In the market for a new kayak

[Kenza]

I notice you had a Tarpon 120 on your short list, they are a great kayak, I love mine. I have owned a lot of kayaks and I have never been so happy, just all round excellent performance. They not light to lift but they are well balanced, maybe worth reconsideration.

Cheers

That Tarpon 120 is the one that i am going to test drive on wednesday hopefully. that kayak is actually very easy to lift even though it is heavier. If the Tarpon 120 has a good speed (it has to be at least faster than the 2 seater hobie oasis at cruising), and tracking, i would be very happy to purchase that yak. I already know that it is super stable, probably the most stable fishing kayak in the market, and the maneuverability is awesome.

My primary concern seems to be the same concern as you - speed - to be able to get to the place for fishing without getting left behind (especially if i bring it out with others on my 2 seater hobie oasis). The speed should also ensure that i get the to fishing spot fast and get back fast = more time fishing. I also do a lot of trolling and lure fishing. that requires speed.

I am also looking at the Tarpon 140 - but not sure how much faster that kayak is compared to Tarpon 120... if it is not much faster i would not go with the 140.

unfortunately the place that sells the phoenix, dag mid way, and baracuda does not offer test rides

Just to update everyone on my decision based on everyones input:

I have tried the stealth Splash and really liked it but the cost is the highest on the list.
i will be trying the tarpon 120 and if i am happy with the speed i will be settling for that
If i am not happy with its speed, i will have to make a wild guess and roll the dice for
the phoenix hurricane 140 - i am very convinced with this yak.
or
the dag mid way angler - cheapest on the list (would love to have someone compare speed of the tarpon 120 and the dag mid way)

** just a side note, i notice that while i was looking at kayaks in the shop, i tend to steer away from those kayaks that has too much deck space.. maybe its just personal preference to have a cramped up yak.. haha.

[Kenza]

While waiting for my 1.45am flight to darwin i was just checking the specs of my hobie oasis and the weight of hull alone is a freaking 40kg. i was comparing it with the Tarpon 140 that has a length of 4.27m and weights 31kg, i think i can manage a tarpon 140 with enough ease. I was reading that the Tarpon 140 is better in the surf compared to both the 120 and 160 model. Is this true?

The default fitted side trax is very very very very convincing as i hate to drill holes in my kayak.

Tarpon140 here i come...now to choose a color... camo, sand, or blue??

(subject to test drive next week)

cheers guys!

[camel]

(would love to have someone compare speed of the tarpon 120 and the dag mid way)

Kenza

Just going off the dimensions alone the Midway would have the T-120 licked.
Midway 4.4m long, 65cm wide. Tarpon 3.73m long, 76cm wide.

The Dag is also 6kg lighter on paper.

I have paddled both kayaks. Only once in the Tarpon, plenty in the Dag. But often fish alside a T-120. I'd say the Midway is faster, better touring kayak. But not a better fishing kayak. So much of choosing a kayak is a trade off.

[Kenza]

Fell in love with the new jackson cuda.... just sent a message to the melbourne dealer to see when they will be getting it in...

[Kenza]

Haha, just placed my order on 2 kayaks today. decided to go with the tarpon 120 UL - paddled the tarpon 120 and its said that the 120 UL is faster so decided to go with that one. the other kayak is a zegul520..muahahaha.. my touring yak.

now im ultrapoor

save $$ time..

[BrisbaneJamie]

...................

[Nativeman]

Whats the difference between a Tarpon 120 / ul ???

There is an ultralight version of a Tarpon 120, weighs 20 kg..

http://www.wildernesssystems.com.au/ind ... 16&boat=51

[camel]

What Sel said.

To elaborate a little. It's made out of abs plastic by thermoforming. Same process as the Barracuda and Hurricanes.

Ant