I own this kayak and consider myself an advanced paddler. I have paddled many different kayaks, rigid and inflatable. I was looking for an inflatable kayak that was very versatile and somewhat durable. I wanted one that I could go in class 2+ rapids on rivers and also paddle in open ocean with swells and rough water and feel safe. I even wanted to be able to ocean surf in it. There are good things I like, such as the stability (excellent) and it tracks ok, but there are more things I was disappointed in that were not mentioned or elaborated on in this review. First is blowing up the kayak. It takes considerably longer and for some stupid reason AE has put 2 different types of valves in the many chambers. Some are the standard twist valves like in SUPs and other inflatable kayaks, but then there are other valves where you have to screw on the pump fitting. This is a major PIA and why didn't they just use the same twist valve everywhere??? Then there are some sections that you use your mouth to blow up which isn't really that bad. Second, this boat is extremely difficult to dry out especially if you get water inside the kayak. And if you get some sand in it, the chore is even worse. If it's not sunny it is not going to dry out unless you bring it inside your house and open it up over night. This is mostly because of the fabric cover and the difficulty to access the nooks and crannys with a sponge or rag. I have other inflatable kayaks that I can dry out easily and quickly. Third, the combing around the cockpit is no good. It is just not rigid enough. Because of the 2 valves to blow up the combing are in the back, it is next to impossible to get a skirt on by yourself. I went down a section of the Flathead with class 2/3 water and the skirt just would not stay on. Not imploded by waves, just not a stiff enough combing and came off just paddling. 4th, I think this kayak is too heavy and bulky in the bag for an inflatable. I am going to sell it and get a Sea Eagle, Aquaglide or Itiwit that isn't tubes with a cover over them. I think this guy does good reviews but misses some of the stuff that matter (to me at least).
I think the advanced elements advanced frame kayak is better vaule and costs £400 less. The trade off is the weight capacity. The expedition elite can take 200kgs, the frame kayak can about only take 130kgs. Advanced elements make cracking boats and I'd love to own one but right now with energy price increase here.... it will have to wait.
I bought one of these this spring. Overall, I like it. I agree about the footrest. I simply removed mine and brace my legs against the sides. But I’m just over 6’ and ~210 pounds, so that may not work for smaller people. Also kept scraping my shins on the arced aluminum crossbar just forward of the cockpit. Fixed that problem by sliding an old bicycle inner tube over the bar.
Couldn't agree more about the foot support falling to the floor Ken. It seems to be an area where almost all inflatable kayak manufacturers fall short. They often seem to treat the foot support as an afterthought, sadly. Anyway, I quite like the boat. Love that lake you paddle, too. What a fabulous bit of water. Are you any closer to airing that Oru (Bay?) video? I'm tempted by one. It has a half decent foot support, I think. Great review again!
Thanks for another great review. I have a version of this boat and love it. I took it on a 12 mile trip down the River Dee in Scotland through class 1 and 2 water this summer and it did a fantastic job. One thing you didn't cover was the zip though. The bow in particular has a large zip on it, useful for drying, but it lets water in if the deck takes a wave. It's worth highlighting and I'd be interested to know if you or your viewers have any ideas to minimise this issue.
Awesome review and information as always Ken. However, there are so many things I don't like about this Yak, it would take too long to list them all. So I will stick with my itiwit x500. One thing I do like is the colour.
@@PaddleTV I guarantee you'll love it. It's great on the river and in the Sea, and apparently you can use it for white water rafting but I have no experience or training for whitewater so I won't be able to try that out. However I know a bloke called Ken who may give it a go!!! 👍
Ken, did you see the upcoming Aquaglide Cirrus line? They will use TPU like in most packrafts instead of the PVC or rubber found in most inflatable kayaks leading to an almost 50% reduction in weight. Also, any luck tracking down an Ititwit x500 by Decathlon?
I somewhat disagree that it takes longer to inflate than other kayaks. There are 9 chambers but most are low volume low pressure filled with a couple of breaths. The largest three chambers - floor at 5-6psi, main chamber1 at 35 pump strokes, main chamber 2 at 2psi. Other kayaks have higher psi all chambers. And it's faster than pumping my SUP to 15psi!
Another good review, cheers!!! I "solved" The problem of the coaming on my Aqauglide Navarro by the very low tech method of replacing the inflatable tube with a pool noodle sliced down the middle and it gets inserted before inflating. Holds my spray skirt nice and tight!
Work well in wind and current. In normal conditions, the rudder is not needed. Btw, skegs are permanent/fixed fins on the bottom vs rudders mounted on the rear.
After seeing your review which was very thorough and spot on, I purchased the Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Kayak and the NRS clearwater PFD as they were both on sale over labor day. Both perform well! I was out on a lake with a 10-15 mph wind and the the tracking was impressive and I did not experience any weather cocking. My back stayed a lot cooler as well with the clearwater PFD. As you noted, this one needs a little extra care to totally dry out. I found that removing the floor was easy and allowed me to wipe down the floor bottom. Your reviews are great
I’m a pretty short guy, and have found some inflatables to be hard to paddle because they are so wide, how woul is this one for shorter people with shorter arms?
Appreciate the review for this Kayak. Super good vidéo : explications . This is not expensive . The Gumotex Rush in Tchékoslovaquie (Rivers II à III) cost the double. Thanks 😃👍🐬🌎🌍
I agree with the previous review. Takes lot of time and efforts to inflate, drying is a big pain and it is too heavy for one person to carry. I still keep it, but already purchased a hard shell 10 feet kayak and enjoy its simplicity.
That looks great on the water! I have 2 adv frame, one convertible tandem, one single, both came with the pump from Air Kayaks... even though I only needed one, I got 2. I got the advanced elite though, not the expedition. I am really surprised they don't all come with the pump... it's nice, dual action, and takes very little effort to use, even on the 19' tandem. Also, offering Expedition at rei for $823, no pump.
Pumps cost $20. Some like a high performance pump to speed up the process, but the Elite is a fast fill with a basic pump. I fill the small valves by mouth..easy and faster than hooking up a pump fitting.
I don't know if Ken is still monitoring the comments in these older videos but I have a question. Why is this good and capable of shooting rapids but not the advancedframe model? Same materials. The other one you describe as a beginner model. It's smaller but not much wider. It doesn't have as much storage capacity but should be able to carry a small backpack and maybe a tent. At least a soft cooler and some sandwiches or something for a day trip. And this one has the drop stitch floor but the advancedframe you tested didn't have the optional drop stitch floor or backbone. Just curious because they are selling the advancedframe for half off.
Decathalon (distributor) has no US store and thus no US warranty. It's a ok kayak, but not for anyone over 6' tall. It also has a lot of wag since to skeg. Deal breaker.
Would this work for someone 6'3 around 270? I hear that some people need to purchase a "backbone" to keep the weight distributed even with drop stitch flooring?
Instead of pulling the kayak out of the bag, flip the bag with the opening on the ground. Pull the bag off the kayak. Putting it back in the bag is almost the same except that you slip the bag on the kayak. Flip it back over grab the handles and you are good to go.
Scam artists are hitting your channel hard. Offering free $1000 gifts for randomly selected posts. I suppose there’s no way of stopping their posts and assume no one would fall for it.
I have a prijon calabria,a tahe marine and a advanve frame with the backbone....i love my kayaks for seperate reasons....but advance elements frame always puts a smile in my face......very conford and ive putted it in the worst weathers (with spray skirt and some mods) and even serf with it and had zoro issues!!!its not a baloon kayak....its a proper kayak.....
I’ve had inflatables before and mildew is a big problem. You really have to keep them clean and dry. What you gain in portability is often lost for other reasons. Or it becomes such a hassle to set it up and pack it away that you end up not using it as much.
It is important to towel dry them. My routine is to place them on a tarp immediately out of the water as you never know what kind of surface you'll have to work with (ideally place on grass or a clean dock), and towel dry them. Also important to have an inflatable that you can easily dry. These kayaks with fabric around them are much more effort to dry, so factor that into this model. Towel drying adds an extra 2-3 mins packing time on mine. I have several that are over 10 years old, and one that has been used almost 500 times that still looks like brand new. Most of the time I don't need to clean, but I use Simple Green spray (available at Walmart cheap) when it does need to be cleaned.
