I have a lifetime kayak from Walmart had for 3 years and fish a few tournaments and I have a plain Jane and it hasn’t failed me yet and I paid 400 bucks for it. It’s the best 400 bucks I have a paid all those guys be on the water with their kayaks with fishfinders all types of set up, and I still outfish them and it’s a very stable kayak
My opinion using both, Ive owned a 133x for 2 years now and had a friend that owned an outlaw that I used, if you are buying a kayak solely to mod it and are looking for a cost friendly platform to do that, the Ascend 133x is by far the best choice for that circumstance. But if you’re looking to do minor mods while still focusing on the paddling aspect of a kayak, the perception is better.
I bought the 133x and then bought a bow mount motor with remote and then I bought a fishfinder then 2 small 12v then 1 132ah and a trailer I'm in on this kayak at about 3300 hundred dollars, but everything was bought brand new. I had to build a support for the trolling motor in the front.
@@thebeardedpaddler I heard you talking about that, I will actually do that, I may take a 3/4 pvc board and just cut a standing area out and lay it in, I did it for the trolling motor and it doesn't wiggle or bounce at all, I can leave the motor on while I trailer it now. Many many weak points in this boat. but for 1000 dollars idk I think its where it should be, It is solid and I am a customizer. Only time will tell.
A fine video comparing the kayaks 👊 Looked like you definitely needed a longer paddle 😏 Thank you for sharing your thoughts. As an experienced paddler, your demonstration is valuable for those making the decision between those kayaks. 😎
Great video as always. I have never liked the Ascend kayaks. They feel flimsy and are so difficult to paddle. Even the smaller ones are harder to paddle than they should be. I would love to see an on the water comparison of the Outlaw and the Bite. Two similar kayaks at similar prices. Keep up the great work!
The Ascend camera didn’t seem to move near as much from my perspective. Also, I’m thinking they may have addressed some of the issues you had with the decking because mine has a that dense foam in numerous places throughout. I wondered what that was, so good to know. Great review! I just got the 128X, looks like maybe this would compete more in line with the outlaw. 15:52
When I bought my first kayak I was sold on the 133x, of course when it came time to buy BPS was sold out. I went with a 128x. I added vertical pool noodle sections under the standing area and closed cell foam under the seat just as precautions against my 260lbs. Even in SC summers flex ain't bad anymore.
The ascend 133x was my first kayak and i realized the first day i had it on the water that i had messed up, now i have a hoodoo and I'm still not sure if i like it or not. Next year I'm buying and old town or hobie still not sure which one
@thebeardedpaddler I was on the hobie train but I have my doubts I've seen other guys on RUclips have issues with them..are you paying more for a name or are they really just that good. I just don't want to regret spending that kind of money
@@357mikec my personal kayaks are a Hobie Pro Angler 14 and a Jackson Tripper 12. My wife uses a Hobie Lynx. The biggest thing with Hobie is finding out which one best fits your needs. The pedal drive is unmatched though in efficiency, speed, and reliability. Great warranty too. They took some hits during covid due to parts availability
Thanks I was thinking the pro anlger 12 because I'm a smaller guy and I want something that can handle bigger water. If you're familiar with virginia I fish In lake anna alot
@@thebeardedpaddler like its not a bad kayak i just have all the front area and when you stand up there your sinking your boat so why put room up front to stand if its really only good to get in and out of your kayak still have yet to land a decent fish with it as well sadly...
Hey Larry. The Ascend is a bit of a beast and not the best build quality compared to other kayaks around the same price range (just my opinion) My biggest concern is the amount of deck flex in it
@@thebeardedpaddler I am like the guy that ask the original question though, I too only weigh about 140lbs even though I am 6' 4" tall so wouldn't the deck and the seat be under much less stress considering the much lighter weight loading as compared to someone 200lbs or more? Also as a retired senior my intentions would be to put a bow mount trolling motor with spot lock and just using it for non-tournament/non-competition fishing and running a high speed is not a big deal just something steady. From the looking I have been doing this seems to be the most bang for the buck for my intended usage and honestly if the main drawback is put some closed cell foam under the deck in front of the seat that is not that big of a deal really. Things like the wiring and yak power switching making adding navigation lights and depth finder power options so convenient and already there plus even the simple things like the included under seat tray and multiple access point to gain entry to the lower space under the deck seems like a lot of thought was put into such a budget boat. Watching the video I did actually like the higher freeboard above the water on the 133x as compared to the perception hull. Another thing is if I do decide to go with a Kayak it will be trailered and most everywhere I fish has a ramp for unloading. You just seem to have such a negative attitude towards the boat and I am not seeing as many pitfall as you I guess for the money.
