ADVANCED ELEMENTS AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite Kayak

I bought my Expedition Elite kayak on Amazon (and Leisure Pro). Like many of you, I researched kayaks for many hours. I wanted an inflatable so I could more easily take it on trips in Colorado, and I dream of taking it to Ireland one day.The drawback of an inflatable is that it takes a little time to setup, and it isn't quite as fast. We'll, I find that I don't need to pack it up all the way into its bag most of the time, so my setup time is around 5-7 minutes with the Advanced Elements pump (highly recommended). Pretty easy.As for speed, I brought my GPS this morning, and I can cruise at about 3.5 to 4+ mph (when I push myself), and I can sprint to 4.9 mph. I got a pretty good paddle (carbon shaft, 4 piece, fiberglass blades, weighs 30.5 ounces) that helps with fatigue, so I can go faster. Hopefully my paddling technique will improve and I will get a little better.So why does speed matter? Well, what if you have to return from a paddle into a headwind/current? And today, for example, I was the only kayak on the lake that went a couple of miles to the far side. I had that area all to myself while the other kayakers and paddle boarders were clustered within a half mile of the parking area.The seat back is a little on the short side for a tall person like myself (6 foot 2), but with good adjustment and an upright posture (better for paddling anyway), it is good enough. There is plenty of leg and foot room.Overall, I am very pleased with the kayak. It has plenty of room to haul stuff, is very stable (I don't think I could tip it over if I tried), and because of its hard pointy ends (with aluminum framing) and 13 foot length, it is fast enough for me.Update: my paddling technique has improved and I inflate it to the max recommended pressure now. I can top 5 mph in a sprint and cruise at about 4 mph (measured with GPS) . It is reasonably swift.

I upgraded my inflatable after trying out many others from friends. No one had the Advanced Elements so I took a leap of faith based upon their specs and watching god knows how many You Tube videos on this model. I LOVE THIS KAYAK. I could wax poetically about it but let's just say this is the kayak if you're looking for ease of portability and unbelievable high quality materials. I drag across sand when salt water kayaking and across rocky lake shores. The bottom still looks new with minor scratches. Go for it.

I'm a bigger person that lives in an apartment so I had some pretty specific needs when it came to finding a Kayak. So far I am not disappointed, the kayak is pretty easy to inflate, not too terrible to launch, and I sit higher on the water than I expected. The opening is big enough I can get in without too many issues, getting out is kinda tough but that's more my lack of flexibility than the kayaks problem I think. Really excited to see how this goes over the summer.

This kayak is very comfortable for me at 6' 230lb. It tracks well and slices through the water and handles light choppy water with ease. I replaced their seat with a seat I peurchased for a previous sot but the one that comes with it is adequate. It's pretty easy to inflate after your 2nd or 3rd time it becomes routine. I mainly paddle lakes, bays, and non white water rivers.

Love my Kayak. There was a learning curve on blowing it up properly. Took several practice sessions in the house before I ventured out to the real world. One complaint is the plug on the floor insert. There minimal leverage to get hold of it to open it to deflate. My son adapted it with string (actually multiple loops of fishing line) for more leverage. I don't think I would have been able to do it with out that. Perhaps a strap on the plug would be a good addition.The kayak is very stable and moves well on the lakes I have been on!

Absolutely amazing! President my go to kayak when I'm going somewhere new and don't quite know what the launch point looks like etc.I got the spray skirt and the rudder for it as well. So much fun and never any problems!! Quality inflatable. 10 of 10 points from me!

This kayak is amazing. I was a dodo bird and couldn't figure how to work the spring valves at first, but now that I figured it out, it is super easy to inflate, amazing on the water and so comfortable!!!!

Great quality and easily pumped up with the dual chamber hand pump; don't try w/"auto" air pump, didn't work!

Kayak looks good, paddles ok. I am very dissapointed that there is no pump included, for a expensive kayak they could throw in a pump. This is a nice play boat, I dont think I would do more than a day trip. Boat has a crease near my bum, I pumped it harder than recommended and seems to be better now.

I'm regretting my purchase...It's difficult to refold and heavy especially for a portable kayak

Un achat fantastique, stable facile à emporter partout avion, camping en VR, achat vraiment complet et super équipement complet , dispendieux mais un beau cadeau que je me suis offert

I’m new to kayaking having only rented a coupe of times. This inflatable is durable, tracks well and is quick to inflate when you get to your destination.

Love it.