Advanced Elements Firefly Inflatable Kayak Paddler's Pack - Special Buy

Comments about Advanced Elements Firefly Inflatable Kayak Paddler's Pack - Special Buy:

Like a couple of reviewers, I picked this up on deal of the day and wish now that i'd gotten two. This little boat is fun albeit a far cry from a pro paddle kayak. It's so lite and packable and I recently took a trip up to the high sierra where I pulled this boat out of my roof box and got a few hours of paddling on a 7500' lake. While the tracking is not so great and it's on the short side for me at 5'10", I had great fun paddling into the wind and all over Lake Edison. This thing is very maneuverable on the water and allows for some fun spinning around and quick, easy darting on the water. It's so easily packable when kayaking is not the primary goal sport but rather a side line to other activities at a destination. I went up the the sierras to camp and hike at high elevations and much to my surprise, I was able to incorporate a good amount of paddling without loading my 14' O.K. yak on the roof and having to deal with pulling in and out of the trees in some of my favorite remote campsites. I left the plastic home for ocean paddling and took this cool little inflatable to the mountains for some real alternative fun.

Comments about Advanced Elements Firefly Inflatable Kayak Paddler's Pack - Special Buy:

For what it is, it's excellent. Fairly rugged, well built and portable. Makes for easy set up and break down. Excellent on lakes or relatively calm salt water excursions, and really nice on rivers providing they are class 2 or easier. Don't expect predictable tracking with it's rather makeshift keel or light weight, but it doesn't take too heavy a hand to maneuver it. Way better than those sold for similar prices by some of the competitors - Advanced Elements takes it's know-how from much more expensive inflatables and doesn't do too much to cut corners on making a significantly less costly kayak. The paddles are....cheap. They are heavy and clumsy, but easily replaced if you are inclined.

Comments about Advanced Elements Firefly Inflatable Kayak Paddler's Pack - Special Buy:

I love this kayak! I grew up paddling the lakes and rivers of Wisconsin, and it has been such fun exploring the waters of the NW in the Firefly. I have taken it on the coast near La Push, on the Wenatchee, and all over Lake Union/Washington. I haven't used it for long distances, more for leisurely days on the water. It is very comfortable and stable when fully inflated (I didn't inflate enough the first time I used it). Turns well, and faster than I expected, though certainly not as quick as a hard-shell kayak. The ease of use and transport totally make up for it, though! Fits easily in the back of my two-door Rav4. Love it!

Comments about Advanced Elements Firefly Inflatable Kayak Paddler's Pack - Special Buy:

I love my Fire Fly! It the perfect kayak for me...I am 5'1" and own a Mini Cooper. I travel 6 hours to our cabin with my teenage son (who is 5'10") and my german shepard. There is not an inch of space in my Mini that is not used wisely. We take clothes and 2 kayaks. I love the fact that I can bring the kayaks home and use them on lakes where I live.
They are easy to set up, light weight to carry in where needed, the paddling is serious fun...and when we are done so easy to deflate. My tall son has no problem fitting comfortably. I get comments from people who are curious and surprised I can bring my kayak without a roof rack! I hate roof racks...I am to short to try and tie anything down. My teenage nephew loved the Fire Fly so much I purchased him one for Christmas! The only con is on a windy day...not the greatest unless you like feeling like a kite. LOVE it!

Comments about Advanced Elements Firefly Inflatable Kayak Paddler's Pack - Special Buy:

We have the Advanced Elements tandem inflatable and enjoy it, so when this was the deal of the day, we grabbed it. Took it out on the lake for the first time a couple weeks ago and I was surprised by how stable and maneuverable it was. It doesn't track very well, but we're not using it for long treks. I am almost 6 feet tall (200#) and my feet hit the end, but it wasn't uncomfortable. After I gave it a spin, my 7 year old daughter (4' tall and 45#) got in and zipped around. She was able to maneuver it easily, turning on a dime. It also inflated and deflated quickly with the included foot pump. We really wish we would have bought 2 when it was on sale.

Comments about Advanced Elements Firefly Inflatable Kayak Paddler's Pack - Special Buy:

I've only taken it out twice, both times on calm lakes, but so far I just love it. It feels very stable, not tippy or anything. Once I'm in it and on the water it feels cozy. It's very light - you feel like a rubber ducky bobbing on the water. I don't know what it will be like in rougher waters...that remains to be tried. But on calm water it's just really easy to use. It inflates quickly and easily, and deflates easily as well. The water dries off it very quickly. It's my first inflatable kayak and I'm really happy to have it.

Comments about Advanced Elements Firefly Inflatable Kayak Paddler's Pack - Special Buy:

Product arrived without the pump. REI made good on that very quickly. I am an experienced sea kayaker that bought this for small lake use in favor of a sit on top molded kayak. Tested it with another seasoned paddler. He weighs about 170lbs; I am about 200lbs. Material and is very good quality. Found the boat very stable, but probably pushing the envelope with a 250lb rated capacity. It was difficult to adjust seating as when you shifted around it tended to push the stern down and threaten to let water in. There is a small keel in the back made out of heavy plastic. The boat comes packed with it folded over and it never did straight out; although I doubt it would contribute much to the tracking. Paddling was OK at a cruising speed with just a little front wobble on alternating strokes. My partner thought it may be better to use a canoe paddle than a double ended. Decided overall this was not for me and returned. If you absolutely needed something to get you on flat water and did not have a rack to put a hard boat on, this might be a consideration, but probably novel. An inflatable raft of similar size and quality with oars may be more suitable. For me it is back to shopping for a sit on top.

Comments about Advanced Elements Firefly Inflatable Kayak Paddler's Pack - Special Buy:

5'8" female; strong paddler/swimmer took this boat on its maiden voyage (gusty/windy day) on the Chattahoochee River in Roswell, Ga. It performed surprisingly well. Had to remove sandals to stretch legs out in foward "hull," but it was cozy then. Tracking was pretty good; turns on a dime. Packs/inflates/deflates/repacks quickly. Advise thorough drying before repacking. Plan to buy some 72"+ (wide-mouth) bungees to secure still-inflated boat to (rackless) roof of car to speed post-trip drying process during good weather.

Comments about Advanced Elements Firefly Inflatable Kayak Paddler's Pack - Special Buy:

First, the "con" that I noted about it not tracking easily is a given - it's a short kayak and that comes with the territory.

I'm a beginner, still actively learning how to kayak safely. This boat is very stable and comfortable for me, and works great in calmer waters. I've had it out on the Willamette on a day with a significant current and it was very enjoyable.

This was a great deal through REI Outlet, and I look forward to years of fun with it!

Comments about Advanced Elements Firefly Inflatable Kayak Paddler's Pack - Special Buy:

Very easy to transport in the trunk of the car. Easy set-up, I'm usually out of the car and in the water in under 10 minutes. Packs almost as quickly. Highly recommended for lake paddling.