ADVANCED ELEMENTSAdvancedFrame® Convertible Elite Inflatable Kayak

We purchased 2 of these for our family last year. Now in the second season of use, they are holding up well and providing a great solution for easily transportable paddling fun.Would strongly recommend getting deck and paddles with drip rings. Can fit one of these with life jackets & gear in back of 2019 - 2024 MINI Countryman with rear seat up, or two with one of the 3 rear seats folded.

Quick to pump up but when the nozzle is removed the one way valve turns upon removal releasing the air that was just instilled. It literally took at least 5 tries to work properly. Very frustrating 😕. The quality of the kayak is good, very thick material. Have only taken out on a lake with small waves but it was stable. A little more difficult to steer when compared to our hard side kayaks. Deflates quickly. We bought this to take on long trips where the urge for an impromptu kayak trip might occur and its portability will make this possible.

Like a lot of things I buy, I over researched various inflatible kayak choices, and this was one of the top two choices. I needed an inflatible since I don't have a vehicle suitable for a roof rack, and I needed a tandem for use with my family. Unlike other products where you can get +/- 90% of the quality/functionality of a higher cost choice by purchasing the cheaper alternative, in the case of inflatibles I absolutely believe its worth it to pay up for a higher quality. Better resistence to punctures, better wear resistence, better performace in the water, and most importantly, better user experience.User experience - if you buy a kayak that is made cheaply, feels cheap, and doesn't track well in the water while paddling, you will be discouraged and loose interest. This kayak is easy to use, feel high quality, and performs very well in the water. You will be happy spending $900-$1,000 for this versus $400-$600 for the next lowest tier. Also, you will have better resale value if you care for it. Other reivews here provide a good range of positives on this kayak, but I will add that while the manual pump I use is adequate, on a hot day, I would really rather have a battery powered (or 12v) pump to do the work for me. IMO, that is worth the expence if you can affort it, but I will be getting one in the Spring.

Not yet used, still Winter here.Looks well made, goes together and comes apart quite easily. Even goes back in original carry bag.Bought both decks as well.Looking forward to first voyage.

Got my kayak, unpacked it, set it up and was happy as a pig in mud. Only disappointment was when I looked at the "Maximum Capacities" label mounted on the boat. lol, even though I paid for a 2 seater/tandem kayak, with a maximum load of 550# and received a 15' long 2 seat kayak, the label stated "1 person 400lb maximum load". I only hope that the Coast Guard doesn't ticket me for exceeding capacity. I also hope that the person who bought the 1 person 400lb kayak doesn't sink trying to fit 2 persons and 550 lbs. into his kayak .

I'm really pleased with this inflatable kayak overall - it performs well and I haven't encountered any major issues. However, I have found that using the dual action hand pump can be quite strenuous on my back, so I was hoping to find an electric pump to make the process easier. Unfortunately, the AE1007-E requires a proprietary screw-on adapter to inflate the main chambers, which has made it difficult to find a compatible electric pump. I've spent a considerable amount of time searching for a 12v pump that includes this adapter, but haven't had any luck so far. My only suggestion for improvement would be for Advanced Elements to include a more universal screw-on adapter that is compatible with a wider range of electric pumps on the market.

The truth is it should be an awesome kayak. The problem is it pulls to the left so hard that paddling is a chore and makes going out in the thing a bad experience. I can clearly see that the front of my kayak is manufactured incorrectly, which makes it not symmetrical, which makes it pull. I have contacted customer service 3 times to ask for some help or to use the warranty. I haven't heard one single response. It's an expensive vessel to have issues and then have non existent customer service. The blue kayak in my picture was 1/3 the price and is better in almost every way. Not to mention the company responded to me within a day. I wouldn't buy advanced elements or reccomend them to anyone. Trash company making trash gear.

This kayak paddles well for an inflatable. Sometimes you forget it’s not a hard shell. A little trouble tracking straight but that’s expected. Lots of room to bring a cooler and backpack and more on board. Consider that the outer cover material is not waterproof (resistant only) and will soak up some water so it is nice to have some time for drying after your paddle. Also, the inner inflatable can be removed to help drying. An online comment suggested getting some boat/bailing sponges (eg, NRS) and these maybe getting water out of the kayak easy after a paddle. Also, helps wiping off the drop stitch floor. During multiple trips we put the kayak away damp for temporary storage with no problems. But better to give it a good dry for longer term storage. The hand pump is all we use to inflate, bought an electric but never used it. We really like this kayak and it was a good purchase. Recommend.