Max Weight Capacity - Killer Kayaks!

Outcast OSG Striker Raft – Two Person Quality Raft With Room?

If you have come across the Outcast OSG Striker Raft, then you have most likely fallen for its aesthetic looks. It’s as small and as sharp as you would expect a striker vessel (militarily-speaking) to look. Then again, it is not just the looks that speak for this raft, but also its efficiency as a vessel meant for angling.

Even with its handsome look, this raft packs a punch by being able to accommodate up to two people without reducing its ability to deliver on performance. Its capability to withstand the rugged nature of rapids also makes it an excellent choice for adventurous anglers, as we will find out in this Outcast OSG Striker review.

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In this Outcast OSG Striker review, we will be going into details about not just the frame, but storage points, seating comfort, the angling aspect, accessories, and much more. Dive in!

The Outcast OSG Striker Raft Frame

The Outcast OSG Striker Raft’s main frame, the inflatable hull, is made of urethane. At full inflation, the hull measures a diameter of 16”. The fact that the craft is very light and easy to maneuver will make you feel like you are rafting on air.

Urethane is a tough synthetic material that is able to withstand damage from rock and gravel grazing, as would be expected of shallow waters. Additionally, the seams of the AIRcell (the hull) are welded together, which provides a more tensile hold of the whole frame.

At a length of 9’6″ and a width of 5′, the Outcast OSG Striker Raft has plenty enough space for a comfy cockpit. Not the full body stretching type of cockpit, but enough comfortable leg room for the backseat angler. The size of the boat also offers enough buoyancy support, which is crucial in unsettled weather conditions and waters.

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Fully inflated, Outcast OSG Striker only weighs 102 lbs, but that does not stop it from performing with a huge weight capacity of up to 800 lbs. Quite impressive! What’s more, when it’s deflated, this raft can fit in your backpack if well folded. Fully inflated and rigged, it needs only two people to carry it.

To create rigidity, it is fitted with two pairs of aluminum frame sets, which provide extra support for the seats. They do not add any extra weight to the boat or cause any inconvenience.

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Features of the Outcast OSG Striker

There are many people who are always wary of inflatable watercrafts. However, the Outcast OSG Striker Raft’s material speaks to its durability. With a fabric density of 1100 PVC, the craft is undoubtedly one of the toughest inflatable rafts on the market. Moreover, at a material weight of 24/27 ounces, the raft remains just about the right size/weight ratio for your maneuverability needs.

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The Summit 2 valve is an air intake valve made with long-lasting benefits in mind. It will allow an intake of air with every pump session, without it being a tiresome chore. This makes it ideal to use either a hand pump or an electric pump on the Outcast OSG Striker Raft.

Should you, your child or your pet break the valve, an inexpensive replacement is readily available from Outcast. What’s more, you do not need a technician to repair the valve of the Outcast OSG Striker. All it takes is reading the Outcast OSG Striker Raft’s instruction manual and you are good to go.

As an angler, you would know that you are never assured of the water situation, especially if you are doing rapid streams, rivers, and open lakes. That is why the Outcast OSG Striker Raft’s self-bailing floor is a welcome feature.

The craft is curved a bit higher on the bow area, which will allow water on the floor of the cockpit to drift toward the stern area, where it will drain out of the boat. In a two man position, the inflatable lean bar on the Outcast OSG Striker allows for a more comfortable standing position for the front angler. This is essential when going for the big ones that are ready to put up a good fight.

The Outcast OSG Striker’s seating arrangement is also something to ogle upon. Even though the Outcast OSG Striker is largely marketed as a two-seater, it can also be converted into a single by detaching the frames which hold the front seats. The seats themselves are comfortable while retaining the minimalistic feature of the rest of the craft.

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Should you need to add a few mores accessories to the Outcast OSG Striker Raft, you won’t have to worry about extra space. The vessel has a brilliant integrated gear system (IGS), consisting of slots that allow for the addition of accessories such as rod holders, deck mounts, paddle holders, and cargo pockets.