I think it’s a problem with inflatables that have the cloth outer cover. If you go with an inflatable that is PVC on the outside, a quick toweling off before and during folding it up is all you need to avoid mildew. Just make sure it’s fully dry. I have a couple 100% drop stitch kayaks and have had no mildew problems with regular use over a year. The toweling maybe adds an extra sixty seconds to pack up.
I own a sea eagle razor light. On the water it’s great.. long as there’s no weeds for that long skeg to catch and drag along. Several of us went out with my being the only inflatable. I could keep up and surpass the old town and the pungo kayaks. The eddyline 12’ I could not. When we were done; in the time it took for me to wipe it out, deflate it using the pump,(make it easier to fold up) getting it in the bag and back into my jeep the rest had loaded theirs, we’re eating lunch and on their second beer. Then when I got home I still had to I inflate it again and set it out to really dry before storing it. Not to mention these have to be stored at room temperature. Something they don’t mention in the sales brochures. Their perfect for someone, but I don’t think for me. Soon as the Gobi rack for my jeep arrives I’m buying hard shell kayaks.
I own this kayak and found I had stopped kayaking all together because of the set-up and tear down plus the cleaning was just too time consuming that it took the fun out of it. I ended up buying another hard shell and have loved kayaking again.
I have an AE with the fabric and an Aquaglide Deschutes. The AE is a significantly better boat...handles better. Much more durable. The Deschutes is way a bit easier to dry. Towel it off, reinflate it at home and put it in the sun and it's mostly dry. The worst part is I have to blow a fan into each end which is a pain And the Deschutes got a hole the first time I went out. Scraped something. The only thing it has going for it over the AE is weight. It's super light. But the AE drying difficulty is overblown. I throw the thing in the back of my car straight out of the water, and when I get home I take it apart...skin, inner skin and tube, let it dry overnight, then I put it back together. It's an extra step, but it's worth the portability. It ends up being easier, albeit longer, to dry than the Deschutes. And the extra care means I have had no mildew.
Nice video. Years back I got the original Expedition and it was great. Fast forward to 3 years ago and I got the Expedition Elite with the drop stitch floor. Excellent kayak in any kind of water. Dry time is not a issue as I wipe down and air out all my kayaks, fabric covered or smooth pvs and it's easy and quick. My white water kayak, Aire. is a fabric over air chamber and again, a non issue with drying. I'll take performance first and don't sweat a few hours outside to have it dry. The beauty of the fabric over air chamber is that the air chambers are replaceable if too damaged. If your pvc kayak suffers a large tear, game over and buy a new one. Regarding the Razorlite: kept if for a few months, but it's not a big water kayak with a drain hole that cannot drain off water coming in. Forget trying to paddle it in wind with it's high sides. I did a Lake Tahoe crossing and when the winds kicked up, it was one of the toughest paddles ever to get to shore which was a long distance away. Big water is where the Expedition excels.
Has anyone else had trouble with "swaying" or tracking? When I paddle it goes, right, left, etc. as opposed to just going straight . . . not sure if it's the kayak or operator error!
that's one of the drawbacks of most inflatable kayaks, because most of them have flat hulls, rather than 'V' hulls that track much better. Some inflatables have large removable fins to compensate, whereas this kayak has a small integrated fin. It makes is more durable and more 'all-round' as a kayak, but you are going to get more 'wagging' of the bow when you paddle forward.
Thanks for the video, love them. Now that you have more gear coming - maybe a comparison? I have an advanced element advance frame and was looking for an upgrade. I liked your Sea Eagle Razorlite review - and was curious how the two differ and what the pro/cons would be for several of the inflatable models? Personal usage for me would be longer days (less multi-day trips) so how would the performance etc be with several of these models? That would be fantastic - especially since it's difficult to try before we buy. (ps. where are you paddling, Ottawa river?) thanks!
As a "bigger paddler" myself, I would very much like to see a comparision between the Razorlite or the Explorer vs the AE Expedition. I was planning on purchasing the Explorer, but this new AE boat looks real nice!
Great review, Ken. I'd like to add an advantage that the Expedition Elite and some other multi-layer kayaks have over single layer kayaks: replaceable bladders. I bought the Expedition Elite pre-Covid, with plans to travel to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. If I am on a trip to a very remote area and suffer an irreparable tear, I can have the canvas layers resewn and patched, and the bladders replaced with spares I brought with me. If a catastrophic failure happened to me on a single layer kayak, the trip would be over. This is an exceedingly unlikely scenario, but not impossible. Considering the time and money that could be lost, it's an important backup plan to me. This advantage, along with the Expedition Elite's performance characteristics (great, especially for an inflatable) and load capacity, was a deciding factor when looking at MANY portable kayaks to be my traveling companion. Speaking of traveling, did I mention that the EE can be packed down small and light enough to be checked in as regular luggage on most airlines? A final thought on the Expedition Elite's performance: I haven't had the "turning into a sail in strong crosswinds" issue that plagues most inflatables, including some Advanced Elements models, due to the side pontoons riding so high above the water. The EE's sides, on the other hand, ride very low, so crosswinds tend to flow over it, not against it. I have been very impressed with this often overlooked aspect of my Expedition Elite's design. Hopefully, things will eventually calm down enough that I can finally visit Central Asia and kayak some of those beautiful mountain lakes. Now, if only they would design a better foot brace. Some visual aids to help line up the dropstitch floor before inflation would be helpful, too.
I was born in Kyrgyzstan, beautiful country and I miss it still even if I live now in Canada. You won't regret visiting it for sure, there aren't that many places in the world that are wild and give that feel of a discovery and being a pioneer. I would suggest some do some hiking there also, at least in Ala Archa National Park.
Everyone's writing their review requests. If You could feature PERCEPTION EXPRESSION 11 on Your channel I'd be really happy (I'm thinking about buying one) :P
Great review! It's so good to see reviews that offer a diverse range of kayaks for people that have different lifestyles where space and or putting a kayak on top of a car is not an option. I have the Advanced Elements Advanced Frame and I love it! It's great for fitting it into a car that is packed with camping gear and storing it is a breeze! It tracks well and is pretty durable. The Advanced Elements Advanced Frame is about 30lbs so its feasible to lift alone and get it to the launch once inflated. I've spent hours paddling this kayak (4 + on a single day paddle) and the seat is pretty comfortable - especially the inflatable lumbar support. I added the dura-floor for a bit more firmness on the floor and I also use the backbone and spray skirt as well. For longer paddles, its got pretty good storage behind the seat and I can also add two deck bags on the front and back deck. For the convenience of the size, weight and how small it takes up for storage, I dont mind taking an extra 15 minutes wiping out the boat after use. Once home, I always unpack the boat and pull the inner part out to ensure it dries well. So far, that's worked well for me and havent had an issue with mold. I think one of the important things to keep in mind is that every boat has its limitations - with this boat being an inflatable rec kayak, it performs rather well up to class II water and is a very stable boat. Thanks for taking the time to do a review on this boat. Hopefully the Point 65 North Mercury is in the que for upcoming reviews.
The fact that you need to dry the fabric for more time than an average inflatable kayak made me decide to get the Airvolution instead. Wish they would release a spray skirt for it though!
Apartment dweller here. Been looking for a portable kayak and your reviews have been a godsend. I love that you just reviewed this one as I actually got it a few days ago myself! Had a great time on it yesterday, but had a few issues with tracking. Could be a me issue though. How would you compare this to the Pakayak? I like the hardshell nesting system and not having to worry about mildew. Price aside, I’d love to know your thoughts as I a seriously considering exchanging this and getting a Pakayak.
Both are really nice kayaks, but quite different. The Pakayak is definitely a higher performance 'sea kayak'. It is less stable and less maneuverable, but is considerably faster. While both are portable, the Expedition Elite is significantly lighter... but the Pakayak does have a roller bag, although, if you have to carry the boat, the Elite is much easier to get around. I think the big question relates to stability vs performance... Do you want a kayak that is significantly faster (Pakayak), or do you want a kayak that is significantly more stable (AE). Hope this helps!
