If you can, always test paddle before buying any boat. Wilderness Systems is one of Americas leading kayak companies and experienced an incredibly busy 2021 season due to the increased demand for kayaks and paddlesports gear. I purchased my Pungo at East Coast Canoe and Kayak Symposium after demoing a number of other boats. It is most likely a kayak that will be used for kayaking on the ocean, or in a lake with high waves. Add Axis 12.0 Kayak to Compare Pelican Premium Argo 136XP Tandem Kayak. At outdoor retail chains like MEC and REI, Wilderness Systems kayaks are a mainstay on the sales floor. I would never buy this product again. We use it on a S.W. Inspiring paddlesports participation through quality coverage of the people, places, adventures, boats and gear, trends and events that make paddling something you'll do for the rest of your life. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. I have also done some solo river paddling including a 4 mile trip upriver against a slow moving current. After viewing about 4-6 online, I picked 2 to take for a test ride and the Pungo 100 was not one of them. I highly recommend this for anyone. It is very comfortable, great maneuverability and tracking, to say nothing about awesome stability. Highly recommended. The kayak also has some problems in big windy conditions because it can be blown from side to side even with the kayak paddle. Also, I use a cart to transport it to a nearby creek, about 5 blocks from my house. Add to cart$1219.00. We also took a Riot Stealth. Here are answers to some of the most common online questions about Wilderness Systems kayaks. Kids and adults love it for a first time ride. The Pungo 105 has some limitations. This series offers three lengths of kayak: the Pungo 140 (14-foot), the Pungo 120 (12-foot) and the Pungo 100 (10-foot), as well as two angling kayaks (the Pungo 140 Angler and the Pungo 120 Angler) and one ultralight model (the . Pungo 125 is designed for stockier paddlers. My biggest criticism would be that even small wind driven waves are coming in the cockpit - a spray skirt (even the mini-skirt) is a good idea. For kayaks with bulkheads, check that warping has not compromised the water tightness of the bulkhead. Visited the Old Town factory in Maine and found a great deal on a Twin Heron kayak. Adjusting a kayak to fit you correctly is one of the most important steps you can take to make paddling more enjoyable. The DAgger floats smooth and straight plus, has a lot of room for my gear. Wilderness Systems is a best-selling American kayak brand that has been around since 1986. Kayak is stable has a great secondary edge, good glide and tracking. The kayak has fishing rod holders, a beverage holder, and an adjustable seat back to make kayaking more convenient. The Pungo 125 kayak is more suited for higher speeds, surfing, and anything racing-related. It's amazingly stable and tracks very well. It tracks nicely, has good speed and the same good looks as the Pungo, plus . Did lots of research, trying to find what would be best for someone like me who likes to kayak on her own, has kayaked a few times, but didn't want to spend a fortune. Purchased my Pungo 100 after a lot of research of other similiar type boats. What is wilderness systems Pungo 105 Kayak? Very stable, tracks well, and can handle a bit of turbulence (but I recommend a skirt for open water/anything over class I). I find this kayak sits low in the water compared to some other kayaks, but that doesn't bother me, just something to consider if that bothers you. While the Pungo 105 is also good for fishing, it does not have many accessories such as rod holders and extra storage. The 122 length and minimal rocker (the amount the hull curves up at the bow and stern) gives the Pungo 120 a relatively long waterline. This is an incredibly durable and tough material, but its still important to look over a plastic kayak for wear or damage. That may have just been poor technique by novice paddlers, but two adults noticed the same tendency in the Pungo and neither had any problem in the Stealth. In fact, I've never been able to tip mine over. Update on my earlier review. Speed - I can cruise all day at 3.5 MPH, push it hard to 4.5, then the wall is there (I weigh 170). Theyre best suited to calm waterways and sheltered lakes. Get the X-Grip Phone Mount/Base if you want to keep your phone handy for selfies and navigation, or opt for a Basic Track Ball with T-Bolt Base to open up a huge array of mounts and options. On winding, slow-moving rivers, alert paddlers will be able to easily maneuver around obstacles like rocks, lazy sturgeon or shopping carts (hey, we paddle where we can). At no time did I think I was in any danger of dumping. Decent balance in width. Are you looking for a recreational kayak for exploring around the beach or cottage, or a touring boat for backcountry camping trips? As with any kayak, its a good idea to put anything that absolutely needs to stay dry in a waterproof bag or box inside the hatch, as a small amount of water may find its way in through the hatch lid. I recently bought a used 2007 version of this kayak to supplement out overtaxed load capacity of my whole family in our one canoe. The full skirt will keep you dry in the rain and under major waves - but you have a 50/50 chance of it staying on