AdvancedElements.com

I have been using my advanced elements 10.5 for many years now. I've hit everything the river could throw at me. Rocks and boulders as as nothing to the hull. One time I hit a partially submerged jagged steel beam with the pointy end angled toward me like a spear. I figured that had to have done som...

The problem with pockets is that they might make it difficult to install as the backbone has to be extended to put together and take apart. I just inflated the boat in my living room, installed the backbone, made sure it was centered by feeling for the skeg and the front runner beneath it, then mark...

Hi, the quick answer is yes. I weigh 180 lbs myself and I wouldn't dream of going out in my 10.5 without first installing the backbone. When I first got it, my plan was to A-B test it, that is, try it with and without. I put it in, starting off, and the difference was so dramatic I saw no point in t...

Actually, I think the backbone for the AF is $69. Yes, it's an additional expense, that's for sure and I was very pleased with the AF before I got it, but the improvement in speed and tracking (and sitting position) is very apparent. You do have to make sure it is centered though. Elsewhere there is...

Great White Castle story! Just wanted to add that the addition of a backbone will also raise you up without any discomfort. I started out without a backbone then got one to do a comparison test. I started off with the backbone installed and have never got out without one since. It makes all the diff...

Just saw this. First, it's a kayak and you're going to get wet. Holding your feet out of the water for a moment before you put each on in to let the water drip off will help. Second, at REI I bought a special absorbent sponge in an asorbent cover. I place it a little under the seat between my legs. ...

Definitely check my first post in this string. I have been in a Dragonfly while my newbie friend took out my Advanced Frame. She left me in the dust. I have been in a group of 30 kayakers in hardshell kayaks and i had no trouble keeping up. It will definitely keep up with regular hard-shell kayaks. ...

That's great. Do you find that moisture smudges the Sharpie marks? Thanks.

A backbone makes all the difference in the world. It's a bit tricky at first to get it centered, though. I feel for the fin and make sure the backbone is centered above it, same for the front skeg (is that the right term?). I'm thinking of inflating it in my house, then making absolutely sure the ba...

Definitely. Though its fold size is larger, it is much, much lighter. Again, it's a well-built small kayak. It cannot be expected, however, to keep up with its big brother in a straight-ahead lake situation, at least not with an AF with a backbone. At least not in my experience. While I'm at it, the...

As good and as light as the AF 10.5 is, its still comes in at a bit under 40 pounds. I wouldn't suggest hiking more than a very short distance with it. The Dragonfly is under 25 feet but actually the carrying case is longer in height and width though not in depth. It has a shoulder strap and could b...

Plus, all they really need is one pump apiece.

I guess I've noticed this very slightly now that you've brought it up. I bought some bungies and rigged them on the back and always carry my foot pump with me. I've never had to re-inflate but then usually only go out for a couple of hours. Point being: carry the footpump on the rear.
Richard

I've had my AdvancedFrame 10.5 for a few months now and have taken it out at least fifteen times. Especially with the backbone, it's a great boat, perfect size, very stable, and can hold its own with hard-shell kayaks. I wanted to get another one to share the experience with friends and ended up get...

I ordered a Dragonfly yesterday. I look forward to providing a comparison report to the AdvancedFrame.
Richard