Man, technology has come such a long way. I recall being a kid in an inflatable raft style boat. Taking it to the lake and praying that I didnt get hung up in some brush and or accidentally honking the craft bringing in a fish or lure retrieval. hahaha, Man these look so much more safe than the old inflatable boats we had as kids growing up, we also had yard darts back then hahaha. These look so much safer and fishable. Thanks for taking the time to make this video and I hope yall all have a blessed weekend. Dale
They really are pretty durable! I personally have never punctured one, but have a friend that got a small hole and he was able to patch it quick and easy and get back to fishing!
Along with the very helpful individual walkthroughs for the NRS Kuda and NRS Pike Pro this side-by-side comparison is invaluable! Other than having seat time to try them out these videos anticipate the questions and hit all the marks. Thanks for putting in the work for us, Jameson!
Another great video. You really nailed all the important issues. I don’t really need either one, but I sure want one. Looks like a blast. The regular price has dropped to sub $1000 and they’re routinely available at 20% off.
I am getting ready to order one of these kayaks today on eBay and was having a very tough time deciding which one I wanted, since I like them both a lot. Thanks to your excellent review I have decided on the Pike at $70 more than the Kuda. Thanks for the review!
Great video. I was hoping for a clear winner. I have been looking at both boats for a while now. I fish mostly small lakes and ponds with maybe an occasional trip down a river. The pike does seem to be the better tracking boat for paddling in a lake. It is a tough choice because they both seem like solid choices. Thanks for the video.
For sure they are both great. I think if you are looking for a “ready to fish” set up the pike pro is the better choice. For me, I use inflatables specifically for accessing rivers and obtaining up river so the kuda is my choice, but if I wanted a more versatile boat he pike would be it. Hope that helps!
Great Comparison/ review. I don't know why NRS got rid of the self-drain on the pike, they should have kept it. Bote has a similar Kayak the Zeppelin which is almost identical to the pike but they utilize the self-bailing floor which is much better for bays/sounds. Same with the Kuda, they removed the self -drain from the center whereas the STAR rival kept the drain, and it does help. Go with the KUDA, if you think you will get any water in the boat.
I'm considering a kuda. I would use it for standing while fishing on small bodies of water and slow moving shallow rivers. Standability is most important for me.
I find it to be super stable! That is exactly where I find myself using mine the most. I actually spent all day yesterday fishing near shore in Washington State for rockfish because the access was pretty hard. Felt plenty stable even with some swell and chop!
It's the Kuda for me. I'm looking for a throw and go river boat and living in Texas where access can be difficult to say the least, 31lbs is and absolute dream. If you've ever carried a Diablo Amigo 200 yards each way in and out of the river, the paddleboard like weight of the Kuda will change your life.
I like both of those, would be great when on vacation and can’t take my Unlimited with the tackle shop I put on it!😅 But I would have a really hard time choosing…..probably would go with the Kuda just for the price point since it would not be my primary. Good stuff sir!!
Thanks for watching! It is a hard choice for sure! I think both are great options? But I do like the kids better for what I do, which is shallow rivers and obtaining by dragging the boat up sometimes!
This is one of the best reviews of any kayak I have seen. It is way better than anything NRS had on their on boats. None of the manufacturers ever do this good of a review. I would take either one. The only thing I would love to know is how safe it would be Ina saltwater marsh that is filled with oyster beds around the edges. Thanks for the review
Thanks for the kind words! I have and do fish in the marsh with them and that is always a worry to me, but I have not had an issue yet…knock on wood lol. I think would just want to be aware of the are as much as you can and bring a patch kit and a hand pump. Easy to fix if you can get out.
I just bought the kuda and took her out today! Loved every bit of it! Quick question, how do you store it? Is it worth trying to put it back in the bag? I’m having trouble folding it the same way it came hahaha i dont wanna break it folding it
Depending on space, I sometimes leave mine semi inflated, but I have been packing it back up lately. I just roll it up tight and it seems to go back in pretty easy.
