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Malibu X Factor Fishing Kayak – Solid Angler With Plenty Of Space or Bust?

Editor’s Note: The Malibu X has been out of stock for years but we’re recommending another favourite kayak in its place.

Top Replacement Pick!

Perception Pescador Kayak

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There are many models of fishing kayaks, but the Malibu X Factor fishing kayak might just be the handiest choice you can get your hands on. This sit-on-top kayak offers you a very handy way to fish without worrying about storage space. Primarily meant for single person use, this kayak could possibly hold two people, although it’s recommended that it be used for single use.

Let’s learn more in this Malibu Kayaks X-Factor review about this great fishing kayak.

Malibu X Factor Fishing Kayak Frame

Top Replacement Pick!

Perception Pescador Kayak

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The Malibu Kayaks X Factor kayak measures 14’4″ long, and is 33″ wide, offering enough space to accommodate any build. There’s a 13″ deep underwater keel, with a 4.76″ depth from the waterline. With such depths, the kayak is suitable for both deep sea and shallow bay use.

Like a good number of kayaks of its kind, the Malibu X Factor fishing kayak is made of polyethylene. This helps ensure the boat’s sturdiness while reducing the effects of weather on the frame. The polyethylene mold also provides a smooth frame finish that helps to create an efficient sailing module.

At 62 pounds, the Malibu Kayaks X Factor Kayak is an easy heave-and-go type of water vessel. To make this possible, the kayak comes equipped with numerous handles. At the same time, the outboards have a side bungee handle that makes it easy to carry.

The bow is designed to create a high rocker, hence enabling the Malibu X Factor fishing kayak to withstand stronger swells and waves. Nothing beats a stable, strong kayak, and to further enhance stability and mobility, the kayak also comes with a rudder ready stern.

With a wide cockpit area, the Malibu X Factor fishing kayak has a sufficient seat placement space that alternatively acts as a standing platform. While seated, the vessel offers you an adjustable, pedal-like foot rest. The seating area is strategically placed to access the storage areas, while also giving the angler the ability to use the standing platform and foot rest efficiently.

The seats can easily be affixed to the Malibu X Factor fishing kayak by screw points provided on the seat. With a considerable number of seat options available for specific use on this model, you should not expect trouble in affixing the seat to the kayak.

Malibu X Factor Fishing Kayak Features

The bow and stern areas of the Malibu X Factor fishing kayak have child seating areas. The bow’s child seating area is situated just above the gator hatch, while the stern sitting area is located within the rear bungee storage area. A child’s seat can be placed in each area, great for teaching kids how to fish!

With four flush-mounted rod holders, two at the front and two at the back, there is very little chance of strain trying to affix your fishing rod and spear before and after use. One can also choose to accessorize by purchasing a set of rod leashes to affirm the hold of the rods.

The side of the Malibu X Factor fishing kayak also features a spacious paddle holder. Additionally, one can also choose to purchase a paddle leash to increase the holding capability. The hull also comes with transducer mounts to help attract fish.

Coffee? Anytime. The Malibu X Factor fishing kayak’s cockpit features a handy looking cup holder. It also contains a set of self-draining trays that help reduce incidences of water puddling on the kayak. The boat also contains a drain plug to assist in draining water that might have seeped into the innards of the kayak. This helps ensure that the sitting area remains comfy and dry enough to sustain effective fishing.

The drain plug is located almost towards the end of the stern. To enhance the ability to speed, the Malibu X Factor fishing kayak comes with a trolling motor capability. The motor mounts also act as compliments to the rudder mounts.

Storage

The Malibu X Factor fishing kayak was made with extra storage in mind. It has numerous storage points both in the mid, bow and stern areas. The front area contains a gator hatch that can be used to store numerous items due to its huge load space.

The center areas of the Malibu X Factor fishing kayak contain two center rectangular hatches. These hatches are very important due to their proximity to the paddler. Normally, these hatches will come into use for the storage of the fisherman’s catch. They are spacious enough to convert into mid-sized fish coolers.