⚠ I tested a Pakayak (came dangerously close to buying one sight unseen) and found it: surprising slower than imagined, bulkier than imagined, heavy, and sadly it freaking LEAKED ❗ Purchased an AE Evo (brother to, but narrower, than this AE kayak) and am very happy ❗ NOTE: the AE kayak I purchased is much thinner than the model tested here, that is why my model (Evo) is quicker than the Pakayak too... Best of luck...
I love my inflatable kayak but the issue is I'm going longer distance and it tracks bad im trades her for piont 65 tequila kayak night and day difference
With out a breath of wind or a ripple on the water I would not buy this kayak based on this review.. and if you can not get a spray skirt and to see it’s fit 🤨 will they be available for the consumer if needed.? and while the mid review advertising might appeal to some I would rather know if this kayak can be re entered easily with the smaller cockpit and softer deck? Does the water that ingresses pool in an area that can be pumped out? How does this kayak handle in various wind and water conditions conditions ? But It can be seen it will float and paddle well in a bath tub .. this review could be so much better.!! as the quality of the audio and filming is brilliant 👍🏻
Hi, I just bought one person Advanced elements red color kayak, and upgrading floor to drop stich..bought splash skirt too..I have question for as a water type/level can you explain 1 and 2 level and what is mean open water? and at open water what wave level be safe to paddle? Thanks
@28:52 I just got one and it came with a padded seat, about 4 cms of foam. They probably listen to complaints and upgraded accordingly. Manufacturing year is 2022. And the straps of the foot support bar can be tighten much more than in the video and ends up staying reasonably high.
I own this and I am pretty happy with it. I agree with everything in Ken's review. Mine DID come with a pump. The first time it was hard to inflate because the valves take some getting used to, but I have gotten better at it in time, and now I can set it up in 15 mins. I will say that I have never managed to fold it back into the bag with enough give to close the bag. On the water it handles great!! My only complaint is that, compared to my hardshell kayaks, it is slow, I think because it is wide in the beam. Otherwise it feels just like a normal kayak.
Hello, Thank you for your awesome review of the Expetition and your videos. I'm hoping that you'll test and review the Advanced Elements AirFusion Evo. I currently own the AE Convertible and the Expedition and love both. Looking to add to my collection with a performance inflatable.
Thanks for this review. I am thinking about the AE Expedition Elite but am debating getting the Aquaglide Navarro 130. Any advice on this? The Expedition Elite is heavier, but I like the sounds of the seat and lumbar back support. The open convertible option on the Navarro is nice, on the other hand, but I also read that inflating it can be challenging because of recent changes to the valves. Any thoughts?
From what I see of this kayak in the video, I prefer my Sea Eagle Razorlite. It's all drop stitch, easy to dry, lots of storage for camping, easy to re-enter from the water if you flip. I can inflate min with the manual pump in 3 mins 20 secs. A bit lighter too, though not light at 35 lbs. This kayak would probably be better in rougher water though. But if you fell out, getting back doesn't look easy. Sea Eagle provided a video showing re-entry from the water. I think it was under 7 seconds. And the kayak won't fill up with water so you can't paddle like many kayaks.
I have this one the AE ex elite and my friend got the razorlite this year, the razorlite feels quite a bit faster on the water - it is the better choice I think for most - the dry time is a lot better too. The stability the AE has is a small bonus, but not a big deal once you get used to your kayak. Though the AE may be a little better in rough conditions and wind if anything.
@@jm-bv1wh I have not tried a re-enter on my Razorlite, but I'll make it a point next season. I have re-entered my Sea Eagle Paddleski 435ps, and it took about the same amount of time as shown in the Razorlite video. After almost 500 paddles, I took down my WindPaddle sail and knocked the paddle in the water moving backwards to my seat. I over reached to grab it before the wind blew the paddle away and managed to fall off the boat for the first time. The water was still cold as it was April. Thankfully, I was back on board so fast, I didn't even notice the water temp. I've never known Sea Eagle to mislead in any of their videos. I've watched many of them. As with any product, it's not always as easy as what the manufacturer can do. It took me a long time to pack my Razorlite as shown in their video, but after much practice and carefully watching, I can do it. Drying time adds a lot of extra time however, which I do after every use.
Yup! Here are a couple: ua-cam.com/video/2oLj84yDUZo/v-deo.html and ua-cam.com/video/7nka1Cp6Omg/v-deo.html Fortunately, most companies that make crappy kayaks go out of business pretty quickly. The question usually isn't whether a kayak is good or not, but who the kayak is designed for, and whether it offers good value.
Nice one, concidering it for a spin. What is the PSI in Chambers and in Drop stitch? Paddle looks great, what is the size? (I am 6'2), but it is narrow so 230cm? Or even shorter!? Have you tried Aquaglide Navarro 130? Cheers
About the foot brace - the Cloud inlfatable footbrace from Isle fits perfectly. Available for $60 I think. Holds the deck up too and is SOLID. Massive upgrade.
Good question. The Kokopelli Moki does look like a nice kayak. I'm looking forward to trying it. The AE kayak will likely paddle significantly better, because it's narrower (32" vs 35") and because of the hard edge V-bow frame, which allows the kayak to cut through the water a lot more like a hardshell. The outer fabric layer will also probably make it more durable over the long term. On the flip side, the removable skirt is a nice feature on the Moki, making it much easier to get into and out of. It's also lighter because it doesn't have the outer fabric, and will be quicker to 'dry' when you're done with it. I think both are solid choices... the biggest difference is probably the added performance of the AE.
I had the SE 393RL and it's a good tracking/paddling touring kayak, but only on calm water and no wind. It's also a "pay attention" kayak meaning it's not nearly as stable as many, especially the Expedition Elite which is rock stable. The Expedition is able to handle wind, waves, swells much better.
Thank you for commenting on ease of entering/exiting this kayak. I think this kayak would probably present challenges for me to get out of comfortably. Otherwise, I like the design and features of this kayak. Great review. Thanks.
I travel in a high roof class B & need a foldable or inflatable. I was excited when I saw this one. Then I saw the short cockpit. By watching you, I can tell I wouldn’t be able to get in it. I looked at the Oru Lake & Bay. Tried the Lake, wasn’t impressed. I had a Bay available to try but I have a knee with limited range of motion & could not bend it tight enough to get in the 30” cockpit. The cockpit on this one looks very short as well. I REALLY want a 12’ Wilderness sit-ON… I think it is the Tarpon 120. I love the way it tracks. Knowing that is my preference, anything inflatable you can recommend? BTW… I’m 5’3” & 74 YO, so yours is pushing my toting limit.
Yes, the short cockpit does make it more difficult to get into. One of the perks of sit-on-top kayaks is that they're easier to get on and off. That being said, if you like the idea of a sit-inside, you might want to try the Oru Beach sit-inside. It has a large cockpit, and is super light (25lbs). As for Sit-on-tops, the Sea Eagle 393 Razor Lite isn't as light, but it's better performing (but not as stable). The AquaGlide Chelan 120 is light, stable, and still pretty fun to paddle. I recently reviewed it, and was pleasantly surprised. Those are the portable kayaks that pop to mind first. Hope that helps!
@@PaddleTV Thanks. I have the opportunity to try out the Beach if I can make a connection with the owner. I’ll take a look at your review on the AquaGlide & check on the others. Thanks!
I'm wondering if you can recommend ways to portage with AE inflatables. I have a the 2 person convertible that I love taking camping but portage has been very difficult even with 2 people and solo? Forget it. What would you recommend for portage over rough terrain like Algonquin Park with these kayaks?
Truth be told... this is the BIG difference between canoes and kayaks. Kayaks aren't nearly as 'portage-friendly'. Kayak carts don't work in Algonquin (tried that already!), and so carrying it tandem (one person at each end) is the best option. I would remove any extra weight from inside when doing so. Sorry I don't have a better solution for you! This is the biggest reason why you don't see many kayaks in Algonquin (where there are portages).
