5 Fishing Kayaks Under $500 : Part 2 of 2: ON WATER REVIEW
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- Опубликовано: 16 июл 2018
- 5 Kayaks under $500 on Water Review:
Thanks everyone for watching! We had a lot of fun making this one. If you are getting into the sport there is no substitute for good info. Try to find a kayak shop in your area to help you get started, take a class, and remember first and foremost to have fun and be safe! Happy Paddlin.
If your looking for the next level of fishing kayaks be sure to watch out top 10 kayaks under $1000 video here:
• Top 10 Fishing Kayaks ...
Other recommended videos:
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3 Waters GT 10.5 $399 kayak review: • 3 Waters Kayaks GT 10....
Boats reviewed
Pelican Strike 120x: $399 at Costco with Paddle
LENGTH
12 ft - 366 cm
WIDTH
30 in. - 76 cm
HEIGHT
15 in. - 38 cm
WEIGHT
55 lb - 25 kg
CAPACITY
350 lb - 159 kg
Field and Stream Eagle Run: $549 ($399 onsale) at Dicks Sporting Goods.
Dimensions: 12' x 29"
Maximum weight capacity: 500 lbs.
Carry weight: 60 lbs.
Cockpit opening: 45" x 18"
Outer shell material: 100% polyethylene
Perception Pescador 10 $549 at Sportsmans Warehouse:
Specifications:
LENGTH: 10' 6" / 323 CM WIDTH: 32" / 81 CM
BOAT WEIGHT: 57 LBS. / 26 KG DECK HEIGHT: 14" / 36 CM
MAX CAPACITY: 325 LBS. / 147 KG
Perception Swifty 9.5 $349 at Dicks Sporting Goods.
SPECS:
Length: 9’6”
Width: 28.5"
Carry weight: 44 lbs
Max capacity: 325 lbs
Lifetime Tamarack Angler $279 at Walmart:
Height 14.1 in. (35,7 cm)
Maximum Weight Capacity 275 lb. (124,7 kg)
Width 31 in. (78,7 cm)
Draft 5 in. (12,7 cm)
Length 120 in. (304,8 cm)
Weight 52 lb. (23,5 kg)
=========================================
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========================================= Ready to Get on the Water? Use our Affiliate Links to Purchase:
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I know this is old, but I have mad respect for you doing this type of video review for all these kayaks when you don't even sell these particular brands/models. You're just a true enthusiast/ambassador of the sport!
One kayak that should definitely be part of this group is the Perception Striker 11.5. Now, although this kayak is $600+ at Dick's, at other big box stores (like Academy Sports, Ray Marine, etc.) it can be had for as cheap as $450. It's a very stable kayak with high/lo seats (very primitive and unpadded), but it has a great deck layout and a true 500lb capacity. I actually have one of these as my lake kayak in Virginia, and it's great. It would be an excellent addition to your cheap fleet for bigger people. With that type of capacity, it's also very possible (and easy) to motorize.
Man, you've saved me a bunch of time, money and headache. Much appreciated.
Great video! It’s nice to see someone who is very familiar with kayaks reviewing kayaks that I see often on the water when I’m fishing. I’m looking forward to the Tamarack build!
Yay it's out! Watching now, maybe I'll buy one of these as a buddy yak. Already got my moken 12.5 with you guys a month ago and love it! Thanks again for all of your knowledge and help guys!!
Your such a nice guy. You go to other stores and buy kayaks that’s not in your shop and say it’s good. Says a lot that your nice. Thank you for helping me with kayak paddling also.
I love your reviews. They appear to be honest--which is something of a rarity. I wish I was located closer to your shop.
Thank you! I'm a big guy and need a eco friendly kayak. Your reviews are unbiased and well loved. Thank you!
I'm a fairly new kayak person. I appreciate your honesty especially that you own your own kayak shop! I subscribed to your channel because I really like the info and integrity of your comments. Dude keep Rocking it!
You do such a great service for giving such honest reviews that help all of us newbies out there! Thanks so much! Bob
Great video man. Really appreciate all the effort in educating everyone. I’m new to kayaking and this video helped a ton. Cheers from SoCal. 👍🏼
I'm a novice and have never owned a kayak. Renting is expensive and I want to buy a new one. Your video has helped me IMMENSELY! I am pretty convinced I will be getting the Lifetime Tamarack, as it sounds like a really good value. I appreciate your honest reviews and videos!! Thanks!