All aspects of movement on the vessel, from maneuverability to speed, should not be a problem. Through the IGS, an extra pair of rowers can be added to make the Outcast OSG Striker Raft a tandem. Not a popular thing for such a craft, but if you are adventurous, you can try just for the fun of it. For speed freaks, the raft comes ready for a motor to be installed.

We are about halfway through our Outcast OSG Striker review. Next up is storage space.

Outcast OSG Striker Raft Storage

At first sight, you might write off the Outcast OSG Striker Raft as incapable of giving you a good angling experience due to storage space. After all, what is angling, if you cannot carry home a catch?

For your storage needs, the Outcast OSG Striker has an attachable cargo pocket bag, which does not look like much from afar, until you start opening up those pockets.

The cargo of the Outcast OSG Striker Raft has two zipped pockets which, though not very large, are enough to hold quite a nice amount of medium sized items such as a pump, your angling knife, bags and other stuff. If you’re out all day fishing, it’s a certainty that you will get thirsty, so the two cup holders that are included will come in handy.

The Outcast OSG Striker Raft also comes with a seat side saddle bag which accounts for more storage than the cargo pocket bag.

To begin with, the bag has two more cup holders, and with two heavy straps attached to it, it is able to withstand as much load torture as you can give it. The Outcast OSG Striker Raft has a large dry pocket, ideal for storage of items such as your Garmin, cell phone, maps etc.

Additionally, you also get a medium wet/dry pouch where you can store your fishing jacket after use. With a fishing net pocket that allows for the draining of water from the pocket, you are in safe hands.

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Since we have covered a lot of ground in this Outcast OSG Striker review, so we have succinctly listed all the pros and cons of the Outcast OSG Striker raft:

Pros

The Outcast OSG Striker Raft is very light, inflatable and detachable, hence easy to transport
Easy to repair, making it cost efficient, as mentioned earlier in this Outcast OSG Striker review
Comes with an easy to understand assembly manual
2 sets of oars included
The IGS makes it easy to add and remove items
Self bailing floor
The Outcast OSG Striker Raft can be used for both solo and dual angling

Cons

The Outcast OSG Striker Raft requires careful storage in order to last longer
Material may be susceptible to UV, so it is advised that you use UV-resistant boat cleaner

Outcast OSG Striker Review Conclusion

There are quite a number of better rafts out there. However, that does not undercut the Outcast OSG Striker Raft’s ability to live up to its ‘striker’ tag. For an inflatable raft, the Outcast OSG Striker raft is able to hold its weight well. Light, durable and easy to assemble are some factors that you just can’t overlook.

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As for the fact that it requires lots of care, it is neither the first nor the last inflatable to require lots of care. So, if you can overlook that little drawback, the Outcast OSG Striker Raft is a fishing vessel that’s ready to take on almost any conditions and keep you safe at the same time.

We have been over all the features and benefits in this Outcast OSG Striker review, so if you need to scroll up for a quick summary, glance over the pros and cons list.

Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Expedition – Sturdy & Easy To Maneuver?

The Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Expedition is a hybrid watercraft that aims to bridge the gap between a folding frame boat and an inflatable vessel. This kayak is constructed with a unique and bold design that incorporates some aspects of each of the two base designs. Being a hybrid, it redefines various primary aspects of a water vessel that users are accustomed to.

For one, the Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Expedition can neither be fully folded nor solid all the way. This blending of two designs makes the boat a unique product that could potentially excite or turn off particular buyers. While there are a few obvious expectations in terms of performance, it is not easy to tell whether the construction makes it more durable or feeble. The design of the Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Expedition kayak has definitely brought about many advantages and benefits that users might find suitable.

The common core feature of all water vessels and any consumer product is the user experience. The setup process, the ease of use, and the maintenance of a product are some of the main determinants of the overall value of the item. With such a non-traditional design, the AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite kayak is quite an esoteric item for the wider kayaking populace. The watercraft promises a lot of things on paper, but what can it offer in the water? Let us find out more in this Advanced Frame Expedition Elite review.

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Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Expedition Frame

As mentioned before, the AdvancedElements Advanced Frame Expedition has a hybrid construction where the frame is aluminum and the bow and stern feature the lauded rib-frame technology construction. This build is great for improving the stability of the boat. When fully inflated, it has a maximum length of 13 feet.

