You can even add specifically designed, matching mesh deck pouches (sold separately) for even more storage. Wanted to find a good kayak for recreational use that wouldn't break the bank. Pungo 125 . 47lbs of polyethylene makes it a bit cumbersome for small folks like me to carry alone, but is still a great value. To fix the straps just run new cord thru the rubber handle and use the bolts to fasten eyes put on the ends of new cord. Best of all, it's short enough to store easily. In order to show you the most useful information, we have omitted some products. The cockpit and seat are comfortable for my 6'3" frame. The pluses - Really, really comfortable seat, lots of storage space in the hatch, extremely stable. The only weakness I can detect so far is than on a river, the current can sometimes grab the rear rudder and slew the boat around if you're not careful to protect against it. I highly recommend this for anyone. The seat is comfortable but after the fourth hour my butt is a little sore. The Wilderness Systems Pungo series really are do-it-all recreational kayaks. Both brands are a sound choice for cutting edge fishing kayaks and comfortable, accessible recreational kayaks. I especially love how roomy the cockpit is! I have a pungo and i can say for the money it cant be beat it is very stable and as long as you dont want to break any speed records it is great all but the fact it scrathes very easy and the hatch cover is in is hard to close. Add some of these optional accessories and you can really start to customize things to make the Pungo 120 your perfect personalized ride. Very comfortable. This boat is stable, easy to maneuver and reasonably fast. The Prodigy is a great learner's kayak, Full review, Old Town produced a great family recreational kayak in the Twin Heron. For its purpose as a small and stable, mild water boat at a reasonable price, I dont think Wilderness Systems could have it designed any better than they have so I have given it a 10. The removable dry box is perfect for keeping small essentials like keys, wallet, cellphone, camera and snacks safe and dry. I decided on a WS Pungo 100 and so far, am completely satisfied. Almost identical hull, just a molded-in console in the front and a stripped down seat. We also took a Riot Stealth. I have kept it around for a boat that anybody can paddle, it does that quite well, from 100lb. - Not as responsive, + is nice seat. I've had my Pungo 100 for about 8 years and have no plans to replace it; it's a great rec boat! I have had my Pungo a year now. I just love it. Local paddle shops and dealers will also carry Wilderness Systems boats and may be able to preorder boats. The sit-on-top legend - revitalized and refined. Overall, this is an excellent choice for price, durability, comfort, and stability. . I would recommend these to my friends. After using them for about 4 months now, I have to say that we both love these boats. Yes, it does take on a fair amount of water from the bow but I never felt unsafe and made it home easily, if a bit tired. The biggest drawback is the weight. The brochure says this but it didn't register until I took it in a shallow river with class 2+ rapids - not a good idea. The Pungo 100 kayak comes with a good stern hatch with a bulkhead that allows you to get dry storage for gearing. Highly recommended. I've paddled most of my life and this is the most comfortable kayak or canoe I've had. They've been used by a variety of people from children to large adults. I tried tipping it and of course it didn't tip but it felt like it was too high in the water. But I had a defect in the keel (a slight bubble) and it cracked and cause a large hole in the keel. plastics. Very stable. Weekly reviews, exclusive deals, giveaways, and more: 2001-2023 Trailspace. The stability come form its width, which means it moves a little slow. Also they sealed the rear hatch area but didn't move the drain hole. We weren't looking to hop into white-water right away, and live right next to a lake, with slow-moving rivers and creeks throughout the area. Everyone in the family loved using the boat on our recent camping trip on a mountain lake. Through skillful engineering, the new Pungo features a size for everyone - a 10.5 foot model is a compact package designed to fit a variety of paddlers, a 12 foot model accommodates small and medium-sized paddlers, and a 12.5 foot model for a large fit. When I paddle in it, I feel I am in a boat rather that feeling like the boat is part of me. fishing kayak, serving a broad spectrum of paddlers but sharing the common themes of quality and user-informed design. This is a fun little boat, I wouldn't recommend it for long, overnight trips, but for just getting in and having fun, it is great. Recommend it highly. I am 6'3", about 235 lbs. Great kayak for anyone My 12 year old son had no problems during a 12 mile paddle in North Carolina. During every vacation of my children, we made camping and kayaking plans. Cushy thigh pads prevent bare legs from rubbing on the plastic sides of the kayakan all-too-often overlooked feature in cheaper box store kayaks. Both the padded seat and the back rest can be adjusted to ensure optimal comfort during long days on the water. Still, for the average entry level kayaker, it would be a very good and stable boat. 