@@PaddleTV Hey no worries! I appreciate it and have been coming to a similar, albeit frustrating conclusion. I've been enjoying paddling the bigger lakes in my AE but the portages broke me (and they were relatively short). Did a tandem carry but my hope is to try a solo trip next year and I just don't know if I can pull it off.
The x500 has no skeg (poor tracking, winds pushes it), it's not for anyone over 6' as it has a small cockpit. No warranty here in US with Itiwit by Decathlon. They closed their only two stores in the US this past February. US buyers beware
Do you feel this kayak would work for off coast kayaking such as the Puget Sound? Also wonder if a water repellent on the fabric top would reduce or eliminate the need to dry as long as you stated in the video?
It's a good question about the water repellent... It would speed up the drying, although you would still want to get all the water out. I wouldn't be super comfortable in this kayak in exposed water where I'm relying on my skirt. This soft cockpit coaming wouldn't hold your skirt on if a wave dumped on you. It really is more of a calm water boat. If you want a portable that can handle rough stuff, you should consider something like the Pakayak Bluefin 142.
Thanks for the response! I actually just bought this on Wednesday. They were selling it online for half price so I couldn't beat the deal. For the most part I shouldn't hit huge surf in the times that I would be in the sound and the rest of the time I'll use it on lakes. I did order the skirt so I'll figure out a way to make that work whether it be with Velcro or something that might hold it on better. Reason I ended up going with this one instead of something like the pakayak is due to weight constraints. I'm a larger guy so it's very hard to find kayaks that can hold heavier weight. But this is one of the few that does that I can actually purchase because somebody has it in stock. I'll keep everything you mentioned in the video in mind and see how it works and hopefully everything goes well!
I wouldn't want to be the one that brought that boat to meet a group for a touring kayak trip. Then again, I wouldn't want to be one of the ones waiting twenty minutes at a time for that one to catch up .
I have a sea kayak, P&H Capella, and the Expedition Elite and the speed difference is there, but not as big as one would think. If speed is your priority, stick with a hard shell sea kayak or better yet, go with a Huki or Epic surf ski.
@@gloppy101 I'm talking about the difference between a glorified pool toy and touring kayaks. I've led groups where a few brought inflatable boats. The other paddlers had to wait repeatedly. Now those outings specify no inflatable boats. We do allow inflatable boats on downriver floats or if we're not going more than two miles. It wasn't fair to the people who could keep up. That being said, if I want to tour fast, a surf-ski isn't much of an option as storage is negligible. However, my Epic 18x can average over 4mph over 30 miles.
@@wisenber People discuss the type of boats they are going to use before doing any trip. I would not expect people using 18' touring kayaks to want to paddle with 14'. yet alone inflatables. What I have seen is people tend to travel in similar types of boats. These are great boats, especially in the inflatable world. They are tough and safe, and very portable. When it comes to price, you cant go wrong. If you take care of it, you can expect at least 10 years, and I would go as far as 20, making great value.
@@tonyallen4573 " I would not expect people using 18' touring kayaks to want to paddle with 14'." Our group has those ranges regularly on flatwater day trips up to about 12 miles or weekend kayak camping. The requirement tends to be "able to maintain an average 3 mph hour pace" which both a 14 and an 18 can. For that matter when a 14 ft boat and an 18 ft boat of the same width are traveling at 3 mph, the 14 ft requires less energy to do so. However the 18 ft will have a higher hull speed. Inflatables like this one just can't. When I need something more portable, I do have a 31 year old Klepper A2 and a DIY Yostwerks. The Klepper does require varnish be reapplied to the wooden parts every five years or so if you want it to make it to 50 years.
@@wisenber the people in the 18' boats are then working harder to stay with the 14' boats if its less effort to go at 3mph. You also made my point that you discuss boats first.
I've done a 3 day trip with the Expedition Elite. I use a deck bag up front and a large dry bag, strap secured, on the back. I took a 2 man tent, sleeping bag and air pad, food, water. Decent storage under rear deck too. It's my any water/weather condition kayak (I have other inflatables). Build quality is excellent with high grade materials and a thick pvc hull that is tough.
He just keeps reviewing crappier and crappier gear. PaddleTV is now mostly about throw-away water toys. I can't imagine anyone who buys this would use it more than 2 or 3 times before shoving it in the basement to sit for 10 years before it goes to the landfill.
My wife and I each got one and we never really cared for them. They are slow on the water and take forever to set up and tear down. Especially when other people are waiting for you to get out on the water.
Ken's videos are watched world wide and he's just responding to requests. Clearly you never tried a advanced elements kayak. These are top of the range inflatables. The younger kayak market is all inflatables. The success of paddle boards, intex and decathlon kayak's prove that. From what I can see inflatables are used by people who only go out about once a week in the summer, then sit by the side of the water eating or drinking. Few are car owners and most use public tranport and easy long term storage is a selling point. Picking up a cheap flight from London to Rome and spending a weekend on the water is normal here. I'm not sure if America got the same "green" growning public tranport infrastructure like the UK & EU or even asia, but you cant take a 4 meter kayak on the train. Even I'm thinking about an inflatable for next year and I've got 3 kayaks including the mighty kahuna !! Next summer I'd love to paddle down the Seine river, none of my kayaks will fit on the eurostar train. And if you believe driving is option come here and try it !!!!!!
Dragging a 35-45 lb inflatable kayak in a bag along with the paddle and a electric pump that weighs several lbs as well on public transportation will be no picnic as well.
@@Joe-xq1nt I've never seen an electric pump being used here. 20kg bag is nothing & paddles break down. Travel on train here and see them for yourself.
Peter.. I’ve got a sea eagle 393 RL. Weighs 16kg and in the bag on your shoulders it’s no picnic going any distance. I’ve done it many times. These bags are not like having a framed back pack with much more weight. That’s much easier and much more comfortable. I’ve done that as well. The sea eagle RL is awesome on the water. Only reason I still have it.
dude, you can get a $20 pump most anywhere. If you let that stop you, it's definaetly not for you. Most kayakers prefer to buy their own pump as the cheepo's don't last.
I own this kayak and consider myself an advanced paddler. I have paddled many different kayaks, rigid and inflatable. I was looking for an inflatable kayak that was very versatile and somewhat durable. I wanted one that I could go in class 2+ rapids on rivers and also paddle in open ocean with swells and rough water and feel safe. I even wanted to be able to ocean surf in it. There are good things I like, such as the stability (excellent) and it tracks ok, but there are more things I was disappointed in that were not mentioned or elaborated on in this review. First is blowing up the kayak. It takes considerably longer and for some stupid reason AE has put 2 different types of valves in the many chambers. Some are the standard twist valves like in SUPs and other inflatable kayaks, but then there are other valves where you have to screw on the pump fitting. This is a major PIA and why didn't they just use the same twist valve everywhere??? Then there are some sections that you use your mouth to blow up which isn't really that bad. Second, this boat is extremely difficult to dry out especially if you get water inside the kayak. And if you get some sand in it, the chore is even worse. If it's not sunny it is not going to dry out unless you bring it inside your house and open it up over night. This is mostly because of the fabric cover and the difficulty to access the nooks and crannys with a sponge or rag. I have other inflatable kayaks that I can dry out easily and quickly. Third, the combing around the cockpit is no good. It is just not rigid enough. Because of the 2 valves to blow up the combing are in the back, it is next to impossible to get a skirt on by yourself. I went down a section of the Flathead with class 2/3 water and the skirt just would not stay on. Not imploded by waves, just not a stiff enough combing and came off just paddling. 4th, I think this kayak is too heavy and bulky in the bag for an inflatable. I am going to sell it and get a Sea Eagle, Aquaglide or Itiwit that isn't tubes with a cover over them. I think this guy does good reviews but misses some of the stuff that matter (to me at least).
I think the advanced elements advanced frame kayak is better vaule and costs £400 less. The trade off is the weight capacity. The expedition elite can take 200kgs, the frame kayak can about only take 130kgs. Advanced elements make cracking boats and I'd love to own one but right now with energy price increase here.... it will have to wait.