The width of the kayak is 32″ and it has a total weight of 42 pounds. At this size, the Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Expedition can be described as a typical short kayak which is perfect for recreational use that can hold up to 450 pounds.

The rest of the inflatable part of the kayak is attached to the central aluminum frame. The Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Expedition has a number of features within it that give the user stability and comfort, like 9 chambers for extra buoyancy.

The hull design is great for improving stability in the water. The Drop-stitch construction of the floor is also quite essential when it comes to improving the paddling experience.

From the outside, the AdvancedElements Advanced Frame Expedition kayak looks like any traditional hard-shell vessel when it is inflated. The only difference is that the less rigid shape becomes quite obvious when you take a closer look at the edges of the watercraft.

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Overall, it features a solid build where all the parts are firmly secured to the frame. The watercraft is lightweight, as most of the weight is only attributed to the minimal aluminum parts of the frame.

Features of the Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Expedition

The Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Expedition kayak packs a number of features that are either unique to it or common to other watercrafts as well.

The first dominant noticeable feature of the boat is the drop-stitch floor construction. This construction is emphasized greatly in the core of the vessel. It extends throughout the floor, where a plethora of threads are employed to make it as tough as possible. As a hybrid, the rigidity of the Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Expedition is essential to determine the user experience and this kind of build is welcome.

In addition, the seating area has an adjustable lumbar seat in the middle that allows the user to modify it in accordance with the space in the cockpit. You can go for longer periods without any back pain or soreness. There is a rudder mount included, allowing users to add navigation accessories. The handles on the Advanced Frame Expedition Elite kayak are made from rubber to increase comfort and for a better grip. A tracking fin also comes with the boat.

The Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Expedition is a single user sit-inside model that features a decent paddling speed when in full operational mode. It has a minimal design that does not leave out the important features, nor clutter the machine.

The exterior design of the boat is quite streamlined and symmetrical. There is an inclusion of the rather common welded seams and adjustable foot braces in this kayak as well. Overall, it packs just the right features for a day touring vessel.

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Storage Within the Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Expedition

When it comes to storage, you get some sufficient storage options from the Advanced Frame Expedition Elite kayak.

First, there is a big compartment at the back, just behind the seat. The front also has sufficient room to keep a number of items. Depending on your height, the front storage might be affected a little, especially if you are tall.

The storage space in the stern of the Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Expedition is, however, quite sufficient to store your full day supplies in case you intend to take a long trip. There are bungee cords on the deck for securing extra gear. The storage options can be described as sufficient in general.

Pros

The Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Expedition is modern, stable construction for sufficient stability
Comfort levels are improved when compared to hard-shell vessels
The Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Expedition is very portable and does not require much storage space
Tracking capability is great for a hybrid
The design features multiple chambers which improve its performance with extra buoyancy.
The AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite kayak is simple to use and setup
Affordable, high quality option on the market

Cons

Hybrid construction can reduce the long-term durability of the Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Expedition kayak
The tracking is a little more difficult, as the Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Expedition does not come with a keel
It is slower compared to any hard-shell model on the market

AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite Review Conclusion

The Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Expedition kayak is a unique watercraft that incorporates multiple features and functionalities into a single frame. There are definitely many distinct characteristics that make the watercraft a probable choice for those looking for a divergent model. It seems to be designed for expedition touring and single users who do not mind experimenting with a bold and new design.

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The Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Expedition is definitely also great for those who are looking for a portable boat that does not come with complicated setup procedures. There are sufficient accessories included in the kayak and for its size, paddling is quite a pleasant experience.

Not sure about this AE offering? Check out our other Advanced Elements kayak articles:

Point 65 Martini Kayak – One Of The Company’s Best Modular Offerings?

The Point 65 Martini Kayak, also referred to as the Martini GTX, is a detachable, high precision kayak. It’s also high quality and looks great as well, which makes you want to ride in it even more. This sit-in modular kayak features a roomy cockpit and a great seating system, serving functions of both a solo and a tandem kayak.

