Thanks so much for this video! It was really informative. I have been looking at the expedition elite, but I have a 1 year old daughter who already spends a lot of time in water. I figure the ability to convert to a tandem and plenty of weight allowance means she could ride along with me as she grows until she's big enough for her own boat. And when she isn't around, I could just use it solo. Though, it is a pretty huge boat, haha.
Matty Sarro you are so welcome. That’s why I do these as when I got involved with inflatables there wasn’t much out there. I’m glad it helped you. It is a lot of boat as a solo but and as a tandem it is a great kayak.
Dale, got a question. Do you reckon it will be easy to use that boat setup for two with my 6 yo daughter in front + some camping gear and only myself sitting on the back and paddling?
Thanks for the great video. I recently purchased this kayak in Orange. It is great with the wife and me together, however when I went solo the seat offered little to no support for me in the center of the boat. I'm a big guy 240lb. it's fine when I'm in the back in tandem mode with support from stern deck. Do you have suggestions for solo paddling as far as seat and back support? Thanks!
John Rossignol May I recommend the Dropstich floor. I had the same problem. I converted all my AE kayaks to the Dropstitch floors. Way more rigidly. Fuel for thought. Thanks for watching.
John Rossignol Also, I would recommend the lumbar seat option. The lower seat padding is not different from the stock seat bur the inflatable lumbar will support your back better. Also, try a stadium seat pad for the bottom. Hope that helps.
thanks for the great video, I have just purchased this boat with the DS floor and I couldn't be happier. i also purchased the DS-XLC for my 5'2" girlfriend and she loves that as well. i was considering the expedition as a day trip boat when i don't need as much gear with me. my question is, how much easier to handle and how much faster is it compared to the convertible? Or do think the Sport or the Advanced frame would be better? please keep in mind I am 5'11" thanks again, keep up with the great reviews.
Robert Shirley Thank you for the kudos and congrats on your convertible purchase. In tandem it's quick but as a solo it is slower. I love my Sport and my Expedition. The sport is fast but has a 250 lbs max, I don't where you fall here, you would fit in the sport as long as you are not over the max cap of 250 and no need for the optional foot bag. You would have to move your seat all the way back I think. Personally I think the Expedition is your best bet.
The convertible is awesome with one person because of the capacity. I can carry my dog and 250 lbs of gear but I can't see needing that much gear. Problem with others is capacity. The dropstitch floor is the way to go. I use the dropstitch floor with the durafloor on top.
Matty Sarro My dog is a 65 lb walker hound. He mostly just sits in the Kayak looking at the birds, boats and things. I have the dropstitch floor for the stability. Did not want to deal with the backbone install. I use it in the Gulf of Mexico so I think the standard floor alone would be too flimsy in seas. The floor makes it stiff and at the same time gives you a pretty tough platform. I have not fished out of it yet but will be. I got the durafloor and I put it on top of the dropstitch floor for protection. The dropstitch floor and durafloor fit in the bag with the kayak. With the open boat, no spray deck installed I can sit in the back with a small cooler behind me and the dog in the front. Large 36" fish bag under the front deck. Plenty of space on deck to put more gear. I'm 6'4 210.
thanks. great video. i'm researching on kayaks. I would only be using it in lakes solo trips. do you think its big enough for gear and fishing? thanks.
crosshair this unit would not really be good for fishing. I would recommend the Straitedge 2 angler. here is a link www.advancedelements.com/kayaks/angling-inflatable-kayaks/
I did replace the stock seats with the lumbar seats. Also in this video I talk about connecting the upper part of the seats with carabiner clips. Hope that helps
wow that was quick I am actually joemannbend@icloud.com not sure how they came up with the other email lol I dont have the deck so not sure how to use the carabiner clips... I imagine there must be other seats available but not sure how to know if they will work in this. I have the backbone but wonder how you compare it to the drop stitch floor. Thanks again Joe
Hilary Green okay Joe, firstly I take pride in quick response to all my viewership. Without the Convertible top you would be unable to use the carabiners. Also, I have converted all 6 of my AE kayaks to DS floors. Makes a world of difference with all round rigidity and comfort. Go to the AE site and look up their lumbar seats. I use them on that kayak, my Expedition and AE1044DS-XL. On my Sport I don’t need the lumbar seat. You are using the you are using thwart bag right. That serves a duel purpose on the tandem in maintaining seat positioning. But without the Convertible top I really can’t say. Thanks for watching.
