Researching this kayak as I prepare to purchase my first. Loved your video and the LNT “rant” earned the subscription!! Pack it out! Leave no trace! Leave it better than you found it! So glad to see more people speaking on this topic. Thank you for a great video 😁
So I would need one that can handle a little more weight then. Very well thought out review Marvin. Detailed as always, yet you kept it interesting. Great Job!
Nice review. We bought a couple of these a few months ago and have had a very similar experience. Sides are bending in on both - noticed this right away. 325 lb weight limit is complete BS. I'm 220 and with my gear, rear end has a constant pool of 1-2" of water. Don't mind getting wet, but would prefer a boat where the water drains out the scupper holes and not the other way around. Agree that for the money, it's not a bad yak. Lots of nice touches that don't come stock on slightly more expensive models. Keep 'em coming!
My side walls warped mostly due to the roof straps being too tight (Kayak J-mounts on the roof of my car). I took a piece of wood and wedged it in and got rid of the warp.
Pelican makes great kayaks, currently I have 3. I have a Pelican Motion 100 which is similar to the castaway, and it’s been great. These are great kayaks but the price difference is double and some times even more. The Castaway you can easily throw in the back of truck or even put up on a roof rack as a solo paddler. I’d rather people try out a kayak they spent $300 and see if it’s something they’ll be able to enjoy. I hear from people every week they buy a $1000 kayak and only tried it once and then sell it. What kind of water are you paddling rivers, or lakes? Have you had a chance to use your Pelican much? Is this your first kayak?
@@greatamericansurvival Took it out all weekend, removed the footrests though, easier just to extend my legs, so far so good. Used it on two lakes, pretty stable and cuts the water nicely.
I think the narrowing at the seat is by design. When the seat is in place it acts like a cross rib in a canoe and gives side to side rigidity. I’m 6’ and 210# and I find it stable while sitting, but not standing.
Great review. I don't fish, currently have a 13' sit-in-side kayak. Looking to get a kayak that is dog friendly. It appearsl to me that a small fishing yak fits my needs better than a traditional sit on top. I like the big empty bow.
How big is your dog? I usually carry one of my dog with me on mine unless I’m fishing. Also depends on how active you are and how comfortable you are swimming you can look at paddle boards. We have two from Connelly, video for the Navigator it’s been a great addition, very lightweight and easy to load and unload.
@@greatamericansurvival 50lb Australia Shepard. We don't live on a lake so we are out for a minimum of 4 hours a few pops. Standing for that long is a pass. thanks for the info.
So I bought an Ascend 10T earlier this year. I really like most features on it. I weigh 210. With tackle and rods...total weight probably 225 on board. The kayak sits super low in the water. Any decent wind or waves and water is coming oveboard. I have to plug the scupper holes. If I unplug them, water just gushes in! And the plugs behind the seat can't seal completely. They slowly leak. On an average fishing trip out, it fills with probably a gallon of water in the back. I really dislike this kayak because of this. Not a good purchase. That said, I'll keep taking it out because it's all I have. And I catch fish! Saving up for something else though.
I agree I ended up trading up to a 12T. My Catch 120 is even worse on windy water. But that’s mostly because of the higher seat height. What kayak are you looking at getting next??
You can seal them better with different style plugs if that's the case. I'm getting one today, and gonna go through it completely before taking it out on the water.
I had the fs10t exact same color almost the same boat but mine was very unstable. I'm about 205 lb. I have a pelican 130 love it and I have a Dorado feel free it's a beast but very heavy. I would recommend anything over the fs10t I'm not familiar with just the 10t.
I'm 235 and bought a Lifetime Yukon Angler 116 for $500 at Walmart a year ago. It is very sturdy and stable. I've went out in ponds with two 60 pound kids riding along with no issues. Two downsides I've found is weight, at 90 lbs., and it's fairly slow compared to other kayaks I've floated creeks with. Both are tradeoffs from it's overall size.
I used to fish with guys that chucked their empty beer bottles into the lake. I also used to crush their tins up and carry them home with any other litter, it made me frustrated to the point I gave up fishing with them, sad! Then they wonder why there's signs appearing saying no fishing. This happens right across the board, there's always the few that are simply disrespectful and disregard any etiquette 🙄
It’s sad. I’ve been there too. Heck we even had one time this summer we saw a family washing out all there dishes and cooking stuff in the lake by the beach area of our state park.
Thanks for the review, I stopped watching when I saw the floor flex when you stood on it, does not seem like it was built very well, specially since it's rated for 325lb. And 2 years later It's definitely not worth the money, $700 at my local Cabela's where, BTW, it got 2.5 stars. Thanks again, you saved me a lot of money.