Commendably, the Point 65 Martini Kayak allows for the use of all paddle sizes. You can comfortably use both single blade and double blade paddles. The kayak is made for normal use, but it has great tracking capabilities due to its relatively high speeds. In this Point 65 Martini review, we’ll examine all of these features, so you can decide if this is the right kayak for you.

Our Pick

Point 65 Martini GTX Tandem RED

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The Point 65 Martini Kayak Frame

Primarily a solo kayak, the Point 65 Martini Kayak can be separated and a midsection added to make it a tandem kayak. In solo form, the kayak measures 10’5″, with the aft section measuring 5’9″ and the stern section measuring 4’8″. At full tandem length, the vessel measures 13’8″ with the addition of a midsection that measures 5’4″.

The sections are form fitted to snap together, and it’s just as easy to unsnap them after use. Additionally this aids in transportation, because instead of carrying around a full length kayak, you and your friends/family can carry sections of the boat to the water.

The kayak’s mid width of 27.6″ is responsible for its bullet shape that aids in giving the Point 65 Martini Kayak a significant level of speed. Made of UV-resistant polyethylene, this boat is capable of withstanding sunny days for long periods. The vessel comes with a drop down rudder that can be attached to its back, and it can be controlled using pedals found in the front cockpit section.

The Point 65 Martini Kayak’s body also contains a paddle park compartment, and to create more fun, you can add a second midsection to allow sitting space for a small child or a pet.

The sit-in cockpits are roomy and comfortable, measuring 33″ x 18″. Inside each cockpit is a comfortable air seat whose backrest can be regulated into position through pneumatic means. As a tandem, the Point 65 Martini Kayak is able to hold up to 530 lbs., which is sufficient enough for two average weight adults.

The sides of the kayak have molded handles which allows for easy transportation. Additionally, at 77 pounds, the Point 65 N Martini Kayak is light enough for heave-and-go purposes.

[Note: Check out our other Point 65 reviews here: Point 65 Whisky kayak, Point 65 N Mercury GTX kayak!]

Point 65 Martini Kayak Features

The Point 65 Martini Kayak is rigged for both speed and convenience. The speed is achieved through its smooth arrowhead shape. In solo form, the kayak is quite easy to maneuver and control. In tandem form, a level of difficulty is added where maneuvering is concerned. However, the kayak is much faster in tandem form, with two people paddling, of course.

The patented Snap-Tap feature, only available with Point 65 kayaks, makes the kayak not only convenient for both tandem and solo use, but also easy to transport. Furthermore, the boat allows for the use of small, medium or large sized paddles. The Point 65 Martini Kayak is light enough to be used by all kayakers, whether they’re new to kayaking, have some experience, or are very experienced.

Our Pick

Point 65 Martini GTX Tandem RED

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The recyclable PE frame of the Point 65 Martini Kayak makes it one of the few environmentally friendly kayaks you can buy. The fact that the material is UV-resistant, as mentioned earlier in this Point 65 Martini review, allows for long lasting use without fearing the cracking effect UV rays have on polyethylene materials. This model also comes fitted with a fish-o-meter, which helps the kayaker to measure their catch.

With a spacious cockpit and a comfortable air seat, you can rest and turn easily within the cockpit of the Point 65 Martini Kayak. The ability to adjust the seat ensures that if you get tired of sitting in one position, you can easily change your position to regain composure. The addition of a rudder and an accompanying rudder pedal lets you have more control while navigating the kayak, for a more enjoyable boating adventure.

How To Store Your Point 65 N Martini?

The Point 65 Martini Kayak has a decent storage capacity. It comes equipped with two hatches. The front hatch measures 7.9″ by 7.9″ and is situated almost towards the end of the bow, sufficient for putting items that one does not need right away. Here you can put in some dry suits, angling knives, and other items.

The aft hatch is a little bigger, measuring 17″ by 10″, making it suitable to store more items, including a mini cooler to store your caught fish in. It is also appropriately situated close to the back of the last cockpit. This makes it easy to access so you can grab your most needed items or gear.

