Has anyone paddled the Arfeq Ellsmere 530 folding kayak? It appears to be Japanese-made. REI has it for $2200. Chuck Holst *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Hi Chuck, I have not paddled an Arfeq Ellsmere kayak. However , I did post some messages on the forum on the Pouchboats forum web site ( http://www.pouchboats.com/discus/index.html ) a few months back with links to folding kayaks made in Japan. Should you want to see the links on the forum site they are found under the "folding kayaks general " heading then look for " folding kayaks from Japan" heading link. Anyway, I recall that the Arfeq Ellsmere was one of the more interesting looking designs, so I now find it interesting that you have found REI importing them. There were a couple of other interesting designs from other Japanese manufacturers as well. There was a post from a fellow known as tsunamichuck aka Chuck Freedman , I think was his real name, who lived or lives in Japan and he had some familiarity with the various Japanese made folding kayaks. Perhaps he could provide some info about the Ellsmere or will know some one who can. As I recall Chuck was of the opinion that most were rather complicated to assemble but no comment beyond that . BTW - Arfeq also makes a double model of the Ellsmere called the 570T. Regards, David Chuck Holst wrote: > Has anyone paddled the Arfeq Ellsmere 530 folding kayak? It appears to be Japanese-made. REI has it for $2200. > > Chuck Holst > > *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
> Anyway, I recall that the Arfeq Ellsmere was one of the more > interesting looking designs, so I now find it interesting that > you have found REI importing them. I was told by a salesman at REI that REI is importing them to honor contracts after closing their stores in Japan. While I'm not currently in the market for a folder, $2200 seems a very good price for a solo folding kayak. The Ellsmere 530 looks fast and, judging by the seam on the rear deck, it looks like the frame is assembled before the skin is put on. Chuck Holst *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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