Hi I am looking at this for 2 people and 1 small dog, mainly going to be on deep lakes but also want to take it out on narrow rivers where I could crash into bushes and rocks, would it be durable enough
Smashgaming99 That would be a great choice. I did add the dropstich floor to it and quit using the backbone. It make it way more rigid and a lot easier to set up. My sister and I have paddled this and have gotten into a few scrapes out there but the kayak performed flawlessly. AirKayaks.com has a great offer on these to give you a choice of packages. They really work closely with AE. Here is the link www.airkayaks.com/advanced-elements-convertible-ds-series-inflatable-kayak-ae1007ds/
Danny Krawczyk well I have some indecision on this one. I personally would use my hard kayaks for that paddle. There is a lot of shallow corals in several areas. Also wind and chop may be a factor. Would the convertible do okay? I think it would be fine but several factors would need to be factored in. Remember the AE1007 is only rated for up to class II higher seas may be a challenge. I hope that helps.
Thanks. I had not considered the coral. The kayak spots on the ferry are booked full for our departure, so trying to figure out out how to still go kayaking while there!
Danny Krawczyk yes this is our prime season for kayaking. The Keys is very popular. You might be fine with your inflatable I would do a through weather check before launching. The application Weatherunderground is the one I use I can search a location anywhere two weeks out. It helps me out a lot in my paddling adventures. Enjoy
Just wanted to follow up for anyone who might be considering taking the Advanced Elements Kayak to Dry Tortugas during the month of February. It was very windy during our 3 night stay at Fort Jefferson. The park rangers warned us against even getting in the water in an inflatable kayak. After two days the other group (who had hard sided kayaks) got in the water (they were hesitant to because of the wind) and paddled around Bush & Long Keys. They also warned us against using an inflatable kayak in those conditions.Seeing them in the water gave us the confidence to give it a try. We set the Advanced Elements Convertible kayak in the water for her maiden voyage and it seemed to handle like a champ as we cruised Bush & Long keys. This gave us the confidence to try for Loggerhead the next day. Forecast was 20 knots ESE we made it to Loggerhead in about an hour and two hours for the return. It got pretty choppy about halfway/the closer we got to Loggerhead. Luckily the wind was blowing in a straight line from Garden key to Loggerhead. Would I recommend attempting to get to Loggerhead Key? No, not for your average person, but well equipped and in shape as we were, I would do it again. Please note I purchased the kayak with the Drop Stitch Floor and it is pretty sturdy. Bottom line, if you are camping at Dry Tortugas NP and someone else has already reserved all the kayak spots on the ferry (3), I would definitely recommend purchasing the Advanced Elements Convertible 2 kayak with Drop Stitch floor and have it shipped to your hotel in Key West. Couple other random tidbits for anyone searching the internet. If you purchase the blue DS version from airkayaks.com, the pump comes bundled inside the kayak box. The kayak (w/o floor), pump, and two seats in the main bag, weigh right at 50lbs making them perfect for checked luggage. Floor, deck & paddles will need to go in a different checked bag.
Danny Krawczyk Well bravo you guys. And thank you for such a detailed report on your experience. I’m so happy everything worked out so well for you and the Convertible did a good job. My biggest concern was wind and chop. It appears you two were able to get through it and enjoy your trip. The Convertible is a great kayak. If you would like to share your experience and photography I would like to add your trip to my Paddling Places Florida website. Just contact me at mrd@paddlingplaces.com
That’s a big question. Your size, weight play a big role. Also, where you’re going to kayak. Rapids, calm rivers or lakes or salt water. All those factors play in the decision making process.
@@DaleMrDSimmons hi good afternoon Dale my weight 170, high 5,7 going to use for Lake, slow river at Lagoon which one you recommended for mi thanks so much Leo!
@@leonelchavez6142 the original AirVolution had a seat that did not work so well. They made improvements on that and a couple other mods. I have the original and love it. I did change out the seat.
Thanks so much for this video! It was really informative. I have been looking at the expedition elite, but I have a 1 year old daughter who already spends a lot of time in water. I figure the ability to convert to a tandem and plenty of weight allowance means she could ride along with me as she grows until she's big enough for her own boat. And when she isn't around, I could just use it solo. Though, it is a pretty huge boat, haha.
Matty Sarro you are so welcome. That’s why I do these as when I got involved with inflatables there wasn’t much out there. I’m glad it helped you. It is a lot of boat as a solo but and as a tandem it is a great kayak.
a video on the best way to get it back folded into that bag would be great.
I will put one together
Agreed... great video but the packing away was far too quick. A "pack away" video for this kayak would be great please Dale. 👍👍
Dale, got a question. Do you reckon it will be easy to use that boat setup for two with my 6 yo daughter in front + some camping gear and only myself sitting on the back and paddling?
Chris H Should be no problem at all. Thanks for watching.
