a full lineup of inflatable kayaks that are suitable for a range of different types of water including flatwater/recreational kayaks, whitewater kayaks and sea/touring kayaks. Their prices have been kept fairly affordable and were designed to appeal to a wide range of people. There is literally something for everyone.

Below are the 11 Models of Advanced Elements Kayaks…

• AE Advanced Frame – Excellent for recreational paddling. Great for lake or calm ocean kayaking.

• AE Advanced Frame Convertible – Very popular model. Tandem kayak but can be converted to solo. Optional decks for more protection from the elements.

• AE Advanced Frame Expedition – Solo kayak, great for touring and exploring.

• AE AirFusion – New for 2010, hybrid kayak, park inflatable and part aluminum poles that snap together. Designed to reach higher speeds.

• AE Lagoon 1 – Affordable and very easy to paddle. Excellent kayak for easy flatwater paddling.

• AE Lagoon 2 - Tandem version of the Lagoon. This is a great double kayak for traveling as it is very lightweight.

• AE Firefly – Small inflatable kayak that tracks decently. Not super fast, but a lot of fun.

• AE Sport – New model introduced in 2010.  Smaller design and a lot of fun to paddle, great for traveling.

• AE StraitEdge – Very popular, self-bailing, good for whitewater but also paddles decent in flatwater.

• AE StraitEdge 2 – Tandem version of the StraitEdge. Great for whitewater, camping, exploring and some flatwater kayaking.

• AE StraitEdge Canoe – Great inflatable canoe that can be easily taken anywhere you go. Good for fishing, families and flatwater paddling.

Advanced Elements Kayak Material

The Advanced Frame kayaks are constructed with PVC Tarpaulin with 1000 denier polyester. The material on the bow and stern is doubled. There is also landing plates welded under the bow and stern for protection when beaching the kayak.

The Dragonfly is constructed with double-coated PVC-coated nylon with ripstop tarpaulin fabric.

The StraitEdge kayaks and canoe are made with heavy duty PVC tarpaulin material that is extremely puncture resistant.

The Lagoon kayaks are constructed with high denier polyester rip-stop fabric with a PVC laminate. The hull is also PVC tarpaulin.

Bottom line is that all of the Advanced Elements inflatable kayaks are made with heavy duty, puncture resistant material that can last a lifetime with a little care.

Are there any Negatives to Advanced Elements Kayaks?

I very much like the look of the Advanced Elements kayaks and there are numerous benefits and features. I do find that some of their kayaks get a little heavy and could have better tracking. That being said, they are not high end kayaks. They are middle of the road inflatables that are constructed very well, are highly functional and are also quite affordable.

Final Thoughts on Advanced Elements Kayak…

As I have said before Advanced Elements does not make high end inflatable kayaks. They make affordable, well designed kayaks that are very rugged and fun to use. I would say that Advanced Elements are better than the Sevylor, Colemans or other cheaper brands but do not quite compare to the supreme quality of Aire, Innova, NRS or Airis kayaks. They will best suit recreational paddlers that want a great inflatable kayak for a half decent price.

Read our comprehensive Advanced Elements kayak reviews for more detailed information and pictures.

OR view other inflatable kayak reviews.

Sevylor Pointer K2 – New Review

The Sevylor Pointer K2 has been added to our tandem recreational inflatable kayak category.  It is the first Sevylor that we have done a comprehensive review on.  I don’t get too excited about the Sevylor boats as I don’t find their quality to be as good as the Advanced Elements, Sea Eagle or the Innova kayaks.  However the Pointer K2 is worth looking at if you are a brand new kayaker and want an affordable boat to paddle with. Read more

Advanced Elements Lagoon 2 – New Review

The Advanced Elements Lagoon 2 also known as the Advanced Elements Dragonfly 2 is a great tandem recreational inflatable kayak for a very affordable price.  It does not offer the same good performance as the AE Advanced Frame Convertible or the StraitEdge 2 but it is a great boat for beginner kayakers to get out and enjoy the water.

It comes standard with a two year warranty, a tracking fin, comfortable seats and a duffel/carry bag.  It will paddle best on flatwater be it ocean, lakes or river.  This kayak is a great price and if you wanted to improve the performance a little there is the option of adding a backbone for extra rigidity and a spray skirt for added protection from the elements.  I would highly recommend the backbone.  Read full review of the Advanced Elements Lagoon 2.

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