Agreed. The flex is normal for a kayak. But some of these do have thin plastic which will lead to splitting or cracking. But even my Jackson’s, Nucanoe and even Old Towns flex some when you stand on them. What kayak are you looking at getting?
WARNING: This boat is not only problematic for a larger person, it is unusable. I am 6'2 and 240 pounds and this thing is absolutely unusable - with scupper plugs in, it sits SUPER low in the water and is crazy unstable, and with the plugs out, it literally fills with water and sinks...again, I am only 240 so it is not like I am up against the supposed weight limit. If you are over 200lbs do not get this boat.
Great review! I'm looking at buying my 1st kayak, have rented several general use kayaks but never anything high end. and i know this is not a high end set up but my budget is driving this. i have used the dolphin(sit in) and lifetime(sit on top) kayaks. the lifetime was a dump truck, it was slow, heavy, to wide to paddle without hitting the sides( but that may be user error), but stable. Then I took out he dolphin sit in.. it was a dream compared to the lifetime. it was light and fast, and easy to paddle... are all sit in's easy to paddle compared to sit on tops? am i going to hate this boat?
To answer your questions yes, a sit in is much easier to paddle and maneuver do to a lower center of gravity. But a sit in Kayak turns into a bathtub when you flip it. Both have pros and cons and I own several of each. I started whitewater kayaking in the 90’s in California and would carry a small collapsible rod to fish areas of slow water. It honestly just depends on what you want to do. Both have pros and cons. This kayak is 10 foot so it’s not bad to paddle and turn, longer kayaks track better meaning they go straight easier. But shorter kayaks are easier to maneuver on moving water. The 10 footers are a great middle of the road length. 12,14 and 16 footers are great for lakes and even the ocean for me, but the added length means harder to load on a roof rack or back of your truck. What are you planning to do with yours?
@@greatamericansurvival i want a dual sport, something i can do a little fishing from, but also paddle around with the kids in the local lakes ponds and canals... maybe take it in the backwaters to go after some reds and snook.. but majority of the time will be family, weekend trips.
That’s awesome. With your size I’d go with the 12T. Are you wanting a recreational kayak or more towards fishing? The 10T is great but the 12 will handle more weight.
I fly fish a lot in the i inner coastal areas where I live and maybe 1-3 times a year I go spear fishing about 200yds off the beach in 25-40ft of water. Looking for a decent kayak I can stand up on for fly fishing and something I can drag out with my spear gear. Is this stable enough to stand and fish on for a couple hours? Looked really flexy when you stood on it but I’m hoping that’s because it was on land
I’d look for a 12T not the 10 more stable to stand. Heck check out Nucanoe I scored a used flint for $500 or even the Perception Outlaw, is a slow boat to paddle but it’s crazy stable to stand in. I recently added a Old Town Sportsman it’s really stable. I paddled a 3 Rivera Big fish last summer and it’s really nice. Also almost all of them are easy to get back into when you fall out or get out to swim. I used my Flint last year to go scalloping.
I know what you mean, the crazy thing is people actually do risers for there seat to raise it up even higher and then complain that it’s to tippy. But honestly I’ve been using a balance board to help my balance it helps me a lot. Not just for standing and fishing just daily balance and everything
I felt the same way...kinda made me nervous until I did some tests and found that the feeling that it was going to tip was just that....a feeling...in my testing I discovered that these boats are actually pretty had to actually tip. I am 250 pounds and even sitting on the side and trying to tip it in my pool, it was hard to get over.
Mostly I depends on what kind of water you plan to paddle and how much you weigh? Under 200 pounds and a 10T is a great kayak, especially on moving water, like rivers. If your over 200 pounds or plan to paddle mostly lakes and inshore little current a 12T is great. Shorter boats turn easier and in a shorter distance. But longer boats track better. So that means if your paddling longer distances it’s gonna go faster and have less side to side action. Both have a purpose but it has a lot to do with your size and what you wanna do. What are you planning to do more of fishing or paddling for recreation?
Yes. If your not gonna try to stand up. It paddles well, but honestly if it was me I’d go for the 12T. Off shore that 2 feet is gonna be worth it. I use to fish the oil rigs off the coast of Texas and fished out of a 14 foot Tarpon. I like the 10T I’ve used mine on the intercostal in Florida and had no issues but never went off shore with it. If you try it out let me know how it works out for you please.