It's 2022 and I'm new as well. Just recently rented a SOT Perception and it seemed ok. I will have to try a Tamarack if anyone has one. thanks!
Your honesty and helpful review made me confident in my choice! Thank you for making the video
Great vid Dan!!! Always looking forward to Headwaters Kayak videos!! Thank you
Thank so much for this and your "5 kayaks for under $300" videos, very informative! I feel so much more confident now going into stores looking over kayaks knowing what questions to ask and assessing for myself what best suits my needs for my first purchase. Mad respect!
Thank you for all the great info! I'm looking for a beginning kayak for me and my wife, that we can fish out of. You helped a ton!
Great video. Looking at getting an inexpensive kayak for a first one and this definitely helped out.
Excellent information and very thoughtful observations. Thank you so much. I also really appreciate your comments about supporting local shops. Kudos from Nebraska.
I just wanted to thank you very much for these two videos. I dont often find myself commenting on videos. Hats off to you for these videos. It is so nice to have the perspective of someone who knows intimately the nuts and bolts of the industry and is willing to review products without sneering at them, possibly to the detriment of his very livelihood. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your objective viewpoint. I wish there was a way to buy something form you and support you, but it is a long drive to you from eastern Virginia! Thanks again so much.
Matthew Winschel maybe we can sell you a hat and I’ll throw in a sticker pack. Let me know if your interested.
Thanks so much for taking the time to make this video and especially spending the money to purchase these. This helps tremendously for us “wanna be kayakers”.
love the video... exactly what i am looking for... looking forward to the tamarack upgrade video
I've had my tamarack for a year an I love it
Thanks for doing all the hard work for me. I purchased the Tamarack 100 for $250 from Walmart today. Was able to get 2 hours on the water today after work. Didn’t catch any fish but really enjoyed the kayak. It’s much easier to handle than my Dagger Reflection 14 that I’ve loved for many years. But the canoe has just gotten too heavy for me in my golden years. I can sling the Tamerack around pretty easy. Great reviews.
Excellent information! Thanks for taking the time to make the video.
Awesome video I appreciate your honest opinions, has really helped me in my deciding process with my budget!
These videos have been a huge help. Was thinking about getting into the sport but wasn’t sure what to look for and you just figured it out for me, thank you 🙏
Ditto. Thank u
Great video! I purchased a Tamarack this summer and can't wait to see your upgrades.
This was helpful! Thank you.
You’re video helped me to decide on the Lifetime. It’s my first kayak and I appreciate all you’re hard work and such great information.
I guess I'm lucky just watched your first video today and commented and hours later boom the 2nd part. So my friends have kayaks and asking me to get one also. They own the bass pro ones ascend 12t, and I was walking into wal mart the other day and saw the lifetime tamarack as i was walking in. I was thinking that would be a good one to start with as I've seen a few others that are much more expensive I like more. but thought these were a good bang for the buck. Your video helped make up my mind. thanks.
Hey Dan, I really enjoy your kayak videos. I don’t own a kayak yet but I’ve been wanting a fishing kayak for a while, I just gotta make time with my busy work schedule lol! Thanks again man, really appreciate you taking the time to make these videos. I have learned a lot, especially me being a beginner, you’re very informative!
I began considering a kayak purchase just a few days ago. These videos have been very well timed for me, and very helpful. Thanks!
Mike A Happy i could help.
Thanks for the review I look forward to seeing the video on the Tamrak Angler
Your review videos are a huge help and great service. The Tamarack is a great entry level kayak for sure... Just need a good paddle to go with it. I got my eye on a few new kayaks and been watching your videos as some guidance. Thanks for your hard work✌️
This is my first season. I Kayak every weekend. My first and most favorite is the Tamarack. I have 2 of those. And 3 other ones. Yes. I'm hooked.
Thank you so much for these reviews and your objectivity. I so appreciate you.
Took your advice and bought the Lifetime Tamarack and it was perfect for my part of Lake Allatoona . Found a beautiful creek right out of Jurassic Park. Two days later a low life cut the security cable and stole it. The real drag is I bought three cables but the larger cables do not fit the small holes on the Yak. Thanks for the great tip on an entry boat.
That sucks, man. Did you ever get another kayak?
Appreciate this video! Purchased the tamarack today and found out first hand about that paddle. Took your advice and ordered the whisper, looking forward to getting back out with the new paddle.
Been waiting on this vid! Thank you!!!!
