Founded in 2016, Bonafide Kayaks is a relative newcomer to the kayak fishing market. 100% made in the USA, their kayaks are known for uncompromised quality and great stability. Let's see what Bonafide Kayaks has to offer in 2023.
What does Advanced Elements have to offer in 2023? Let’s look at the company’s current range of inflatable kayak models.
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Advanced Elements AirVolution
Length: 13 ft. (396 cm)
Width: 33 in. (83 cm)
Weight: 39 lbs. (17.7 kg)
Weight capacity: 300 lbs. (136 kg)
The AirVolution is 13 ft. (396 cm) long and 33 in. (83 cm) wide. These dimensions give the boat a good balance of speed and efficiency, as well as stability and control.
Weighing in at 39 lbs. (17.7 kg), the AirVolution is easy enough to transport around and is light compared to other high-pressure inflatable kayaks.
The upper weight range for this kayak is 300 lbs. (136 kg). Most adults will comfortably fit this kayak with room for their day kit.
As a recreational boat, the AirVolution is stable and really easy to paddle. The fin at the back of the kayak helps keep beginners in a straight line and helps the boat track in light wind. In spite of this fin, this isn’t a boat designed for windy conditions. The lightweight design gets blown around easily.
The boat is comfortable enough, though if you’re headed out on a long day you may want to stop periodically to stretch your legs and regain some feeling in your butt. This is easy, thanks to the open cockpit design. Climbing in and out of this boat is far easier than those with closed cockpits, which can feel snug.
Advanced Elements AirVolution 2
Length: 14 ft. 6 in. (441 cm)
Width: 37 in. (93 cm)
Weight: 50 lbs. (23 kg)
Weight capacity: 550 lbs. (249 kg)
AirVolution 2 is 14 ft. 6 in. (441 cm) long and 37 in. (93 cm) wide. These dimensions give the boat an enormous amount of stability, while remaining streamlined enough to cover reasonable distances.
Any recreational kayak needs to be quick and easy to get on the water, otherwise it just won’t get used. AirVolution 2 weighs 50 lbs. (23 kg). While this isn’t as light as some other inflatables, it is far easier to transport than the rigid kayaks this competes with.
The maximum capacity of the AirVolution 2 is 550 lbs. (249 kg). This is enough room for two medium adults and their kit for the day.
On the water, this boat isn’t going to set any records for speed, but it does cover the water comfortably enough. The stability means you can stand, swim and move around without worry. It tracks well enough, but relies heavily on the fin at the rear which can only do so much in windier conditions. You can comfortably paddle this boat all day, though the lack of foot brace for the rear paddler can leave you fighting to stay in your seat.
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible
Length: 15 ft. (450 cm)
Width: 32 in. (81 cm)
Weight: 52 lbs. (23.5 kg)
Weight capacity: 550 lbs. (249 kg)
The AdvancedFrame Convertible is a two person kayak with a length of 15 ft. (4.5 m). At 32 in. (81 cm) wide, it’s really stable, without being difficult to paddle.
This kayak is designed to be a recreational day tourer. The two person weight capacity of 550 lbs. (249 kg) is enough for two medium adults and equipment for a long day on the water.
The benefit of any inflatable is how portable they are. The AdvancedFrame Convertible weighs 52 lbs. (23.5 kg). While this isn’t the lightest option on the market, it’s still easy to move around as a pair.
The AdvancedFrame Convertible takes inflatables to a whole new level of versatility. The ability to quickly change from an open top kayak to a closed cockpit style can change this boat from a family tripper to a cold weather adventurer. The frame system in this boat gives it a good level of rigidity and responsiveness. This makes the boat feel more like a traditional touring style kayak rather than an inflatable. It covers the water with a reasonable amount of speed and is comfortable as a one, or two person boat.
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame
Length: 10 ft. 5 in. (318 cm)
Width: 32 in. (82 cm)
Weight: 35 lbs. (16 kg)
Weight capacity: 300 lbs. (136 kg)
AdvancedFrame is 10 ft. 5 in. (318 cm) when fully inflated. The vast majority of this length is in front of the cockpit, so you have maximum leg room. At 32 in. (82 cm) wide, you would have to work quite hard to make this feel unstable.
