AdvancedFrame Sport Elite Kayak vs AdvancedFrame Elite Kayak

What do they have in common?

AdvancedFrame Design

Both kayaks feature the patented AdvancedFrame design with aluminum ribs in the bow and stern, which helps them cut through the water efficiently with minimal weathercocking.

advancedframe sport elite kayak with pump

Drop-Stitch Floor

Both kayaks feature a drop-stitch floor which is an Inflatable chamber stitched top to bottom that maintains flat shape when inflated, similar to inflatable stand-up paddle boards. 

This provides excellent rigidity, stability, and speed for their relatively short 10.5-foot length.

advancedframe sport elite kayak with pump

Straight Tracking

Both kayaks track straight and fast with very minimal waggle.

oik comparrison waggle afelite vs sport elite

Minimal Wind Effect

We kept the kayaks in the same spot and saw how fast they got blown and again, they were the same which indicates that the wind effect is the same – very minimal.

oik comparrison wind afelite vs sport elite

Comfortable Seat

Both kayaks feature an inflatable lumbar-suport seat with a raised bum pad that gets you up off the floor, which means there’s not as much pressure on your hamstrings and therefore your lower back.

advancedframe convertible elite kayak

High Seating

The combination of the drop stitch floor and the  foam seat base means you sit quite high in both these kayaks. This really helps with your paddling technique.

They’re great kayak for a casual paddle, but if you decide you want to get some exercise and work on your technique – or even if you’re  against wind and tide and you need to paddle efficiently and effectively, the high seating position is awesome for power.

advancedframe sport elite kayak with pump

Comfortable and Stable

They’re great for a casual paddle and comfortable for relaxing.

And stable enough for beginners, kids, dogs, and fishing.

advancedframe sport elite kayak with pump
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Portable Freedom

“The Kayak really does track straight and fast so you don’t tire easily…

My second time out was 2 hrs and I wouldn’t blink to go on a much longer paddle.”

– Christine P

advancedframe sport elite kayak christine pfitzner

So what's the difference?

Weight

The AdvancedFrame Elite Kayak is slightly heavier at 16.3 kg compared to the AdvancedFrame Sport Elite Kayak‘s 13.3 kg.

This is partly due to the additional inflatable coaming around the cockpit of the AdvancedFrame Elite Kayak, but also because the AdvancedFrame Elite Kayak has a dual-chamber inner tube design for added safety and rigidity.

af elite vs af sport elite weight

Cockpit Design

The main difference is the cockpit design. The AdvancedFrame Sport Elite Kayak has a wide, open cockpit, while the AdvancedFrame Elite Kayak has a smaller cockpit with inflatable coaming that allows the use of a spray skirt.

This makes the AdvancedFrame Elite Kayak better suited for rougher conditions, open water, and multi-day trips where you may want the extra protection of a spray skirt.

advancedframe kayak

Deck Space

The AdvancedFrame Elite has a zipper that you can un velcro and unzip. You can still do dogs and kids and whatever you like in the AdvancedFrame Elite. It also has a bigger deck space since the AdvancedFrame Sport Elite offerswide open cockpit  design. 

advancedframe elite kayak with pump
af elite vs af sport elite cockpit2

Durability

In terms of durability, both kayaks use high-quality materials like rip-stop polyester, triple-layer PVC tarpaulin and drop-stitch.

advancedframe elite vs advancedframe sport elite durability

However, the AdvancedFrame Elite Kayak has a dual-chamber design that provides an extra layer of rigidity and redundancy in case of a puncture.

The AdvancedFrame Sport Elite does NOT have 2 chambers in the inner tube.

advancedframe elite vs advancedframe sport elite multiple air chambers

Set-up and Pack-away time

The AdvancedFrame Sport Elite is about 1 minute less than the AdvancedFrame Elite because it has some more combing chambers but honestly, it’s such a minimal difference.

advancedframe elite vs advancedframe sport elite setup

Both kayaks can be packed away quickly as well.

advancedframe elite vs advancedframe sport elite pack away

Conclusion

The choice between the AdvancedFrame Sport Elite Kayak and AdvancedFrame Elite Kayak comes down to your intended use.

If you primary paddle in calm conditions and don’t need a spray skirt, the lighter AdvancedFrame Sport Elite Kayak is an excellent option. 

But if you want the versatility to handle rougher waters or plan to do multi-day trips, the AdvancedFrame Elite‘s spray skirt compatibility and added safety features may be worth the slightly higher weight.

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Happy Purchase

“Have now used my advanced frame kayak a few times and can say that it well and truely lives up to the positive reviews. It’s gets quicker and easier to set up each time.

I’ve recently purchased the drop stitch floor and foot support (I’m only 5’6”). What a difference these things make! The floor gives much better rigidity, stability and increases speed significantly.

I’d certainly recommend getting the drop stitch floor with the kayak. Customer service has been excellent and delivery extremely prompt.Even though I’m new to kayaking I would think that the advanced frame will do everything I will ever need it to do. A great retirement purchase!”

– John M.

john m
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Product Info
advancedframe sport elite kayak with pump

AdvancedFrame Sport Elite Kayak with Pump

advancedframe elite kayak with pump

AdvancedFrame Elite Kayak with Pump

Weight 13.3 kg 16.3 kg
Solo or Tandem Solo Solo
length 10’5″ (3.18m) 10’5″ (3.18m)
width 81cm 81cm
Stability Stable Stable
Sit-on-top or Sit-in Sit-in Sit-in
Packed Dimensions 76cm x 43cm x 20cm 76cm x 43cm x 25cm
Maximum Capacity 113 kg 136 kg
Recommended Max. Paddler Weight (individual) 100 kg 110 kg
Recommended Max. Paddler Height 6’2″ (1.88m) 6’2″ (1.88m)
Recommended for Coastal / Open Water No Yes
Max Whitewater Class Class 2 Class 2
Self-bailing No No
Compatible with Spray Skirt No Yes
Compatible with ePropulsion Vaquita Propeller Yes – via ratchet straps Yes – via ratchet straps
Maximum Trip Length Full Day Multi-Day
Suitable for Taking Small Children Yes Yes
Suitable for Dogs Yes Yes
Suitable for Fishing Yes Yes
Rod Holders None None
Backpack straps Yes Yes
Can ship to new zealand Yes Yes
Set-up Time 5.5 minutes 6 minutes
Warranty Period 3 years from purchase date 3 years from purchase date
Sku AE1017-OE-P AE1012-OG-E-P
Price Original price was: $1,697.00.Current price is: $1,247.00. Original price was: $1,847.00.Current price is: $1,397.00.
Kayak brand Advanced Elements Advanced Elements
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