Yes or no?

My vote is no. 

But it depends on what you need it for or what you want to do with it. 

 

Every brand is very heavy and awkward to move yourself. 

I almost went with the 133x until I looked at other brands and decided to save up for those instead. 

 

Ascend are heavy, not as stable, spongy floors, weak easily worn away plastic hulls. 

 

I went with the old town 120 pdl which has its strong points (the pdl drive) but many other issues for its cost. I wish I had gone with nucanoe unlimited but there pdl drive is not a great design and it costs even more. 

 

A good kayak is a huge rip off cost wise. 

A cheap kayak is just a waste of money. 

 

Best to test or at least look at several brands in person before deciding, also YouTube reviews help (sometimes). 

 

Good luck and let us know what you decide. 

That's up to you.  Every kayak will have pluses and minuses.  Designing a kayak is an exercise in compromise.  Generally speaking, however, Ascend kayaks are not highly regarded. 

 

Your best bet it is to get out there and look at a bunch.  Better yet, see if you can find a store that will let you try a couple out on the water.  In Knoxville, I'd probably check out River Sports Outfitters or some other independent shop near you.  Small, independent shops tend to have the most knowledgeable staff and carry a lot of different brands so you're more likely to wind up with one you really like.  And while you might pay a bit more for a kayak at a place like that, you're a lot less likely to wind up buying a second kayak a year from now to replace the first one that you don't like because of some unforeseen problem that you didn't know enough about at the time to recognize it as being a problem.  

On 5/14/2022 at 9:59 PM, Seafury said:

A good kayak is a huge rip off cost wise. 

A cheap kayak is just a waste of money. 

 

Maybe the most accurate sentences I have ever read in this forum... pure wisdom. 

 

 

No.

They are really heavy compared to most other brands.  If you car top your yak or even put it in the back of a pick up then this is really something to consider.
 

Frontier Outdoors in Kingston has a great variety of new kayaks if that is the way you want to go. You can also check FB marketplace for a decent used one at a better price. I agree with the sentiment that you should buy your second kayak first.  However, any yak is better then no yak and it’s the least expensive way to get on the water.

 

if you want some pointers check out the East Tennessee Kayak Anglers FB page. They’re a very helpful bunch.

On 5/17/2022 at 4:40 PM, Bankc said:

That's up to you.  Every kayak will have pluses and minuses.  Designing a kayak is an exercise in compromise.  Generally speaking, however, Ascend kayaks are not highly regarded. 

 

Your best bet it is to get out there and look at a bunch.  Better yet, see if you can find a store that will let you try a couple out on the water.  In Knoxville, I'd probably check out River Sports Outfitters or some other independent shop near you.  Small, independent shops tend to have the most knowledgeable staff and carry a lot of different brands so you're more likely to wind up with one you really like.  And while you might pay a bit more for a kayak at a place like that, you're a lot less likely to wind up buying a second kayak a year from now to replace the first one that you don't like because of some unforeseen problem that you didn't know enough about at the time to recognize it as being a problem.  

River sports is awesome, that’s where I got my wife’s engagement “ring” (a jackson liska) 

And if she was happy with that as an engagement ring then you know right then and there she's a keeper....Congrats.

I have an ascend.  I got it because it was the best priced sit on top I could find.  For me - it works just fine.  Rarely used, and mostly sits around.  I did add an anchor kit and few do-dads, and when I have fished it I liked it.  But - it is heavy - and you will get your butt wet lol.  Seat is horrible.  It's certainly not like the little yaks I've used before that are a breeze to pick up and move around - she's heavy.  It's a little unnerving to stand on, but it did fine.  I just couldn't justify the cost of the more expensive ones.  IF I were to yak fish alot, I would upgrade.  Once in a blue moon - it's fine IMO.

 

I, knowing what I know now - would have looked much harder in the used market first.