Just in front of the stern hatch, the Point 65 Martini Kayak has two cup holder slots. If you add a midsection, then two more cup holder slots are added to the kayak. With four cup holder slots, you will have plenty of room for your drinks or anything else you decide to use them for.

Pros

Easy to transport, due to its detachable and lightweight form
Capable of gaining substantial speed to get from Point A to Point B
The Point 65 Martini Kayak has spacious cockpits
Comfortable with easy maneuverability
The Point 65 Martini Kayak comes with a comfortable air seat and adjustable backrest
The presence of a rudder enhances navigation of the boat
Can use various sizes of paddles
Suitable for various experience levels and ages of kayakers
The front and back sections are water tight, enough to avoid water leakage
Sufficient storage space on the Point 65 Martini Kayak
The kayak allows for more than one midsection

Cons

The Point 65 Martini Kayak does not come with its own paddle
Not suitable for open water surfing
One may need to use a spray skirt to prevent water from splashing into the cockpit

Point 65 Martini Review Conclusion

Our Pick

Point 65 Martini GTX Tandem RED

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The Point 65 Martini Kayak is one extremely versatile kayak. For fun loving, recreational water lovers, this is a great choice for a kayak. It is also family friendly and can be used to train your children how to kayak like pros, while allowing them the space to enjoy themselves.

Although the Martini GTX is touted as a fishing kayak, it is not suitable for long haul fishing. However, if you want to do some nice recreational, afternoon fishing, this kayak will serve that purpose.

One thing we didn’t mention in this Point 65 Martini review is that this model comes in 9 different colors! Versatile, Sturdy, Spacious, AND you get your choice of a nice variety of colors. It is not easy to find a kayak that incorporates speed, fun, convenience, and ease. The Point 65 Martini Kayak fits all of the above.

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That does not mean that it is perfect, but then again, which kayak does not have even one flaw?

Perception Pescador 12 Pilot – Give Your Arms A Rest & Let Your Legs Take Over?

The Perception Pescador 12 Pilot is a pedal-driven, sit-on-top kayak made by Perception Kayaks. It has been on the market for quite a while now, and since it has been around, it has received a generally good reception. The kayak comes with a number of features and specifications that make it a unique product.

While it shares many common things with most of the other sit-on-top kayaks on the market, it has a distinct design that separates it from the rest. The Perception Pescador 12 kayak is made for single person use and has a sufficient frame for people of all sizes.

There are many other things about the Perception Pescador 12 Pilot kayak that also make it a solid choice on the market. We will look at each of these features in this Perception Pescador 12 review, as well as its shortcomings. If you are planning on getting a new kayak, one of the most important things you need to do is to carry out ample research on the viable choices on the market.

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The Pescador 12 is definitely a great kayak, but maybe not for everyone. We will take a detailed look at this angler kayak, analyzing its features in terms of storage allocation, frame characteristics and a couple other things.

Perception Pescador 12 Pilot Frame

In terms of bare specifications, the Perception Pescador 12 Pilot has a total length of 12’5″, a width of exactly 33.75″, and weighs 85 pounds. Going by these specifications, it is evident that the kayak is a little heavier than other kayaks and has a slightly above average width.

The length of the Perception Pescador 12 also puts it in the short kayak category, which makes it great for easy navigation. With such a frame, it can definitely handle enough accessories for any kind of fishing expedition. It is made of toughened polyethylene, and as a hard-shell, well-designed kayak, the performance of the Perception Pescador 12 Pilot is expected to be great.

The frame of the vessel is symmetrical from either side. The hull design of the Perception Pescador 12 Pilot is great for increased speed, as it offers less water resistance. There is a seat included, storage spaces, pedals for driving and a number of compartments in the front and back. All other features and accessories are attached to the main frame.

When it comes to the loading capacity, the Perception Pescador 12 Pilot kayak can handle a maximum weight of 475 pounds. Overall, it has a solid frame that manages to carry a number of accessories.

[Note: Check out our best kayaks list!]

Perception Pescador 12 Pilot Features

There are numerous features that define the Perception Pescador 12 Pilot kayak. The boat has a well-designed seat that features on-the-fly adjustments. In addition, there is a Transducer Scupper mount that makes it easy to handle a number of electronics.