Hey thanks for this video definitely got me into the sport and I'm so psyched that I am.
Good stuff Dan! Thanks for the link through to the paddle video as well!
Thanks for the info, great review
For the ones without foam flotation installed... shove in some pool noodle in the voids that are not supposed to be accessible.
Why
Bryce817 so it won’t sink.
Thanks for all the great feedback and beginner crash course! Subscribed!
It's super cool that you are doing this review and not self promoting your channel or own merchandise/buisness. I honestly was expecting you to dog on the kayaks to promote your own shop but you were honest and This was super helpful in choosing my first kayak (I'm going with the eagle run). Definitely subscribing to your channel too!
I really appreciate your honesty in regard to the Tamarack. As someone who is intrigued by kayak fishing that honesty means everything to me. I'll be checking out your top kayaks under $1000 next. Thanks for the info.
Just picked up 2 pescador 120's. Got them from a local rental company that sells their rental fleet every year. Picked them up for $300 each. Cant wait to take them out in the intercoastal for some flats fishing Be sure to check and support your local stores. Great vid and cheers from South Florida.
BFLEA6275 yes! Another local shop success story! That’s rad man. Thanks for sharing your experience.
best wishes Dan, you effortlessly became a heck of a you tube dude. real good useful content and fun to watch. keep it up your a natural.
carlos goulart thanks dude! That’s kind of you to say.
Nice video. Just what I was looking for. Keep them coming
Love your stuff Dan, I think I’ve watched all your videos, and love’em. We have 2 Pescadors 10s and got them for 379.99 a piece. 1st kayaks ever and have no complaints, I want to get into touring now lol, the video of you testing the AB Whisky paddle with ur eddyline kayak was amazing. Want to get some lessons ASAP. Going to get to your level 1 day :) Thanks for the inspiration and no BS vids. Also got some better paddles for my wife and I Werner Skagits just the entry level 1s but far better then the pelicans we had. Thanks!
I just got a Lifetime Tamarak 100 angler this past weekend. I have not had it out on water yet due to days of Rainy weather here on Gulf Coast Of Mississippi. Thanks for the video and the info It helped me make my choice to buy this one.
Very informative & interesting video. Good job. I wish there was a shop near me with knowledgeable sales people.
Awesome review. I have really been enjoying your videos. You come across well and seem to give an honest opinion on the products. A great example being your comments regarding the Lifetime kayak. I bought the non-angler version as a Black Friday deal, as you said, to get on the water and get into the sport. I have spent a little to trick it out and have made it a decent angling kayak. Sure, I’d love a Big Fish or a Predator, but until then... Thanks for the review. And I look forward to seeing what you do for mods.
Thanks for your very helpful reviews o. these yaks. still research them for a 70 y.o. male to get back to fishing on h20 instead of a bank or bridge.
"Some high dollar RUclips entertainment going down right here". LOL!! Great video!
Good reviews, Dan. Bought my 11 yr old grandson a Pelican 100 Apex Angler at Academy last yr for $349 as I recall. A sturdy, stable rig for his size, and I added some upgrades (bow bungee, centerline Railblaza rod holder, & a 6" hatch with cat bag in front of the seat. Also bought a Yakgear seat pad to enhance the less-than-stellar "seat" that comes with the rig. Not a dry ride due to scuppers directly under the seat, so used some foam practice golf balls as scupper plugs. No water intrusion now! :)
Still looking for a better, light-weight paddle with smaller diameter handle to fit his hands.
Awesome thanks been looking at them and you gave us a lot of info really does help
Dan,
Keep up the great reviews. I go to your page for all my kayak info. I am looking forward to see what you upgrade on your lifetime tamarack kayak. I bought my lifetime kayak just because this video. Thanks for all the information.
Great video and perfect timing for me to find your channel. I’ll be picking up a tamarack and decking it out.
Just found your channel! I am a first time buyer of a yak. I am a casual fisher so I wanted to get something I wanted to fish off of. I also am on somewhat of a budget and couldn't fork out a grand for a boat because I wanted to add some things to it. I also knew that I had to get a good paddle. Based on this video I chose the Pescador 12. I went with this boat because I am a bigger guy and I wanted something that would last me a while. Thanks for this! Looking forward to getting out on the water soon.
Great reviews...thank you so much!
Super excited to learn more about this before I invest in a kayak! I googled around and I thought they were like 600+! Helpful vid
this was very helpful, thank you
I enjoyed Your review . Looking to buy a kayak in the spring Good to actually see them on the water.Been debating sit on vs sit in .Looked like You was sitting higher in the sit on. I was concerned about getting wet in cooler weather in a sit on.
