Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Elite Kayak

Summary

Price At Time Of Writing | $1,847.00

Our Overall Rating | 89 out of 100

Pros - Light, stable, durable and easy to set up

Cons - Tight for tall paddlers, folding takes practice

Overall - A versatile, portable kayak with great performance and comfort

Technical Specifications

Open Size - 317x81cm

Weight - 13.5kg

Load Capacity - 136kg

Packed Size - 76x43x25cm

Our Analysis & Ratings

We’ve tried a few Advanced Elements inflatables over the years and the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Elite kayak is another great kayak of theirs. It’s quick to set up, lightweight enough to carry on our own and surprisingly fast once on the water. At 13.5kg, it doesn’t feel like a burden to move about, yet it still handles multi-day trips loaded with gear. The fact that it’s both easy for beginners to paddle and adaptable enough for more adventurous conditions makes it a strong all-rounder. If you’ve been comparing the Advanced Elements kayak Australia range, this Elite version is worth a closer look.

Performance - AdvancedFrame Elite kayak glides great once out on the water. The aluminium rib-frame design at the bow and stern cuts through chop and with the drop-stitch floor included, rigidity is excellent. We’ve noticed it tracks impressively straight for its length, thanks to the built-in fin. Even in the wind, the kayak sits low enough in the water that it doesn’t feel like we’re being blown around the way some other inflatables can. Speed-wise, it sits in a sweet spot. It isn’t the fastest kayak we’ve ever used, but it offers a smooth, reliable glide that feels effortless once you get into rhythm. Stability is also reassuring as, whether paddling solo, with a dog in the cockpit, or even letting kids climb in, it feels steady and predictable.

Construction - The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Elite kayak is built with a combination of aluminium rib-frames, a drop-stitch floor and multiple layers of PVC tarpaulin and ripstop polyester. This combination gives it the durability of a hard shell but the packability of an inflatable. The unzippable front deck is one of our favourite features, as it makes it easier to get in and out and works well if you’re loading extra gear, kids, or a pet. The included seat has a stiff, high back with inflatable lumbar support, which makes longer sessions much more comfortable than the standard seats that come with the non-Elite versions. The overall build feels tough enough to handle bumps, dogs’ paws, or fishing gear without concern.

Setup/Pack Down - We clocked our setup at around six minutes from bag to water once we had the routine down. Inflating the chambers is simple and the drop-stitch floor goes in without fuss. Packing down is just as straightforward and it folds back into a compact bag that feels like a small suitcase. That said, you do need to fold it carefully to fit everything neatly, but with practice, it’s no hassle. Compared to other inflatables we’ve tested, this is one of the fastest and least stressful setups.

Portability - At 13.5kg, the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Elite kayak is light enough for us to carry by ourselves without strain. The detachable padded backpack straps on the bag make it easy to sling over a shoulder, although we found a trolley useful for longer walks from the car park to the water. Packed dimensions (76x43x25cm) mean it fits in a car boot with room to spare, which is a huge benefit if you don’t want to deal with roof racks or trailers. We’ve taken it on road trips where space was tight and having something this compact but still high-performing has been a real advantage.

Comfort - In our Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Elite kayak review, we found comfort to be something that stood out. The lumbar seat offers great back support and the adjustable straps let us set the angle just right. For longer paddles, that inflatable lumbar cushion makes a noticeable difference. We also tried it with the optional foot brace, which improved posture and made paddling feel smoother. The cockpit is spacious enough for most paddlers up to about 6’2”. Any taller and we’d recommend stepping up to the Expedition Elite for extra legroom. With the spray skirt attached, it stays warm and dry even in colder, rougher conditions, so it doesn’t feel limited to just calm lakes or bays.

Overall - After spending time with the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Elite kayak, our impression is that it’s the most versatile model in the Advanced Elements Australia range. It’s quick to set up, light to carry, durable and performs impressively in different conditions. The drop-stitch floor is what really sets it apart from the standard AdvancedFrame, adding speed, tracking and rigidity. Beginners will love its stability and easy handling, while more experienced paddlers will appreciate how well it handles open water and longer trips. If you’re only ever paddling calm lakes and want to shave a little weight, the AdvancedFrame Sport is a great alternative, while taller paddlers might find the Expedition Elite a better fit.