Outstanding clear review, thank you
ptegriffs Thank you and thank you for watching.
Thanks for the great video. I recently purchased this kayak in Orange. It is great with the wife and me together, however when I went solo the seat offered little to no support for me in the center of the boat. I'm a big guy 240lb. it's fine when I'm in the back in tandem mode with support from stern deck. Do you have suggestions for solo paddling as far as seat and back support? Thanks!
John Rossignol May I recommend the Dropstich floor. I had the same problem. I converted all my AE kayaks to the Dropstitch floors. Way more rigidly. Fuel for thought. Thanks for watching.
John Rossignol Also, I would recommend the lumbar seat option. The lower seat padding is not different from the stock seat bur the inflatable lumbar will support your back better. Also, try a stadium seat pad for the bottom. Hope that helps.
Dale Mr. D Simmons Thans for the quick reply! Will give both a try and see how we do! Thanks again!
thanks for the great video, I have just purchased this boat with the DS floor and I couldn't be happier. i also purchased the
DS-XLC for my 5'2" girlfriend and she loves that as well. i was considering the expedition as a day trip boat when i don't need as much gear with me. my question is, how much easier to handle and how much faster is it compared to the convertible? Or do think the Sport or the Advanced frame would be better? please keep in mind I am 5'11"
thanks again, keep up with the great reviews.
Robert Shirley Thank you for the kudos and congrats on your convertible purchase. In tandem it's quick but as a solo it is slower. I love my Sport and my Expedition. The sport is fast but has a 250 lbs max, I don't where you fall here, you would fit in the sport as long as you are not over the max cap of 250 and no need for the optional foot bag. You would have to move your seat all the way back I think. Personally I think the Expedition is your best bet.
I appreciate the reply and the advice, I am 215 Lbs. it sounds like the expedition would be more comfortable. thanks again.
The convertible is awesome with one person because of the capacity. I can carry my dog and 250 lbs of gear but I can't see needing that much gear. Problem with others is capacity. The dropstitch floor is the way to go. I use the dropstitch floor with the durafloor on top.
How does your dog fare out on the water? What breed? No issues with the nails on the drop stitch floor, or do you have the extra barrier AE sells?
Matty Sarro
My dog is a 65 lb walker hound. He mostly just sits in the Kayak looking at the birds, boats and things.
I have the dropstitch floor for the stability. Did not want to deal with the backbone install. I use it in the Gulf of Mexico so I think the standard floor alone would be too flimsy in seas.
The floor makes it stiff and at the same time gives you a pretty tough platform.
I have not fished out of it yet but will be. I got the durafloor and I put it on top of the dropstitch floor for protection.
The dropstitch floor and durafloor fit in the bag with the kayak.
With the open boat, no spray deck installed I can sit in the back with a small cooler behind me and the dog in the front. Large 36" fish bag under the front deck. Plenty of space on deck to put more gear. I'm 6'4 210.
thanks. great video. i'm researching on kayaks. I would only be using it in lakes solo trips. do you think its big enough for gear and fishing? thanks.
crosshair this unit would not really be good for fishing. I would recommend the Straitedge 2 angler. here is a link www.advancedelements.com/kayaks/angling-inflatable-kayaks/
excellent video sir, great 10+ review....appreciated
Thank you, thanks for watching
@@DaleMrDSimmons u r welcome sir. theres no yet as good as this one. i ve been looking for this long time, thanks again
You make a great review ! Thanks.
Rick Jones thanks and thanks for watching.
the seats seem to have no back support without the top what can be done about this? I just slide back as is and may as well be lying down.
I did replace the stock seats with the lumbar seats. Also in this video I talk about connecting the upper part of the seats with carabiner clips. Hope that helps
wow that was quick I am actually joemannbend@icloud.com not sure how they came up with the other email lol I dont have the deck so not sure how to use the carabiner clips... I imagine there must be other seats available but not sure how to know if they will work in this. I have the backbone but wonder how you compare it to the drop stitch floor. Thanks again Joe
Hilary Green okay Joe, firstly I take pride in quick response to all my viewership. Without the Convertible top you would be unable to use the carabiners. Also, I have converted all 6 of my AE kayaks to DS floors. Makes a world of difference with all round rigidity and comfort. Go to the AE site and look up their lumbar seats. I use them on that kayak, my Expedition and AE1044DS-XL. On my Sport I don’t need the lumbar seat.
You are using the you are using thwart bag right. That serves a duel purpose on the tandem in maintaining seat positioning. But without the Convertible top I really can’t say. Thanks for watching.