This is a mid-sized kayak with a capacity of 300 lbs. (136 kg). While this is plenty of space for most medium adults, it doesn’t necessarily allow you to make the most of the ample storage opportunities that make this a great overnight tripper.
Weighing in at just 35 lbs. (16 kg), the AdvancedFrame is really easy to move around both on and off the water.
This kayak is really stable, even for an inflatable. Not just that, but the internal frame gives it a level of tracking rarely seen in an inflatable. It sits a little lower in the water than most inflatables, which helps it stay on course in windier conditions. They also give the boat an extended waterline, so you can easily keep up with those in hard shell kayaks.
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Sport
Length: 10.5 ft (320 cm)
Width: 32 in. (81 cm)
Weight: 26 lbs (11 kg)
Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113 kg)
The AdvancedFrame Sport is the ultralight weight version of the AdvancedFrame of the same size, measuring 10.5 feet / 320 cm in length and 32 inches / 81 cm in width. It weighs 26 lbs / 11 kg, a slight improvement over its original predecessor, the AdvancedFrame which weighs 36 lbs / 16 kg.
With a folded size of 30 x 17 x 8 inches / 76 x 43 x 20 cm, this small, super portable kayak is easily handled by one adult or even an older child.
The AdvancedFrame Sport has a maximum payload of 250 lbs / 113 kg, which is a smidge under the original AdvancedFrame’s 300 lbs / 136 kg.
Like other kayaks in the AdvancedFrame series, the Sport offers excellent tracking due to the included fin and patented aluminum rib frames that give the kayak superior rigidity and helps keep the kayak in a straight line. Its stability will make even new kayakers feel secure.
Advanced Elements Attack Pro
Length: 9 ft. 9 in. (297 cm)
Width: 35 in. (89 cm)
Weight: 25.5 lbs. (11.5 kg)
Weight capacity: 225 lbs. (102 kg)
At 9 ft. 9 in. (2.97 m) long and 35 in. (89 cm) wide, the Attack Pro ticks the boxes as being both fast and really stable. The tube diameter is 9.5 in. (24 cm), so you still have plenty of internal space as well as protection from all that the river can throw at you.
Weighing just 25.5 lbs. (11.5 kg), the Attack Pro is easy to get to and from the water. This lightweight design also means you can portage easily around any rapids you don’t like the look of.
The upper weight capacity of the Attack Pro is 225 lbs. (102 kg). This may not be expansive, but this is a kayak designed for quick, responsive paddling, rather than long expeditions.
White water kayaking all depends on how responsive your kayak is and how much control you have. The Attack Pro’s drop stitch design, high rocker profile, and strong build all combine to let you explore high-grade white water. The addition of thigh straps really gives this boat a whitewater feel and makes all the difference between a recreational and performance inflatable. This is a kayak that suits paddlers ranging all the way from river rookies to old hands on the rapids.
Advanced Elements StraitEdge Angler Pro
Length: 10 ft. 6 in. (320cm)
Width: 38.5 in. (98 cm)
Weight: 45 lbs (20.4 kg)
Weight capacity: 400 lb (181 kg)
Advanced Elements StraitEdge2 Pro
Length: 13 ft. (400 cm)
Width: 35 in (89 cm)
Weight: 41 lbs. (18.6 kg)
Weight capacity: 500 lbs. (227 kg)
StraitEdge 2 Pro is 13 ft. (4 m) long and 35 in (89 cm) wide. The environments the StraitEdge2 Pro explores demand stability, and these dimensions provide just that.
Weighing just 41 lbs. (18.6 kg), this is not going to be difficult for two people to move around. It’s easy to load this kayak into the trunk of your car, and store it at home.
The upper weight range for this kayak is 500 lbs. (227 kg). This is plenty of space for two adults and their equipment for a short overnight stay.
The StraitEdge 2 Pro is a high-performance, multi-purpose inflatable kayak. This is a boat capable on white water, up to class III, in ocean surf and on open water adventures. The StraitEdge hull shape combines really nicely with the high-pressure design to make this boat really stable, but also responsive. This really does paddle like a rigid kayak.