I bought one of these this spring. Overall, I like it. I agree about the footrest. I simply removed mine and brace my legs against the sides. But I’m just over 6’ and ~210 pounds, so that may not work for smaller people. Also kept scraping my shins on the arced aluminum crossbar just forward of the cockpit. Fixed that problem by sliding an old bicycle inner tube over the bar.
Thanks for the video! It is great as usual. If it possible could you record a review for decathlon itiwit x500l, please?
Couldn't agree more about the foot support falling to the floor Ken. It seems to be an area where almost all inflatable kayak manufacturers fall short. They often seem to treat the foot support as an afterthought, sadly. Anyway, I quite like the boat. Love that lake you paddle, too. What a fabulous bit of water. Are you any closer to airing that Oru (Bay?) video? I'm tempted by one. It has a half decent foot support, I think. Great review again!
Always love opening new video from you, thank you!
Thanks for another great review. I have a version of this boat and love it. I took it on a 12 mile trip down the River Dee in Scotland through class 1 and 2 water this summer and it did a fantastic job. One thing you didn't cover was the zip though. The bow in particular has a large zip on it, useful for drying, but it lets water in if the deck takes a wave. It's worth highlighting and I'd be interested to know if you or your viewers have any ideas to minimise this issue.
Good point about the Zip. I didn't try it in conditions with waves that big. I'm not sure if there's anything you can do about that...
Awesome review and information as always Ken. However, there are so many things I don't like about this Yak, it would take too long to list them all. So I will stick with my itiwit x500.
One thing I do like is the colour.
Can't wait to test the x500!
@@PaddleTV I guarantee you'll love it. It's great on the river and in the Sea, and apparently you can use it for white water rafting but I have no experience or training for whitewater so I won't be able to try that out. However I know a bloke called Ken who may give it a go!!! 👍
@@PaddleTV Yes please. Can you do it soon please 🙂 .
The dial up tone when you were trying to find the right words to say 😂
Ken, did you see the upcoming Aquaglide Cirrus line? They will use TPU like in most packrafts instead of the PVC or rubber found in most inflatable kayaks leading to an almost 50% reduction in weight. Also, any luck tracking down an Ititwit x500 by Decathlon?
I somewhat disagree that it takes longer to inflate than other kayaks. There are 9 chambers but most are low volume low pressure filled with a couple of breaths. The largest three chambers - floor at 5-6psi, main chamber1 at 35 pump strokes, main chamber 2 at 2psi. Other kayaks have higher psi all chambers. And it's faster than pumping my SUP to 15psi!
Another good review, cheers!!! I "solved" The problem of the coaming on my Aqauglide Navarro by the very low tech method of replacing the inflatable tube with a pool noodle sliced down the middle and it gets inserted before inflating. Holds my spray skirt nice and tight!
Would have liked to see how the optional skeg would improve the performance and tracking
Work well in wind and current. In normal conditions, the rudder is not needed. Btw, skegs are permanent/fixed fins on the bottom vs rudders mounted on the rear.
After seeing your review which was very thorough and spot on, I purchased the Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Kayak and the NRS clearwater PFD as they were both on sale over labor day. Both perform well! I was out on a lake with a 10-15 mph wind and the the tracking was impressive and I did not experience any weather cocking. My back stayed a lot cooler as well with the clearwater PFD. As you noted, this one needs a little extra care to totally dry out. I found that removing the floor was easy and allowed me to wipe down the floor bottom. Your reviews are great
Great to hear! And congrats on the new toys! :)
I’m a pretty short guy, and have found some inflatables to be hard to paddle because they are so wide, how woul is this one for shorter people with shorter arms?
Thanks for an in depth review. $829 with pump on the big A online store today 6-24-24. Fits my needs at a reasonable price.
Appreciate the review for this Kayak. Super good vidéo : explications . This is not expensive . The Gumotex Rush in Tchékoslovaquie (Rivers II à III) cost the double. Thanks 😃👍🐬🌎🌍
I agree with the previous review. Takes lot of time and efforts to inflate, drying is a big pain and it is too heavy for one person to carry. I still keep it, but already purchased a hard shell 10 feet kayak and enjoy its simplicity.
I absolutely LOVE mine!!! Great boat and a great review!!
That looks great on the water! I have 2 adv frame, one convertible tandem, one single, both came with the pump from Air Kayaks... even though I only needed one, I got 2. I got the advanced elite though, not the expedition. I am really surprised they don't all come with the pump... it's nice, dual action, and takes very little effort to use, even on the 19' tandem.
Also, offering Expedition at rei for $823, no pump.
Cool! Thanks for sharing.
Pumps cost $20. Some like a high performance pump to speed up the process, but the Elite is a fast fill with a basic pump. I fill the small valves by mouth..easy and faster than hooking up a pump fitting.
I don't know if Ken is still monitoring the comments in these older videos but I have a question.
Why is this good and capable of shooting rapids but not the advancedframe model? Same materials.
The other one you describe as a beginner model. It's smaller but not much wider. It doesn't have as much storage capacity but should be able to carry a small backpack and maybe a tent.
At least a soft cooler and some sandwiches or something for a day trip.
And this one has the drop stitch floor but the advancedframe you tested didn't have the optional drop stitch floor or backbone.
Just curious because they are selling the advancedframe for half off.
Hi you should review ittiwi x500 by Decathlon.
Decathalon (distributor) has no US store and thus no US warranty. It's a ok kayak, but not for anyone over 6' tall. It also has a lot of wag since to skeg. Deal breaker.
@@gloppy101 They're available in Canada though (where these videos are mainly filmed)
Would this work for someone 6'3 around 270? I hear that some people need to purchase a "backbone" to keep the weight distributed even with drop stitch flooring?
Instead of pulling the kayak out of the bag, flip the bag with the opening on the ground. Pull the bag off the kayak. Putting it back in the bag is almost the same except that you slip the bag on the kayak. Flip it back over grab the handles and you are good to go.
Scam artists are hitting your channel hard. Offering free $1000 gifts for randomly selected posts. I suppose there’s no way of stopping their posts and assume no one would fall for it.
Thanks Joe. I've reported them and tried blocking them, and so hopefully UA-cam deals with it quickly.
Appreciate the review for this Kayak. Been searching for a good video like this for a while. Advanced Elements is a fantastic company!
Is it a flat bottom?
It is a very capable kayak! Great review as always!
Offering such an expensive boat without an air pump is cheeky. Sorry
Your reviews are excellent - comprehensive, thoughtful, realistic, and interesting.
Thank you kindly!
I have a prijon calabria,a tahe marine and a advanve frame with the backbone....i love my kayaks for seperate reasons....but advance elements frame always puts a smile in my face......very conford and ive putted it in the worst weathers (with spray skirt and some mods) and even serf with it and had zoro issues!!!its not a baloon kayak....its a proper kayak.....
I’ve had inflatables before and mildew is a big problem. You really have to keep them clean and dry. What you gain in portability is often lost for other reasons. Or it becomes such a hassle to set it up and pack it away that you end up not using it as much.
It is important to towel dry them. My routine is to place them on a tarp immediately out of the water as you never know what kind of surface you'll have to work with (ideally place on grass or a clean dock), and towel dry them. Also important to have an inflatable that you can easily dry. These kayaks with fabric around them are much more effort to dry, so factor that into this model.
Towel drying adds an extra 2-3 mins packing time on mine. I have several that are over 10 years old, and one that has been used almost 500 times that still looks like brand new. Most of the time I don't need to clean, but I use Simple Green spray (available at Walmart cheap) when it does need to be cleaned.
I think it’s a problem with inflatables that have the cloth outer cover. If you go with an inflatable that is PVC on the outside, a quick toweling off before and during folding it up is all you need to avoid mildew. Just make sure it’s fully dry. I have a couple 100% drop stitch kayaks and have had no mildew problems with regular use over a year. The toweling maybe adds an extra sixty seconds to pack up.
