This is the third Inflatable Advanced Elements Kayak I have owned. The first had leaks on the stern and bottom after paddling over a rock. Despite numerous efforts I could not fully repair it, and had to dry out the kayak after each use. Similar issue with the second one. But third time is a charm as I absolutely love this kayak.

I use an inflatable kayak as I have no storage for a rigid kayak. It also is easy to load into my CRV for trips to national parks.

PROS

Easier to Inflate: Unlike the previous models, a single pump attachment is used for all valves. It takes more time and effort to inflate to a higher pressure, but there are fewer valves to inflate. Only two valves to inflate plus the seat and foot brace.

Faster and better tracking: Even though a used a drop-stitch floor on my previous kayak, this model is much faster – almost as fast as a rigid kayak. With the full drop-stitch body and the tracking fin, it also tracks better.

Sturdy and solid: While I an diligent to not create any leaks, this model is much more solid.

Uni-body: With the other models, the floor was separate. As a result, water could get under the floor and needed to be dried out before storing. The floor on this model is stitched to the side walls and is easier to dry out.

Wider cockpit: This kayak is very easy to get into an out of, which due to some bad knees I love. The previous models were tight and difficult to enter and exit. It also allows for the knees to not be pressed again the top. a much more comfortable ride.

Comfortable seat: The backrest on the previous models was far too low and uncomfortable. Even a separately ordered inflatable seat was not high enough. The seat in this model does not cause me any discomfort.

CONS

Heavier: The previous models were easy to carry by one person. This model is much heavier. While it can be carried by a single person (if strong enough) I often have to drag it. The carry bag, however, does have wheels. If I launch from a dock, I will wheel it all the way to the dock. The wheels, however, are smaller than they should be.

Tracking Fin Clogs: It is easy to get plants or sand into the slot the tracking fin is slid into if the kayak is dragged, requiring several minutes of cleaning it out before using. I have learned to not drag the kayak in a manner where this slot touches the ground.

Low riding: The sides of the kayak seem to be closer to the water than the other models, even though the specs seem that it should be higher. So, in rough water even on a lake it is easy to get some water into the kayak – but not much. And simpler to dry out.

SUMMARY

I strongly recommend this kayak. I love using it, and after experiencing the other models I wished I could had started with this one. I have used it maybe a dozen times in the first two months, mostly on Lake Washington and sloughs in the Seattle area.

It's an upgrade from other Advanced Elements Kayak's (I've owned several). The solid construction gives it decent speed; really high stability. I actually stand up on it on occasion and use my kayak paddle like a paddle board and it works. It does kind of feel like 2 paddle boards molded together. The comfort isn't great but it's not terrible either; there's high back support; I imagine the sit up chairs on the Pro are much better. It does get water into hard to reach places; but still easier to dry than other AE kayaks by a lot. The biggest knock is that SUPs can be had for so cheap; this feels a little pricey in that respect, though you get a Kayak here, but it's so much like an SUP.

It's best feature is actually that it looks outstanding and feels well-built. Everyone I've let use it enjoys it.

I purchased this product as a birthday present to my wife. She had borrowed a smaller version from a friend and really enjoyed. She tried for the first time today and was very pleased. It drafts high in the water and very easy to handle. Surprisingly stable even in rough water. I’m gonna now purchase one for myself.

I really tried to like this kayak, but it is simply too small for a six-foot adult and doesn't do what I need it to do. The product description is a little incomplete. This kayak consists of two drop-stitched pieces sandwiched together and joined at the edges. It's quite rigid, though a little heavy for an inflatable. However, this means that there is essentially no internal volume. You could maybe fit a water bottle under the deck, but not a day pack. And not your feet. Your body has to fit entirely within the little cockpit window. I'm a little under 6-feet tall. With the seat all the way back against the rear of the cockpit, my knees stick up so far that they interfere with paddling. I took out the footrest, which helps, but leaves my feet jammed together pigeon-toed into the front of the cockpit. There is a lip around the cockpit, as if for a skirt, but one would never fit because your knees and feet stick up too high. (Unless you are very compact.)
I paddled it for about an hour, in calm and in a light chop. It's impressively rigid for an inflatable, though it does flex a bit in the chop. I was able to paddle it up to about the same speed as my roto-molded kayak. But it was very uncomfortable.
A shorter person might enjoy paddling this around on a lake, but with the uncomfortable fit and lack of any cargo capacity, I will be returning it.

This kayak feels like top of the line for an inflatable , for $700 this is a great buy. Used in 10plus times. Only once in some light rapids and light wind conditions. Will recommend.

DO Not BUY!!! After owing the Advanced Elements 3029 for only 18 months the air started leaking rapidly from the lower air chamber. The kayak still looks like new, has only 18 hours of usage, was only inflated to 10 psi(12 psi recommended) and has no external damage. The air seems to be leaking from inside a factory installed, non-removable, stern cap. You can feel the bubbling of the air from under the cap. I would assume that the tandem kayak has the same problem.

Excellent quality and material quality.

This kayak is very slow, it sails and feels like a paddle board. Actually you can use it to paddle board as
well. The inflatable bag to put your feet on, doesn't work very well, so I don't use it and without a place where to lock your feet for paddling the seating becomes very uncomfortable after a while. This is my first inflatable kayak, I purchased this because I live in an apartment now and I can store this kayak very easily.
Storing and transportation is easy, and the material seems strong enough and makes me feel safe when I'm in the water. The performance of this kayak in the water is my main disappointment.