No. Sorry, but honestly most kayaks that include a paddle the paddle won’t last. But they do allow you to save some money and get out on the water. Over time $100 paddle is gonna be a better paddle, lighter, stronger etc. Are you buying your first kayak?
I'm around 28-30 on my 2018 Outback. It stays in the garage. I putt a older 2007 Malibu to work. It's around 26. Still about 3 years out from getting a EV or plug in hybrid $0 gas when paddling a Kayak lol
@@lowlifeangler I'd probably opt for the fully E.V. and skip the hybrid all together. As battery technology improves and more shops start to emerge a full E.V. swap seems more practical these days. I have nothing against E.V.s, I just prefer not to have all that extra tech that usually comes with them.
So.. half the video was preaching, half was a review. Although I agree with your preaching it really did take away from the review. Just some feedback. Thanks!
Researching this kayak as I prepare to purchase my first. Loved your video and the LNT “rant” earned the subscription!! Pack it out! Leave no trace! Leave it better than you found it! So glad to see more people speaking on this topic. Thank you for a great video 😁
I turned it off when his gum chewing ass started preaching.
So I would need one that can handle a little more weight then. Very well thought out review Marvin. Detailed as always, yet you kept it interesting. Great Job!
Thanks for this review it helps us all to enjoy this sport/hobby
Thanks Calvin we love getting positive feedback. We love experiencing everything nature has to share.
Great review, always wanted one of these...appreciate the info and how it performs on the water...
Nice review I use a board to keep the sides spread when in storage.
That’s a great idea. I usually store mine upside down.
Nice review. We bought a couple of these a few months ago and have had a very similar experience. Sides are bending in on both - noticed this right away. 325 lb weight limit is complete BS. I'm 220 and with my gear, rear end has a constant pool of 1-2" of water. Don't mind getting wet, but would prefer a boat where the water drains out the scupper holes and not the other way around. Agree that for the money, it's not a bad yak. Lots of nice touches that don't come stock on slightly more expensive models. Keep 'em coming!
Same here at 230lbs 😂. Adding out riggers soon
Just like a soar peter just can't beat it
Thanks for Review! I have been looking at this one, but I am 225 and I don't mind water but I think I would take on even more than you.
Very true. I upgraded to the 12T, and especially if you plan to add a trolling motor. But I also added a Nucanoe Flint to our fleet.
My side walls warped mostly due to the roof straps being too tight (Kayak J-mounts on the roof of my car). I took a piece of wood and wedged it in and got rid of the warp.
I appreciate your honest reviews. Thanks for sharing! What size paddle do you recommend for a 5' 10" 200 lb dude like yourself. 😁
I just bought a Pelican Castaway 100, it's cheesy and thin hulled. These appear to be of better quality but the Pelican was $300 new.
Pelican makes great kayaks, currently I have 3. I have a Pelican Motion 100 which is similar to the castaway, and it’s been great. These are great kayaks but the price difference is double and some times even more. The Castaway you can easily throw in the back of truck or even put up on a roof rack as a solo paddler. I’d rather people try out a kayak they spent $300 and see if it’s something they’ll be able to enjoy. I hear from people every week they buy a $1000 kayak and only tried it once and then sell it. What kind of water are you paddling rivers, or lakes? Have you had a chance to use your Pelican much? Is this your first kayak?
@@greatamericansurvival Took it out all weekend, removed the footrests though, easier just to extend my legs, so far so good. Used it on two lakes, pretty stable and cuts the water nicely.
I think the narrowing at the seat is by design. When the seat is in place it acts like a cross rib in a canoe and gives side to side rigidity. I’m 6’ and 210# and I find it stable while sitting, but not standing.
Great review. I don't fish, currently have a 13' sit-in-side kayak. Looking to get a kayak that is dog friendly. It appearsl to me that a small fishing yak fits my needs better than a traditional sit on top. I like the big empty bow.
How big is your dog? I usually carry one of my dog with me on mine unless I’m fishing. Also depends on how active you are and how comfortable you are swimming you can look at paddle boards. We have two from Connelly, video for the Navigator it’s been a great addition, very lightweight and easy to load and unload.
@@greatamericansurvival 50lb Australia Shepard. We don't live on a lake so we are out for a minimum of 4 hours a few pops. Standing for that long is a pass. thanks for the info.
So I bought an Ascend 10T earlier this year. I really like most features on it. I weigh 210. With tackle and rods...total weight probably 225 on board. The kayak sits super low in the water. Any decent wind or waves and water is coming oveboard. I have to plug the scupper holes. If I unplug them, water just gushes in! And the plugs behind the seat can't seal completely. They slowly leak. On an average fishing trip out, it fills with probably a gallon of water in the back. I really dislike this kayak because of this. Not a good purchase. That said, I'll keep taking it out because it's all I have. And I catch fish! Saving up for something else though.