I own a sea eagle razor light. On the water it’s great.. long as there’s no weeds for that long skeg to catch and drag along. Several of us went out with my being the only inflatable. I could keep up and surpass the old town and the pungo kayaks. The eddyline 12’ I could not. When we were done; in the time it took for me to wipe it out, deflate it using the pump,(make it easier to fold up) getting it in the bag and back into my jeep the rest had loaded theirs, we’re eating lunch and on their second beer. Then when I got home I still had to I inflate it again and set it out to really dry before storing it. Not to mention these have to be stored at room temperature. Something they don’t mention in the sales brochures. Their perfect for someone, but I don’t think for me. Soon as the Gobi rack for my jeep arrives I’m buying hard shell kayaks.
I own this kayak and found I had stopped kayaking all together because of the set-up and tear down plus the cleaning was just too time consuming that it took the fun out of it. I ended up buying another hard shell and have loved kayaking again.
I have an AE with the fabric and an Aquaglide Deschutes. The AE is a significantly better boat...handles better. Much more durable. The Deschutes is way a bit easier to dry. Towel it off, reinflate it at home and put it in the sun and it's mostly dry. The worst part is I have to blow a fan into each end which is a pain And the Deschutes got a hole the first time I went out. Scraped something. The only thing it has going for it over the AE is weight. It's super light.
But the AE drying difficulty is overblown. I throw the thing in the back of my car straight out of the water, and when I get home I take it apart...skin, inner skin and tube, let it dry overnight, then I put it back together. It's an extra step, but it's worth the portability.
It ends up being easier, albeit longer, to dry than the Deschutes. And the extra care means I have had no mildew.
Are the valves the same fittings that are the same as like on typical SUPs?
Nice video. Years back I got the original Expedition and it was great. Fast forward to 3 years ago and I got the Expedition Elite with the drop stitch floor. Excellent kayak in any kind of water. Dry time is not a issue as I wipe down and air out all my kayaks, fabric covered or smooth pvs and it's easy and quick. My white water kayak, Aire. is a fabric over air chamber and again, a non issue with drying. I'll take performance first and don't sweat a few hours outside to have it dry. The beauty of the fabric over air chamber is that the air chambers are replaceable if too damaged. If your pvc kayak suffers a large tear, game over and buy a new one. Regarding the Razorlite: kept if for a few months, but it's not a big water kayak with a drain hole that cannot drain off water coming in. Forget trying to paddle it in wind with it's high sides. I did a Lake Tahoe crossing and when the winds kicked up, it was one of the toughest paddles ever to get to shore which was a long distance away. Big water is where the Expedition excels.
Nice! Thanks for sharing your experience with it.
Has anyone else had trouble with "swaying" or tracking? When I paddle it goes, right, left, etc. as opposed to just going straight . . . not sure if it's the kayak or operator error!
that's one of the drawbacks of most inflatable kayaks, because most of them have flat hulls, rather than 'V' hulls that track much better. Some inflatables have large removable fins to compensate, whereas this kayak has a small integrated fin. It makes is more durable and more 'all-round' as a kayak, but you are going to get more 'wagging' of the bow when you paddle forward.
I take this out to the center of the San Francisco Bay all the time 😂
Thanks for the video, love them. Now that you have more gear coming - maybe a comparison? I have an advanced element advance frame and was looking for an upgrade. I liked your Sea Eagle Razorlite review - and was curious how the two differ and what the pro/cons would be for several of the inflatable models? Personal usage for me would be longer days (less multi-day trips) so how would the performance etc be with several of these models? That would be fantastic - especially since it's difficult to try before we buy. (ps. where are you paddling, Ottawa river?) thanks!
I would like to do more comparisons... stay tuned for that. Yup. This was filmed on the Ottawa River.
As a "bigger paddler" myself, I would very much like to see a comparision between the Razorlite or the Explorer vs the AE Expedition. I was planning on purchasing the Explorer, but this new AE boat looks real nice!
Great review, Ken. I'd like to add an advantage that the Expedition Elite and some other multi-layer kayaks have over single layer kayaks: replaceable bladders. I bought the Expedition Elite pre-Covid, with plans to travel to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. If I am on a trip to a very remote area and suffer an irreparable tear, I can have the canvas layers resewn and patched, and the bladders replaced with spares I brought with me. If a catastrophic failure happened to me on a single layer kayak, the trip would be over. This is an exceedingly unlikely scenario, but not impossible. Considering the time and money that could be lost, it's an important backup plan to me.
This advantage, along with the Expedition Elite's performance characteristics (great, especially for an inflatable) and load capacity, was a deciding factor when looking at MANY portable kayaks to be my traveling companion. Speaking of traveling, did I mention that the EE can be packed down small and light enough to be checked in as regular luggage on most airlines?
A final thought on the Expedition Elite's performance: I haven't had the "turning into a sail in strong crosswinds" issue that plagues most inflatables, including some Advanced Elements models, due to the side pontoons riding so high above the water. The EE's sides, on the other hand, ride very low, so crosswinds tend to flow over it, not against it. I have been very impressed with this often overlooked aspect of my Expedition Elite's design.
Hopefully, things will eventually calm down enough that I can finally visit Central Asia and kayak some of those beautiful mountain lakes. Now, if only they would design a better foot brace. Some visual aids to help line up the dropstitch floor before inflation would be helpful, too.
I was born in Kyrgyzstan, beautiful country and I miss it still even if I live now in Canada. You won't regret visiting it for sure, there aren't that many places in the world that are wild and give that feel of a discovery and being a pioneer. I would suggest some do some hiking there also, at least in Ala Archa National Park.
Very cool insight from someone who has put the kayak to the REAL test! Thanks for sharing all of this!
Everyone's writing their review requests. If You could feature PERCEPTION EXPRESSION 11 on Your channel I'd be really happy (I'm thinking about buying one) :P
Great review! It's so good to see reviews that offer a diverse range of kayaks for people that have different lifestyles where space and or putting a kayak on top of a car is not an option. I have the Advanced Elements Advanced Frame and I love it! It's great for fitting it into a car that is packed with camping gear and storing it is a breeze! It tracks well and is pretty durable. The Advanced Elements Advanced Frame is about 30lbs so its feasible to lift alone and get it to the launch once inflated. I've spent hours paddling this kayak (4 + on a single day paddle) and the seat is pretty comfortable - especially the inflatable lumbar support. I added the dura-floor for a bit more firmness on the floor and I also use the backbone and spray skirt as well. For longer paddles, its got pretty good storage behind the seat and I can also add two deck bags on the front and back deck. For the convenience of the size, weight and how small it takes up for storage, I dont mind taking an extra 15 minutes wiping out the boat after use. Once home, I always unpack the boat and pull the inner part out to ensure it dries well. So far, that's worked well for me and havent had an issue with mold. I think one of the important things to keep in mind is that every boat has its limitations - with this boat being an inflatable rec kayak, it performs rather well up to class II water and is a very stable boat. Thanks for taking the time to do a review on this boat. Hopefully the Point 65 North Mercury is in the que for upcoming reviews.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the Advanced Frame!
The fact that you need to dry the fabric for more time than an average inflatable kayak made me decide to get the Airvolution instead. Wish they would release a spray skirt for it though!
Apartment dweller here. Been looking for a portable kayak and your reviews have been a godsend. I love that you just reviewed this one as I actually got it a few days ago myself! Had a great time on it yesterday, but had a few issues with tracking. Could be a me issue though.
How would you compare this to the Pakayak? I like the hardshell nesting system and not having to worry about mildew. Price aside, I’d love to know your thoughts as I a seriously considering exchanging this and getting a Pakayak.
Both are really nice kayaks, but quite different. The Pakayak is definitely a higher performance 'sea kayak'. It is less stable and less maneuverable, but is considerably faster. While both are portable, the Expedition Elite is significantly lighter... but the Pakayak does have a roller bag, although, if you have to carry the boat, the Elite is much easier to get around. I think the big question relates to stability vs performance... Do you want a kayak that is significantly faster (Pakayak), or do you want a kayak that is significantly more stable (AE). Hope this helps!
⚠ I tested a Pakayak (came dangerously close to buying one sight unseen) and found it: surprising slower than imagined, bulkier than imagined, heavy, and sadly it freaking LEAKED ❗ Purchased an AE Evo (brother to, but narrower, than this AE kayak) and am very happy ❗ NOTE: the AE kayak I purchased is much thinner than the model tested here, that is why my model (Evo) is quicker than the Pakayak too... Best of luck...
