Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Elite Review
Rating
Performance: 9
Size/Weight: 6
Durability: 9
Setup: 5
Value: 8
OVERALL: 7.4
Top-tier performance in every way.
This kayak handles extended touring trips, coastal adventures and all-day explorations with ease. The only drawbacks we noticed were the heavy backpack it comes in and the time needed to set it up and dry it afterward. When it comes to actual performance, it blew us away. Excellent stability, a rigid frame and smooth tracking make it suitable for nearly any paddling situation.
Comparison
Rank: #3
Open Size: Longer and narrower
Packed Size: Big
Weight: Heavier
Capacity: High
Perfect For: Coastal waters, calm lakes
Pros: Speedy with impressive weight capacity
Cons: Tight cockpit, bulky when packed, lengthy setup and drying time
Verdict: While it has notable drawbacks, its speed and stability on the water are remarkable
Skip ahead to First Impressions, Setup/Packdown, Paddling Experience, or the Final Verdict, check out how the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Elite compares to others in our list of the Top Ten 2 Person Inflatable Kayaks or see how we choose the best inflatable kayak.
Specs:
Open Size: 180x16.5in
Packed Size: 37x22x12in
Weight: 52lbs
Capacity: 550lbs
Approx Price: $779.99
First Impressions
Like most of the high-end inflatable kayaks we’ve tried, this one also uses drop-stitch flooring, which always seems to help with how it performs. It definitely gives it good balance and firmness, and we can say the same thing about its single-seat version. Now with the Convertible model, you can choose between an open or closed cockpit setup.
We do wonder what might have been lost if they made this lighter and smaller, because it feels like they’ve made it so tough that you could bring two crazy dogs and not worry about them damaging anything. The aluminum frame and thick three-layer fabric tell you right away that it’s made to last.
Setup/Packdown
We couldn’t decide whether to wear this like a backpack, as it was designed, or have a couple of people help carry it by hand. At 52 pounds, it’s definitely heavy for someone of average build to haul around alone, so we wouldn’t suggest walking too far with it. Best bet is to drive close to where you’ll be unpacking and setting it up.
We also thought about how much we were stuffing into the bag. It came with lots of useful parts and add-ons, like holders for spare paddles, a full zip cover for the cockpit, a pump fitting and the layered build, all of which add to the bulk. They help with how it performs and how long it lasts, but they make it harder to move around.
Advanced Elements clearly spent time thinking about the setup process and gave clear instructions, probably because there are lots of steps, like handling different valve types and inserting a stiffener at the front. Compared to most other kayaks we’ve tested, it took a fair bit of effort. Packing it down wasn’t easy either, since the bottom material takes a while to dry and it’s not that simple getting everything to fit back in the bag.
Paddling Experience
After the effort of dragging it to the water, we finally got to the fun part, and it really was fun to paddle around in this. The seats gave good back support and stayed firm for the whole outing. The backrests didn’t sag or bend, unlike what we’ve seen in some other kayaks. The tracking fin helped keep things steady and that made the trip even better. A lot of the time, we just kept a straight course through choppy water.
It picked up speed thanks to the stiff drop-stitch base. We didn’t feel like we needed to use the optional backbone piece, which is supposed to create a V-shape underneath for better control and speed, because just using the drop-stitch gave us a really smooth ride.
The built-in metal supports at the front and back added firmness and helped it stay on track, and this is where the heavier build and longer prep time really pay off. The extra air chambers mean if one goes down far from shore, you’ve still got backup and the tough fabric covering made us feel confident dragging it across rocks without worrying it might tear.
Final Verdict
This kayak performs really well in the water. It’s clearly been designed with features that boost strength and make your paddling smoother, BUT be ready for more time spent setting it up and packing it away and be prepared for the heavy weight. It also doesn’t come cheap. All up, it’s a speedy kayak that works well on lakes or at the coast, whether you’re going out alone or with a friend.
Want to see how the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Elite compares to other kayaks we tested? Head over to our 2 Person Inflatable Kayak Review.
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