Advanced Elements StraitEdge2
Length: 13 ft. (396.25cm)
Width: 35 in. (89cm)
Weight: 47 lbs. (21 kg)
Weight capacity: 500 lbs. (227 kg)
Advanced Elements StraitEdge Angler
Length: 9 ft. 8 in. (295 cm)
Width: 35 in. (89 cm)
Weight: 41 lbs (18.6 kg)
Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
Advanced Elements StraitEdge
Length: 9 ft. 8 in. (295 cm)
Width: 35 in. (89 cm)
Weight: 34 lbs. (15 kg)
Weight capacity: 300 lbs. (136 kg)
The StraitEdge is 9 ft. 8 in. (295 cm) long and 35 in. (89 cm) wide. These dimensions may not be the most streamlined, but give it an enormous amount of stability to cope with choppy conditions.
The maximum capacity of this kayak is 300 lbs. (136 kg), suitable for most adults and a small amount of equipment.
Portability is key when getting to your favorite beach or river. The StraitEdge weighs just 34 lbs. (15 kg), light enough to get into remote spots for an idyllic paddle.
The StraitEdge is Advanced Element’s answer to a multi-purpose sit on top kayak. This is a really strong, portable kayak which is easy to set up. You can get from car to river in a matter of minutes, just unfold and inflate.
On the water, the durability and ease of this boat make it suitable for paddling up to grade III rivers, as well as playing around in ocean surf and open water. The self-bailing design stops you filling up, so you can focus more on paddling.
Advanced Elements AirFusion EVO
Length: 13 ft. (396 cm)
Width: 24 in. (61 cm)
Weight: 32 lbs. (14.6 kg)
Weight capacity: 234 lbs. (106 kg)
The AirFusion Evo is 13 ft. (396 cm) long and 24 in. (61 cm) wide. These are some real cruising dimensions. But don’t be fooled by the diminutive width, this is still a really stable boat.
What these smaller measurements do mean, though, is that the AirFusion Evo isn’t necessarily suitable for larger adults. An upper capacity of just 234 lbs. (106 kg) isn’t enormous, especially if you plan to take any kit with you.
The AirFusion Evo weighs in at just 32 lbs. (14.6 kg). Where a lot of framed inflatables have a similar weight to their rigid counterparts, this kayak has retained a lightweight, easily portable feel.
On the water, this boat really does rival more traditional, hard shelled boats. It accelerates quickly and carries speed effortlessly over the water, tracking through the wind thanks to the rigid finish. It’s responsive, too, with good maneuverability to perform some tight turns.
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Elite
Length: 15 ft. (457 cm)
Width: 32 in. (81 cm)
Weight: 52 lbs. (23.5 kg)
Weight capacity: 550 lbs. (249 kg)
The AdvancedFrame Convertible Elite measures 15 feet / 457 cm in length and 32 inches / 81 cm in width. It weighs 52 lbs / 23.5 kg and measures 35 x 21 x 12 inches / 89 x 53 x 30 cm when deflated and folded.
At this size, it fits easily into the trunk or the back of a truck but the weight isn’t the lightest on the market. Moving a fully-deflated kayak might be a challenge and it would be way easier with two people.
The AdvancedFrame Convertible Elite has a maximum payload of 550 lbs / 249 kg which is significantly less than the Sea eagle 420x which can accommodate 855 lbs / 388 kg. However, the Convertible Elite is still suitable for two medium to large-sized adults and all their gear.
An upgrade from the wildly-popular AdvancedFrame Convertible, the Convertible Elite is a dream to paddle in chop as the patented aluminum rib frame cuts through water like a hot knife through butter. The frame minimizes nose-walking, unlike other inflatables where you sit high on the water and the kayak “waggles” from side to side as you paddle. The aluminum rib frame at the stern also acts like a skeg and keeps the kayak in the water, helping it track straight. In addition, there is a fin on the underside, making this kayak excellent at tracking.
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite
Length: 13 ft. (396 cm)
Width: 32 in. (81 cm)
Weight: 42 lbs. (19 kg)
Weight capacity: 450 lbs (204 kg)
The AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite measures 13 feet / 396 cm in length, 32 inches / 81 cm in width, and weighs 42 lbs / 19 kg. With a folded size of 31 x 16 x 10 inches / 78 x 40 x 25 cm, it’ll fit easily into the back of your truck or your car’s trunk.
