Advanced Elements Straightedge Angler AE-1006ANG Review

Inflatable kayaks are a great chance for budget-limited anglers to get access to more water. Inflatable kayaks are certainly different than their hard-shelled counterparts, and they present a few unique challenges to riders, but they deserve serious consideration by beginners and those who prize portability above all else.

During our Advanced Elements Straightedge Angler review, we found it to be one of the better inflatable kayaks on the market, and it will suit many beginning and intermediate-level anglers well.

Build Quality

While many anglers are concerned that inflatable kayaks won’t stand up to the rigors of fishing, the Straightedge Angler is certainly tough enough for most situations. The hull is made from a multi-layer fabric blend and is covered with abrasion-resistant pads for extra protection from hooks and tools.

It even features multiple air bladders to help keep you afloat if you do manage to puncture part of the hull. But perhaps the most intriguing design feature of the Straightedge Angler is the included aluminum ribs, which help provide additional rigidity to the hull.

Storage Capacity

Most inflatable kayaks provide relatively little storage space, as their flexible hulls prevent the manufacturer from including storage hatches. However, the Straightedge Angler does provide a few places to store gear, in the form of two cargo areas, located at the bow and stern. Each comes equipped with bungee cords to help keep your gear secure, even in rough waters.

The Straightedge Angler does provide one helpful storage solution: Accessory rails. With these metal rails, you can mount fish finders, GPS devices or other electronics directly to the kayak.

Comfort

The Straightedge Angler provides a relatively comfortable ride. It has a nice, open cockpit which makes it easy to climb on or off, and it provides enough elbow room for even the largest anglers. Although it lacks the rigidity of a hard-shelled vessel, it still provides the rider with plenty of support, thanks to the included seat, which is both padded and adjustable.

No thigh pads are included, but this isn’t a big problem with inflatable vessels, as the sidewalls are already quite soft. Splash guards are included at the bow and stern to help keep you dry while you are paddling.

Stability

Most inflatable kayaks are relatively stable, thanks to their design, and the Straightedge Angler is no exception. It is ready to take on even relatively rough waters without problem, and you’ll find it easy to paddle or battle fish with confidence. The flexible bottom will preclude you from standing, but this is relatively standard for inflatable kayaks.

Even though this kayak is less than 10 feet in length, it still boasts an impressive 300-pound capacity. This may not be adequate for extremely large anglers, but small- and medium-sized anglers should be able to bring along plenty of gear.

Maneuverability

As you’d expect from a craft that sits on top of the water, the Straightedge Angler can get blown around a bit by the wind. Accordingly, it can be difficult to cross wide-open stretches of water with it.

It can also be a bit tricky to pilot at first, but most anglers will adjust to the inflatable design and learn to control it quite well with time. The vessel only weighs 41 pounds, and it is easy to inflate or deflate, so it is one of the easiest kayaks to transport and store. It even comes with handles at the bow and stern to make it easy to haul with a friend.

Summary

Inflatable kayaks don’t appeal to all anglers, but those who are willing to try one should give the Advanced Elements Straightedge Angler serious consideration. It is a great way to try out kayaking without spending a fortune, and it is extremely well suited for anglers with storage-space limitations.

Like any inflatable kayak, it is a bit awkward to paddle, but you’ll likely consider this an acceptable tradeoff, thanks to its low price and stability. Just be prepared to use creativity when trying to stow your gear, so that you won’t have to leave anything important behind.

Brand	Advanced Elements
Model	Straitedge Angler AE1006-ANG
Price	Check on Amazon
Type	Inflatable
Color(s)	Yellow
Length (ft / cm)	9'8" / 295cm
Width (in / cm)	35" / 89cm
Height (in / cm)	N/A
Kayak Weight (lbs / kg)	41 lbs / 18kg
Weight Capacity (lbs / kg)	300 lbs / 136kg
Cockpit Size (in / cm)	N/A
Hull Material	multi-layer fabric blend
Transducer Compatible	Yes
Number of People	1
Inflatable	Yes
Salt Water Friendly	No
Peddles	No
Tracking Enhancement	None
Adjustable Seat	Yes
Rod Holders	2
Adjustable Foot Braces	No
Paddles Included	No
Other Included Items	None