The supplies to make the spaces into fish coolers will cost extra. They can also be used to store items that the kayaker would want to easily retrieve. With two dive tank wells, scuba divers are assured of the safety of their diving tanks.

Just behind the x-factor seat is another hatch; a rear rectangular hatch. Additionally, the Malibu X Factor fishing kayak has an expansive bungee storage are at the rear. This can be used to store bags, ropes, dry suits and other accessories. The gator hatch and the bungee storage area have nylon eyelet straps. These straps are used to secure materials, thus reducing movement and keeping the kayak stable.

Pros

The Malibu X Factor fishing kayak features lots of storage and spacious areas
Roomy and comfortable for users
Easily manageable, great for an inexperienced kayaker
With multiple handles, carrying and transporting the kayak is made easy
The Malibu X Factor fishing kayak has comfortable seat options that can be purchased separately
A wide range of colors are available
Can hold up to 625 pounds
The Malibu X Factor fishing kayak can be fully customized

Cons

The hatch cover lid may not be water tight, so water might leak into the kayak
Unfortunately, the Malibu X Factor fishing kayak does not come with its own set of seats
Generally slow without a motor, due to its width

Malibu X-Factor Review Conclusion

Top Replacement Pick!

Perception Pescador Kayak

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As far as sit-on-top kayaks are concerned, the Malibu X Factor fishing kayak is one of the most reliable boats you can buy. It is very efficient, and with its extra storage as a selling point, you are assured of a beautiful experience on the water.

The Malibu X Factor fishing kayak is made by a company that is known for their superb brands of sit-on-top kayaks. Its negative aspects do not mean the kayak is a letdown, in any way. Therefore, if you are looking for a good kayak to go fishing, scuba diving, or to simply paddle around for fun, then this is a great choice to consider trying.

Hula 11 Inflatable SUP – Better Performance Than Cheaper SUP Options?

The Hula 11 Inflatable SUP is a stand up paddle board made by Advanced Elements that lets you enjoy paddling after a quick set up. It’s so light, you can carry it anywhere in a duffel bag. You won’t find it a hassle anymore to store those large boards because you can now easily inflate it and stow it away just as easily.

This is perfect for those who want to choose between paddleboarding or kayaking during the spring or summer. If you’re going for a more serene experience, take the Hula 11 Inflatable SUP to a river and do some quiet cruising.

The Hula 11 SUP is convenient and easy to use. You’re also assured of a durable and stable board, even if it’s just an inflatable. People think inflatables are not sturdy enough, but after purchasing one, you might change your mind. Not only are they strong enough, they are also extremely portable since they can be deflated.

If you want to know more about this product, read this Hula 11 SUP review for a more comprehensive breakdown of what this product is about, as well as its pros and cons.

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Hula 11 Inflatable SUP

Construction of the Hula 11 Inflatable SUP

The frame of a kayak and paddle/surfing board needs to be sturdy enough to be worth the money you pay for it. The Hula 11 Inflatable SUP is made of a high-pressure drop-stitch material. It’s also made with a two layers of heavy duty PVC tarpaulin that makes sure its surface stays slick but durable. The board is cushioned with foam to maintain comfort, and there are 7 stainless steel d-rings to tie down any gear you might want to take along.

For an inflatable, it’s surprising that the Hula 11 SUP still stays true to its form. It maintains its shape even if you have repeatedly inflated it many times already. Paddleboards need to retain their shape because you’re going to be standing and balancing yourself on the water.

Thankfully, the Hula 11 Inflatable SUP has a durable and sturdy frame to stand the test of time. It can handle beginner and expert paddlers pretty well, and you can be assured that it doesn’t go soft or deflate once it’s on the water.

iSUP Hula 11 in action

There are times when instability issues can be experienced with the Hula 11 Inflatable SUP, like with swiftly moving rivers, for example. Choppy waters might cause the board to bend a bit in the middle. While this should not unseat you from the board, it can cause a little concern while using it. It’s most likely to perform better on calmer waters and seas. It is not recommended to use the Hula 11 Inflatable SUP in extreme conditions.

Some may experience difficulty in handling the board when they pull it out to the water. If you have a smaller frame, it may be difficult to pull the Hula 11 Inflatable SUP out, since it does not come with handles that you can hold.