I chose the KUDA 126 for use when we are traveling and camping with our pull behind camper. No need for a truck rack and all the hassle of loading and unloading. Can you recommend a list of mounting hardware needed to secure a paddle, rod holders, crate, etc...?
Nice! So I am a big fan of Yakattack. I usually mount their rotogrip on one side up front. I use one and the bow bungee or just one and lay the back of my paddle down the side. I like the omega rod holders for the two mounts behind the seat and I use the 13x16 backpack usually. The mount in the center between your feet is a great spot for their TracPak. You just need their mightymount switch to mount on the bases.
Great review, I was considering picking up the NRS Heron SUP, but given the better efficiency of kayaking around as opposed to stand up paddleboarding, I am now leaning toward the Kuda. Have you tried the Heron or other SUPs and can you compare the stability of the Kuda to SUPs? I would be fly fishing and that is mostly standing up to cast, so stability is paramount. Also, it looks like the price on the Kuda has dropped to $950 which is a lot less than the prices you mentioned in the video!
Hey Jason! Thanks for watching. I have had the Heron as well and I basically but a cooler for a seat on it and paddled like a kayak a lot. I think they are very similar in stability but I like the kuda better personally. The price drop is awesome!! Both are very stable!
Kuda, my previous and current are sit in kayaks. I live an a apartment and have to properly wipe of the water before packing them up for storing. The sit ins have all these nooks and crannies where the water likes to hide 😠. It's annoying and takes just as long to set it up to wipe it off since you have to remove the floorboard in the sit-ins to get at the water below it. Next one will be a sit on top for sure.
There is not an option from NRS, but I think you could probably figure something out. The trick would be mount the base to the boat so the seat could swivel while you the base is solid.
For river usage mainly, do you think the pike is still an enjoyable boat for pleasure riding ? The orange colour scheme seem much better to be seen by boat for me ... I really like the kuda but the camo colourway doesn't inspire me confidence to be seen.
Hey! Absolutely! The Kuda floats a bit more shallow without the fin or with the shorter fin. But it still floats super shallow and would perfectly fine for rivers. I am sure you saw it, but the Kuda is available in a bright Lime color as well if that would work.
I live in the Dominican Republic and I'm looking at taking an inflatable back with me. Do you think either would do well in open water 1-2 miles from shore?
They could easily carry an adult and a child, but you would have to figure out a seating option. They aren’t “designed” to be tandem so it would just take some thought. I would also say it would depend on the size of the adult and child. I am 225lbs and my son is 8 and probably 70lbs or so. We can do it but he is really getting to the point where for space and comfort I would go with a bigger option
Absolutely. I have taken my kids a few times. They are 5 and 7. I take them on small ponds and lakes that I know are easy. Nothing super technical. Hope that helps
@roadtripangler thanks, threats super helpful. My son is 6 Nmyrs and 60lbs, so I guess pike is the way to go. I'm curious if you have any thoughts on the bote zeppelin tandem instead. Would it be a decent beginner fishing kayak?
Sorry for the super delayed response. I have been missing the follow up questions on the channel. I have not had experience with BOTE, but I have heard they make a great product. I am sure it would be another great option!
Hey! If you can shoot me an email I can send you some photos! I basically just used the bungees that are on the stern already and placed the corner hooks that come with the blackpack close to the top so I could bungee over them. Super easy and quick
It is definitely a feature I would like to see added in the future. I am used to sit inside kayaks not being self bailing, however. All sit inside hard shell kayak are not.
@roadtripangler I have never owned a sit inside without a skirt. I take that back. I had a sea eagle years ago and we put that thing through the ringer in the mountains around here. I even took it to the ocean one time. Finally popped it on the Cartecay river at the take out dragging it lol. Wasn't a fishing kayak. Those look great but I would like to see self bailing.