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. I also like to do nature photography, and the skeg makes a big difference in keeping me on track toward my subject. Shopping for a used Wilderness Systems kayak? The other one I tried was the Perception Prodigy 100. Perfected. The popular Pungo sit-inside family of kayaks also comes with a dashboard offering a cup holder, a removable dry box and a spot designed to hold a lithium battery for charging your gear on the go. The Tsunami 160 could be a good choice if you plan to go on long-distance trips along the coast. Absolutely not, but if fishing is the main goal, youll want to look towards a serious fishing kayak. When I bought my Pungo, I had to paddle it home from the demo and found myself in very rough and windy conditions. If you can, always test paddle before buying any boat. It is very stable and maneuvers well. The one I went with was the Pungo 100 because it sat nicely in the water--felt very stable and just felt right. It had the biggest cockpit of the 10'ers, tracked & rode nicely, very well made & had a great seat. Tidy, adjustable deck bungees on the bow and stern give you more options to stash gear on-deck. The Pungo kayak has an extra storage compartment, a larger kayak seat, and a backrest that makes it more comfortable for kayakers to kayak . Phase 3 seating is SO comfortable, and there's a good size hatch. Excellent boat for the beginner or varied recreationalists. Perception kayaks are more entry-level, with less rigorous outfitting and a lower sticker price. Perhaps the greatest opportunity for Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 customization is choosing from various RAM mounts to install on the dashboard. Turning is improved with leaning. When I took it out on the water the first time it was instant love. The only downside is the weight; it's 47 pounds and a bit unwieldy to carry. I like the hatch on the Pungo and it certainly can carry your lunch, extra jacket,and some other stuff and does keep it dry! And I dont know about you, but I dont like paddle drips in my lap on anything but the hottest days. The greatest compliment I can give the Pungo kayak is that more than half of the people I have introduced to kayaking, have purchased the Pungo 100 or 120. Full review, Terrific overall kayak. My fourth Pungo (a 100 and 3 120's) -- all sold over the years. It's amazingly stable and tracks very well. The Pungo 125 kayak is more suited for higher speeds, surfing, and anything racing-related. Great family boat for a wide variety and size of user. Purchased new in April 2014 from REI. We just got in them and started paddling, and have used them in a fairly wide variety of conditions already. It also moves very smoothly through the water with little resistance even at faster speeds but in small water areas, it doesnt perform that well. It is most likely a kayak that will be used for kayaking on the ocean, or in a lake with high waves. Again, this kayak comes with various features also. The airy cockpit offers the best of both worlds; paddlers enjoy the benefits of a sit-inside kayaklike better protection from harsh sun, cold environments, precipitation and splashing waterwithout the claustrophobic feeling that can accompany a smaller cockpit opening. Wilderness Systems is part of the Confluence Outdoor family, an umbrella of well-respected kayak and canoe brands that includes Perception, Dagger and Mad River. Read reviews for the Pungo 100 by Wilderness Systems as submitted by your fellow paddlers. Adjusting a kayak to fit you correctly is one of the most important steps you can take to make paddling more enjoyable. They are a very stable kayak and I have never had any trouble with it tipping over. But I won't try that. Theyre best suited to calm waterways and sheltered lakes. Being 5'8'', 145 lbs, and female, I have no problems putting it on my Suzuki alone (using Yakima Lowriders and bars). The Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 weight comes in at just under 50 pounds, which means its quite manageable to load on your car and get it to and from the water. Perception has a more than 40-year track record, and their reliability is exceptional. The kayak is only 17 feet in length and 20 inches wide, so if kayakers are small or have a petite build, they may find the kayaking space of Pungo 105 kayak to be enough for them. My criteria was I had to fit it in my enclosed trailer (with all my windsurfing gear) - so had to be 11 feet or shorter. Bought a Pungo 100 recently and took it for a weekend outing to Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. The Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 is faster than many comparable recreational kayaks. This most popular Pungo in the family strikes the perfect balance of size and manageability. Although you won't be breaking speed records, I recently found I was able to keep up with two tandem Seaward kayaks on my nearby lake without too much sweat. V bottom will help with tracking and speed in the wind. The kayak is made from Tarpon 120 kayaks, which were known for their durability and stability. I've paddled it in some pretty good chop and it perorms fairly well but you will get wet. a great way to go! Named a "Best Boat of 2019" by Outside Magazine . I think that any first time kayaker ( like all the folks in my family) will find the Pungo 100 more fun than they could have imagined! Perception and Wilderness Systems are owned by the same company. I own and old 10ft pungo and the (newer version without dash, with the plastic back hatch). 