Advanced elements AdvancedFrame kayak review

The advanced elements AdvancedFrame Kayak is one of the best inflatable kayaks you can get on the market it has been featured on our best inflatable kayaks for the ocean and it is just that.

The AdvancedFrame is a hybrid of a folding frame kayak and an inflatable kayak. The kayak contains a cleverly designed internal folding aluminum frame that gives it the shape needed to slice through the water with incredible tracking and speed, it even rivals the trackability of hard-shell kayaks.

The robust water-resistant outer fabric adds to the all-around durability and performance of the kayak. There is plenty of onboard storage room for extended trips. It sets up in just a few minutes and is compact enough to take along on a weekend adventure.

Specifications

-Length 10’5″

-Width 32″

-Weight 36 Lbs. (16 Kg)

-Person/S 1

-Max. Weight 300 Lbs. (136 Kg)

-Chambers 7

-Folded Size 30″ X 17″ X 10″

Accessories Included:
-Carrying Duffel Bag.

-Folding Seat.

-Repair Kit.

-Owner’s Manual.

Features

Multiple Air Chambers

The way the kayak is designed it divides the main inflation chamber into two separate air chambers that envelopes the entire kayak. This provides the most safety when out on the water.

However, setting up the kayak wasn’t exactly isn’t the easiest task. The kayak has seven air chambers to fill, this is done in order to keep the kayak fully pumped to ensure your safety on the water.  The instructions with the kayak encourage you to use a pump to fill all seven chambers and you will need to make sure you bring the right adapter with you as pumping this with your lunges is not really feasible.

Advanced Elements sells several styles of pumps with many included adapters, so make sure to purchase one if you plan on getting this kayak s. Also, Advanced Elements sells pumps with built-in pressure gauges or PSI meters that can be added to another pump. So if you already have a pump without a pressure gauge you can buy a new one with a gauge and keep your old pump as a spare.

Durability 

The Durability is a standout feature of the AE AdvancedFrame, it’s something that needs to be the best as you don’t want a puncture on your kayaking trip. 

One of the reasons why it is considered one of the best inflatable kayaks is the design is comprised of a folding aluminum frame and PVC-coated polyester inflatable kayak all covered by a thick, waterproof fabric layer, making it an exceptionally sturdy yak.

Not only that it provides you with step-by-step instructions on how you can take it apart completely for cleaning, repair, or any other important maintenance. The AdvancedFrame also includes a FREE repair kit with detailed directions on how to use it properly (most kayaks don’t have this for free).

The exterior layer of the AdvancedFrame does not only feel much thicker and more robust than many other brands of inflatable kayaks but also has thickly reinforced seams and is waterproof rather than becoming waterlogged during the use of the kayak.

Portability

As this is an inflatable kayak, this boat is already fairly portable and easy to take along with you. So no need for roof racks to take it with you and you save on space in the garage or wherever you want to store it.

However, the kayak weighs a heavy 33 lbs, this kayak is heavier than a few of the tandem models we have reviewed! The extra weight of the AdvancedFrame is caused by the aluminum frame and durable construction (a plus in my opinion). Not only is the AdvancedFrame extremely heavy, but it’s also quite large for a single kayak, competing with the weight of some of the tandems we reviewed.

As you can see the aluminum frame we love so much on the water kind of works against when moving the boat around on land. A way around this is you can inflate the AdvancedFrame at your car, as the kayak does have two handy bows and stern handles to carry with ease to the water.

This assumes you’re paddling with a partner though, as you can’t grab the bow and stern handles by yourself, you defiantly shouldn’t drag it across the ground for that distance as you can ruin the kayak if you do this all the time. This also comes with a FREE convenient duffel bag another plus point of the AdvancedFrame.

Our Verdict

While you may be thinking that buying an inflatable kayak will automatically lower what you can do on the water (I used to think that), it most certainly does not and the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame proves that.

With superb handling (enough to rival hard shell kayaks), surprising comfort, and high-caliber 3 layered construction, this combination kayak merges the best of both worlds.

The speed and tracking of a hard shell model from the AdvancedFrame’s foldable aluminum interior with the portability of its inflatable exterior. This is not the most wallet-friendly kayak out on the market but, the AdvancedFrame also isn’t the most expensive. You can spend far more on either an inflatable or a hardshell kayak.

But in terms of the;

• Performance
• Versatility
• Comfort
• Quality puncture-resistant construction

We think the AdvancedFrame is definitely worth what you’ll pay and will give you years of enjoyment and peace of mind on the water that you won’t drown!

Though we think you’d enjoy it a lot, if you’re still unsure about which inflatable kayaks we have reviews on a lot of different designs just click HERE