This isn’t the lightest kayak in the Advanced Elements fleet, and it weighs significantly more than a kayak of the same length, the Aquaglide Deschutes, which weighs a mere 21 lbs / 9.5 kg. However, at this weight, it is still easy to transport and handle the Expedition Elite as a solo paddler.
The AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite has a maximum payload of 450 lbs / 204 kg, which makes it suitable for bigger paddles and all the gear. However, loading the kayak beyond 360 lbs / 164 kg might cause a significant decrease in performance in terms of speed and maneuverability.
This kayak will make an excellent touring partner. The rigid construction and aluminum rib frame at the bow allow it to cut smoothly through the water at excellent speed. At 13 feet long with an included fin, the AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite is designed to go in a straight line. It isn’t as maneuverable as the average play boat but this kayak sits low in the water which makes tracking a dream. It is easily paddled even on long days, and the seat with inflatable lumbar support gives you plenty of comfort which is crucial on multi-day expeditions.
Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2
Length: 11 ft 2 in (340 cm)
Width: 37 in. (94 cm)
Weight: 31.5 lbs (14.3 kg)
Weight capacity: 400 lbs (181 kg)
The Island Voyage 2 measures 11 feet 2 inches / 340 cm in length and 37 inches / 94 cm in width. It weighs 31.5 lbs / 14.3 kg, and while it isn’t the lightest kayak in the Advanced Elements fleet, it is still easily transported and handled by one person.
It is slightly longer than the 10.5 feet / 320 cm length of the AdvancedFrame series by the same manufacturer and its weight is comparable to the original AdvancedFrame which weighs 35 lbs / 16 kg.
The Island Voyage 2 has a maximum payload of 400 lbs / 181 kg which is way more than some of the AdvancedFrame kayaks such as the Ultralite with a payload of 225 lbs / 102 kg or the Sport’s capacity of 250 lbs / 113 lbs.
The Island Voyage 2 is a durable, relatively affordable kayak that you can take out for a fun day out with a buddy or family member, and even have room for the pooch. It doesn’t have the top-notch performance of other higher-end kayaks in the Advanced Elements fleet, but its durability and reliability get a huge thumbs up! The Island Voyage 2 makes an excellent choice for the budget-choice paddler that doesn’t want to sacrifice too much performance.
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Ultralight
Length: 10.5 ft. (320 cm)
Width: 32 in. (81 cm)
Weight: 17.5 lbs (7.9 kg)
Weight capacity: 225 lbs (102 kg)
Weighing a mere 17.5 lbs / 7.9 kg, the AdvancedFrame Ultralite is one of the lightest kayaks by Advanced Elements. It measures 10.5 feet / 320 cm in length and 32 inches / 81 cm across.
It is the same length and width as the original AdvancedFrame as well as the Advanced Frame Sport, but it is way lighter than the other two similar kayaks that weigh 35 lbs / 16 kg and 25 lbs / 11.5 kg respectively.
With a folded size of 31 x 18 x 6 inches / 79 x 46 x 15 cm, this kayak is a breeze to travel with, transport, or portage, even for a small adult or older child.
The Ultralite has a maximum payload of 225 lbs / 102 kg, which is almost the same as the Sport which weighs 250 lbs / 113 lbs and a tad less than the original AdvancedFrame’s 300 lbs / 136 kg.
Compact and super light, the AdvancedFrame Ultralite is best suited for bays, lakes, calm rivers, and inland waters. It doesn’t paddle on open oceans very well due to the lack of a spray skirt. However, in calmer waters, the Ultralite tracks like a dream and is stable enough for the newest paddlers to feel secure and comfortable. However, because it is so light, the nose does tend to waggle a bit compared to the original AdvancedFrame, especially if you are a strong paddler.
Advanced Elements Lagoon 1
Length: 8 ft. 4 in. (254 cm)
Width: 34 in. (87 cm)
Weight: 22 lbs (10 kg)
Weight capacity: 249 lbs. (113 kg)
The Lagoon 1 is 8 ft. 4 in. (254 cm) long. The majority of the boat’s length is in front of the paddler to maximise legroom and comfort. At 34 in. (87 cm) wide, this is one stable, easy to paddle kayak.