I love my inflatable kayak but the issue is I'm going longer distance and it tracks bad im trades her for piont 65 tequila kayak night and day difference
With out a breath of wind or a ripple on the water I would not buy this kayak based on this review.. and if you can not get a spray skirt and to see it’s fit 🤨 will they be available for the consumer if needed.? and while the mid review advertising might appeal to some I would rather know if this kayak can be re entered easily with the smaller cockpit and softer deck? Does the water that ingresses pool in an area that can be pumped out? How does this kayak handle in various wind and water conditions conditions ? But It can be seen it will float and paddle well in a bath tub .. this review could be so much better.!! as the quality of the audio and filming is brilliant 👍🏻
Hi, I just bought one person Advanced elements red color kayak, and upgrading floor to drop stich..bought splash skirt too..I have question for as a water type/level can you explain 1 and 2 level and what is mean open water? and at open water what wave level be safe to paddle?
Thanks
@28:52 I just got one and it came with a padded seat, about 4 cms of foam. They probably listen to complaints and upgraded accordingly. Manufacturing year is 2022. And the straps of the foot support bar can be tighten much more than in the video and ends up staying reasonably high.
I own this and I am pretty happy with it. I agree with everything in Ken's review. Mine DID come with a pump. The first time it was hard to inflate because the valves take some getting used to, but I have gotten better at it in time, and now I can set it up in 15 mins. I will say that I have never managed to fold it back into the bag with enough give to close the bag. On the water it handles great!! My only complaint is that, compared to my hardshell kayaks, it is slow, I think because it is wide in the beam. Otherwise it feels just like a normal kayak.
can't wait for you to test a real portable sit-in kayak such as the Itiwit x500. That's what im looking forward to. Great video!
Look forward to trying the X500 myself!
Hello, Thank you for your awesome review of the Expetition and your videos. I'm hoping that you'll test and review the Advanced Elements AirFusion Evo. I currently own the AE Convertible and the Expedition and love both. Looking to add to my collection with a performance inflatable.
Thanks for this review. I am thinking about the AE Expedition Elite but am debating getting the Aquaglide Navarro 130. Any advice on this? The Expedition Elite is heavier, but I like the sounds of the seat and lumbar back support. The open convertible option on the Navarro is nice, on the other hand, but I also read that inflating it can be challenging because of recent changes to the valves. Any thoughts?
I'd love to see a review of Perception's Joyride (12ft) kayak.
Hello. Can a disassembled bicycle be attached to the front of the kayak, and the wheels to the rear? Has anyone tried this?
I bought it a couple of weeks ago and i love it!
What kind is skirt do you recommend for Itwit x500 besides the Decathlon option?
I don't know of any skirt that would fit besides their own.
@@PaddleTV thank you! I very much appreciate your videos. I am a beginner inkayaking and are helping me to go from rowing to kayaking.
do you think make some Waterproofing on tp fabric makes fully dry it after use?
Could you review itiwit 500 kayak and compare to this one
Hope to do so very soon!
@@PaddleTV pretty, pretty please!
What's the best inflatable for kayak camping with a dog?
Love the tip with the drybag to stop blowing the skirt.
This kayak is on sale for less than $700 right now from REI
Being older, I wish they had made the cockpit larger.
From what I see of this kayak in the video, I prefer my Sea Eagle Razorlite. It's all drop stitch, easy to dry, lots of storage for camping, easy to re-enter from the water if you flip. I can inflate min with the manual pump in 3 mins 20 secs. A bit lighter too, though not light at 35 lbs.
This kayak would probably be better in rougher water though. But if you fell out, getting back doesn't look easy. Sea Eagle provided a video showing re-entry from the water. I think it was under 7 seconds. And the kayak won't fill up with water so you can't paddle like many kayaks.
I have this one the AE ex elite and my friend got the razorlite this year, the razorlite feels quite a bit faster on the water - it is the better choice I think for most - the dry time is a lot better too. The stability the AE has is a small bonus, but not a big deal once you get used to your kayak. Though the AE may be a little better in rough conditions and wind if anything.
The Sea Eagles re-entry video was misleading, as the person was standing on the bottom of the waterway! So not a real-world test at all.
@@jm-bv1wh I have not tried a re-enter on my Razorlite, but I'll make it a point next season. I have re-entered my Sea Eagle Paddleski 435ps, and it took about the same amount of time as shown in the Razorlite video.
After almost 500 paddles, I took down my WindPaddle sail and knocked the paddle in the water moving backwards to my seat. I over reached to grab it before the wind blew the paddle away and managed to fall off the boat for the first time. The water was still cold as it was April. Thankfully, I was back on board so fast, I didn't even notice the water temp.
I've never known Sea Eagle to mislead in any of their videos. I've watched many of them. As with any product, it's not always as easy as what the manufacturer can do. It took me a long time to pack my Razorlite as shown in their video, but after much practice and carefully watching, I can do it. Drying time adds a lot of extra time however, which I do after every use.
Is your sea eagle still holding up? Heard of issues with them cracking and leaking at the folds.
Have you ever reviewed a kayak that you didn't like?
Yup! Here are a couple: ua-cam.com/video/2oLj84yDUZo/v-deo.html and ua-cam.com/video/7nka1Cp6Omg/v-deo.html Fortunately, most companies that make crappy kayaks go out of business pretty quickly. The question usually isn't whether a kayak is good or not, but who the kayak is designed for, and whether it offers good value.
Nice one, concidering it for a spin. What is the PSI in Chambers and in Drop stitch? Paddle looks great, what is the size? (I am 6'2), but it is narrow so 230cm? Or even shorter!? Have you tried Aquaglide Navarro 130? Cheers
I'm also 6'2" and love my 240cm paddle with the AE Expedition Elite.
About the foot brace - the Cloud inlfatable footbrace from Isle fits perfectly. Available for $60 I think. Holds the deck up too and is SOLID. Massive upgrade.
I'll have to check that out!
Can u review the Saturn Inflatable pedal drive kayak?
Itiwit x 500.. 650€ ..the best inflatable kayak
How do you compare this kayak to the Kokopelli Moki I ? They have very similar construction and features.
Good question. The Kokopelli Moki does look like a nice kayak. I'm looking forward to trying it. The AE kayak will likely paddle significantly better, because it's narrower (32" vs 35") and because of the hard edge V-bow frame, which allows the kayak to cut through the water a lot more like a hardshell. The outer fabric layer will also probably make it more durable over the long term. On the flip side, the removable skirt is a nice feature on the Moki, making it much easier to get into and out of. It's also lighter because it doesn't have the outer fabric, and will be quicker to 'dry' when you're done with it. I think both are solid choices... the biggest difference is probably the added performance of the AE.
How does this kayak compare to the Sea Eagle 393RL inflatable? Does it track as well? Is it faster?
I had the SE 393RL and it's a good tracking/paddling touring kayak, but only on calm water and no wind. It's also a "pay attention" kayak meaning it's not nearly as stable as many, especially the Expedition Elite which is rock stable. The Expedition is able to handle wind, waves, swells much better.
Thank you for commenting on ease of entering/exiting this kayak. I think this kayak would probably present challenges for me to get out of comfortably. Otherwise, I like the design and features of this kayak. Great review. Thanks.
Cheers!
I travel in a high roof class B & need a foldable or inflatable. I was excited when I saw this one. Then I saw the short cockpit. By watching you, I can tell I wouldn’t be able to get in it. I looked at the Oru Lake & Bay. Tried the Lake, wasn’t impressed. I had a Bay available to try but I have a knee with limited range of motion & could not bend it tight enough to get in the 30” cockpit. The cockpit on this one looks very short as well.
I REALLY want a 12’ Wilderness sit-ON… I think it is the Tarpon 120. I love the way it tracks. Knowing that is my preference, anything inflatable you can recommend? BTW… I’m 5’3” & 74 YO, so yours is pushing my toting limit.
