Advanced Elements FireFly Kayak
Ideal for family adventures on the water, the Advanced Elements FireFly Inflatable Kayak is designed to be a compact, recreational kayak. The kayak offers several unique features to improve the performance and durability. Its bow and stern have fixed rigid forms that help cut through the waves and keep you on course while a unique out cover provides added durability. The kayak also offers molded rubber-grip handles, bungee deck lacing, a mesh accessory pocket and tracking skeg. The bow and stern rigid forms are built in to the cover, which gives the kayak increased performance on the water. It’s easy to set up.
Advanced Elements FireFly Kayak Features and Specifications:
- Rigid bow & stern – Built-in rigid panels define the bow and stern and improve tracking.
- Durable & light – Unique outer cover provides durability in a lightweight design.
- Easy to set up – New Twistlok valves and high flow Spring valve allow for quick setup time.
- Hull design – Landing plate and tracking fin improve performance.
- 3 air chambers.
- Rubber moulded handle.
- Bungee deck lacing.
- Mesh pocket.
- New advanced inflation valves.
- Heavy-duty PVC main chamber.
- Tracking fin.
- Welded perimeter seam.
- 600 D polyester cover.
- Durable PVC tarpaulin hull material.
- Rigid bow and stern.
Specifications:
- Length: 240cm.
- Width: 90cm.
- Weight: 7kg.
- Max capacity: 113kg (approx 17 stone).
- Packed size approx: 70cm x 45cm x 15cm.
- Colour: yellow/blue.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Convenience – with the Advanced Elements FireFly you won’t have to worry about technical issues, set-up problems, or anything requiring a professional kayak expert. You can set it up, ride it, repair it, and deflate it all on your own due to its convenient mechanics.
- Portability – the entire set-up will weigh a total of 16lbs. Anyone, even lightweight people with little to no upper body strength, can carry this from their car to the waters. Amazingly, this lightweight kayak can handle passengers up to 250lbs. When deflated, you can easily fit it into its duffle bag and toss it into your car or store it under your bed or inside the closet.
- Improved Performance – very few inflatable kayaks come with their own built-in landing plate, tracking fin, and rigid bows and sterns.
- The Advanced Elements FireFly comes with them all so even if it is an inflatable boat it is designed to work like its rigid counterparts. This ensures better performance on the water.
- Enhanced Durability – the enhanced material of the outer cover is very lightweight but it is also very durable. Most inflatable kayaks of this design and price can only handle calm, Class I waters but this kayak can even endure collisions from Class II rapids.
Cons:
- Limited Space – some kayaks are built with some extra space so you can store fishing gear or whatnot but the Advanced Elements FireFly eschews this concept and offers very little extra space. This is intentional however, to maintain better tracking and control.
- Only for Calmer Waters – the Advanced Elements FireFly might be able to endure a few minutes on Class II rivers so a few bumps here and there against some rocks won’t be a problem but it isn’t designed for Class III encounters. This can limit your adventures but if you just want a convenient, portable kayak for a lazy afternoon at the lake then this is the best option out there.
Conclusion
The reality is that this little inflatable kayak is a great buy for someone who is new to kayaking or looking for a great inflatable for their child to use. It is sturdy and rugged, yet tiny and compact.
It would not suit a larger person or someone who wants to paddle in different weather conditions. It is only suited for calm flatwater but makes for a very affordable and easy way to enjoy some recreational kayaking.
I think it would be a great kayak to own if you have children as the size and weight of it makes it very easy for a child to maneuver.
