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Advanced Elements Convertible DS Series Inflatable Kayak - AE1007DS

Advanced Elements Convertible DS Series Inflatable Kayak - AE1007DS

AdvancedFrame Convertible DS Series Kayak comes standard with dropstitch floor, high-back lumbar seats, double action pump with pressure gauge

$899.00

ON SALE!

Retail Price:

SKU:

AE1007DS-K

Brand:

Advanced Elements

Condition:

New

Availability:

In stock. Usually ships within one business day.

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An AirKayaks exclusive! The limited edition AdvancedFrame Convertible DS series inflatable kayak with high-pressure dropstitch floor, high-backed lumbar seat and double action pump with gauge!

AirKayaks Intro Special: Get a FREE Advanced Elements Adjustable Foot Peg System ($59 value) with purchase of an Advanced Elements Convertible DS Series kayak or system. Automatically added at checkout.

Based on popular demand, AirKayaks has packaged the popular AdvancedFrame Convertible inflatable kayak with upgraded accessories from Advanced Elements - in a limited edition blue - to create the ultimate AdvancedFrame Convertible DS Series.

The unique AdvancedFrame2 Convertible Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements features truly cutting-edge design, with its built-in rigid bow and stern and high-end components.

The front and back ribs are made of high grade aluminum, allowing the bow to slice through water like a knife. The stern acts as a skeg, which increases the tracking performance. When the chambers inflate, these ribs are pressed against the outer cover and form a high performance bow and stern which rival the tracking of a hard-shell day touring kayak yet still folds up compactly! While most inflatables ride ON the water, the AdvancedFrame rides IN the water.

The kayak is manufactured from extremely durable materials and high-end components. There is plenty of on-board storage space without cramping your leg room, making extended trips much more enjoyable. Gear can be stored behind the rear seat. It sets up in easily, and is compact enough to take along for an adventure anywhere. The kayak's durable double-coated fabric, heavy-duty PVC and electronically welded seams can take bumps, scrapes and rough water.

The AdvancedFrame convertible features optimal roominess for those that don't like to be hemmed in. But in a matter of seconds, with the optional single or double decks you can create a "closed deck" kayak with the ability to use a spray skirt. Three seating arrangements allow for maximum versatility!

If you love the water, but like to travel light, this sleek compact inflatable kayak will add a new dimension to your outdoor adventures. From lakes, and mild rivers, to bays and estuaries, it is a delight to get on the water quickly; keep it deflated in the trunk of your car and the next time you're driving along a river, lake or bay, you can be fishing or paddling in just minutes! This is the perfect watercraft for campers, Rvers, travelers or those that just don’t want the hassle of roof racks! Duffle bag included!

Features include:

Built in rigid-formed Bow and Stern with aluminum frame

Skeg/tracking fin

Hefty duffle carrying bag, maintenance kit, instructions and pump adaptor.

Adjustable padded back supports/seats

Storage area behind back cockpit

Military-style Air Valves, Paddle Holder

Molded low-profile rubber handles

Durable double-coated PVC-coated nylon w/tarpaulin fabric

Electronically Welded Seams

Bungee Deck Lacing to hold extra gear

Dimensions: Length 15 ft, width 34 inches

Weight: 56 lbs, max load 550 lbs, 6 chambers

Easy storage, portable, packs into convenient duffle bag, folded dimensions 36x21x11 inches

Durable, lightweight and compact - inflates easily!

Designed to be used in flat water to salt water.

Advanced inflation TwistLok valves and high flow Spring Valves! Fits most standard pumps without an adaptor!

The limited edition AdvancedFrame Convertible DS Series includes the following accessories with the kayak:

AEDS-AFC High-pressure inflatable 4-6 PSI dropstitch floor for extreme rigidity ($200 value)

AE2011 Double action high-pressure 14 PSI handpump with pressure-gauge ($40 value)

AE2013HB Two high-back lumbar seats for the ultimate in a comfortable, adjustable back rest. ($128 value)

Carrying case, one year warranty, repair kit and instructions

Optional matching Single Decks or Double Decks are also available.

Need more info?

Watch our Convertible Kayak YouTube video on the Convertible kayak by clicking on the video tab above.
Or, read our detailed product review on the AdvancedFrame Convertible DS.
You can also read the Convertible Instruction Manual

Package Details:

For pricing and photos, select the radio button above.

Kayak DS Only:

Comes with carrying case, dropstitch floor, AE2011 double action pump with gauge, two AE2013HB high-back lumbar seats, repair kit & instructions. #AE1007DS

Basic DS System:

Bundles in 2 Cascade paddles. #AE1007DS-SB2

Deluxe DS System:

Bundles in 2 Cascade paddles, both decks. #AE1007DS-SD2

Ultra DS System:

Bundles in two Cascade paddles, both decks, two AE2026 Packlite Spray Skirts. #AE1007DS-SU2

The Works DS:

Bundles in two Cascade paddles, both decks, two AE2026 Packlite Spray Skirts and AE3010 Kayak Dolly. #AE1007DS-SW2

Need more help?:

For questions, customized packages or upgrades - Give us a call at 707-998-0135 or email info@AirKayaks.com! We're happy to answer any questions!