Not sure what you mean. I have both of them and they are noticeably different weights. I fish from both of them a lot and you can see me doing so on the channel.
Take your FREE online ACA Paddlesports safety course here: americancanoe.org/paddlesports-online-course/
Man, technology has come such a long way. I recall being a kid in an inflatable raft style boat. Taking it to the lake and praying that I didnt get hung up in some brush and or accidentally honking the craft bringing in a fish or lure retrieval. hahaha, Man these look so much more safe than the old inflatable boats we had as kids growing up, we also had yard darts back then hahaha. These look so much safer and fishable.
Thanks for taking the time to make this video and I hope yall all have a blessed weekend.
Dale
They really are pretty durable! I personally have never punctured one, but have a friend that got a small hole and he was able to patch it quick and easy and get back to fishing!
Great video review. Thanks for posting 👍👍
Thank you and thanks for watching!
Along with the very helpful individual walkthroughs for the NRS Kuda and NRS Pike Pro this side-by-side comparison is invaluable! Other than having seat time to try them out these videos anticipate the questions and hit all the marks. Thanks for putting in the work for us, Jameson!
Thank you Jean! It is awesome getting to put the seat time in too!!
Another great video. You really nailed all the important issues. I don’t really need either one, but I sure want one. Looks like a blast. The regular price has dropped to sub $1000 and they’re routinely available at 20% off.
Thanks! You really can’t beat for the money!
Where are you seeing them for the 20% off? I will keep checking different sources.
@@Steve16346 I’ve seen it at both REI and NRS on two occasions. Both were at the same time. I wouldn’t be surprised if they go on sale again at both.
I am getting ready to order one of these kayaks today on eBay and was having a very tough time deciding which one I wanted, since I like them both a lot. Thanks to your excellent review I have decided on the Pike at $70 more than the Kuda. Thanks for the review!
Awesome to hear! Glad I could help! You will love it!
I am gonna get the Pro Pike 126 thanks to your video comparison. Great Job.
Sweet!! Thanks for watching. I am sure you will love it!
Great video. I was hoping for a clear winner. I have been looking at both boats for a while now. I fish mostly small lakes and ponds with maybe an occasional trip down a river. The pike does seem to be the better tracking boat for paddling in a lake. It is a tough choice because they both seem like solid choices. Thanks for the video.
For sure they are both great. I think if you are looking for a “ready to fish” set up the pike pro is the better choice. For me, I use inflatables specifically for accessing rivers and obtaining up river so the kuda is my choice, but if I wanted a more versatile boat he pike would be it. Hope that helps!
I went with the Pike Pro and I love it .
Awesome!! Glad to hear you are enjoying it!
Another good looking video. Part of the difference in weight would be caused by the thicker tube material used in the Pike.
That is great to know! I didn’t realize it was thicker. I would assume this would add durability!
My heart goes for the Kuda, but my brain goes for Pike
Get them both lol. It really comes down to what you are doing with it, meaning where and what type of water you are fishing.
Great Comparison/ review.
I don't know why NRS got rid of the self-drain on the pike, they should have kept it. Bote has a similar Kayak the Zeppelin which is almost identical to the pike but they utilize the self-bailing floor which is much better for bays/sounds.
Same with the Kuda, they removed the self -drain from the center whereas the STAR rival kept the drain, and it does help.
Go with the KUDA, if you think you will get any water in the boat.
I agree! I actually spoke to them today about this very thing!
Great video. i would love to have the kuda 12.6 in a pro package. You should push that it would be a killer deal
It would be awesome!! I will do my best lol
I'm considering a kuda. I would use it for standing while fishing on small bodies of water and slow moving shallow rivers. Standability is most important for me.
I find it to be super stable! That is exactly where I find myself using mine the most. I actually spent all day yesterday fishing near shore in Washington State for rockfish because the access was pretty hard. Felt plenty stable even with some swell and chop!
All models are currently on sale thru July 4th. I'm looking at the Pike 106 or 126 to replace my Feelfree that sold earlier this year.
