Advanced Elements Inflatables?

[SteveH]

We have a couple of plastic recreation kayaks, and thinking about getting a couple of inflatables that would be easier to take with us in our RV. I'm wondering if anyone here has experience with the Advanced Elements Frame kayaks? Any input would be appreciated.

[kayakmag]

First let me welcome you to the community SteveH!

Now, I actually own a Advanced Elements Frame Expedition Kayak and I have to say it is well ... Ok for what it is designed for and set your expectations early.

Like all kayaks there are good and not so good. What I like about it is that it is great for a quick setup and go get in the water for a folding kayak. I like the stability and the maneuverability.

However it is slow and I have trouble keeping up with similar kayaks that are of traditional or composite construction, but I would not expect to.

Oh and stay away from whitewater as mine did not handle it to well.

Hope this answers some of your questions and even more it should spark new ones!

Again, welcome and I look forward to hearing about your choices and paddling!

[keith]

To add just a little to what Michael said, my take is that inflatable kayaks (http://www.kayakreview.org/inflatable-kayaks) have historically been very recreational in nature but Advanced Elements has tried to create more performance-oriented inflatable kayaks. While it's probably fair to say that they've been modestly successful in that regard, in my opinion the performance of their kayaks still doesn't stand up to the performance of kayaks with rigid hulls. If you don't expect much from your kayaks in terms of performance then you may be very satisfied with inflatables but even the Advanced Elements kayaks may not handle as predictably as your plastic recreational kayaks. As long as you know that going in, you may be quite content with their performance considering their portability.

[SteveH]

Just an update on the Advanced Elements inflatables.....we bought two of them, a 10.5 ft for my wife, and a 13 ft for me (I weigh 230). They actually paddle very well, almost as good as our hard sided kayaks. Ah, but the problem....after you go out, assemble and inflate two kayaks, paddle the amount you want, then deflate, clean, dry, and pack two of them, it's just too much work. I'm buying a quality roof rack, and have sold the two inflatables.