Bit The Bullet On A New Ride

[Felix77 1,274]

At the beginning of the winter I began a quest to sell my canoe and buy a fishing kayak for this spring.  I narrowed it down pretty quickly to a top 3 with the help of this forum

• Wilderness System Ride 115 or 115x
• Old Town Predator
• Moken 10

I got a chance to sit in each and get a feel for what it would be like to fish out of them.   I didn't get any water time but as a rookie kayaker I knew 3 things that were a must ... 

1 - sitting inside a cockpit was too constricting.  I wanted more freedom.

2 - I needed a great back support system for long days on the water.

3 - I wanted something that would allow me to grow with it.  Fishfinder, various mounts etc.

 

I figured the rest would work itself out with time on the water.

 

So the winner for me is the Ride 115x Advanced

 

Put the down payment on it today in the Dusk color.  Picture is NOT mine but depicts what I am getting.

 

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t405/mikepaddle/Ride1154_zps3c990878.jpg

 

Can't wait for spring.

[Hanover_Yakker 317]

Congrats on joining the plastic armada!!!

[A-Jay 25,600]

Congrats on your Sweet New Ride.

 

Wish you the very best of Luck

 

A-Jay

 

See, I'm "Working" also  

[lmbfisherman 831]

Congrats Felix, you'll love it.  I went with a the longer version the 135..the main reason was because it can handle the bigger waters when I decide I want to go to Lake Ontario.  Huge difference fishing from it than a canoe, I never felt like I was going to flip on a hook set. 

[J Francho 14,322]

You basically got the best boat around in that size and price. Glad it fits you well. Your gonna have a blast.

[onefinalcast 15]

Very nice kayak! Just got myself a yak last week too and also cannot wait for spring either!

[HeavyDluxe 313]

Congrats... I absolutely love the Ride 115 (though I have the non-X version).

 

Curious what you thought of the Old Town Predator.  I'm toying with adding a second boat to the fleet this summer and, knowing you liked/preferred the Ride, I'm curious what you thought the difference were.

 

Edit:  Oh, and those new colors (like Dusk) are absolutely amazing.

[aceman387 389]

Congrats Felix! You will love it.

[jhoffman 375]

I thought I was gonna open this up and find a new triton or something, my back couldnt take sitting all day, heck I cant do it in a deer stand no way I could in a yak.

[J Francho 14,322]

I hardly sit in mine when I kayak fish.  Usually standing.

[Jrob78 1,976]

Congrats on your new Ride!  I have a 135 and absolutely love it.  I really like that new color too!

[jhoffman 375]

I hardly sit in mine when I kayak fish.  Usually standing.

 

Ten years ago id feel pretty secure, without outriggers, id dump it for sure.

[Tugmaster 18]

Nice choice Felix. I don't think you'll be disappointed. I paddled one and really liked it. I ended up with a Commander 120 but the Ride was a very close second. Todd

[martintheduck 89]

CONGRATS FELIX!!!! You'll be the coolest lookin' guy on the water with those Strike King shade on, crushin' lunkers out the yak. 

[moguy1973 442]

Thae removable center console thing the X model has that can house all your fish finder equipment is pretty sweet!

[BassnChris 503]

Congratulations.

 

I'm happy for you.................enjoy it to its fullest extent!

[Felix77 1,274]

 

Curious what you thought of the Old Town Predator.  I'm toying with adding a second boat to the fleet this summer and, knowing you liked/preferred the Ride, I'm curious what you thought the difference were.

 

 

When I began my research this winter I was obsessed with the Predator.  I was convinced that this was the boat I was going to buy.  As impulsive as I am I held back and decided to dig on with my research.  When I got to see the Predator alongside the Ride 115x there were a few things for me which steered me in the Ride's direction.  (no pun)

 

1 - Seat.  Both seats were comfortable.  The rides seemed more comfortable for me.

2 - Size.  The predator is a beast!  I generally fish alone and was looking for something a bit more manageable to put on my car when going fishing.  I could see myself battling this monster trying to get it on/off my car.  The ride was more compact and lighter overall.

3 - Customizability - This is truly a personal preference but the track system and center console made for extremely easy customization without any serious drilling etc.  The predator has these areas where you can put stuff including a track if you want but I like the fact that it's there already when I buy the Ride.

4 - Colors - That Dusk color is sick.  I saw it in person on another Wilderness System kayak and fell in love with it.  When it appeals to your eye it's hard to move away from it.

5 - Did I mention the center console.  I love the fact that the transducer is right below the boat, in the water and placed in a manner which optimizes it effectiveness.  You need to rig it onto the Predator to come close.

 

Hope this helps.

[Duckbutter100 13]

I have a feeling that transducer set up will become the industry standard. 

[Felix77 1,274]

I have a feeling that transducer set up will become the industry standard. 

Agree 110%

[DogBone_384 897]

Congratulations on your 'yak.  

 

I've committed myself to buy one this spring and have had much difficulty in choosing exactly which one I want.  I'm only limited, like many, by finances.  

 

I have a full size pickup with ladder racks, so transporting is no problem.

 

Like you, I'm still frozen here in Mass., so I've got a few weeks to decide.  

 

Be sure to post comments on your first few adventures....

[Grizzn N Bassin 401]

Congats man! Thats sick yak, enjoy

[flyfisher 2,943]

I have a feeling that transducer set up will become the industry standard. 

Or something comparable at least...i imagine they have it patented.

[Felix77 1,274]

Congratulations on your 'yak.  

 

I've committed myself to buy on this spring and have had much difficulty in choosing exactly which one I want.  I'm only limited, like many, by finances.  

 

I have a full size pickup with ladder racks, so transporting is no problem.

 

Like you, I'm still frozen here in Mass., so I've got a few weeks to decide.  

 

Be sure to post comments on your first few adventures....

 

I'm not that far from you bud.  still very frozen here in Albany, NY.  I will certainly post about my adventures for sure.

[J Francho 14,322]

You need to take that thing sledding, and post some videos, lol.

[DogBone_384 897]

Well? Have you picked up your new 'yak yet?  I bought an Ascend 128T today; picking it up tomorrow.  Couldn't argue with the price.  Can't wait to get it in the water.