@@billwiley7216 I'm not trying to steer anyone from the kayak. I only speak on what I see on trade ins after some prolonged use. If it's the right kayak for you, that's great. Just be sure to reinforce the hull and you should be fine
Neither. Get an Old Town or Hobie and avoid pond kayaks that take on water in even a lake. My buddy "saved money" on an Accend that warped in the sun and can't go out on even calm days on the salt.
I have a lifetime kayak from Walmart had for 3 years and fish a few tournaments and I have a plain Jane and it hasn’t failed me yet and I paid 400 bucks for it. It’s the best 400 bucks I have a paid all those guys be on the water with their kayaks with fishfinders all types of set up, and I still outfish them and it’s a very stable kayak
If you are happy with your setup that's what it all about. No judgement here
My opinion using both, Ive owned a 133x for 2 years now and had a friend that owned an outlaw that I used, if you are buying a kayak solely to mod it and are looking for a cost friendly platform to do that, the Ascend 133x is by far the best choice for that circumstance. But if you’re looking to do minor mods while still focusing on the paddling aspect of a kayak, the perception is better.
Which would you say is better for standing?
@@GoodVibesOnly1914 honestly both are really good you can’t go wrong with either
I bought the 133x and then bought a bow mount motor with remote and then I bought a fishfinder then 2 small 12v then 1 132ah and a trailer I'm in on this kayak at about 3300 hundred dollars, but everything was bought brand new. I had to build a support for the trolling motor in the front.
@@matthewpetersen4417 put some high density foam blocking inside the hull under the seat supports and in the standup area.
Trust me on this
@@thebeardedpaddler I heard you talking about that, I will actually do that, I may take a 3/4 pvc board and just cut a standing area out and lay it in, I did it for the trolling motor and it doesn't wiggle or bounce at all, I can leave the motor on while I trailer it now. Many many weak points in this boat. but for 1000 dollars idk I think its where it should be, It is solid and I am a customizer. Only time will tell.
A fine video comparing the kayaks 👊 Looked like you definitely needed a longer paddle 😏 Thank you for sharing your thoughts. As an experienced paddler, your demonstration is valuable for those making the decision between those kayaks. 😎
Paddle was fine but the gopro mount was in the way a little bit
@@thebeardedpaddler only had half the blade in the water on the stroke was the only reason I mentioned it. Wide yak and tall guy 🤷🏼♂️
Love seeing in water footage Andy!
Look for more of it going forward. I've pretty much done most of the kayak walkthroughs people want to see
Always appreciate your input
Great video as always. I have never liked the Ascend kayaks. They feel flimsy and are so difficult to paddle. Even the smaller ones are harder to paddle than they should be. I would love to see an on the water comparison of the Outlaw and the Bite. Two similar kayaks at similar prices. Keep up the great work!
@@josemirles4595 Bite is waaay more manageable and easier to turn. I'll get one on the water
Great comparison video!
Thank you!
The Ascend camera didn’t seem to move near as much from my perspective.
Also, I’m thinking they may have addressed some of the issues you had with the decking because mine has a that dense foam in numerous places throughout. I wondered what that was, so good to know.
Great review! I just got the 128X, looks like maybe this would compete more in line with the outlaw. 15:52
When I bought my first kayak I was sold on the 133x, of course when it came time to buy BPS was sold out. I went with a 128x. I added vertical pool noodle sections under the standing area and closed cell foam under the seat just as precautions against my 260lbs. Even in SC summers flex ain't bad anymore.
Thank you for your feedback. Really appreciate it!
That dog though. 🐕
She's a good kayak dog!
Hello. I'm thinking about the axsend 133 my weight is 148lb and I'm 5ft 7. What's your thoughts about this. Thanks for the information
Did you watch the video? Lol.
