Made in the Czech Republic, the Innova Twist 2 Inflatable Tandem Kayak and the Swing models are now made of Nitrilon (N), the same robust material used in the traditional kayak models Innova Sunny, Helios and Safari. Nitrilon is known to make kayaks stiffer as well as water and abrasion-resistant without substantially increasing weight. It also does not contain PVC, so it is environmentally friendly.
The interior of the Innova Twist 2 Inflatable Tandem has been slightly redesigned to include additional d-rings, providing an easy conversion from a tandem to a solo kayak, so more versatile for larger paddlers or for those who need more space for additional equipment. While the silhouette of the kayak remains virtually unchanged, the thickness of the added material has increased the weight of the kayak from 24 lbs to 29 lbs, as well as an increase in price.
Recently we had the first opportunity to take out the newly refurbished Innova Twist II N, an 11-foot, 10-inch, two-person inflatable that weighs just 29 pounds (including seats and foot straps). For the best price, we suggest you go to kayakcreek.com or to amazon.com
Innova Twist IIN: Getting Started
The box received measures 23 x 16 x 10 inches, weighing 32 lbs. Inside is the Twist II N body, cinch strap, several instruction sheets, tracking wing, footrest, repair set, two seats, bilge sponge, valve adapter and a drawer bag. The Twist II N body with seats and straps weighs 28 kilograms with a folded size of 20 x 16 x 8.
Innova Twist 2 N inflatable kayak setting/inflation
As with all Innova manuals to date, the instructions are quite detailed – there is an instruction sheet for installing the fins, one for using the valves, one for refolding and one for kayaking in general. Because the kayaks are made in Europe, many of the details are based on European specifications and regulations.
The first step is to unpack and unfold the body of the kayak. What is immediately noticeable is how flat this particular inflatable kayak is when it is deflated. Remember to install the tracking fin before inflating the kayak. Innova Twist 2 Inflatable Tandem uses a single fin with double slots. Slide the end with the larger slot first, making sure the fin is facing the “back” of the kayak. This allows it to slide enough to fit into the second slot. While the first time can be a struggle to get them back in position, after a few rounds it becomes quite easy.
The next step is to pull up the fin to make sure you fit well. The Innova Twist II N has three main inflation chambers that use military valves – one for the floor and one for each side. The military-style piston valve is easy to use – with your finger, gently twist the piston to the “up” position to inflate (air enters, but does not return) and “down” to deflate (air out).
Locate the military valve adapter in the repair kit. The Innova Twist II N does not come with a pump, but the adapter allows you to use the Boston valve taper adapter found on most pumps. Lock the Innova adapter on the military valve with a slight twist and push the tapered adapter to fit the friction. Because the Innova main chambers are inflated to 3 PSI, it is helpful to use a manometer pump to make sure the kayak is properly inflated.
Pump the side chambers first. If you use a manometer, please note that the pressure will only be read while pumping, as most manometers operate at backpressure. It took us about 28 strokes with a double-acting hand pump to reach 3 PSI.
While the Twist II N so far looks incredibly narrow, as you start to fill the floor room, the sidewalls will stretch. It took us about 38 shots to reach 3 PSI. Attach the footrest (it is pre-attached at the factory) by weaving the strap through the floor and back connectors. Keep in mind that there is only one brace for the front paddler.
Install and pump the two seats – at the first configuration of the Twist II N, you will see that they are in position, with two side straps and a floor strap. Although not mentioned in the instructions, seats and straps must be inflated by a maximum of 1 PSI.
Like the footrest, the two seats use twisted shut-off valves. Attach the side straps of the seats to the side rings. Wrap the strap (located at the back of the seat back) up through the D-ring and then back, looping it through the seat buckle. Use the first and third sets of d rings for tandem rowing and the second for solo rowing. It’s much easier to buy small rifles and attach them to the end of the belt loops. Twist II N is remarkably easy and quick to install – just over 5 minutes.
Main features and specifications
The Twist line is now constructed of a 1200 denari rubber laminate material called Nitrilon. It is the same extremely robust material used in the original Sunny and Helios inflatable kayaks and currently used on the Solar and Safari models as well. For example, the 2018 kayak models were produced using Light Nitrilon (LN), a less robust and lighter material. Nitrile consists of a layer of synthetic rubber over polyester on the inside and outside of the tube; it is stronger, more resistant to abrasion and puncture than PVC.
There are three 3-PSI inflation chambers that use military valves (both sides and floor). There are three Twistlocks (2 backrests and 1 footrest.) A pressure valve is located in the stern of the floor, which ensures that the floor is not overflowed. If the floor is accidentally over-pumped or heated by the sun, the valve is released when the pressure reaches 3 PSI.
The new seating arrangement allows flexibility in repositioning the rowing position to optimize rowing performance and comfort. It consists of two seats and three sets of d-rings, allowing paddling in tandem and solo. The seats are 15 inches wide and 12 inches high for the backrest and 15 x 15 inches for the seat base, both inflating to 2 inches. The seats are attached by two side straps connected to two d-rings on the side kayak chambers, for a total of 6 sided-rings – front and rear for tandem paddlers, centre for solo. They are located at 50, 71 and 93 inches from the nose and could also be used to attach tools.
The seat bases are fastened by the strap to a connector on the back of the seat on the floor. Behind the rear seat is an “open” storage compartment with deck laces, which helps prevent objects from falling overboard. The compartment is 30 inches long and 13 inches wide, leaning 8 inches toward the stern. There are two low profile rope handles each located at the bow and stern. Although there are no side handles, the kayak is light enough to be easily hung over the shoulder.
There is an inflatable footrest for the front paddle – it is attached by a band cutting system, with the inflatable portion measuring 12 x 5 x 3 inches deep. By extending or shortening the strap, the strap can be placed approximately 27 to 37 inches from the back of the front seat, providing a lot of versatility.
You will also find 5 buckles on the floor, which allow one to reposition the seats and straps for double or solo paddlers. They are located at 32, 48, 63, 88 and 106 inches from the nose. It also extends to 12 inches from the bow and 31 inches from the stern.
We did measurement tests. The inflated Innova Twist II N is about 142 inches long (11 feet, 10 inches) and about 32 inches at its widest point. The interior dimensions are about 16 cm wide, with the seat about 8 cm deep. The side tubes are about 8 inches in diameter.
With the two seats in the “as-received” position, there are approximately 61 inches from the back of the front seat to the spring, 42 inches from the back of the rear seat to the back of the front seat, and 30 inches behind the rear seat at the top. The footrest can be moved to any of the buckles on the floor for optimal position. And finally, the total payload weight is 396 lbs.