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Also, some paddlers might have a problem with the board bending a little if they are heavier, while standing on it. When used as a kayak, it might be a much better option. Despite this potential problem, the Hula 11 Inflatable SUP is still pretty strong for most people.

Hula 11 SUP Features!

The Hula 11 Inflatable SUP can handle weight extremely well. Its drop-stitch construction is made to endure up to 230 pounds. It also has a raised tip, which factors in its aerodynamic feature to increase its performance. The large traction form area also makes sure that you can grip your board comfortably when going out into the sea.

The pump that comes along with the Hula 11 Inflatable SUP makes it easy to inflate. It has a pressure gauge that you can check if you have the correct PSI reading for your board. This at least makes sure that you’ve got the correct stiffness for your board when you bring it out into the water.

The outer skin of the Hula 11 Inflatable SUP is made of PVC tarpaulin, making the board durable, especially with repeated inflations. It can easily be stored and ported with the duffel bag that is packaged along with it. With a weight of 23 pounds, it’s pretty lightweight for an inflatable vessel.

Just inflate, float somewhere nice, deflate and return to the bag. The board can also be used in saltwater or freshwater, so whether you’re going to use this on the open ocean or on a calm lake, you’re good to go.

Hula 11 paddleboard and kayak

Installing the Hula 11 Inflatable SUP fins are pretty easy, which seems better than the other competitor products out on the market. The tie-down rings are also really helpful for those who want to carry their gear for a day trip. If you take off from the shore, you can take all of your belongings with you instead of leaving them on the beach. You can purchase a seat for the Hula 11 Inflatable SUP, which installs easily to start kayaking instead of standing.

How to Store Away the Hula 11 Inflatable SUP

The Hula 11 Inflatable SUP can easily be stored and carried in the duffel bag that comes with it. You can carry the board and its pump wherever you want to try some boarding or kayaking.

Putting it back into the bag is easy also, and it stores flat so it’s not at all bulky when you carry it around. Be careful of other materials that may stick to the board after deflating it, as they may damage the board once it’s placed inside the bag.

Pros

The Hula 11 Inflatable SUP is extremely portable, with a very light carry load
Stable, made of high quality materials
Easy to inflate with included pump
7 stainless steel d-rings to keep gear tied down
A seat can be installed to turn the board into a flat kayak

Cons

Inconsistent stability, especially extreme whitewater conditions
No handles to lift the board out of the water or carry it around easily while inflated
The Hula 11 Inflatable SUP may pose a problem as a paddleboard, for those who are heavier

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Hula 11 SUP review Conclusion

Overall, the Hula 11 Inflatable SUP is one of the best inflatable boards on the market today. Its portability and durability trumps others in its category because you have a board that doesn’t get scratched easily. As you’ve also read in this Hula 11 SUP review, it’s easy to carry wherever you go, or you can keep it in your car.

You can go for a hike and then inflate your Hula for a relaxing break on the water. This is good for those who just want to go out on the sea and catch a tan, or maybe do some river cruising to relax on a sunny afternoon. Or you can attach a seat and ride some waves for even more fun!

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.

Check out the Perception Pescador 12 Pilot on Amazon!

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.

Check out the Perception Pescador 12 Pilot on Amazon!

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.

Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler – A Roomy & Enjoyable Fishing Experience In One?

Another creation from Ocean Kayak, the Prowler 13 sit-on-top kayak is a boat whose design allows the user to comfortably sit on top of it for different kayaking activities, but mainly for fishing. It makes use of the latest technology on the market to ensure that the user will enjoy attributes such as good performance, stability, speed, and movement.

You can use the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler for other applications as well, other than fishing. The design of the kayak is also compact and lightweight, meaning both amateurs and professionals can use it.

Let’s learn more about it in this Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 review:

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Is The Frame of The Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler Durable?

The Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler is made from polyethylene and measures 13’4″ in length and 28″ in width. It weighs 56 pounds, while its seat type is sitting on top. It has a weight capacity of 300-400 pounds and only one paddler can use it at a time.

