Advanced Elements

Purchased the first AE kayak 5 years ago for my wife. She loved it and after recently retiring I purchased another one for myself so that we could enjoy some time together paddling around on some of the many lakes and rivers in our area. I have only had mine for a week and have enjoyed several outings already. We can get these kayaks inflated and in the water in about 10 minutes - we each have a bellows foot pump. When we are done, we dry them with an old towel, open the air valves, fold them in thirds or quarters and have them back in the car all in 10 minutes or less. We lay them out in the sun for an hour or two when we get home to assure that they are dry before folding them up for storage. AE has made some nice improvements since purchasing the first kayak. The main compartment valves (2 of them) are much inproved in terms of both the valve quality and accessibility. The new kayak feels slightly lighter but with no loss of quality. They have also added 2 sets of on board Velcro paddle holders which is a convenience when getting the kayak into / out of the water or if you want to carry a spare paddle. AE also added a pressure relief valve on the inflatable floor which is susceptible to damage if it is subjected to too much pressure caused by over-inflation or an increase in air temperature. These kayaks are no speedsters but move along nicely with a minimum of effort. There is, however, little glide to them. Once you stop paddling they won't continue to move along very far on their own momentum. The outside hull material is very heavy duty and can withstand abrasion from cement boat launch pads or various hazards one may encounter in lakes, rivers or streams. My wife has experiience with a variety of kayaks and finds the AE kayak to be the most stable that she has used. For a casual recreational kayak we are very pleased with the AE 1012.

Best purchase ever! I get a lot of questions about this kyak. It is super comfortable and as a woman it is much easier to manage alone than any other kayak. It is super sturdy and not at all tippy. I can lay back in it and take a nap even when there is wake. I can get back into it if I decide to get out while on the water. I have been in cold salt water with this as well as on lakes and rivers. I sometimes sit behind the seat and straddle the kayak as well. I spend a lot of time (up to 8 hours or more) on the water at a time. Tracks well and doesn't need any insert to improve tracking even though they do sell one. The color is great as well. I love it! It does leave a smell if you don't rinse and dry it each time, but it washes away with each new launch. So end of season is when it matters. Until then I keep it in the trunk of my car.

Air chambers leak. When kayaking I must reinflate both chambers every thirty minutes. When fully inflated it functions very well.

This is a fantastic kayak. Inflates well, no leaks. However, I would strongly advise that if you are 215-235lbs NOT to purchase this product. I am 220lbs. I went on a short kayak trip on a lake with no chop, no wind. I had packed a lunch consisting of a sub sandwich, fruit and chips (the chips probably put me over). I had a large bottle of water as well. With my pfd and paddle, the kayak was at water level once inside. I was taking on water and was sluggish on the trip as I sat so low in the water.I purchased this kayak as I do not have a vehicle that would allow me to put in the car or on the roof.I will end up donating this kayak to my goddaughter who is 130lbs. When she sat in it she thought she was on a waterbed. The kayak was much higher in the water and she glided.

This is my second AE inflatable - after four years, I finally decided to replace my first one for a new color. It wasn't worn out, other than a few scrapes on the bottom from dragging it over sharp limestone rocks. I use my kayak mostly for fishing in Illinois rivers, and it is perfect. I have a little 3.5 lb anchor that holds the boat just fine in low current side pools, and it is very stable to cast from. I have a full-size rod and reel that tucks handle down behind the seat while I paddle, and the straps in front hold my tackle box. I have never had an issue with "hook meets inflatable boat" like my friends in other brand inflatables have. And sitting on air that's on top of water, I promise you will be much more comfortable than your friends in their standard fishing boats. Not to mention, the ease of drifting right over lily pads to retrieve your snagged hooks from the shallows with ease. I cannot overstate how much I adore these inflatable kayaks!!!

Have had it out several times. Very stiff hull even in choppy water. Def not a pool toy. Took a bit to get my !3 feet under skirt but they fit eventually

Only was able to take it out twice before the weather changed but loved it. I wanted something I could handle launching when the hard shell is not doable while camping. It was very easy to inflate/deflate. Slower than a hard shell but we're there for the beauty right? Seems to track well, inflate to the max. Purchased a folding wagon, 35 lb up a hill got heavy. Would recommend

This thing is very well made. The material is tough. When it's inflated, it is very rigid. I am 5'8 and 200 lbs. It's perfect for me. The only things I wish were different. I wish the skeg was removable, it should come with a pump, and a backpack for carrying.I'm adding to the original review. I bought a second one. Different color though. I've had it out numerous times. The biggest question I get is how long does it take to set it all up. It takes me about 20 minutes. FYI if you are a tall person or have big feet like bigger that size 10. You won't be comfortable in this kayak. Its very stable you would almost have to try to flip it. It takes a little bit to air up the main chamber. Once it starts taking shape it goes pretty quick. Just watch the YouTube videos. The backbone really improves the tracking but you don't need it to have fun. If you plan on some long distance kayaking on a calm river or lake. Get the backbone. If you are going to take a pet like a dog, get the durafloor .