Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak
Summary
Price At Time Of Writing | $1099.00
Our Overall Rating | 78 out of 100
Pros - Lightweight, portable, stable, easy setup
Cons - Soft floor, wind-affected, no drainage
Overall - Great value recreational inflatable
Technical Specifications
Open Size - 318x81cm
Weight - 11.8kg
Load Capacity - 113kg
Packed Size - 76x43x20cm
Our Analysis & Ratings
When we first tried the AdvancedFrame Sport, we were impressed by how easy it was to set up and how lightweight it felt compared to other inflatable kayaks. At just 11.8kg, carrying it down to the water was easy and within minutes we were paddling. This Advanced Elements kayak is clearly designed for convenience, but it also delivers a surprisingly solid paddling experience for its size and weight.
Performance - The AdvancedFrame Sport handled smoothly on calm water, as the aluminium rib-frame at the bow and stern really helps it track straighter than most short inflatables, and we enjoyed the natural glide it offers. Its soft floor can feel a bit flexible, though, especially for paddlers over 80kg, which does impact speed and rigidity. In breezy conditions, we also noticed it caught the wind more than longer kayaks, though it still felt stable and easy to control for leisurely paddling.
Construction - Advanced Elements have built the AdvancedFrame Sport with durable PVC tarpaulin and polyester materials, reinforced seams and protective layers that held up well against scrapes and shore landings. The kayak sits low in the water, which makes it more stable and reduces wind effect. We did find that water tends to collect inside with no drainage system, so it takes a bit of extra care to dry out properly before storage. Overall, though, the build feels really good.
Setup/Pack Down - Setup was very straightforward. With only two main chambers and a couple of smaller ones, inflation takes about 4–5 minutes, and the included pump with gauge makes it simple. Packing down is just as easy, too, although the kayak does hold water, which means you have to flip it over and sponge it out before packing it away. Once dried, it folds neatly into its carry bag without much effort.
Portability – Now, at 11.8kg, it’s one of the lightest solo inflatables we’ve tested, and the duffel-style bag makes transport really effortless. It fits easily into a car boot or cupboard and carrying it to the water was no problem for one person. It doesn’t have side handles, which can make moving it when inflated slightly awkward, but the low weight makes up for it.
Comfort - The wide open cockpit is easy to get in and out of and the adjustable high-back seat provided good support once we found the right angle. Sitting lower to the water makes the kayak feel more stable and secure, too, even for beginners. A small gripe was the lack of built-in foot braces, so this means your comfort depends on how you adjust the seat, but an inflatable foot brace is available if you want more support. For casual paddling, we found it comfortable enough for a few hours at a time.
Overall - The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Sport is a lightweight, affordable inflatable kayak that balances ease of use with decent performance. It isn’t as rigid or fast as the Sport Elite and it won’t suit heavier paddlers, rough waters or those needing advanced features, but if you’re after a stable, comfortable, and highly portable kayak for lakes, calm coastal paddles, or easy recreational trips, it’s a great option that doesn’t feel like a toy.