This is awesome! Great info, thanks! Did you ever do the video of the tricked out Tamarack Angler?
Great video, I'm looking forward to seeing your Tamarack build. I have the older model Tamarack angler, and I notice the hatches are a different design. The new one is raised up about an inch and is secured by bungees. The old one is twist and sits flush. I'm curious to see how you mount the crate on the back with that hatch in the way.
Great review and thanks so much for sharing a real world comparison with expert opinions. You earned a new subscriber here. On the Tamarack how was the seat? You didn't comment a lot on it so I guess it passed the butt inspection. Thanks to you I think I've found my beginner kayak!
Thanks for the videos. A boat like one of these would be great for Pardee, Camanche and Folsom (with some practice maybe the Sac River).
I loved the videos and learned a lot from you comparing each one....Can't wait to buy my own one day. I am looking for on with a Skeg on the bottom and you never mentioned that. The pickings are rather slim during COVID...
thank you for the video.
Outstanding review video... I bought a cheapo from Walmart last year and I'm considering an upgrade this year. Nice Job!
Excellent information thank you
I do fish and I never own or paddle a kayak before. I been looking to start fish kayaking and I love the reviews. Thank you that you did a fantastic review, that will save me time and research. I know what I want now and start out my adventure with the TAMARACK !!!!
I absolutely love mine! Happy yaking!
I want to get a kayak very soon. I'm trying to decide between a more recreational style kayak like the Pelican Mustang you mentioned in your less than 300 video or the Lifetime Tamarack. Is the Mustang much faster than the Tamarack? I do want to do some fishing but also would just like to cruise around at times. Thanks! Your Vids are so helpful.
Super helpful vid
Thanks!!
Thank you for these video's. I appreciate them as I'm sure many others in my situation do. I have no local shop within 200 miles of where I live so my only option is a big box store like Dick's or Cabella's. Also being on a very tight budget your video's are helping me decide what to look for, what I need, and what is best bang for buck in a lower price mark budget. Keep them up.
I love my eagle talon. Great little boat
Dude very creative with the paint roller pole😁. But great reviews because I'm on the market for my first kayak!
awesome video Dan.....love how you are so unbiased on your competitors offerings!!!! Thanks for the shoutout Dan! Considering stocking the Tamarack to "heal your hurt!" hahaha It would be a great beginner package. Tamarack Gang!!!
Just cant make the $ pencil out. But I will be happy to put out good info for those getting started. Thanks for the inspiration.
I've been looking for a starter to cruise around in south of Tampa. I'm not an angler yet, but was looking at the perception 9.5 and now looking at the tamarack. For all around and ability to add on, also for the sailboat when I get another one 😂. Like you pointed out it looks like a good base to build out how you want to use it. Thanks for the video.
Went with the eagle run! Great video!
Lifetime all the way
ive had a sit on for 8 years and still my wife's favorite
I am new to kayak fishing, after taking a 9 year break from fishing. I looked and looked at entry level kayaks to see if I am going to enjoy it. I ended up picking up 2 of the Sun Dolphin SS 10's to get the wife and I in the water. If we like the kayak fishing we will definitely be picking up better kayaks ( probably bonafide's new RS117 ). Just wanted to say I have enjoyed your content as I have been researching kayaks. Made a subscriber out of me.
Great review i looked at all of these and went with the tamarack a week ago. Sold an old bicycle for 300 bucks and immediately blew it lol. I had another lifetime before it but was smaller 8.5 feet. I wasn't nice to it and left it outside for 2 years in cold crappy nj weather and it held up fine. Really like the tamarack and was kinda sold on it from the start since i had faith in the brand from the one before it. I can't wait to see the mods!
Did you ever do the video on the outfitting of the tamarack?
You are 100% right on the importance of the paddle. I'm six foot one, and only 160 pounds. The swifty is pretty fast for someone of my size. I have the older version of it. mine is over twelve years old.
Great video, man. Very informative. Appreciate the honesty too, since you are a kayak shop. Very cool. I bought two of the Lifetime kayaks for my sons and they love it. I have a 10' Lure myself and got most of my info from it from you guys. Appreciate the great videos.
Brad Ewing that’s awesome Brad. Thanks for the feedback. Honored to be a resource for you.
Very nice!! Thank you very much.