I agree I ended up trading up to a 12T. My Catch 120 is even worse on windy water. But that’s mostly because of the higher seat height. What kayak are you looking at getting next??
Bro you know your supposed to leave the plugs in unless it's raining.
You can seal them better with different style plugs if that's the case. I'm getting one today, and gonna go through it completely before taking it out on the water.
Thanks for the rating, I thought this might be an R rated kayak review.
I watched whole video and the playlist never showed up at the end of the video. Can you post a link to that list?
Your "leave no trace" comment gets a like.
Would you recommend this boat for someone who is around 240 lbs and just getting into kayaking?
I had the fs10t exact same color almost the same boat but mine was very unstable. I'm about 205 lb. I have a pelican 130 love it and I have a Dorado feel free it's a beast but very heavy. I would recommend anything over the fs10t I'm not familiar with just the 10t.
I'm 235 and bought a Lifetime Yukon Angler 116 for $500 at Walmart a year ago. It is very sturdy and stable. I've went out in ponds with two 60 pound kids riding along with no issues. Two downsides I've found is weight, at 90 lbs., and it's fairly slow compared to other kayaks I've floated creeks with. Both are tradeoffs from it's overall size.
I used to fish with guys that chucked their empty beer bottles into the lake. I also used to crush their tins up and carry them home with any other litter, it made me frustrated to the point I gave up fishing with them, sad! Then they wonder why there's signs appearing saying no fishing. This happens right across the board, there's always the few that are simply disrespectful and disregard any etiquette 🙄
It’s sad. I’ve been there too. Heck we even had one time this summer we saw a family washing out all there dishes and cooking stuff in the lake by the beach area of our state park.
@@greatamericansurvival Sad Mate, no other words for it 👍
Thanks for the review, I stopped watching when I saw the floor flex when you stood on it, does not seem like it was built very well, specially since it's rated for 325lb. And 2 years later It's definitely not worth the money, $700 at my local Cabela's where, BTW, it got 2.5 stars. Thanks again, you saved me a lot of money.
Agreed. The flex is normal for a kayak. But some of these do have thin plastic which will lead to splitting or cracking. But even my Jackson’s, Nucanoe and even Old Towns flex some when you stand on them. What kayak are you looking at getting?
@@greatamericansurvival I like the crescent CK1, it has a solid floor and nice seat. Hard to find though, closest dealer has a waiting list.
Great kayak. Crescent makes some of the best paddling kayaks. We have two Ultralites just awesome
210lbs 6'2 i plan on bringing my dog with me he is an american bulldod mix 100lbs is there enough room for me and him?
I’d probably look into the 12t
WARNING: This boat is not only problematic for a larger person, it is unusable. I am 6'2 and 240 pounds and this thing is absolutely unusable - with scupper plugs in, it sits SUPER low in the water and is crazy unstable, and with the plugs out, it literally fills with water and sinks...again, I am only 240 so it is not like I am up against the supposed weight limit. If you are over 200lbs do not get this boat.
i so agree Very unstable
Great review! I'm looking at buying my 1st kayak, have rented several general use kayaks but never anything high end. and i know this is not a high end set up but my budget is driving this. i have used the dolphin(sit in) and lifetime(sit on top) kayaks. the lifetime was a dump truck, it was slow, heavy, to wide to paddle without hitting the sides( but that may be user error), but stable. Then I took out he dolphin sit in.. it was a dream compared to the lifetime. it was light and fast, and easy to paddle... are all sit in's easy to paddle compared to sit on tops? am i going to hate this boat?
To answer your questions yes, a sit in is much easier to paddle and maneuver do to a lower center of gravity. But a sit in Kayak turns into a bathtub when you flip it. Both have pros and cons and I own several of each. I started whitewater kayaking in the 90’s in California and would carry a small collapsible rod to fish areas of slow water. It honestly just depends on what you want to do. Both have pros and cons. This kayak is 10 foot so it’s not bad to paddle and turn, longer kayaks track better meaning they go straight easier. But shorter kayaks are easier to maneuver on moving water. The 10 footers are a great middle of the road length. 12,14 and 16 footers are great for lakes and even the ocean for me, but the added length means harder to load on a roof rack or back of your truck. What are you planning to do with yours?
@@greatamericansurvival i want a dual sport, something i can do a little fishing from, but also paddle around with the kids in the local lakes ponds and canals... maybe take it in the backwaters to go after some reds and snook.. but majority of the time will be family, weekend trips.
