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Postscript: My comments about the superb maneuverability of the AirFusion EVO refer to its configuration without the Skeg. With the Skeg, the EVO becomes much less "tippy" because the skeg acts as a kind of fixed rudder, improving longitudinal stability. The trade-off, of course, is that the kayak n...

Hello Salty Paddler! First, you will like the warmth of both sit-inside kayaks (AFX, EVO) after being exposed to cold winds sweeping through your sit-on-top in the north Pacific. I own the Expedition (AFX) and the AirFusion EVO and can affirm both are winners. The AFX is probably more comfortable fo...

"Camper": Some years ago, on this forum, I posted a comparison of DropStitch and BackBone floors for the AFX Expedition. One of my brothers, a very large man, helped me do the comparison. With the DS floor, he easily made the kayak taco. With the BB, all was well. A question I have about the new AFX...

It is now over a year and a half since you posted your concerns about the dropstitch floor. Did you get a BackBone to solve the problem? I am a great fan of the BB, not only because it improves rigidity of the kayak but also because it imparts a V-shape to the hull, thereby improving tracking and le...

Hey rjf: Having owned the AirFusion Original, the Elite, and now the new EVO, I can say plainly that all three are a joy to use. Furthermore, with the help of a GPS receiver to measure speed, I doubt if you would find any significant differences among the three AirFusions. We are talking about refin...

The AirFusion has now gone through three phases: the Original (2010), the Elite (2013), and now the EVO (2018). The new EVO displays several improvements: 1) drop-stitch side chambers that give the kayak much greater rigidity, deck height, and excellent longitudinal symmetry (straight and true from ...

My AE sprayskirt, which I bought for the 10'6" and 13' (AFX) models, also fits my AirFusion. That is because the perimeter length is the same, despite the different shape.

A BackBone is efficient
And by itself sufficient,
And then the Dropstitich floor
Is fine with nothing more.
Each is its own abundance.
Combined, why, that's redundance.
Your kayak even works
Just great without these perks!

A trick I learned from airkayaks.com is to leave the AirFusion kayak inflated before sliding the little connecting sleeve (# 3) along the main poles (# 1 and #2). Another trick is to put, say, the seat under the stern to ensure the poles do not "lift" where they connect under the sleeve.

Based on my ownership of an Original AirFusion and then an AirFusion Elite, compared to my new AirFusion from the new AE factory, I would say quality control is better than ever. Friends who have become enthusiasts for AE's kayaks have bought my "old" Original AirFusion and first AirFusion Elite for...

Regardless of the company, most inflatable kayaks are made in Asia: China, Korea, Indonesia, and the like. AE's products have always been very well made, and the warranty and customer service back up that confidence in their work. AE's designs are all done in the San Francisco Bay area, and it is an...

That little girl has the right idea: let the Big People do all the work.

Great choice in a kayak. My 2007 AFX is still like new despite thousands of miles (even more kms) of paddling over the years. Your new Expedition (AFX) looks terrific, and your waterways are simply alluring. Not bad, eh?

Postscript to remarks on the AE Elite's suitability in rough water: use the AE Skeg. It acts like a keel and greatly improves lateral (side-to-side) stability. In rough water, the Skeg is the way to go.

My ranking, from the top, for single-person paddling (the two-person AE can be used as a single and would be every bit as good as the top choice below): 1) AE Expedition (AFX) with BackBone. The primary or initial stability of the AFX with BB exceeds any hard-shell sea kayak I have used. With an AE ...