Advanced Elements Lagoon Inflatable Kayak Review

The new Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 inflatable kayak is a fun 8’4″ boat for kicking around in. It’s lightweight at 36 pounds, and nimble and easy to maneuver for kayakers of any ability level.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site is reader-supported and we earn commissions (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase products from retailers after clicking on a link from our site.

Features on the Kayaks

The Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 inflatable kayak and the tandem model Lagoon 2 ($449) feature built-in rigid panels in the bow and stern for improved tracking, padded high-back seats, molded rubber-grip handles, bungee deck lacing, mesh pocket, foam floor, tracking skeg, and coaming area for attaching a spray skirt. They have Twistlok™ valve and high-flow Spring™ valves for quick inflation and deflation. Advanced Elements kayaks are covered by a one-year warranty.

Specs on the Lagoon 1:

• Dimensions: 8’4″ x 34″
• Capacity: 1 adult (250 lbs)
• Weight: 36 lbs

Specs on the Lagoon 2:

• Dimensions: 12′ x 35″)
• Capacity: 2 adults (350 lbs) )
• Weight: 37 lbs)
• Double-chamber cockpit

Accessories included:

• Repair kit
• Folding foam/mesh seat
• Carrying duffle bag
• Owner’s manual.

You can purchase an optional spray skirt for added warmth and protection from paddle drips and water splashing into the cockpit.

Materials and Construction

Covering the orange/grey Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 and 2 on the top deck is a high denier polyester rip-stop fabric with a PVC laminate. The bottom hull is PVC tarpaulin. There are rigid panels built in to the bow and stern to keep the taut shape of the inflatable kayak and improve its performance in the water. The tracking fin helps with speed and direction, and the landing plate prevents damage from abrasion. Lastly, new features added on to the 2009 models are the foam floor and raised seating.

Reviews on the Lagoons

Due to its wide waist, the Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 inflatable kayak offers only modest speed in calm water, yet is very stable in swells and in moderate river currents. Reviewers are generally happy with their Lagoons and offer only one mild criticism — the same negative many Advanced Elements models get — that it takes longer to dry out and pack the inflatable than it does with other brands.

What We Say

If the Lagoon’s teardrop shape looks familiar, it’s because it is the old Dragonfly inflatable kayak. The name was changed in 2009 and the Dragonfly was discontinued. Advanced Elements’ new Lagoon emerged with these key changes: a foam floor replaced the air floor, Boston valve changed to Spring valve, a full tube cover replaces the partial cover that encases the main tube, deck lifts have been added to the bow for improved leg room, and the Lagoon has a new color and graphics.

As durable recreational boats, the Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 inflatable kayak and the tandem model Lagoon 2 will get you on the water in a matter of minutes for fishing, birding, sightseeing, and general paddling fun. The Lagoons are not for serious whitewater use, and as a multi-purpose kayak, potential buyers should keep in mind the Lagoon’s slow cruising speed. If you want a faster hull, get a longer more streamlined AdvancedFrame or the StraightEdge.