The cockpit features an ergonomic design that allows the user to pedal easily for a hands-free ride. The seat of the Perception Pescador 12 Pilot includes some tension knobs and offers just enough comfort for short duration use.

The bow mesh cover included on the kayak makes it possible to store items with less of a risk that they will get wet. There are also several bottle holders and cup holders at the front, back and sides of the Perception Pescador 12 Pilot kayak. There is a total of four molded rod holders as well. These are definitely sufficient for versatile use in the water.

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Accessory tracks are also included for additional gear. The foot pedals are placed at an average distance, such that pedaling is not difficult for people of any stature. To sum up the features of the Perception Pescador 12 Pilot, the kayak is adequately designed with a key focus on improving storage and accessory options.

Storage

In terms of storage, the Perception Pescador 12 Pilot kayak comes with multiple compartments at the front and back. There is one main compartment where you can keep gear at the back. This compartment is not covered, however, and is only suitable for securing less sensitive gear.

The kayak also comes with two storage pods for keeping any necessary items. These two are well secured for handling sensitive items. Already mentioned in this Perception Pescador 12 review, the drink holders included can handle average-sized bottles.

The storage consoles included in the Perception Pescador 12 Pilot kayak are specifically great for keeping and mounting electronics, as they are well secured to the frame. Overall, the storage options are numerous and capable of handling versatile gear. While Perception makes a good effort of including some bottle holders, they are not exactly big and you might need to look for water bottles of a suitable size.

Pros

Easy maneuverability and steering with a low profile rudder
Sufficient rod holders and ample storage options
The Perception Pescador 12 Pilot features a streamlined design that enables it to move fast
Comes with a Pilot Drive for great balance and easy operation
Adjustable seat for increased functionality and comfort
The overall performance of the Perception Pescador 12 Pilot kayak is great
A great, affordable choice for a fishing kayak

Cons

The mounting technique for the pedals is a bit complicated
The Perception Pescador 12 Pilot kayak is relatively bulky for people with a short stature
As already mentioned in this Perception Pescador 12 review, the rod holders and drink holders are limited in size
The rudder needs constant adjustment in order to work well

Perception Pescador 12 Review Conclusion

There are definitely many types of angler kayaks on the market. When looking for a suitable vessel, you need to consider the kinds of features and accessories the kayak comes with. The Perception Pescador 12 Pilot kayak is a simply designed kayak which offers a number of important features without losing the traditional look of a kayak.

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The Perception Pescador 12 kayak includes vital accessories like rod holders and bottle holders that are indispensable for fishing expeditions. While some improvements can be made to the storage features, the shortcomings are not enough to affect the other valuable aspects of the kayak. The kayak is definitely capable of exploring different flow conditions.

As you read earlier in this Perception Pescador 12 review, this is a short kayak, but it will be good enough to explore still waters and carry a sufficient load of fish.

Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite – Disappointing Performance?

Just one decade ago, the Advanced Elements kayak company pioneered the world’s first hybrid inflatable kayak. It utilized a blended design with the performance of a hard shell kayak, but offering water adventurers the portability and light weight of an inflatable kayak. The Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite is a sleek, lightweight kayak that delivers excellent tracking for the adventure-seeking athlete or outdoorsman:

If you are looking for an vessel that can get you around, with speed that is almost, if not on par with skin-on-frame kayaks, then you will want to delve deeper with us in this AirFusion Elite review to learn more.

Check out the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite on Amazon!

[Note: Check out our best list of kayaks here].

Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite Frame

The Advanced Elements AirFusion Elite was made to rival the speed and performance of skin-on-frame kayaks, all while simplifying the setup. It has a unique design that combines aluminium alloy poles on the frame with pressurized air tubes for a high-performance frame system.

At 13 feet long, with a very narrow beam, this Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite kayak maintains the status of Advanced Elements as a manufacturer of quick and fast turning kayaks that track like rigid hard-shells. In use, this kayak is surprisingly quick, perhaps due to its V-shaped hull. It tracks very well, is simple to turn, and has good primary and secondary stability.

The Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite kayak frame features 2 aluminum ribs. A vertically positioned, foot-long U/V-shaped flat bar comes inserted in the stern and bow of this kayak. The aluminum ribs are tubular, allowing the pole frame to be inserted/attached. There are two molded rubber handles, also located at the stern and bow, that would be useful if you were paddling with someone else.

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The regular Advanced Elements AirFusion kayak is the most narrow in width, at 25 inches, of all of Advanced Element’s watercrafts (the rest of the fleet measures 32″ to 35″ at the beam). However, it has been upgraded on the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite to 28 inches.

This streamline design, along with the lightweight, semi-free-floating aluminum frame and high pressure chambers, allows you to paddle it like other hard-shell kayaks.

The kayak is constructed with very tough materials. The hull material of the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite is heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin, which is extremely puncture proof. This makes the hull very durable, showing little signs of use after years on the water.

The inflation tubes, located on the inside, are covered in a tough material and still hold their shape after years of inflating, using, deflating, and putting away.

Special Features of the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite

High pressure chambers located along the gunwales and chines of the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite add stability, while the aluminum poles in the front deck and keel improve tracking, hull speed and water shedding. The optional skeg addition increases performance even more.

The end result is a kayak that is surprisingly rigid in water, yet doesn’t require the complicated assembly of a folding kayak. A top kayak in its class!

The Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite is extremely lightweight for a high-performance kayak, at only 32 pounds, allowing you to carry the kayak easily. Its design utilizes high pressure chambers that provide rigidity, lowering the total number of parts used in the frame for a dramatically faster set-up time. It packs up into a bag, about the size of a suitcase, for easier storage and transport.

Check out the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite on Amazon!

Other features of the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite include a zippered access on the bow and stern (which aids in setup and offers access to items stored below the deck), and a rear roll-top hatch for additional storage. Molded, low-profile rubber handles ease transport to the water while the inflatable cockpit coaming offers the easy attachment of an optional spray skirt.

Also, you can add a skeg to the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite for greater control on your next trip. The skeg makes it easier to keep a straight course, even when there are waves and winds. You can deploy the skeg using the pull cord, once you add it to the kayak.

Enough Storage Space?

There is enough onboard storage on the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite for extended trips. With a capacity of about 230 pounds, you can load up the deck with gear if you are going for a multi-day expedition. The wide 28″ beam allows for an integrated rear storage hatch for easier access to gear while on the water.

In terms of setup, the AirFusion Elite is not 100% straight-forward. You will need to be a bit careful not to mix up pieces of the frame or inflate sections in the wrong order, or you could end up with bent pieces of frame. However, after a bit of training, you will be able to get in the water in less than 15 minutes.

Check out the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite on Amazon!

Pros

The inflatable Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite is very suitable for long distance paddling and sea trips
The kayak offers a streamlined set up procedure with fewer poles, allowing one to get out on the water quickly
Rear hatch with a roll-top dry bag provides easy access to stowed items
Deck features bungee lacing and D-ring tie-downs for more options
Welded seams ensure long life
Its narrow beam and 13′ frame cuts easily through the water
The Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite is built with excellent materials and constructed almost perfectly
Portable and packable
A good recreational kayak on flat water or up to Class 2 whitewater
Excellent customer service and warranty

Check out the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite on Amazon!

Cons

Because of low weight and no rudder, the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite’s nose tends to get blown around in winds over 10 mph
The internal storage space on the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite is quite tiny
It should be mentioned in this AirFusion Elite review that this model is best for people who are over 5′ tall, but not over 6’5″
It will take a bit longer to set-up than a regular inflatable kayak, but many may consider the performance to be worth it

AirFusion Elite Review Conclusion

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the feeling of floating on a cloud beneath the clouds, then the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite is what you’ve been looking for all this time. This great kayak pairs style and performance that will see you zipping through the water as if you were in a hard shell kayak, only without the added bulk and inconvenience.

It’s quite light weight for a hybrid model and is easily carried by one person. Better still, the price of the Advanced Elements Air Fusion Elite is reasonable when compared to other kayaks in its class.