Advanced Elements StraitEdge2 Pro

Size, weight, capacity

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.

Features

Built-in aluminum struts in the floor of the StraitEdge 2 Pro give it a unique hull shape among inflatables. The shape is more like that of a plastic sit-on-top kayak, with a v-shape bow and slight rocker to track through the water and keep your ride dry.

Drop stitch seams allow this kayak to inflate to a higher pressure than standard inflatables. This improves stability and response, so your kayak feels more like a plastic hulled boat than an inflatable.

There are three seating positions in the StraitEdge 2, so you can easily change between solo and tandem paddling. The seats themselves are comfortable and supportive, with fully adjustable high backed systems to keep you out on the water all day. Adjustable footpeg systems are in place to keep you in your seat and paddling efficiently.

As a lightweight model, you would be forgiven for having concerns about durability, especially in white water, where the StraitEdge2 Pro is rated up to class III. The heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin construction should alleviate these worries. This is a kayak ready for the rough stuff.

A removable tracking fin at the rear can be fitted for open water trips to prevent you from drifting in the wind. Top deck bungee is fitted to secure your kit. Other items can be stowed under the spray skirts at either end, which helps to prevent waves from crashing into your kayak.

Self-bailing ports inside the StraitEdge2 Pro can be opened or closed, depending on where you’re paddling.

Performance

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.

The internal drain ports can be opened easily on the river, so you can get on with paddling while your boat drains itself. On open water, these can be closed to keep your ride high and dry.

Perhaps the only real downside to this boat is the seating. The lack of a solid seat base does make the seats slightly less comfortable underneath your butt. The addition of the foot pegs helps with this, though.