Not a huge fan of this platform and feel the Outlaw was a much better value
The ascend 133x was my first kayak and i realized the first day i had it on the water that i had messed up, now i have a hoodoo and I'm still not sure if i like it or not. Next year I'm buying and old town or hobie still not sure which one
Go Hobie if you want pedal drive. Just my opinion though. You get a lot of options also with a Hobie
@thebeardedpaddler I was on the hobie train but I have my doubts I've seen other guys on RUclips have issues with them..are you paying more for a name or are they really just that good. I just don't want to regret spending that kind of money
@@357mikec my personal kayaks are a Hobie Pro Angler 14 and a Jackson Tripper 12. My wife uses a Hobie Lynx. The biggest thing with Hobie is finding out which one best fits your needs. The pedal drive is unmatched though in efficiency, speed, and reliability. Great warranty too. They took some hits during covid due to parts availability
Thanks I was thinking the pro anlger 12 because I'm a smaller guy and I want something that can handle bigger water. If you're familiar with virginia I fish In lake anna alot
@@357mikec don't forget about the Outback!
just bought one a week ago and when i stand in the front of mine I fill it with water very dissapointing
Not really as sturdy as people are made to think. Some like them though
@@thebeardedpaddler like its not a bad kayak i just have all the front area and when you stand up there your sinking your boat so why put room up front to stand if its really only good to get in and out of your kayak still have yet to land a decent fish with it as well sadly...
Hello I'm Larry. Im thinking about getting the Ascend 133 on a 5'7 I weigh 150lb. What do you think about this
Hey Larry. The Ascend is a bit of a beast and not the best build quality compared to other kayaks around the same price range (just my opinion)
My biggest concern is the amount of deck flex in it
@@thebeardedpaddler I am like the guy that ask the original question though, I too only weigh about 140lbs even though I am 6' 4" tall so wouldn't the deck and the seat be under much less stress considering the much lighter weight loading as compared to someone 200lbs or more?
Also as a retired senior my intentions would be to put a bow mount trolling motor with spot lock and just using it for non-tournament/non-competition fishing and running a high speed is not a big deal just something steady.
From the looking I have been doing this seems to be the most bang for the buck for my intended usage and honestly if the main drawback is put some closed cell foam under the deck in front of the seat that is not that big of a deal really.
Things like the wiring and yak power switching making adding navigation lights and depth finder power options so convenient and already there plus even the simple things like the included under seat tray and multiple access point to gain entry to the lower space under the deck seems like a lot of thought was put into such a budget boat.
Watching the video I did actually like the higher freeboard above the water on the 133x as compared to the perception hull.
Another thing is if I do decide to go with a Kayak it will be trailered and most everywhere I fish has a ramp for unloading.
You just seem to have such a negative attitude towards the boat and I am not seeing as many pitfall as you I guess for the money.
@@billwiley7216 I'm not trying to steer anyone from the kayak. I only speak on what I see on trade ins after some prolonged use. If it's the right kayak for you, that's great. Just be sure to reinforce the hull and you should be fine
Every review of the ascend say it flexes like a mofo and cracks horribly if you dont put pads in it. It would be so perfect with out that
Not sure I would use perfect with this kayak. There are other setups that are more efficient with this motor setup.
And then there is the deck flexing
The 133x let me down within the first 3 hours
I understand the draw of the kayak. But man there are some much better options around the same money
How did it let you down?
I'm sorry for not getting back sooner the front of the seat would fall in due to the soft side walls of the boat
@@johngissendanner5836they thin the walls to save plastic.
I have a $400 Tamarack pro from Walmart. It has thicker walls
@@thebeardedpaddler what are the options I'm half way through the vid
Theres no comparison, Perception all the way
True
@@thebeardedpaddler I have a Lifetime Tamarack pro paddle kayak. $402 out the door at Walmart. I want a Perception Crank 10ft . Need a trailer first.
Neither. Get an Old Town or Hobie and avoid pond kayaks that take on water in even a lake. My buddy "saved money" on an Accend that warped in the sun and can't go out on even calm days on the salt.
It has been a problem with the Ascend brand for sure