Advanced Elements AirFusion EVO Inflatable Kayak
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With a combination of polyurethane, aluminum and pressurized air chambers, the Advanced Elements AirFusion EVO hybrid inflatable kayak performs like a rigid frame, and has a V-shape hull for speed.
Shop similar products- Fusion of aluminum frame poles, high-pressure drop-stitch air chambers and an enclosed outer polyurethane skin results in a streamlined, high-performance kayak
- V-shape hull provides excellent tracking
- Rear access hatch allows easy access to items stored under the deck
- Inflatable coaming allows use of a sprayskirt for protection in adverse conditions; sprayskirt not included
- D-ring gear tie-downs
- Roll-top rear storage access hatch
- Rubber molded handles
- Awarded a 2018 OutDoor Industry Award
Imported.
View all Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayaks| Best Use | Flatwater Kayaking |
|---|---|
| Material(s) | Polyurethane tarpaulin/drop-stitch/anodized aluminum |
| Length | 13 feet |
| Width | 24 inches |
| Depth | Unavailable |
| Weight | 32 pounds |
| Cockpit Size | Unavailable |
| Seat Type | Inflatable |
| Number of Paddlers | 1-person |
| Paddle Included | No |
| Weight Capacity (lbs) | 235 pounds |
| Tracking System | None |
| Packed Dimensions | 35 x 21 x 9 inches |
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It's not for everyone, but I love this kayak
I wanted a kayak I could keep in an apartment and some friends recommended the Oru Bay and the AirFusion Elite. The Oru is a great boat but I had concerns with the lack of a day hatch and the cockpit becoming a sauna in the DC humidity. I went with the Airfusion EVO and I have been impressed by its performance. Customer support has also been great. One of the polls that make up the frame didn't fit perfectly. Without asking any questions, the company sent me another full set of polls in 2 days. My first setup took about 40 minutes. However, with time I have cut that to about 10-15 min. Setup is fairly easy outside of two issues. There is a locking sleeve that can be frustrating to take off when you break down the boat. You also want to be sure to get a PSI gauge to make sure both sides are inflated equally. The attached pics were taken before I bought a gauge and you can tell it's a hair off. I am averaging about 4.5-5mph on it. That's down about 1mph from a hardshell. Not too bad. Acceleration and maneuverability have surprisingly been as good or better than a hardshell. Tracking is adequate but the skeg is definitely a good investment. I mentioned this kayak isn't for everyone in the title. To start the boat may not be stable enough for a novice. I would instead recommend the wider AE Expedition or the Oru Beach. The cockpit is somewhat small. I am 6ft/170lbs. I think I would be a little cramped if I was much larger. Lastly, the max capacity of the kayak is only 235lbs. If you are above 200lbs or want to carry a bunch of gear, I would go with the AE Expedition or another boat. However, for what I need it to do, this kayak is pretty much perfect.
A great kayak that fits in the car and the garage
I was very pleased with the way it it tracked and handled although I do plan to add the optional skeg because it just turned in circles the minute I paused. The seat was a little uncomfortable but I probably didn’t have it adjusted well. The aluminum structure makes it rigid enough to more like a hardshell than an inflatable. It is a wonderful option that allows me to paddle where I want instead of just at the local rental location, fits in the back of a small car, and stores in a corner of the garage. Assembly time so far: 90 mins, 40 mins, 25 mins. Disassembly and packing: 5 mins.
Glad I found and purchased this make / model
Finally got my AirFusion EVO on the water, yesterday, after receiving in the mail the previous week. I used paddling.com/gear/category/kayaks/inflatable/ as my primary source of research. Like the reviewer below, I plan on purchasing the skeg accessory for increased stability – I am new to kayaking and was definitely wobbling out there at first (wake from several larger vessels certainly didn’t help, but got the hang of it!). The only thing that sucks is you must purchase a pump. I personally went with Advanced Elements hand pump with the pressure gauge. Set up has gotten easier the second time around and am currently down to 25 minutes. Have not tried to clean / dry the kayak yet. I thought the seat didn’t provide the best back support, as I am tall, but it is also adjustable, so perhaps I haven’t found my sweets spot yet (there is a seat accessory upgrade part they sell – too bad this isn’t standard). Following the instructions, storing the kayak and parts back into the bag was straightforward and relatively pain free. Overall, owning a smaller sized sedan (unfortunately) and in need of an inflatable or collapsible kayak, I am glad I found Advanced Elements and this model. Excited to hit the nooks and crannies of Maine’s coast all summer.