You can’t go wrong! But I will say the 126 will be a bit faster and the 106 a bit more nimble. Hope that helps
It's the Kuda for me. I'm looking for a throw and go river boat and living in Texas where access can be difficult to say the least, 31lbs is and absolute dream. If you've ever carried a Diablo Amigo 200 yards each way in and out of the river, the paddleboard like weight of the Kuda will change your life.
For sure! I love it for just that situation.
That's exactly why I sold my Diablo! People grossly underestimate the value of a light kayak.
I like both of those, would be great when on vacation and can’t take my Unlimited with the tackle shop I put on it!😅 But I would have a really hard time choosing…..probably would go with the Kuda just for the price point since it would not be my primary. Good stuff sir!!
Thanks for watching! It is a hard choice for sure! I think both are great options? But I do like the kids better for what I do, which is shallow rivers and obtaining by dragging the boat up sometimes!
Thanks for this review, i decided on the pike. Cheers
Awesome choice!!!
Since you asked, I would pick the pike, it looks like it would fit my needs better. Thanks again.
Dale
Nice! The Pike is awesome!
This is one of the best reviews of any kayak I have seen. It is way better than anything NRS had on their on boats. None of the manufacturers ever do this good of a review. I would take either one. The only thing I would love to know is how safe it would be Ina saltwater marsh that is filled with oyster beds around the edges. Thanks for the review
Thanks for the kind words! I have and do fish in the marsh with them and that is always a worry to me, but I have not had an issue yet…knock on wood lol. I think would just want to be aware of the are as much as you can and bring a patch kit and a hand pump. Easy to fix if you can get out.
@RoadTripAngler thank you for letting me know. I just want to have some fun fishing in saltwater.
I just bought the kuda and took her out today! Loved every bit of it! Quick question, how do you store it? Is it worth trying to put it back in the bag? I’m having trouble folding it the same way it came hahaha i dont wanna break it folding it
Depending on space, I sometimes leave mine semi inflated, but I have been packing it back up lately. I just roll it up tight and it seems to go back in pretty easy.
Great video. Very helpful. Thanks!
You are very welcome! Thanks for watching!
I chose the KUDA 126 for use when we are traveling and camping with our pull behind camper. No need for a truck rack and all the hassle of loading and unloading. Can you recommend a list of mounting hardware needed to secure a paddle, rod holders, crate, etc...?
Nice! So I am a big fan of Yakattack. I usually mount their rotogrip on one side up front. I use one and the bow bungee or just one and lay the back of my paddle down the side. I like the omega rod holders for the two mounts behind the seat and I use the 13x16 backpack usually. The mount in the center between your feet is a great spot for their TracPak. You just need their mightymount switch to mount on the bases.
What a great review!!! Thank you.
Thanks for watching!!
Hey NRS! Let’s do a giveaway!!! Yeah buddy!
funny you should mention that, but Ken is giving away a Pike! ruclips.net/video/b0hgbrvkdOQ/видео.html
Kuda with the UL 1103 FTW!
Jeff Little has that set up and it is awesome!! ruclips.net/video/H9pzo4YlSSU/видео.html
Those look pretty cool!
I really like them both!
Great review, I was considering picking up the NRS Heron SUP, but given the better efficiency of kayaking around as opposed to stand up paddleboarding, I am now leaning toward the Kuda. Have you tried the Heron or other SUPs and can you compare the stability of the Kuda to SUPs? I would be fly fishing and that is mostly standing up to cast, so stability is paramount. Also, it looks like the price on the Kuda has dropped to $950 which is a lot less than the prices you mentioned in the video!
Hey Jason! Thanks for watching. I have had the Heron as well and I basically but a cooler for a seat on it and paddled like a kayak a lot. I think they are very similar in stability but I like the kuda better personally. The price drop is awesome!! Both are very stable!
We have a couple river series starting up in western pa. The cuda is going to be my choice for that.
