Aquaglide Chelan 120 vs Advanced Elements Expedition Elite
When you're looking for a new kayak, there are so many options to choose from. But how do you choose the right one?
In this article, we will compare two popular kayaks: the Aquaglide Chelan 120 and the Advanced Elements Expedition Elite. We will look at their features, pros and cons, and suitability for different types of kayaking.
Aquaglide Chelan 120
Advanced Elements Expedition Elite
Performance Ratings
Aquaglide Chelan 120 Performance Ratings
Aquaglide Chelan 120 Inflatable Kayak
Advanced Elements Expedition Elite Performance Ratings
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite Inflatable Kayak
About the Aquaglide Chelan 120
After thorough testing, we found the Aquaglide Chelan 121 to be an excellent one-person inflatable kayak. The handling on the water was impressive, as it glided smoothly with minimal effort and tracked exceptionally well. We were pleasantly surprised by its remarkable stability – even in choppier waters – which we believe is due to its rigid Hard-Bottom Floor design.
One aspect we particularly liked was the comfort, with the adjustable Pro-Formance seat providing ample back support for longer paddling sessions. The onboard storage was also quite sufficient, featuring bungee cord pockets, as well as space behind the seat.
Regarding portability, we appreciated the durable backpack-style storage bag, which made transportation very convenient. The kayak's overall durability appears to be top-notch thanks to the tough HexShell fabric. Overall, we highly recommend the Aquaglide Chelan 121 for solo paddlers who want a reliable, high-performance inflatable kayak.
Read our full review of the Aquaglide Chelan 120 kayak
One aspect we particularly liked was the comfort, with the adjustable Pro-Formance seat providing ample back support for longer paddling sessions. The onboard storage was also quite sufficient, featuring bungee cord pockets, as well as space behind the seat.
Regarding portability, we appreciated the durable backpack-style storage bag, which made transportation very convenient. The kayak's overall durability appears to be top-notch thanks to the tough HexShell fabric. Overall, we highly recommend the Aquaglide Chelan 121 for solo paddlers who want a reliable, high-performance inflatable kayak.
Read our full review of the Aquaglide Chelan 120 kayak
Specs:
| Brand | Aquaglide |
| Size (length x width) | 11'3" x 32.5" |
| Weight | 28 lbs |
| Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Material | PVC / Duratex / Dropstitch |
Aquaglide Chelan 120 Inflatable Kayak
About the Advanced Elements Expedition Elite
We recently had the pleasure of testing out the Advanced Elements Expedition Elite, and we can confidently say it's a top-of-the-line choice for solo kayakers. On the water, the handling was incredibly responsive, allowing us to maneuver with ease in varied conditions. Stability was impressive, even in choppy waters, ensuring a safe and secure paddle experience.
One aspect we loved was the comfort provided by the adjustable seat, making long paddling sessions more enjoyable. For those with gear, the onboard storage is ample and well-designed - we didn't worry about our belongings getting wet or shifting around during our journey.
In terms of portability, its foldable design and carrying bag make it easy to transport and store. Lastly, the durability of the kayak was noteworthy, as it handled rocks and rough conditions without any damage. Overall, we highly recommend the Advanced Elements Expedition Elite for its exceptional performance, comfort, and durability.
Read our full review of the Advanced Elements Expedition Elite kayak
One aspect we loved was the comfort provided by the adjustable seat, making long paddling sessions more enjoyable. For those with gear, the onboard storage is ample and well-designed - we didn't worry about our belongings getting wet or shifting around during our journey.
In terms of portability, its foldable design and carrying bag make it easy to transport and store. Lastly, the durability of the kayak was noteworthy, as it handled rocks and rough conditions without any damage. Overall, we highly recommend the Advanced Elements Expedition Elite for its exceptional performance, comfort, and durability.
Read our full review of the Advanced Elements Expedition Elite kayak
Specs:
| Brand | Advanced Elements |
| Size (length x width) | 13' x 32" |
| Weight | 42 lbs |
| Capacity | 450 lbs |
| Material | 600 Denier Polyester and PVC |
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite Inflatable Kayak
Which Kayak Should You Choose?
In our opinion, both the Aquaglide Chelan 121 and the Advanced Elements Expedition Elite are exceptional choices for solo paddlers seeking a reliable and high-performance inflatable kayak. Each kayak offers impressive handling, remarkable stability, and excellent comfort for longer paddling sessions.
If you prioritize ample onboard storage and a durable backpack-style storage bag for transportation, we recommend opting for the Aquaglide Chelan 121. Its bungee cord pockets and space behind the seat will meet your storage needs, while the tough HexShell fabric adds durability.
However, if responsive maneuverability and a foldable design are more important to you, the Advanced Elements Expedition Elite is the better option. Its handling and stability make it suitable for varied conditions, and the foldable design, along with its carrying bag, ensures both easy transportation and storage. In summary, your personal preferences and kayaking priorities should guide your decision between these two outstanding kayaks.
If you prioritize ample onboard storage and a durable backpack-style storage bag for transportation, we recommend opting for the Aquaglide Chelan 121. Its bungee cord pockets and space behind the seat will meet your storage needs, while the tough HexShell fabric adds durability.
However, if responsive maneuverability and a foldable design are more important to you, the Advanced Elements Expedition Elite is the better option. Its handling and stability make it suitable for varied conditions, and the foldable design, along with its carrying bag, ensures both easy transportation and storage. In summary, your personal preferences and kayaking priorities should guide your decision between these two outstanding kayaks.