Im 265lb…never owned a kayak…thinking Id like to try it and thinking Id like a sit on top. Any suggestions?
That’s awesome. With your size I’d go with the 12T. Are you wanting a recreational kayak or more towards fishing? The 10T is great but the 12 will handle more weight.
I fly fish a lot in the i inner coastal areas where I live and maybe 1-3 times a year I go spear fishing about 200yds off the beach in 25-40ft of water. Looking for a decent kayak I can stand up on for fly fishing and something I can drag out with my spear gear. Is this stable enough to stand and fish on for a couple hours? Looked really flexy when you stood on it but I’m hoping that’s because it was on land
I’d look for a 12T not the 10 more stable to stand. Heck check out Nucanoe I scored a used flint for $500 or even the Perception Outlaw, is a slow boat to paddle but it’s crazy stable to stand in. I recently added a Old Town Sportsman it’s really stable. I paddled a 3 Rivera Big fish last summer and it’s really nice. Also almost all of them are easy to get back into when you fall out or get out to swim. I used my Flint last year to go scalloping.
499.00 at cabelas . Just bought one
I saw a little guy sink the front pulling in a Muskie.
I just bought it but I feel like I'm going to flip over when it's kinda windy.
I know what you mean, the crazy thing is people actually do risers for there seat to raise it up even higher and then complain that it’s to tippy. But honestly I’ve been using a balance board to help my balance it helps me a lot. Not just for standing and fishing just daily balance and everything
@@greatamericansurvival
Thanks, I will buy that and you got a new subscriber.
I felt the same way...kinda made me nervous until I did some tests and found that the feeling that it was going to tip was just that....a feeling...in my testing I discovered that these boats are actually pretty had to actually tip. I am 250 pounds and even sitting on the side and trying to tip it in my pool, it was hard to get over.
What’s the advantage of the 12 foot boat vs the 10?
Mostly I depends on what kind of water you plan to paddle and how much you weigh? Under 200 pounds and a 10T is a great kayak, especially on moving water, like rivers. If your over 200 pounds or plan to paddle mostly lakes and inshore little current a 12T is great. Shorter boats turn easier and in a shorter distance. But longer boats track better. So that means if your paddling longer distances it’s gonna go faster and have less side to side action. Both have a purpose but it has a lot to do with your size and what you wanna do.
What are you planning to do more of fishing or paddling for recreation?
None of my precipitation kayaks take on zero water. I'm 6 foot and 210lbs.
Over the front or do you mean through your scuppers?
can use this kayak on ocean????
Yes. If your not gonna try to stand up. It paddles well, but honestly if it was me I’d go for the 12T. Off shore that 2 feet is gonna be worth it. I use to fish the oil rigs off the coast of Texas and fished out of a 14 foot Tarpon. I like the 10T I’ve used mine on the intercostal in Florida and had no issues but never went off shore with it. If you try it out let me know how it works out for you please.
Douse it come with paddle
No. Sorry, but honestly most kayaks that include a paddle the paddle won’t last. But they do allow you to save some money and get out on the water. Over time $100 paddle is gonna be a better paddle, lighter, stronger etc. Are you buying your first kayak?
@@greatamericansurvival yes I’m look in to getting one soon that I can hook a fish finder up to
I bought one, wish I never did. It’s a brick you can sit on.
Can't see comments ?
Not sure. They are all public.
10t budget Kayak for $679.95?
Covid and inflation. These were under $500 at the time. There now in the $760 range.
@@HondaFit4Adventure how's the gas mileage on your Honda? Just wondering
@@lowlifeangler Still a good 30mpg. It's stick.
I'm around 28-30 on my 2018 Outback. It stays in the garage.
I putt a older 2007 Malibu to work. It's around 26. Still about 3 years out from getting a EV or plug in hybrid
$0 gas when paddling a Kayak lol
@@lowlifeangler I'd probably opt for the fully E.V. and skip the hybrid all together. As battery technology improves and more shops start to emerge a full E.V. swap seems more practical these days. I have nothing against E.V.s, I just prefer not to have all that extra tech that usually comes with them.
Doesn't seat bungie down
The factory one isn’t secure enough, so for .50 cents your insuring your $150 seat.
If you dont like this video you wont catch fish simple as that
lol I bring back more trash than I take out with me .
Exactly. My sons make a game of it the winner picks the losers blizzard at DQ.
So.. half the video was preaching, half was a review. Although I agree with your preaching it really did take away from the review. Just some feedback. Thanks!