Thumbs up just for the paddle upgrade tip, that Bending Branches paddle is a huge upgrade.
looking forward to seeing your mods on the lifetime.
absolutely love your review videos. thank you! I wish we had a kayak shop like yours near my home
Travis Austin glad we could help Travis. We try to be people’s community kayak shop on the Internet.
Wish there was a shop like yours near me in WV. Your videos are informative and excellent. Thanks for what you do
Thank you for this man!!
Great video as always. Love the honesty is in your reviews. Can definitely tell you have a passion for the sport and just want more people to be introduced to it. Looking forward to see how you trick out the Tamarack. After watching you review of the Vibe Yellowfin 130T, I think that is where I'm headed. Want something to take the wife out in. Yet stable enough to stand and fish out of in Florida. Thanks for the great channel.
Hell yea. That review was a blast. That tandem gets my vote.
Great video! Very Helpful. Looking forward to the build videos, liked and sub'd.
Dan, another great video! I love the way you promote the sport even when it isn't to your advantage financially. It's a great way to build your customer base. I have a pair of Tamarack Anglers that I got around Christmas time for under $200 each. As you said, that was about the cost of a weekend rental, and they're not rentals.
I know the stock paddle is cheap, and want to replace it, but I'm waiting until I can get up to Lodi to get new ones from you. I like the ones you suggested in the $60 to $70 range. I was convinced that I should get a better paddle after your paddle video with Chris came out.
I am looking forward to your Tamarack Angler build. I expect you'll be gearing it toward the lower end of the market, using budget components to go along with the low cost of the kayak. I've done a few things to one of my kayaks and plan to modify the other one in a similar way. There are a lot of videos on RUclips showing mods that others have done.
I like Mobbin's idea about stocking the Tamarack. Perhaps you could build a budget fishing package (including kayak mods) that would get someone on the water for around $500, with more features than anything else in that price range. Another option would be to sell a package deal for someone to upgrade the kayak they bought at the big box store... Perhaps a paddle, seat, crate, and anchor trolley package...
Second time I've watched this video. Love the content but did you ever do the Tamarack upgrade video?
Thank's for all the reviews and insight Dan. I wish I could order from your shop online. Anyway, I just picked up the Perception Switfy for my kids on sale for $250, and I was really impressed with quality for the price. Thank's for putting this review together.
marh415 stoked you found it helpful! Thanks for watching.
Great reviews, would like to see you do a review of the new Pelican Catch 100
My wife and I looked a those at Academy Sports just a couple of hours ago. They look to be well made yaks and we like the 2 level seat. I've owned a Bobcat pirogue since '79 and have put in a couple thousand miles in it. The wife bought hers in '93. They are just bare hulls nothing else. We're looking for more comfort along with functionality and the catch 100 looks good. We're still researching.
Tamarack for the win! I did exactly what you spoke of last year. Kept mines for a year and sold it for 150 and upgraded to a vibe seaghost 110. As a matter of fact it was your video last year that sold me on the vibe.
DameSmith6 that’s sick dude. I hear that story all the time. Tag me in your photos.
Thanks for doing these videos!!! Do you mind if I ask you your opinion on the Perception Sound 9.5 kayak?!
I love kayaking but my only issue is my back. Thx for the review!
Well you answered my shipping request I just sent to your website.
Was hoping you guys shipped because no one carries the 3 waters big fish and you sold it to me in part 1.
I appreciate all the info.
barton694 I see. I don’t ship but I’ll send you to my buddy who does. He’ll be happy to get you a quote.
Excellent review. Always nice to see a good honest man who is on point in his field of work/play. I purchased my first kayak the Perception Pescador 10' today for only $400 on sale at Academy Sports. (Only the red one is on sale at that price and sale ends today). I wanted a really sturdy kayak body because I do a lot of river floats (always rented previously). The rivers I go on tend to have some rough areas with boulders or logs that are not completely avoidable. As for fitting in it, I'm 6'4 so I simply removed the foot pegs and swapped out the bungee for the seat. At 235lbs with my 40lb pibble on board I'm hoping its really good to 325lbs. Would be nice to be able to have fishing poles too. I think I will get the whisper paddle you suggested. I'm all about sneaking up on the fish. I have not even had this on the water yet and I had a crazy idea... What about coating the bottom and sides of a kayak with a LineX or Rhino lining? Would it make it sturdier? Too heavy? Will it just come off? This could make for a good video for you to do.