AirKayaks.com: Enhanced Spray Decks for the Advanced Elements Convertible Kayak (02:46)

Expand the versatility of your Advanced Elements Convertible inflatable kayak with the optional single or double spray decks. The spray decks transform your Convertible kayak from an open-deck design to an enclosed one or two seater. The spray decks have been newly upgraded with enhanced storage features, allowing one to carry more gear.

Product Videos

Product Reviews

Everything We Expected and More!!!!!

Posted by Riverman on 6th Mar 2013

We did a lot of research before we made the decision to purchase the tandem Advanced Elements convertible DS series inflatable kayak. After weighing all the options we made the purchase and we are extremely glad we did. It is perfect for what we intend to use it for. We were looking for an inflatable kayak to replace our canoe on trips with our compact RV where it was not feasible to take the canoe. We wanted to be able to be ready to be on the water within 15 minutes of coming to any water body we should happen to drive past and have a desire to paddle. We needed our inflatable to track like our canoe, maneuver well, and have, at minimum, the speed we were used to with our canoe. This kayak does all of those things well and more. It is stable and fun to paddle tandem. We have tested it on flat-water conditions and in class II and less river conditions with surprisingly good results. We are also experienced whitewater enthusiasts (we have other equipment for that) and we believe we could even push the limits of its design a bit farther than we have if necessary (not that anyone should). With that said we are extremely happy with this tandem kayak and would recommend it to others who intend to use it as we do. Below are a few other important considerations:

Tandem Top Deck: We purchased this accessory item and for us it is a “must have”. We will likely use it most of the time and especially when keeping warm and dry is important. We paddled 2 water bodies in a 24 hour period in colder conditions for a period of 6 hours and ended up with very little moisture inside the boat.

Drop Stitch Floor: For us the drop stitch floor is also a “must have”. It really makes the complete difference in providing stability and in tracking. As a side note, there is no question that this option is far superior to the option of the regular floor and the backbone in the non DS AE version. The set up is much easier and the stability is far better with the drop stick floor. Also it provides great rigidity. We were able to put it on the top of our SUV inflated and it strapped on and handled like our canoe but easier as it was lighter.

High Back Lumbar Seats: These seats are really nice. We were able to paddle for long periods of time and enjoy it!

Weight: Some have indicated that weight is a problem with this tandem kayak as it weights approximately 50 lbs. For the use that we intended, this is a non factor. We have other equipment to backpack into high mountain lakes. In our opinion this kayak is not for that use but it is not that heavy.

“On Kayak” Storage: Some have said that the limited storage capacity of this kayak is a real problem. We agree that there is limited storage. However we have been able to adapt and work around this issue. We are nature photographers and use this kayak for long day trips with fairly extensive camera gear. We have designed a strapping system to work the kayak storage strapping and can install a pelican case and significant tripod and more on the front of the kayak. We are also able to strap one to two small dry bags on the rear deck area. We also have room for water bottles, lunch supplies, and a few small clothing items behind the back seat. It works fine for us. However, some with more storage needs should review this issue to determine if this kayak is for them and their intended use.

Leg Room: We are not tall people (5’4” and 5’8”) and this kayak works great for us. If we were much taller I think it would be pretty tight. Something to consider for taller people but for us it is just fine.

Setup and take down: It really was like the demo video really. Actually the first time we set it up in the living room we took quite awhile to make sure we had everything figured out (not that hard). Our first time out it took us about 15 minutes and less in subsequent times. Perfect! Take down is not that difficult either. People mention difficulties with drying it out. We are used to needing to dry out our whitewater gear so this was no problem. We carry a couple of old towels and it makes short work of it. It folds down to a good size in the carry case and fits nicely in a storage compartment of our RV as we intended it.

Looks and Quality: We think this kayak looks great (we love the blue!) and the build quality appears really good. We have had no problems so far at all with multiple trips under our belt and many many more planned.

Air Kayak Staff: I would mention that Air Kayak staff was excellent. Holly gave us great information and helped us through our decision well, provided good options, and processed our purchase without issues, and shipping was fast with all well. Thanks much Air kayak!