Yes, the short cockpit does make it more difficult to get into. One of the perks of sit-on-top kayaks is that they're easier to get on and off. That being said, if you like the idea of a sit-inside, you might want to try the Oru Beach sit-inside. It has a large cockpit, and is super light (25lbs). As for Sit-on-tops, the Sea Eagle 393 Razor Lite isn't as light, but it's better performing (but not as stable). The AquaGlide Chelan 120 is light, stable, and still pretty fun to paddle. I recently reviewed it, and was pleasantly surprised. Those are the portable kayaks that pop to mind first. Hope that helps!
@@PaddleTV
Thanks. I have the opportunity to try out the Beach if I can make a connection with the owner. I’ll take a look at your review on the AquaGlide & check on the others. Thanks!
What waterproof camera do you recommend?
Do you have a racing kayak video on the way?
I'm wondering if you can recommend ways to portage with AE inflatables. I have a the 2 person convertible that I love taking camping but portage has been very difficult even with 2 people and solo? Forget it. What would you recommend for portage over rough terrain like Algonquin Park with these kayaks?
Truth be told... this is the BIG difference between canoes and kayaks. Kayaks aren't nearly as 'portage-friendly'. Kayak carts don't work in Algonquin (tried that already!), and so carrying it tandem (one person at each end) is the best option. I would remove any extra weight from inside when doing so. Sorry I don't have a better solution for you! This is the biggest reason why you don't see many kayaks in Algonquin (where there are portages).
@@PaddleTV Hey no worries! I appreciate it and have been coming to a similar, albeit frustrating conclusion. I've been enjoying paddling the bigger lakes in my AE but the portages broke me (and they were relatively short). Did a tandem carry but my hope is to try a solo trip next year and I just don't know if I can pull it off.
Have you tried the decathlon itiwit x500 …… might knock this into a cocked hat 🎩
The x500 has no skeg (poor tracking, winds pushes it), it's not for anyone over 6' as it has a small cockpit. No warranty here in US with Itiwit by Decathlon. They closed their only two stores in the US this past February. US buyers beware
Do you feel this kayak would work for off coast kayaking such as the Puget Sound?
Also wonder if a water repellent on the fabric top would reduce or eliminate the need to dry as long as you stated in the video?
It's a good question about the water repellent... It would speed up the drying, although you would still want to get all the water out. I wouldn't be super comfortable in this kayak in exposed water where I'm relying on my skirt. This soft cockpit coaming wouldn't hold your skirt on if a wave dumped on you. It really is more of a calm water boat. If you want a portable that can handle rough stuff, you should consider something like the Pakayak Bluefin 142.
Thanks for the response! I actually just bought this on Wednesday. They were selling it online for half price so I couldn't beat the deal. For the most part I shouldn't hit huge surf in the times that I would be in the sound and the rest of the time I'll use it on lakes. I did order the skirt so I'll figure out a way to make that work whether it be with Velcro or something that might hold it on better.
Reason I ended up going with this one instead of something like the pakayak is due to weight constraints. I'm a larger guy so it's very hard to find kayaks that can hold heavier weight. But this is one of the few that does that I can actually purchase because somebody has it in stock.
I'll keep everything you mentioned in the video in mind and see how it works and hopefully everything goes well!
Love these videos. Really did inspire me to start paddling in the first place. Just bought my first NRS PFD to
Great to hear Tom!
Would love a review of the Sea Eagle FastTrack 385.
It's coming!
I wouldn't want to be the one that brought that boat to meet a group for a touring kayak trip. Then again, I wouldn't want to be one of the ones waiting twenty minutes at a time for that one to catch up .
I have a sea kayak, P&H Capella, and the Expedition Elite and the speed difference is there, but not as big as one would think. If speed is your priority, stick with a hard shell sea kayak or better yet, go with a Huki or Epic surf ski.
@@gloppy101 I'm talking about the difference between a glorified pool toy and touring kayaks. I've led groups where a few brought inflatable boats. The other paddlers had to wait repeatedly. Now those outings specify no inflatable boats. We do allow inflatable boats on downriver floats or if we're not going more than two miles. It wasn't fair to the people who could keep up.
That being said, if I want to tour fast, a surf-ski isn't much of an option as storage is negligible. However, my Epic 18x can average over 4mph over 30 miles.
@@wisenber People discuss the type of boats they are going to use before doing any trip. I would not expect people using 18' touring kayaks to want to paddle with 14'. yet alone inflatables. What I have seen is people tend to travel in similar types of boats. These are great boats, especially in the inflatable world. They are tough and safe, and very portable. When it comes to price, you cant go wrong. If you take care of it, you can expect at least 10 years, and I would go as far as 20, making great value.
@@tonyallen4573 " I would not expect people using 18' touring kayaks to want to paddle with 14'."
Our group has those ranges regularly on flatwater day trips up to about 12 miles or weekend kayak camping.
The requirement tends to be "able to maintain an average 3 mph hour pace" which both a 14 and an 18 can. For that matter when a 14 ft boat and an 18 ft boat of the same width are traveling at 3 mph, the 14 ft requires less energy to do so. However the 18 ft will have a higher hull speed. Inflatables like this one just can't.
When I need something more portable, I do have a 31 year old Klepper A2 and a DIY Yostwerks. The Klepper does require varnish be reapplied to the wooden parts every five years or so if you want it to make it to 50 years.
@@wisenber the people in the 18' boats are then working harder to stay with the 14' boats if its less effort to go at 3mph. You also made my point that you discuss boats first.
I would love to see you doing a over night trip with this kayak.
I've done a 3 day trip with the Expedition Elite. I use a deck bag up front and a large dry bag, strap secured, on the back. I took a 2 man tent, sleeping bag and air pad, food, water. Decent storage under rear deck too. It's my any water/weather condition kayak (I have other inflatables). Build quality is excellent with high grade materials and a thick pvc hull that is tough.
What is your size?
He's 6ft 2, 195lbs, 34inch leg as he said in the video 🙄
can it be rolled?
Absolutely!
At that price point you could by a pretty nice sit on top kayak
A sit on top does not fit into a backpack or the trunk of a car
Still a toy
He just keeps reviewing crappier and crappier gear. PaddleTV is now mostly about throw-away water toys. I can't imagine anyone who buys this would use it more than 2 or 3 times before shoving it in the basement to sit for 10 years before it goes to the landfill.
My wife and I each got one and we never really cared for them. They are slow on the water and take forever to set up and tear down. Especially when other people are waiting for you to get out on the water.
Ken's videos are watched world wide and he's just responding to requests. Clearly you never tried a advanced elements kayak. These are top of the range inflatables. The younger kayak market is all inflatables. The success of paddle boards, intex and decathlon kayak's prove that. From what I can see inflatables are used by people who only go out about once a week in the summer, then sit by the side of the water eating or drinking. Few are car owners and most use public tranport and easy long term storage is a selling point. Picking up a cheap flight from London to Rome and spending a weekend on the water is normal here. I'm not sure if America got the same "green" growning public tranport infrastructure like the UK & EU or even asia, but you cant take a 4 meter kayak on the train. Even I'm thinking about an inflatable for next year and I've got 3 kayaks including the mighty kahuna !! Next summer I'd love to paddle down the Seine river, none of my kayaks will fit on the eurostar train. And if you believe driving is option come here and try it !!!!!!
Dragging a 35-45 lb inflatable kayak in a bag along with the paddle and a electric pump that weighs several lbs as well on public transportation will be no picnic as well.
@@Joe-xq1nt I've never seen an electric pump being used here. 20kg bag is nothing & paddles break down. Travel on train here and see them for yourself.
Peter.. I’ve got a sea eagle 393 RL. Weighs 16kg and in the bag on your shoulders it’s no picnic going any distance. I’ve done it many times. These bags are not like having a framed back pack with much more weight. That’s much easier and much more comfortable. I’ve done that as well. The sea eagle RL is awesome on the water. Only reason I still have it.
Not including a pump is pretty cheap and it is a reason that I might consider not buying this kayak. Just shows a bad attitude
dude, you can get a $20 pump most anywhere. If you let that stop you, it's definaetly not for you. Most kayakers prefer to buy their own pump as the cheepo's don't last.