The foot braces on this Ocean Kayak Prowler Angler will help to secure your feet in the molds. The best attribute of these foot braces is that they are adjustable, so you can adjust your sitting position easily.

When most people go fishing, they will mostly complain about the deck space. If it is not big enough for your movements, you will surely have a difficult time. The makers of the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler sit-on-top kayak took this into consideration. They have provided enough deck space that you can use it for storing a tackle box or to fit a cooler in the back.

The inside of the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler deck is well contoured, which helps to keep the water from making a pool on the inside of your boat. All you have to do is plug up the scupper holes to keep the water out, and when you’re back on land, you can unplug them to drain any water out that may have gotten in. This is one less thing to worry about as you go about your favorite hobby on the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler.

Check out the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler on Amazon!

The Prowler’s compartments will ensure that nothing will fly out as you paddle. By lifting the hatch lid, you will get an opening that goes from the front to the back, a perfect fit for any rods you wish to take with you. If the Ocean Kayak Prowler Angler flips, you will not lose everything you had stored on the kayak. There is also a storage console you can add to the center of the kayak. Some people leave it empty so they can cut bait or unhook fish in the middle.

The kayak also entails cup holders that are molded into the equipment to hold refreshments as you paddle away, as this Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 review will boast about more than once.

Features

The comfortable seat is among the most impressive features of the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler sit-on-top kayak. However, some people find it doesn’t have enough padding on the bottom, so if you’ll be out all day, you should get an additional pad for it. If the back is tightly held upright, it will be a comfortable ride for people with back issues.

There are also rod holders behind the seat, which are basically two mounted holders that are used to fit the rods in their place securely. The molded mount on the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler is a very helpful feature, as it provides the best place to store equipment and your fish after you have done your best to catch some.

Check out the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler on Amazon!

The Transducer Compatible Scupper is another important feature of the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler sit-on-top kayak. It is designed to let the beam from your transducer fish finder penetrate the hull, thus enabling you to find fish that are deep down.

A fish finder is quite easy to install, just stick it in a small cubby and run the wire through your Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler kayak. After reading this Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 review, you will know that you can also add a GPS and/or lights for night fishing.

Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler Storage Space Issues

Storage is very important for a person using a kayak, and this is especially true for people who use it to go fishing on the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler. You will find two string bungee straps on the kayak, which will be very helpful whenever you need to secure your things inside the cooler. You will also find two flush mount rod holders that ensure that the rods are steady.

The Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler has a storage compartment with a lid in front of the seat, but it is not waterproof, so you can’t put anything of value in there. There is a bungee cord on each side of the kayak to hold the paddles. You can add on a cooler in the back from Ocean Kayak that will hold drinks, as well as any fish you’ve caught.

Pros

The Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler’s deck layout is quite exceptional and has room for customization
Its speed is unmatched, as compared to the other kayaks
Quite stable and comfortable
Tracks well because of its V-shaped keel
The Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler is quite affordable without add ons
The kayak comes with numerous features that enhance its functionality

Cons

The Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler does not come with a rudder, but one can be added
Hatches are not fully waterproof
Its molded foot wells can become quite frustrating for the user
There are 4 colors to choose from: Camo, Lime Camo, Blue Camo, and Urban Camo

Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Review Conclusion

If you are a kayak fishing first-timer, the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler will be a worthy investment. You will be impressed by its features and its compact design will certainly make things easier for you. Whether it is a car, motor bike or any other kind of machine, most people will be looking for one that will serve them well.

The same applies to kayaking, and the Ocean kayak Prowler 13 Angler will give you the best performance, due to its exceptional features. Once you add certain things to this boat, you will have a very solid, long lasting fishing kayak.

Aside from having everything you need, once you add on to it, the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler will also be stable in most conditions, and this is music to the ears of people who would like to go kayaking in various conditions.

Check out the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler on Amazon!

Whether you are in the surf or on a large lake, you should definitely buy an Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler sit-on-top kayak. The fact that it is quite pocket-friendly will be pleasing to most fishermen and current/future paddlers.

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.