if you roll over (I have the basic nylon full skirt - too much cockpit to cover). Being 5'8'', 145 lbs, and female, I have no problems putting it on my Suzuki alone (using Yakima Lowriders and bars). See and review all Wilderness Systems kayaks here. My boyfriend bought a kayak package on sale at Costco, which got me thinking about trying the sport out. The range in boat sizes also accommodates a wide range of paddler sizes, ensuring a perfect fit. Still wondering if Wilderness Systems kayaks are right for you? The supportive, high back rest can be pulled forward or relaxed as needed; the seat itself has an adjustable leg lifter to reduce fatigue and dial in a comfortable position. If youre parking your boat where you cant keep an eye on things, you can even lock the latches for peace of mind. Pamlico sits very low in the water with any sort of load, and on the Hudson, any slight chop will end up coming in at your hips. You can raise and lower the back rest, tilt it forward and back, and pull up on the bottom of the seat to lift your legs. I would recommend this be used in less than choppy water, other than that it seemed to be great. The other one I tried was the Perception Prodigy 100. Generally speaking, the Pungo 120 kayak is ideal for fishing, camping, exploring shallow waters, and anything recreational. Wilderness Systems makes all of their kayaks at their Greenville, South Carolina factory. One of the key strengths of Wilderness Systems kayaks is the comfort of its seating systems, tweaked and refined after years of production and feedback. I've been a canoer my entire life but decided that my big 15' canoe was a bit too heavy for me to man-handle alone so I sold it and bought the 12' Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 kayak which weighs about 49 pounds (30 pounds less than my old canoe). Sits low in water, easy to get in and out. I also like to do nature photography, and the skeg makes a big difference in keeping me on track toward my subject. I have had my Pungo a year now. I kayak the waters of northern Arkansas and southern Missouri, so I wanted a kayak that would do well on lakes or on Class I to III rapids. Parts, accessories and outfitting come with a one-year warranty. Thats what Id call a Bigfoot. Just what I was looking for! It is a nice kayak to sit in, the seat is great and its' stable and considering it's only 10 ft it tracks pretty well. . The updated Pungo family includes 3 sizes of kayaks, of which the Pungo 105 is the smallest. A local outfitter sells his rentals at the end of the year at reasonable discounts. Even if I "move up" as they say, I'll keep my Pungo in the family! The removable dry box is perfect for keeping small essentials like keys, wallet, cellphone, camera and snacks safe and dry. Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 is larger in size than the other kayaks Tarpon models. The kayak is pretty lightweight as kayaks go, but the kayak has a good capacity for those who want to kayak long distances or carry lots of additional gear on it. The Pungo 120 kayak is 17 feet 6 inches in length, which makes its kayaking space 72 long by 20 wide. Add Pungo 120 Kayak to Compare Dagger Axis 12.0 Kayak (2) 2 reviews with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. I was initially going to buy this one because its price was very attractive but when I tried it on the water I found that I felt like I was floating in a bubble on top of the water. I would have to ditto everything Mr. Hughes said in his review. Add Argo 136XP Tandem Kayak . The cockpit and seat are comfortable for my 6'3" frame. I didn't once feel unstable, even when the water started to get really choppy due to the wind. The sit-on-top legend - revitalized and refined. Perception kayaks are more entry-level, with less rigorous outfitting and a lower sticker price. The twin arch multichine hull is very stable, you would have to try hard to tip it. Choose Wilderness Systems if youre ready to invest in a more refined touring, recreational or fishingkayak. . Turning is improved with leaning. I am 5'11"/170lbs/27/M and will be using it mostly on lakes, slow moving rivers, and calm coastal areas just for fun (not fishing). Touring kayaks feature two or three watertight bulkheads for safety and hatches for gear storage. Again, this kayak comes with various features also. If stored correctly and well-cared for, a kayak will hold much of its value (this is especially true of hard-to-find, discontinued models). Cons - the plastic does seem to scratch up easily, but hull is thick enough to not seem a threat. As a newbie paddler, this has been a great first boat. Ease of Use The Dagger Axis 12 is pretty easy to get right into and use. This means that sourcing replacement parts or outfitting is relatively easy. The bestselling Wilderness Systems Pungo series of do-it-all recreational kayaks are some of the most popular choices for paddlers who enjoy smaller lakes, meandering rivers, coastline exploration, kayak fishing or even the occasional overnight trip. I have enjoyed many hours paddling Lake Lanier here in Georgia as well as the Etowah and Chatahoochee Rivers. The seat is comfortable but after the fourth hour my butt is a little sore. For myself, I am not a thrill seeker nor do I intend to venture out on choppy ocean waters so I knew I needed