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. Add to cart$1219.00. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community! 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. 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. Would definitely stay close to shore and use a spray skirt! Wilderness Systems touring kayaks are designed for covering longer distances in more varied conditions. It offers the widest cockpit and a 12'6" (381 cm) long hull. Seat is WAY comfortable. I'm going to get a kayak cart to help me lug it across the sand! I would love to share my experience throughout this blog. - Pungo 120 seemed to ride a little low. They will easily last a lifetime of heavy use with minimal care. kids to 220lb adults can make the boat work. If you are deciding between the Pungo 120 and the Pamlico 120, I would suggest you save the extra cash and purchase the Pam. But the seat is highly customizable, so you might want to spend a little time on dry land getting that dialed in before you take it out on the water. Definitely recommend this to anyone new to the sport that wants a stable and comfortable boat. Without a doubt Wilderness Systems builds exceptional plastic kayaks. When I was introduced to kayaking three years ago, it was instant love. The Pungo revolutionized the recreational market with its large cockpit, superior stability and short length for easy transport. The Best Recreational Kayaks for 2023 - Trailspace Hike & Camp Backpacks Daypacks Overnight Packs Weekend Packs Expedition Packs External Frame Packs Winter Packs Hydration Packs Child Carriers Lumbar Packs more Sleeping Bags and Pads Cold Weather Bags 3-Season Bags Warm Weather Bags Sleeping Pads more Navigation Maps Compasses GPS more Even if I "move up" as they say, I'll keep my Pungo in the family! One was a Dagger Echo 14.0 and the second was the WS Generation 2 Pungo 100. Still wondering if Wilderness Systems kayaks are right for you? Known as one of the early pioneers of sit-on-top kayaking, the company came into being when the founder adapted a surfboard to be paddled from a seated position and carry his scuba gear. I picked it up for half of what I'd pay for it at the store (it came with a bunch of other stuff price tags still attached). It's fantastic where these boats will fit in to. Every weekend we raced out to go explore some new lake. The Pamlico seat only allows you to adjust the angle of the back rest and to lift your legs. 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. A very worthwhile investment. Great for beginner paddlers and beyond. Paddling Magazine is your best online resource for Wilderness Systems kayak reviews. Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 Specs Length: 12'2" / 3.7 m Width: 29" / 74 cm Weight: 49 lbs / 22 kg Capacity: 325 lbs / 147 kg MSRP: $1,099 USD / $1,399 CAD Market and demographics The Wilderness Systems Pungo series really are do-it-all recreational kayaks. Overall, though, we find these to be great yaks for beginners such as ourselves, and they are great for leisurely paddles (I would even consider just floating for a few hours on end while reading a book), which is our primary objective at this point. I think the Pungo 100 is a little small for people over 6 ft tall. I am very disappointed with the Pungo 100. All of these boats are wider and shorter in length (between 8 feet and 14.5 feet), offering lots of stability and easy maneuverability for beginner paddlers. Cons - the plastic does seem to scratch up easily, but hull is thick enough to not seem a threat. They are virtually indestructible in the hands of all but the most extreme users. Wilderness Systems Tsunami 165 (best ocean touring kayak) Check Price on Amazon. However, the best part is the Phase 3 seat. Purchased the Pungo 125 new in 2022 (ouch on the price - usually buy used). Tsunami 125 . Founded by whitewater champion Eric Jackson, these whitewater kayaks are some of the best on the market. Tracking is great and winds have litte effect. The Tarpon 100, 120, 140, and 160 all offer what many consider to be the most comfortable SOT seat and driest ride available. My first kayak purchase was a Wilderness Pungo 100. Even a light wind can blow any paddlecraft away from you, faster than you can swim. Great things come in a small package, this easy-to-manage kayak for smaller paddlers is packed with performance that's ideal for both fledgling and advanced users. Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, The Great Canadian Kayak Challenge & Festival, Recreational Kayak Review: Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100, Fishing Kayak Review: Wilderness Systems Recon 120 HD, Boat Review: Zephyr 160 Pro by Wilderness Systems, Boat Review: Wilderness Systems Tempest 165 Kayak, Boat Review: The Tempest 170 Composite by Wilderness Systems, Touring Kayak Review: Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145, Recreational Kayak Review: Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5, Recreational Kayak Review: Pelican Trailblazer 100 NXT, Recreational Kayak Review: Sun Dolphin Aruba 10, Fishing Kayak Review: Pelican Mustang 100x, Recreational Kayak Review: Old Town Otter, Inflatable Kayak Review: Advanced Elements Airfusion Elite, Inflatable Kayak Review: Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Elite, 8 Of The Worst Whitewater Myths, According To Pros, The Five-Minute History Of Standup Paddleboarding (Video). However, if you're talking $770 for a 140 just to get speed, consider seriously saving yourself the dough and getting the Perception America. I have been kayaking since I am young & have extensive experience with different kayak brands. 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. These sit-inside kayaks are narrower and longer than recreational kayaks, offering greater speed and efficiency but less stability and maneuverability. It comes up with the legendary thought of retaining all the things that kayakers love to enjoy. Doesn't have the effortless curise and glide of a sea kayak - but it is so comfortable and easy to use. I am a 57-year-old woman,and I wanted one light enough I could Full review, This is the ideal kayak for anyone who is just getting into kayaking, lives on a relatively calm lake, or enjoys going for a calm relaxed paddle. Its rigorously engineered hull provides renowned stability without sacrificing performance. Copyright 2023 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. I added a flush rod holder and more decking bungees. The Jackson Kayak line has expanded to include fishing and recreational boats, many of which are comparable to Wilderness Systems kayaks. The Pungo clearly was a bit plodding compared to the longer (12.5 ft) Stealth, but the primary stability was great and it was very easy for adults or kids to hop into the big cockpit and paddle away. 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. Being a first time kayaker, I had no problems getting into the boat, stearing, or paddling. When you find one that matches your needs perfectly, remember, its always best to try before you buy.. Again it seems like the Pungo 120 is just right.]. It is responsive and stable with a large cockpit. Bigfoot aside, the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 strikes up a great balance of speed, stability, durability, comfort and affordability. I didn't once feel unstable, even when the water started to get really choppy due to the wind. The 29-inch width and voluminous chines (where the sides of the kayak meet the bottom) create confidence-inspiring stability so you can wiggle around, snap a few pics or take Fido out on the water without fear of the slightest movement sending you overboard. Ease of Use The Dagger Axis 12 is pretty easy to get right into and use. You will see the differences between Pungo 105 and 120 so that you can make a decision to choose the perfect one for you. The Pungo 120 kayak provides kayakers with an extensive kayaking space in that they can enjoy kayaking. Here are answers to some of the most common online questions about Wilderness Systems kayaks. Reading reviews of Wilderness Systems kayaks helps to understand where these kayaks excel. This is a perfect boat for flat water and easy rivers, including multi-day trips. The newest addition to the Wilderness Systems fishing family, the Recon 120, features the all-new AirPro ACE seating system, which leverages the premium framework and materials of the MAX and adds a one-handed lever for quick, on-the-fly adjustments. I've filled it with water trying but couldn't even fall out. Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, The Great Canadian Kayak Challenge & Festival, Best Kayak Brands For Fishing, Sea Kayaking, Touring & More, Recreational Kayak Review: Wilderness Systems Pungo 120, Recreational Kayak Review: Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100, Fishing Kayak Review: Wilderness Systems Recon 120 HD, Boat Review: Zephyr 160 Pro by Wilderness Systems, Boat Review: Wilderness Systems Tempest 165 Kayak, Boat Review: The Tempest 170 Composite by Wilderness Systems, Touring Kayak Review: Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145, Best Cheap Inflatable Paddleboards For 2023. It is the perfect size and weight which allows me to pick it up and put it on my SeaRay. I was recommended the Pungo 120 and fell in love with that one. The comparison between these two kayaks is based on the features you can find in these kayaks. To me