At the recent Outdoor Retailer Show held in August, Advanced Elements of Benicia, California unveiled their 2016 product line of inflatable kayaks, SUPs and paddling gear.
The Advanced Elements 2016 lineup features one new model, redesigns on four others, and the inclusion of three 2015 prototype models. Beginning in January 2016, pricing on several kayak models will increase 2% to 9% due to higher material, manufacturing and shipping costs.
The current 11-0 Fishbone inflatable paddle board will be joined by the new Fishbone EX – a 12-6 version with a 30 inch beam and 6 inch thickness. Max payload is 300 lbs, giving it the ability to fit one or two paddlers. Retail price will be $1199. All current inflatable paddle board models – Hula 11, Hula 8, Fishbone, Lotus YSup and Stiffy – will remain the same construction and same pricing as in 2015.
The Island Voyage II – which was available in limited quantities during 2015 – will now be added to the lineup. At 11’2″ in length and a 37″ width, the Island Voyage II features an open design with three seating positions, allowing one to paddle solo or tandem. See our Island Voyage detailed writeup and review. Retail price is $429.
In the AdvancedFrame series, most of the models remain status-quo in features, but with new color and graphic choices.
The popular AE1012 AdvancedFrame and AE1007 Convertible will now be available in the standard orange-red as well as hi-vis lime-green, with matching Convertible deck colors. Prices will increase $40 and $50 respectively, with MSRPs of $539 and $799. The AdvancedFrame Sport will also have a graphics redesign, with the price increasing $10 to $449.
The current yellow 13-ft Expedition AE1009 will be replaced by the popular 2015 Limited Edition Expedition. Now in a navy blue with orange graphics, the Expedition LTD sports a sleeker silhouette with integrated storage. A new “deck lift” – consisting of an aluminum bar – works in conjunction with the current integrated inflatable deck lifts, to create a sculpted look with more knee/legroom as well as shedding accumulated water. A rear integrated storage hatch with rolltop closure provides easy access to paddling gear. See our detailed Expedition LTD writeup with photos. MSRP $749.
The Lagoon single and tandem kayaks will remain the same, with retail prices increasing $20 and $30. While the current Attack, StraitEdge Angler and StraitEdge 2 models are also unchanged in construction, prices will be increased $25, $20 and $50 respectively.
The Firefly, AirFusion Elite, Packlite and Friday Harbor Adventure inflatable kayaks will remain the same with no change in pricing. The Commander 9 and Commander 12 inflatable dinghies have been retired.
By 2016, most of the kayak models with low-pressure floors will include the integrated 1-PSI pressure relief valve.
In the accessories category, the other big news is the launch of Advanced Elements’ Watertech Gear, featuring a complete line of deck and cargo bags developed to complement the inflatable kayaks and SUPs. There are 7 new models arriving late fall, 2015:
AE3502 Cargo Pack. A rugged, 32-liter, water-resistant roll top pack with shoulder straps, side mesh pockets and bungee deck lacing. MSRP $69.99.
AE3503 Deep Six Deck Pack. A 30-liter, water-resistant deck bag with a multitude of straps and attachment points, roll-top opening, shoulder straps, zippering pocket and reflective paneling. MSRP $79.99.
AE3501 Quick Draw Deck Bag. Easily attaches to the top of your kayak or SUP while the semi-rigid shape provides content visibility. Features water resistant zipper, roll-top removable liner, bungee deck lacing and adjustable attachment straps and d-rings. MSRP $59.99.
AE3506 Packlite Rolltop Drybag Set. A nifty, lightweight set of three rolltop drybags in 3 sizes – 3, 5 and 10 liters – for dry storage options. MSRP $25.99.
AE3507/3508 StashPak Rolltop Dry Bags. Rugged, water-resistant rolltops with detachable straps, d-rings and a detachable pouch for small essentials. Available in two sizes – 20 and 40 liters – and pack into the detachable pouch when not in use. MSRP $49.99 and $59.99.
AE3505 Abyss All-Weather Duffel Bag. A large, 60 liter duffel constructed from PVC Tarpaulin, with an extra wide opening for easy loading. Interior mesh pocket, shoulder straps and reflective paneling. MSRP $69.99.
AE3504 Funk Bag. A 45-liter mesh/tarpaulin ziptop designed for hauling around damp and dirty gear. Water resistant side pocket, removable shoulder strap and reflective panel. MSRP $59.99
Advanced Elements will also be introducing the innnovative AdvancedTrak Rudder System. Developed specifically for the AdvancedFrame series, the rudder system adds turning and tracking performance. An injection-molded end cap is glued to the stern of the kayak, becoming a mount for the rudder system. MSRP $299 and available in Spring, 2016.
Rounding out the accessories are several small – but well needed – items.
AE2502 Kayak Seat Link. A set of two type of seat straps designed to allow attachment of the Advanced Elements High-Back Lumbar seat to other kayaks, or to allow paddlers to buy aftermarket seats that can be used on Advanced Elements kayaks. MSRP $19.99.
AE2501 D-Ring Kit. A set of four glue-on d-ring patches which can be placed on SUPs and kayaks for more gear attachment points. MSRP $19.99.
AE4004 Coiled SUP Leash. A 9-ft, sturdy, coiled ankle leash to be used with your SUP. Comes with storage pouch. MSRP $34.99.
And last – but not least – is the nifty Boston Pin Adaptor at $5.99. This little gem adaptor allows one to get “real-time” pressure gauge readings when inflating Boston valves.
Most of the current accessories will remain at the 2015 pricing, but a few will increase as of Jan. 1, 2016 – the Packlite paddle will rise to $89.99, Lagoon 2 backbone $89.99, AirFusion skeg $79.99, foot pegs $79.99 and both kayak Duracovers will increase to $89.99 and $109.99.
Most new products will be arriving late 2015 to spring of 2016 – the High-Vis AdvancedFrame, Ocean Blue Expedition and Island Voyage II are available now. Stay tuned for more details or watch the Advanced Elements product page on AirKayaks for updates. You can also contact us to get on a notification list.