Description
The StraitEdge2 Pro is an inflatable, sit-on-top tandem kayak designed to combine portability with performance. It’s made by Advanced Elements, a company known for robust inflatable / hybrid kayaks. The Pro version adds drop-stitch flooring for better rigidity and more hardened features to handle mixed conditions (flat water, open/coastal, mild whitewater).
Design & Construction
Here are the main design elements and what makes this kayak work well:
| Component | Details / Purpose |
|---|---|
| Hull & Floor Design | – It features aluminum rib-frame technology in the bow and stern, which improves tracking and helps the kayak cut through chop and waves. – The floor uses drop-stitch construction in the Pro version. This lets the floor become very rigid when inflated, improving paddling efficiency and reducing flex or sag in the cockpit area. |
| Material | Heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin material, RF-welded seams, reinforced bow seams. These provide good puncture resistance, durability against abrasion, and long life under regular use. |
| Self-bailing / Drainage Ports | There are ports along the sides that can be opened in rough / whitewater or open/coastal situations to allow water out, or closed in calmer/cold water to keep you drier. Useful for versatility. |
| Seats & Comfort | Includes high-back, padded (lumbar) seats (2 of them), adjustable foot pegs, inflatable lumbar support, etc. Designed for comfort over longer paddling periods. |
| Portability & Set-Up | The kayak comes pre-assembled at the factory; you unfold, inflate, attach seats, etc. It weighs ~ 41 lbs (≈ 18.6 kg). It folds / packs down into a bag/suitcase-sized pack for easier transport/storage. |
Performance & Usage
Here’s how the StraitEdge2 Pro performs in real-world paddling, and what it’s good at.
Strengths
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Versatility across water types
You can paddle in calm lakes, coastal water, possibly open bays, and even mild whitewater (Class I-III) depending on conditions. The self-bailing ports, rigid frame bow/stern, and drop-stitch floor help it cope with both flat and rougher conditions. -
Tracking & Stability
The rib frame in the bow and stern helps keep it heading straight, reducing “drift” in wind or chop. Also, the wide 35-inch beam gives a stable platform for tandem paddling, fishing, or carrying dog/gear. -
Comfort for tandem & solo use
Because it has 3 seat positions, you can configure for two paddlers or solo with more leg room. The high-back padded seats and adjustable foot pegs help reduce fatigue. -
Portability & Storage
Even though it’s reasonably heavy (~41 lb), it is much more portable than a comparably sized rigid kayak. Packs into a relatively compact duffel-style bag, making transport, storage, and travel easier. -
Fishing / Utility features
It comes with rod holders (on at least one seat), gear tie-downs, bungee deck lacing, mesh pockets, etc., useful for anglers or for carrying gear. Also being sit-on-top helps in fishing: unobstructed deck space, easy re-positioning.
Limitations / Things to Watch Out For
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Weight for carrying
At 41 lbs, plus gear and inflated, it’s not light. Carrying it solo over long distances, up steep ramps, or through rough terrain may be challenging. Good handles help, but it helps to have assistance. -
Setup time & inflation
While pre-assembled, it still needs inflation and seat setup. Drop-stitch floors sometimes require higher pressure or care in inflation to work optimally. It might take several minutes. -
Rigid parts & maintenance
The rib frame adds rigidity but also adds hardware that must be handled carefully. Also, PVC tarpaulin material, while durable, is heavier and requires care (avoid sharp objects, exposure to direct sun for long times when inflated). Seams need inspection, repair kits kept. -
Performance trade-offs vs rigid kayaks
Even with drop-stitch floor, an inflatable is generally slower, less glide, more affected by wind than a rigid/kayak with a stiff hull. If you’re doing long distance or want high speed, there will be compromises.
Who It’s Best Suited For
Based on its features, the StraitEdge2 Pro is especially good for:
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Anglers who want a kayak that can handle fishing, gear, stability, and occasional rougher conditions but still be portable.
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Tandem paddlers (two people) who also occasionally want to go solo.
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People who need a kayak that can pack down, travel, store in smaller spaces, or bring on trips.
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Recreational paddlers who want something more capable than a basic inflatable, but less demanding than transporting a large rigid kayak.
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Those doing mixed usage: flat water, coastal bays, maybe mild whitewater, and value comfort.
It might be less ideal for:
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Paddlers prioritizing speed, racing, or long-distance touring.
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Those who need the ultimate lightest kayak or minimal gear.
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Users who will frequently paddle in very rough sea conditions, strong surf, or highly turbulent whitewater above Class III.
Summary
The Advanced Elements StraitEdge2 Pro is a strong choice for people who want a high-quality inflatable kayak that bridges the gap between portability and performance. Its drop-stitch floor, rib frame, self-bailing ports, and fishing-/tandem-friendly features make it versatile. It is relatively heavy, and there are always trade-offs compared to rigid kayaks, but for many users its strengths more than compensate.
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