The Lagoon 1 is all about ease of use. Nothing makes your life easier than having a kayak which you can carry to and from the water without thinking. At just 22 lbs (10 kg), you can throw this kayak in the trunk and carry it easily to the lake at the other end. You can even take the Lagoon 1 with you on the bus.
A maximum capacity of 249 lbs. (113 kg) doesn’t give the Lagoon 1 the biggest range for paddlers, but there’s still enough space for most small to mid-sized adults and some equipment.
On the water, the Lagoon 1 performs well on the calm rivers and lakes it’s designed for. The short stature and lightweight design means it isn’t likely to win any races and the tracking may come undone in stronger winds. But ultimately this is a kayak for calm days of enjoyable paddling. Beginners will appreciate how stable and easy to paddle the Lagoon 1 is. The seat design and comfortable cockpit mean you can be on the water all day.
Advanced Elements Lagoon 2
Length: 12 ft. (366 cm)
Width: 35 in. (90 cm)
Weight: 37 lbs. (17 kg)
Weight capacity: 350 lbs. (159 kg)
The Lagoon 2 is 12 ft. (366 cm) long and 35 in. (90 cm) wide. This wide beam gives you a stable, easy to paddle platform and with the mid-range length, you can get up to a comfortable cruising speed.
Two-person kayaks are often heavy and difficult to move, but at just 37 lbs. (17 kg), you’ll have the Lagoon 2 loaded easily into the trunk of your car.
A maximum capacity of 350 lbs. (159 kg) isn’t enormous, but two small adults (or an adult and a kid) can comfortably fit in the Lagoon 2.
The Advanced Elements Lagoon 2 is a recreational kayak which does exactly what it sets out to do. This kayak is lightweight and easy to transport. On the water, this is a stable and easy to maneuver kayak which is great for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. In spite of the rigid bow and stern, it’s not the fastest kayak and doesn’t have the best tracking, but it does well for its size and weight.
Advanced Elements PackLite
Length: 7 ft. 10 in. (240 cm)
Width: 35 in. (89 cm)
Weight: 4 lbs. (1.8 kg)
Weight capacity: 249 lbs. (113 kg)
Once inflated, the PackLite is 7 ft. 10 in. (240 cm) long and 35 in. (89 cm) wide. This beam gives you the stability you need to paddle with confidence, even in remote and challenging areas.
This boat is light. Seriously light. The PackLite comes in at just 4 lbs. (1.8 kg) and packs down into a compact bag. This makes it really easy to carry the kayak into wild spaces.
The maximum capacity of the PackLite is 249 lbs. (113 kg). This is just enough to carry small to medium adults and their lightweight gear on an expedition.
Advanced Elements PackLite is a kayak with a very specific purpose. This is a boat for remote locations where experienced paddlers want to explore further than their usual boundaries. The PackLite is also an ideal choice for those who want to extend their trekking trip across bodies of water without the arduous walk around.
What this is not, however, is a kayak designed for long days out. Nor is this a kayak for particularly challenging conditions. The lightweight design means that this kayak doesn’t track effectively in the wind. The short stature and flat hull also limit the speed of the PackLite.
Advanced Elements FireFly
Length: 7 ft. 10 in. (240 cm)
Width: 35 in. (90 cm)
Weight: 15 lbs. (7 kg)
Weight capacity: 249 lbs. (113 kg)
At 7 ft. 10 in. (240 cm) long, the FireFly is firmly in the recreational range, but can still carry some speed. A beam width of 35 in. (90 cm) gives this kayak a lot of stability, making it suitable for beginners.
The maximum capacity of the FireFly is 249 lbs. (113 kg). This kayak is best for small to average-sized paddlers that don’t need a lot of equipment on the water.
Perhaps the most important features of any inflatable kayak are how portable it is and how easy it is to store. Not only does the FireFly pack down to a small and tidy package, but it weighs just 15 lbs. (7 kg). Solo paddlers will have no problem carrying this kayak to and from the water and loading it into the trunk of a car.
The FireFly is stable and easy to paddle, even for beginners. For a short recreational kayak, it carries a reasonable amount of speed over the water. It also tracks well enough thanks to the rigid bow and stern.
The total weight limit of the FireFly is large enough to carry most small to mid-sized adults, though the cockpit seating area can be a bit tight for some.
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