Description
The AirVolution2 is a high-performance tandem inflatable kayak by Advanced Elements. It’s designed to bring the rigidity, speed, and tracking of a hard-shell kayak together with the portability and convenience of an inflatable. It’s well suited for recreational touring, overnight trips, and paddling in a wide range of water conditions (flatwater, bays, slow rivers, etc.).
Key Features & Design Elements
Here are the standout design components and features that make the AirVolution2 unique:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Drop-Stitch Hull & Floor | The kayak uses drop-stitch (DS) technology in the floor (and sometimes hull/floor chambers) to allow it to be inflated to high pressure (≈10–14 PSI) to achieve a rigid, flat base. This gives much better tracking, less flex, and more speed than conventional tube-style inflatables. |
| PVC Tarpaulin Outer Skin | Heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin material forms the outer skin—this adds puncture resistance and durability. |
| Open Deck Design | The kayak has an open deck (no closed cockpit), which makes entry/exit easier, lets you move around more freely, and gives more space for gear. |
| V-Hull with Chine & Removable Tracking Fin | The hull profile (V-hull plus chine edges) plus a removable fin help it slice through the water nicely, improving tracking (how well it holds course) and directional stability. |
| High-Back Adjustable Seats | Two sculpted EVA foam seats with high backs, adjustable positions. Gives better comfort, especially on longer paddles. |
| Adjustable Foot Braces | Helps different sized paddlers get better leg positioning, which improves control and comfort. |
| Gear Storage & Utility Features | Bungee deck lacing, D-rings, soft grip carry handles, below-deck storage compartments for small items. A tracking fin that can be removed. Also includes a roller duffel carry bag. |
| Pressure Relief / Valves | It includes pressure relief valves to prevent over-inflation or to manage pressure changes due to temperature, helping protect the kayak’s structure. |
Strengths
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Hard-Shell-Like Performance: Because of the drop-stitch floor and rigid design, handling (tracking, speed, glide) is much better than traditional soft inflatables. It can paddle more efficiently.
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Portability: Although it is heavier than simpler inflatables, its packed size and included roller duffel make it easier to transport and store than large rigid kayaks.
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Tandem & Solo Flexibility: You can paddle with two people or solo, with the seating adjustable. That gives flexibility for use.
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Gear Capacity: Its large payload means you can carry gear for overnights, fishing, or photography. The storage features help keep items secured.
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Comfort: High-back seats, adjustable foot braces, easy deck layout make it more comfortable for longer time on the water.
Ideal Users & Best Use Scenarios
Here are who would get the most value from the AirVolution2, and where it performs best:
| Ideal Use | Why It Fits |
|---|---|
| Expeditions / Travel | Inflatable design + packed size + roller bag makes it good for trips where you need to transport via car, plane, or in small boats. |
| Tandem Paddling | Spacious enough for two people plus gear. Great for friends, couples, or parent + child setups. |
| Recreational Touring | Lakes, calm bays, slow rivers. Good for paddling moderate distances comfortably. |
| Mixed Usage | Users who want a kayak that works for fishing, photography, carrying gear, maybe camping, not just day paddles. |
| Users with storage constraints | If you can’t store or transport a full-size hardshell easily, this gives much of the performance, with lower logistic complexity. |
It’s less ideal for:
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Whitewater above Class II-III or very fast moving water where you want rigid hull integrity and higher abrasion resistance.
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Paddlers who want top speed or racing style performance.
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Ultra lightweight packers who will carry long distances (portaging) where every pound matters.
Summary
The Advanced Elements AirVolution2 is among the more premium inflatable kayak options. It strikes a good balance between performance (thanks to drop-stitch tech + rigid floor), comfort, gear capacity, and portability. If you want a kayak that you can transport with less fuss, store more easily, but still get near hard-shell performance for tandem or solo paddling, this is a strong candidate.
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