It is great for the river!!
Kuda, my previous and current are sit in kayaks. I live an a apartment and have to properly wipe of the water before packing them up for storing. The sit ins have all these nooks and crannies where the water likes to hide 😠. It's annoying and takes just as long to set it up to wipe it off since you have to remove the floorboard in the sit-ins to get at the water below it.
Next one will be a sit on top for sure.
That is why I fish out of the Kuda as well. I feel it is easier to clean and pack up and it weighs less!
I probably go with the kuda ,because i going to take to the ocean to do spearfishing ,in and out most of the time. What you think brother?
I agree. I think that would be the right fit
Can I get a chair that swivels for these kayaks?
There is not an option from NRS, but I think you could probably figure something out. The trick would be mount the base to the boat so the seat could swivel while you the base is solid.
For river usage mainly, do you think the pike is still an enjoyable boat for pleasure riding ? The orange colour scheme seem much better to be seen by boat for me ... I really like the kuda but the camo colourway doesn't inspire me confidence to be seen.
Hey! Absolutely! The Kuda floats a bit more shallow without the fin or with the shorter fin. But it still floats super shallow and would perfectly fine for rivers. I am sure you saw it, but the Kuda is available in a bright Lime color as well if that would work.
I live in the Dominican Republic and I'm looking at taking an inflatable back with me. Do you think either would do well in open water 1-2 miles from shore?
I think they would, but I would carry a small hand pump, like the k-pump, and a patch kit just in case!
Thanks man. Take care
Keep in mind the pike is not self-bailing (if you talking about being 1-2 miles from shore)
These are two totally different boats. The pike is not just a paddle board with side tubes it is a low profile IK
The each excel in different ways for sure!
Can it be set up as tandem? It would allow me to take my grandkids once in a while.
They could easily carry an adult and a child, but you would have to figure out a seating option. They aren’t “designed” to be tandem so it would just take some thought. I would also say it would depend on the size of the adult and child. I am 225lbs and my son is 8 and probably 70lbs or so. We can do it but he is really getting to the point where for space and comfort I would go with a bigger option
Do you think a small kid could come along on these kayaks?
Absolutely. I have taken my kids a few times. They are 5 and 7. I take them on small ponds and lakes that I know are easy. Nothing super technical. Hope that helps
@roadtripangler thanks, threats super helpful. My son is 6 Nmyrs and 60lbs, so I guess pike is the way to go. I'm curious if you have any thoughts on the bote zeppelin tandem instead. Would it be a decent beginner fishing kayak?
Sorry for the super delayed response. I have been missing the follow up questions on the channel. I have not had experience with BOTE, but I have heard they make a great product. I am sure it would be another great option!
can you show how you tiedown the blackpack
Hey! If you can shoot me an email I can send you some photos! I basically just used the bungees that are on the stern already and placed the corner hooks that come with the blackpack close to the top so I could bungee over them. Super easy and quick
I would have to pass with no self bailing
It is definitely a feature I would like to see added in the future. I am used to sit inside kayaks not being self bailing, however. All sit inside hard shell kayak are not.
@roadtripangler I have never owned a sit inside without a skirt. I take that back. I had a sea eagle years ago and we put that thing through the ringer in the mountains around here. I even took it to the ocean one time. Finally popped it on the Cartecay river at the take out dragging it lol. Wasn't a fishing kayak. Those look great but I would like to see self bailing.
Agreed! The open cockpit style boats like the JK Kilroy, and Native Ultimate have their place, but the river isn’t really one of them lol
Your comment about the weight difference really makes me think you have never seen either boat.
Not sure what you mean. I have both of them and they are noticeably different weights. I fish from both of them a lot and you can see me doing so on the channel.
Overpriced floating toys..
Idk I really enjoy them and find the value to be there. I mean all of my fishing stuff is for fun so I guess they are all toys lol!
wilderness systems iatak 110
I would love to try one out!