Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 Review
Rating
Performance: 6
Size/Weight: 8
Durability: 6
Setup: 4
Value: 5
OVERALL: 5.8
A smaller, lighter hybrid that won't break the bank
If you like Advanced Elements' style but need something more budget-friendly, the Lagoon 1 is worth a look. While it's much shorter than their top models and doesn't go as straight, it folds down small, stays fairly light and holds up well over time.
Comparison
Rank: #7
Open Size: Short and wide
Packed Size: Flat and wide
Weight: Light
Capacity: Low
Best For: Casual paddling on lakes or mild rivers
Pros: Easy to carry, smart design, folds up small
Cons: Wanders a bit when paddling, comes with an air-filled seat, requires different valve adapters, and the fabric cover takes extra time to dry
Verdict: A good value if you want the Advanced Elements quality without the high price tag
Skip ahead to First Impressions, Setup/Packdown, Paddling Experience, or the Final Verdict, check out how the Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 Kayak compares to others in our list of the Best Inflatable Kayaks or see how we choose the best inflatable kayak.
Specs:
Open Size: 8’4”x34in
Packed Size: 29x18x5in
Weight: 23lbs
Capacity: 250lbs
Approx Price: $249.99
First Impressions
Right away we noticed how slim the package is: just 5 inches thick when packed up. This makes it super easy to store and toss in your car trunk.
The carrying bag matches this slim shape, working more like a shoulder bag than a backpack. At only 23 pounds, this isn't a big deal, though it does swing around a bit when carrying. If the water's close to your parking spot, we found it simpler to inflate by the car, put the bag away, then carry just the ready-to-go kayak to shore. The kayak even has handy velcro straps to secure your paddle, making it one of the easiest to transport fully assembled.
You can immediately tell this has Advanced Elements' typical good build quality, with materials that look durable, but it's clearly their budget option. Smaller, with less material and none of the rigid inserts, foam floor, or other features of their pricier models.
Setup/Packdown
Like other Advanced Elements kayaks, this one takes too long to set up and pack away. There are six different parts to inflate if you do it properly (though after the first time for this review, we usually skipped some). You've got two main chambers, plus the rim valve, two deck lifts and the seat cushion.
All this makes for a more comfortable ride than simpler kayaks like the Intex Challenger... but we're not sure it's worth the hassle.
The foam floor doesn't need inflating (one small mercy) and there's a built-in fin so you don't have to attach one, though this affects how it handles (more on that below).
Packing up brings the usual issue with fabric-covered kayaks: they take forever to dry completely. Store it damp and you'll regret it later. We've also found through testing that while the fabric looks tough, it often covers less durable material underneath, meaning you can't inflate it as firmly as PVC kayaks. We're not saying that's definitely the case here... but the max pressure is only 2psi.
Paddling Experience
If you want a kayak that goes straight easily, look elsewhere, then this isn't it.
Being so short with almost nothing underneath to help it track, the front wanders all over when you paddle. You'll waste lots of energy just keeping it going straight.
The upside? It turns incredibly fast and stays stable even during quick maneuvers.
The foam floor feels very different from most inflatables, being thinner and less stiff. You can really feel the water beneath you and the softer shape creates more drag. The inflatable seat cushion (while firmer than some) still bounces too much, soaking up your paddling power instead of transferring it to the water.
Storage space is basically nonexistent, basically just a small front pocket for your phone (not waterproof). This is strictly for short trips, not all-day adventures.
Final Verdict
Advanced Elements makes great kayaks and has built a strong reputation, but we're not sure who the Lagoon 1 is for. Yes, it's cheaper than their other models, but for such a short, average-performing kayak, it's not especially light or inexpensive enough to justify its limitations. We had some fun with it... but we'd choose almost anything else to paddle.
Why not visit our list of the Best Inflatable Kayaks to see how the Lagoon 1 compares?
Water & Outdoors reviews are written by our staff writers, who combined have over fifty years of experience on the water and outdoors. We may earn commissions if you choose to buy through a link you’ve clicked on our website, however this does not influence our reviews. For more information, please see our Editorial Policies.