Advanced Elements Firefly Inflatable Kayak Review

The quick and light Advanced Elements Firefly inflatable kayak is a fun and compact recreational toy to take along on your family weekend getaway. Let the kids use it, or keep it all to yourself — the affordable Advanced Elements Firefly provides hours of enjoyment for kayakers of all abilities.

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A Look at the Firefly

This little yellow rocket features new advanced inflation valves, bungee deck lacing, molded rubber handle, D-ring tie down, mesh pocket, and a skeg tracking fin.

Specifications of the Advanced Elements Firefly:

• Dimensions: 7’10” x 35″
• Capacity: 1 adult (250 lbs)
• Weight: 16 lbs
• Folded size: 23 x 18 x 5 inches
• Rigid formed built-in bow
• Bungee deck lacing for holding gear
• Twistlok™ valve & Spring™ valve on air chambers fits most standard pumps without an adaptor

Accessories included with the Firefly:

• Folding padded seat
• Repair kit
• Carrying duffle bag
• Owner’s manual

The Construction

The lightweight compact hull of the Advanced Element Firefly inflatable kayak uses 600-denier polyester covering a PVC tarpaulin material. It incorporates rigid panels on the bow and stern to help define them and hold shape to improve tracking, and it has landing plates welded underneath to provide extra protection against abrasion.

Note: The Firefly is the budget model of Advanced Elements’ recreational kayak line so the materials used are somewhat cheaper than its sibling models, yet the fabric is rugged enough to handle a lot of heavy use.

Feedback from Current Owners

Reviewers remark that that this attractive and compact recreational kayak is easy and quick to set up and inflate. It is light enough for one person to handle and folds up small enough to pack away in its own carrying bag. The only caution you will find mentioned in reviews is that the weight capacity is listed as up to 250 lbs, but owners feel that is a stretch. The Firefly will fit people who are small or average in size, but if you have long legs or weigh over 180 pounds you should consider a play kayak that is a bit heftier, something like Advanced Element’s Lagoon 1.

Great for Fun, but Not for Whitewater

For your own safety, experts recommend that you stick to flat water and up to Class II rapids since this is not a high-performance, self-bailing kayak. The Advanced Elements Firefly inflatable kayak is a fun zippy compact boat that is ideal for small bodies of water, bays, and estuaries where you will find it to be highly maneuverable and easy to control. For beginners, or a family looking to add another budget recreational kayak to their fleet, the Firefly is a good buy.