Product Description The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame covertible kayak is a 15-ft kayak that can be paddled solo or tandem. It features 2, adjustable padded back supports for comfortable seating durable, double-coated fabric. A dry storage compartment and bungee deck lacing allow you to take along important gear.
Customer Reviews:
amazingly versatileSeptember 11, 2008 An ultimate versatility is the biggest advantage of this kayak. I purchased it about a year ago (Sept. 2007) and have used it in quite a number of trips. It's good for rivers and lakes as long as the ocean. The upper removable deck helps to stay dry while paddling along seashore or through windy weather. Adding the splash skirts adds even more dryness and makes it possible to paddle through some white waters. Paddling in the solo mode creates tons of the cargo space and allows packing the kayak with at least week-lasting supplies for two adults (including compact light-weight tent, sleeping bags and mattresses). It's perfect for weekend trips or one-day trips if you want to paddle tandem. Still has enough on-board cargo space which can be used to attach a few water-proof bags. Good tracking and speed have already been mentioned by the previous reviewers, so in order to avoid being redundant, I'll just confirm that it's true.
One negative thing - its weight. Fifty pounds seems to be too excessive for an inflatable kayak, but other than that, it's simply perfect. Probably the best one in its class.
Great productAugust 24, 2008 Portable, tracks very well in the water, and handles moderate waves without difficulty. Definitely the best boat I've ever had that I could carry in a duffel bag. I've used mine alone without gear, with gear, and with another person and gear (for close to the advertised 500 pound capacity); in all cases it has handled superbly.
Two things you might want to know before purchasing: (1) unlike in most kayaks, the seats are not solid enough to provide much postural support, and (2) there is no solid footrest. These factors make it a little difficult to maintain good posture while paddling (particularly over long distances), although it is still possible to do so.
new favorite gearAugust 11, 2008 I purchased this a month ago, and it has seen quite a bit of action. 10 couples with children; my 75 yr old mother and her older sister; my wife and I noodling around a small lake with a camera. You wanna talk to loons? Paddle up to some otters? Get one of these. I just bought another one for my Mom. Durability does not seem to be an issue. Valves most satisfying. Recommend same brand paddles: a joy to propel, with little wiggle or drift. Weight concern overblown if you aren't going to portage.
goodJune 3, 2007 9 out of 9 found this review helpful
a very nice kayak. Tracks straight and paddles fast. Tried it with my wife and 2 40lbs daughters - lots of fun. However, I also bought the backbone for extra rigidity.
Fast but heavyMay 22, 2007 5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I bought a Convertible last year and used it twice, once on a lake and once on a river trip. It paddles fast and tracks straight and has plenty of leg and storage room with just me in it. The back seat was a little hard to recline in during lazy stretches of river but I got fairly comfortable. My chief complaints are the weight, around 60lbs, and the need to pull the floor out and the shell off to get it dried properly and then put it back together and deflate and fold it. But it's obviously a serious, heavy duty piece of equipment that should prove very durable and enjoyable if I don't throw out my back lugging it down to the water.