AirFusion EVO is Serious FUN
I have used all three AirFusions: the Original (2010), the Elite (2013), and now the EVO (2018). The new EVO has drop-stitch side chambers that improve tracking, which exceeds the earlier versions. I nevertheless recommend adding the manufacturer's skeg to make tracking equal to any hard-shell and to improve lateral stability because the skeg also acts like a little keel. In comparison with the earlier models, the modular-style design of the EVO makes it easier to replace any parts. Thanks to its new hull material, the EVO is quicker and livelier. It accelerates faster than any other kayak I have used, nearly 60 of them, mostly hard-shells, and is light and easy to paddle. Its light weight makes it incomparable as a high-performance travel kayak, and I take mine to waterways all over the continent. In sum, the EVO is the latest refinement on an award-winning design that has established the highest standards in inflatable/folding kayaks.
AirFusion EVO simply the best
I bought the Air Fusion EVO after falling in love with the Advanced Elements brand, I already owned the AdvancedFrame and AdvancedFrame Sport. All these kayaks are amazing, and have led to an infatuation with the sport. Anyway back to the EVO. I initially set up and repacked in my living room to learn the process. It’s straight forward and easy. While it does take twice as long as setting up the AdvancedFrame it pays the experienced paddler back exponentially with speed and grace in the water. It’s true that the best kayaks seem to fade away from underneath you when your underway and the AirFusion EVO does just that. The only update I’ve made is NRS D rings in the cockpit to attach thigh straps. This is just because of my personal style and where I use the EVO. It is a very rollable kayak after adding the thigh straps. Which comes in handy in bigger waves. P.S yes this kayak surfs, and surfs well. Thanks Advanced Elements!
Very good design, nice to paddle
I've used this kayak twice, both on short paddles. During my second short paddle, I noticed the end cap where the skag attached had come unglued from the boat. I wondered way it looked like my skag was crooked when lowered. Anyway, I'm hoping the company will supply a tube of the right glue for a repair. But, it should not have come unglued in the first place. Be sure to keep an eye on this. The kayak comes with a bungee cord set up on the fore deck and 4 attached rings on the aft. It would be nice for them to have supplied additional cord for the rear deck attachments. As for putting them together and taking apart, the hardest part is sliding the slider over the one floor pole. I've found that laying the boat on it's side takes the pressure off the floor, making that job easier. A little silicone lube works good, too. Also, remember, the whole boat will get water in it because there are no bulkheads. So, any gear placed in the area under the rear hatch, will get wet. The positive is it is a nice paddling boat and handles well in the water. The skag is an important accessory to keep it straight in windy conditions. The materials are top notch and the boat is light weight with enough room in the duffle for life jackets and other gear. As far as long expeditions, supplies will have to be attached to the top deck. My hand pump takes up most of the room under the back hatch. It would be nice if there was a small hand pump to carry with you, such as the small bike pumps. Also, keep in mind there are 2 different valves and you need to keep track of the pump attachments.
Inflatable but Paddles Like a Hard Boat
We bought this Air Fusion EV kayak 2 years ago and have really enjoyed it. We needed a smaller package to carry in our RV and this fits the bill. The packed duffle is not tiny but 2 of them fit nicley behind the front seats with paddles and associated equipment. With enough practice, one would be able to get this together in about 15 minutes. The side drop-stich air chambers are amazing as they pump up to be very rigid and the added internal aluminum keel makes the whole boat very tight and strong. There are adjustable inflatable air thwarts on the floor, fore and aft, that also stretches out the boat and the front one doubles as a foot brace. We added the rudder for additional tracking especially in the wind, but this kayak tracks very well without. There is plenty of storage although water will get into the boat so dry bags are nessary. There are 2 negatives: 1-the rear end cap started to come unglued and twisted. The company was quick to send a tube of very strong glue so I was able to make the easy repair. 2-the cockpit coaming is an inflatable one. We are having difficulty finding a skirt that will stay attached to the coaming. Perhaps some velcro glued on the coaming and skirt or pieces of plastic tubing inserted in the coaming would help. Final word is this is a very nice and strong inflatable that is ideal for day paddles or extended stays.