a touring kayak should be able to hold gear and track well while it carries that gear. The difference in kayak prices is about $200, making the Pungo kayak cost around $50 more than the Tsunami kayak. If youre kayaking for trout in a pond, the Pungo might not be right for you. They track well, turn quickly when necessary, and are extremely stable, even in heavy swells and waves. The one I went with was the Pungo 100 because it sat nicely in the water--felt very stable and just felt right. The open decks of these 12- to 14-foot sit-on-tops provide ample space for gear storage, and on all fishing kayaks, expect thoughtfully placed bungees and hatches to store key pieces ofgear. Buy (and wear) a comfortable Type 3 or S life jacket specifically designed forpaddlesports. This content was made possible with the support of OntarioCreates. I'm an intermediate, this is a beginners boat, but great for introducing friends and for hauling loads, does well paddling upstream in a light current, paddling against wind (get a skirt for spray or you will get wet). It has stability and weight capacity compared to most kayaks on the market today. stability, speed, looks. Look to Perception for an expansive range of budget-friendly sit-on-top and sit-inside recreational kayaks, including models just for kids. Overall, great for a beginner like me. Since I have nothing to compare this to, I don't know if there is a sitting limit in most kayak seats. The kayak is a Pungo-series kayak made by Wilderness Systems. It is very comfortable, great maneuverability and tracking, to say nothing about awesome stability. The Detailed Comparison of Pungo 105 vs 120, Pungo 125 vs Tsunami 125 | Comparison, Features, Pros & Cons, Pungo 120 vs Pungo 125 Sit-In Recreational Fishing Kayak, Small cockpit opening like an IK (kayaks that are harder for smaller kayakers to enter and exit), Good room in the cockpit for storage; lots of space under the deck and behind the seat (backband) for food and equipment storage. In fact, its the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120s stability and predictable handling that make this such a well-loved boat. Im not saying they dont exist, but Ive never seen one. The kayak does not track well and it is better to paddle kayaks with a bow and stern rudder. 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. Wilderness Systems touring line includes the Tsunami and Tempest single person kayaks, and the Polaris tandemkayak. The foam seat forms to your body, while the perforations ensure its quick-drying and keeps you cool on hot days. With the new hull shape doing a leaning turn is easy. You'll fall in love with the water all over again! After doing some research I have seen a lot of people recommend 14' boats. It on top makes sure you are getting good space filled with airflow for a better feel on the water. I'm female, 5'4, 120lbs and often go on solo trips, so I needed a boat I could load onto my car and portage by myself. The Pungo 105 is slower and carries slightly less weight, but is lighter and more maneuverable. Our Paddling Buyers Guide features every Wilderness Systems kayak on the market. It's an entry level boat but I could carry all of my camping equipment and food etc for 5 days without having to strap anything to the bungees on top. The Pungo 125 has a generous carrying capacity of 425 lbs, but is somewhat heavier and less maneuverable. Also, we find the rear hatch to be cumbersome to open and close, so we haven't used it yet. The Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 stern hatch is separated from the rest of the kayak by a watertight, sealed bulkhead. This content was made possible with the support of OntarioCreates. View All Outerwear, Clothing, and Accessories . Wilderness Systems AirPro MAX seating system is standard on current fishing models and compatible with all of their popular Ride fishing kayaks made since 2012. I can get twice the water time in the Pungo than the Echo due to that super seat. The best Cons: the closed cell foam insert they put up front is hokey, doesn't fit well and mine fell out and is now lost. It is equipped with a kayak paddle rest and a sprayskirt. My wife and I had no experience at all, and we purchased them in Fall of '04, we could stay off the water. I do enjoy the large cock pit I have room for my self and take my dog along for a ride.if wilderness systems ever find the need to up grade I hope it is some kind of scuff proof keal cover. Yes, it does "plow" water in waves and when attempting to move at its top speed, and the huge cockpit is not skirt friendly, so you will get a little wet. Wilderness Systems is a best-selling American kayak brand that has been around since 1986. Look for water flowing freely from one hatch compartment to another, or from the cockpit into the hatches. If I have a complaint it is pretty picky and that is I would like a little more deck rigging (I'll add my own later) since I'll use it for fishing. Top-rated models include the award-winning Pungo 125, Tempest touring kayak and paddle/pedal hybrid Radar 115 fishing kayak.