In Conclusion: If you want a boat to use in a similar way as we are using ours we do not believe you can go wrong with this boat. We think it is the best option out there. We are extremely happy. And…our friends who do much of what we do outdoors now want one! We enjoy it more than our canoe even for trips locally. Basically the canoe is staying home unless we need it for a local trip with friends!
Great, sturdy boat for Beginners like us

Posted by James on 17th Dec 2012

So after tossing up between the AE convertible and the innova Swing 2, we decided to go with the convertible based on the numerous happy reviews splashed all over the interwebs. The convertible seemed tougher as well, so that was the deciding factor. Holly from airkayaks also swayed us towards the DS series of the convertible and when we did the math, it indeed was cheaper than the standard convertible with the drop stitch floor and all. The delivery was swift, we had the kayak within a week of ordering via standard post, got to Australia fine. We’ve had two trips with the kayak so far
First one was on a small lake, we practised setting up the kayak the day before – HIGHLY recommend doing this, not because the kayak is difficult to setup, but getting used to the order of how to setup and inflate all the valves is important – kayak was inflated and setup in ten minutes and we were off. We did not setup the double deck for the first trip as the lake was flat calm water. The convertible was very stable, a real boon for beginners like us, and it was easy to paddle about but it didn’t really track straight and cut through the water as I expected. No big deal, but I talked with Holly again and we determined centering the dropstitch floor from was key to getting good tracking. Speaking of the drop stitch floor, it was easy to setup and rock hard, I don’t think I could have used it as a diving platform as some have suggested but it definitely made the convertible feel more solid.

2nd time we used it which was just yesterday was at the bay (black rock, Melbourne) It was fairly windy and choppy on the bay. We went in anyway, this time made sure we used the double deck, pumped main chamber to two psi, Dropstitch floor to almost 6 psi, made sure DS floor was centered. The convertible did really well, very stable, we took on 1 to 1.5 metre swells and didn’t take on much water either. There was no “taco chipping” with the floor, the DS floor was rock solid, couldn’t feel the swells under us. I Should note that adding the double deck makes leg room much more awkward than without it. Without the double deck, the person in the back has almost stretching room, very roomy. With the deck, its like a tight squeeze, my knees rubbed up against the deck material. Not super comfortable. Or maybe I’m just a kayaking noob and wasn’t seated/positioned correctly.

One final note, there’s not a lot of storage room on convertible with especially with 2 people on board, and especially if its got the double deck. There’s some space behind the back seat, space to carry bottles behind each seat but without custom modification or buying further gear, that’s it. Which kind of sucks, because the kayak can easily hold more weight ontop of the back and front bows/hull and in the middle of the double deck. Sure, I could modify the convertible to hold more on top but it really should have that sort of thing included in the design, especially since more storage space is something we (and other people out there) will need as we take the convertible out for longer day trips.
Overall happy with the purchase of the convertible. The blue on the DS series looks great, the high lumbar seats do the job.Great for beginners like us.

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AirKayaks note: Thanks for the detailed review James! Actually, Advanced Elements has taken some of your comments into account. They have redesigned both the single and double deck to allow for more gear attachment. The new decks will be available in January or February 2013.
Love the boat!

Posted by Chuck & Elisabeth on 1st Aug 2012

After a few outings with the new AE Advanced Frame Convertible (dubbed 'Blue Heron'), we have the following feed-back for you:

First off, we LOVE the boat hands-down. !!
- Construction materials are grade A.
- Double-action pump: We love it !!
- We like the way the valves operate.
- Lumbar support seats: Chuck's grade A; Elisabeth's grade B+ (I think seat cushion could be thicker and back could be higher).
- Tracking and Stability: A ! We found that precisely positioning the drop-stitch floor makes all the difference. We love the way the boat responds and its overall ease of handling and "oneness" with the water. Our dog loved the smooth ride as well !!

Our optional accessories:
Spray-deck: Overall, we like it's functionality ! Set-up and take-down are B+ (given the complexity of using the spray-deck and the adjustable foot-pegs).
Paddles: Great weight, easy to adjust.
We have not tried the spray skirts yet so can't comment.

A suggestion on the duffel bag: We would like to see cross-handles at either end (in order to allow a "two person schlepp") or a pole-through portage.
Great & beautiful kayak

Posted by Masanori Hanawa on 30th Jun 2012

I ordered from Japan and the AFC-DS system arrived in just three days! This is my first kayak and I just inflated it for testing and not puddled it yet. I have some experiences to puddle a folding kayak (Alfec Voyager 560) and an inflatable kayak (Sevylor Yukon). I felt that the AFC-DS can be a rival of a folding kayak. The drop stitch floor is extra ordinary hard and it is like a plunk. It is easy to inflate if we understand the inflation process and how the bulbs work. I needed to setup the aluminum frame for the bau before the first inflation though one for the stern was already setup by the manufacturer. Setting up the main tube and floor correctly was a little bit troublesome for me but I will get accustomed soon. Another point to be noticed is its beautiful sky-blue outer cover. It is so beautiful and must be fit with any situation. I really love this Advanced Frame Convertible DS and recommend to anyone who wants to get a kayak for two persons.

For questions, advice, customized packages or upgrades - Give us a call at 707-998-0135 or email info@AirKayaks.com! We're happy to answer any questions!