something that had stability, a comfortable seat, storage space and the ability to perform well on lakes, slow moving rivers and the occasional sheltered ocean bay. This Kayak is excellent for the beginner. Other TrueFit options include a Sun Shield partial deck for warmer climates (because burnt thighs arent much fun) and a Cockpit Cover to keep creepy crawlies out of the kayak when its beingstored. As a mid-sized company, they are keeping up with orders, but there may be a slight delay due to global supply chain and delivery challenges. We have only used them on small lakes so far, but might try them on a slow river sometime. Among the Pungo 105 and Pungo 120, I will choose the Pungo 120 kayak. They also have 9-foot models for $350+. Since I have nothing to compare this to, I don't know if there is a sitting limit in most kayak seats. The one I went with was the Pungo 100 because it sat nicely in the water--felt very stable and just felt right. If you can think of something youd mount on a kayak, then there is a good chance an aftermarket mounting bracket exists. Wilderness Systems kayaks are widely available from local paddle shops and national outdoors stores. The best-selling Pungo features an impressive balance of manageablity, stablity, speed, and comfort. During every vacation of my children, we made camping and kayaking plans. I love the storage behind the seat and found it Full review, Great beginners kayak. Your back will love it! Also recommend the skirt for the Pungo. The Pungo 120 dashboard also incorporates Wilderness Systems SlideTrax gear mounting system. I have been looking for a short kayak I could put on the back of my SeaRay 27 so I could fish and mess around when we take the SeaRay out and anchor. Cheap, at around $800 or so new from most stores that sell kayaks for this price range. Avoid cotton clothing like t-shirts and jeans; they retain water and accelerate cooling when wet. I've had the oppurtunity to try a variety of kayaks; none of them with more ease of use or comfort than my Pungo 100. I had to call Pelican customer service to find out what hull was on that boat. Very stable boat with comfortable cockpit. It is very stable and maneuvers well. The Wilderness Systems dashboard includes a recessed compartment that is specially designed to house the WS lithium battery, which can be purchased separately. Jackson Kayak is another USA-based kayak brand, which focuses on whitewater, fishing and recreational kayaks. If you are deciding between the Pungo 120 and the Pamlico 120, I would suggest you save the extra cash and purchase the Pam. The Pungo 120 kayak is well balanced and can be used for day-touring, but it also offers more stability and comfort than a larger kayak. Wilderness Systems uses quality materials and craftsmanship to produce well-designed kayaks, excelling at their intended use. Ocean Kayak produces exclusively sit-on-top boats. Check general online classifieds like Kijiji or try searching Craigslist Wilderness Systems kayaks. Specialized marketplaces like MEC Gear Swap or local paddling groups are also good places to start your search. Buying used means that you can get a higher-performing boat for less money. It features a stable, predictable, and efficient performance in both calm and rough conditions. A comfortable kayak will end being used more often, and for longer, and comfort can also drastically affect how well the kayak handles. I will be getting more accessories to supplement my kayaking desire!!! Bought a Pungo 100 recently and took it for a weekend outing to Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. Have a Kestrel 120 OTC, Dirigo 106, Pungo 120. So, lets start-, This is a beautiful kayak and durable. Very good initial stability - you have to tip over on purpose. Recreational kayak for one person, light and easy to load. There is plenty of room in the cockpit for water bottles, binoculars, jacket etc. I am very disappointed with the Pungo 100. This most popular Pungo in the family strikes the perfect balance of size and manageability. Our Paddling Buyers Guide features every Wilderness Systems kayak on the market. It's worked great on the slow moving rivers and coastal waters of NC. This last summer I put this in a river.The Pungo does not handle anything but deep, slow moving rivers well. Phase 3 air Pro Seat is Fully Adjustable and Offers Ergonomic Support, Adjustable Foot Rests Accommodate Paddlers of Different Sizes, Dashboard Offers a Removable Dry box and 2 Cup Holders, Proudly Designed, Molded and Hand-Assembled in the USA. Although I was worried about being able to load it onto my car top myself , the dealer had me practice load a floor model onto a Yakima rack system set up in the store, using the "boatloader" accessory. We have 5 of these kayaks and we LOVE them. Wilderness Systems kayaks are a reliable used purchase, as many of the models have been produced for years. Curbside Pickup Available NOW! Never mix alcohol and paddling. I began to get more serious about the sport and was soon to upgrade to something sleeker and faster. The Pungo 120 kayak provides kayakers with an extensive kayaking space in that they can enjoy kayaking. A great boat for paddling on Lake Champlain where the conditions can go from glass to chop in a hurry. 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