Hi I am looking at this for 2 people and 1 small dog, mainly going to be on deep lakes but also want to take it out on narrow rivers where I could crash into bushes and rocks, would it be durable enough
Smashgaming99 That would be a great choice. I did add the dropstich floor to it and quit using the backbone. It make it way more rigid and a lot easier to set up. My sister and I have paddled this and have gotten into a few scrapes out there but the kayak performed flawlessly. AirKayaks.com has a great offer on these to give you a choice of packages. They really work closely with AE. Here is the link www.airkayaks.com/advanced-elements-convertible-ds-series-inflatable-kayak-ae1007ds/
Dale Mr. D Simmons thank you so much for the info, your videos are very informative so keep making them
Hi Dale,
Do you think the AE1007 Convertible Kayak would be okay to use in Dry Tortugas National Park?
Thank you in advance.
Danny K
Danny Krawczyk well I have some indecision on this one. I personally would use my hard kayaks for that paddle. There is a lot of shallow corals in several areas. Also wind and chop may be a factor. Would the convertible do okay? I think it would be fine but several factors would need to be factored in. Remember the AE1007 is only rated for up to class II higher seas may be a challenge. I hope that helps.
Thanks. I had not considered the coral. The kayak spots on the ferry are booked full for our departure, so trying to figure out out how to still go kayaking while there!
Danny Krawczyk yes this is our prime season for kayaking. The Keys is very popular. You might be fine with your inflatable I would do a through weather check before launching. The application Weatherunderground is the one I use I can search a location anywhere two weeks out. It helps me out a lot in my paddling adventures. Enjoy
Just wanted to follow up for anyone who might be considering taking the Advanced Elements Kayak to Dry Tortugas during the month of February.
It was very windy during our 3 night stay at Fort Jefferson. The park rangers warned us against even getting in the water in an inflatable kayak. After two days the other group (who had hard sided kayaks) got in the water (they were hesitant to because of the wind) and paddled around Bush & Long Keys. They also warned us against using an inflatable kayak in those conditions.Seeing them in the water gave us the confidence to give it a try. We set the Advanced Elements Convertible kayak in the water for her maiden voyage and it seemed to handle like a champ as we cruised Bush & Long keys. This gave us the confidence to try for Loggerhead the next day. Forecast was 20 knots ESE we made it to Loggerhead in about an hour and two hours for the return. It got pretty choppy about halfway/the closer we got to Loggerhead. Luckily the wind was blowing in a straight line from Garden key to Loggerhead. Would I recommend attempting to get to Loggerhead Key? No, not for your average person, but well equipped and in shape as we were, I would do it again. Please note I purchased the kayak with the Drop Stitch Floor and it is pretty sturdy.
Bottom line, if you are camping at Dry Tortugas NP and someone else has already reserved all the kayak spots on the ferry (3), I would definitely recommend purchasing the Advanced Elements Convertible 2 kayak with Drop Stitch floor and have it shipped to your hotel in Key West.
Couple other random tidbits for anyone searching the internet.
If you purchase the blue DS version from airkayaks.com, the pump comes bundled inside the kayak box.
The kayak (w/o floor), pump, and two seats in the main bag, weigh right at 50lbs making them perfect for checked luggage. Floor, deck & paddles will need to go in a different checked bag.
Danny Krawczyk Well bravo you guys. And thank you for such a detailed report on your experience. I’m so happy everything worked out so well for you and the Convertible did a good job. My biggest concern was wind and chop. It appears you two were able to get through it and enjoy your trip. The Convertible is a great kayak. If you would like to share your experience and photography I would like to add your trip to my Paddling Places Florida website. Just contact me at mrd@paddlingplaces.com
hi Dale i have question for you i looking to buy at inflatable kayak which one you recommend ?
That’s a big question. Your size, weight play a big role. Also, where you’re going to kayak. Rapids, calm rivers or lakes or salt water. All those factors play in the decision making process.
@@DaleMrDSimmons hi good afternoon Dale my weight 170, high 5,7 going to use for Lake, slow river at Lagoon which one you recommended for mi thanks so much Leo!
@@leonelchavez6142 I would recommend the AE1044DSXL or the AE3029. Depending on budget.
@@DaleMrDSimmons what think about the old airvolution kayak vs new airvolution ?
@@leonelchavez6142 the original AirVolution had a seat that did not work so well. They made improvements on that and a couple other mods. I have the original and love it. I did change out the seat.
My only question is where can I get that talking bird? :D
PLEB totally cool right? Found it in a Novelty store in Florida. Thanks for watching
good stuff
Erkele thank you
Is the pvc material
William Collejo yes, pvc tarpaulin
Dale Mr. D Simmons thank you. I really enjoyed your videos