Ascend Kayaks??

[istalvey]

I've been on the hunt for my very first kayak. After a few hundred reviews and youtube videos and I don't think I'm any closer to a decision now then I was when I started! Only that I'm leaning towards the 12-13' models.

All the usuals sound promising like the Cuda, Tridents, Moken, etc. But for a sport I've never tried I don't really want to go all in on the first boat. So that in itself excludes a Hobie, lol.

With all of that being said, I see no one here has any of the BPS lineup. I've been researching the newer Ascend FS128T alot and it seems to get great reviews and has a ton of features (and weight, lol).

So I guess my questions are: Is that 5-10 lbs additional weight (vs similar sized competitors) going to make a big difference? Also, have you guys seen any in action? In the store? Opinions?

I won't be buying until August or September and am hoping for an end of summer sale by then, plus a 10% military discount which should put me out the door around $675. Not bad I guess for starts. Or should I just bite the bullet and shovel out $1200 for a Cuda or Moken from the getgo? Thanks!

[bigredobsession]

How bout get on CL and get a used outback for around a G? The resale is great and you will do more fishing while your feet are doing the work.

[backlash]

I agree with bigredobsession. I've never looked on craigs list, but you can find great deals on used kayaks on different forums around the southeast. Another bonus with this is that most of them will already be rigged up with things like extra rod holders and anchor trolleys, which is a must around here for me with the tides and wind. Just make sure the oysters haven't torn up the bottom of any of them too bad. Mainly just have to look out for deep cuts in the hull. It's unavoidable around here and you will scrape the bottom up pretty good, and it will feel a lot better to know you didn't put the first scratches in a brand new one. I would definitely look there first. Plus you'll get a chance to take it out and paddle it, which unless you go to Jacksonville you won't really have the chance to do around here.

[istalvey]

Thanks for the input guys. I've been prowling CL already. So far only 2 Hobies have came up for $1500 and $2300! And that's from Savannah all the way down to the Space Coast. But I still have a few months so I'll have time to look. In the mean time I will start checking out some of the other kayaking forums for deals. Any recommendations for forums? Does CGKF have any sister clubs or groups with forums? I saw some traffic from some Jax guys on here somewhere earlier.

[3spots]

Check out jaxkayakanglers or Jacksonville kayak fishing.

A BPS kayak is a staring point, but the more you get into it you'll want to upgrade. Go within your budget. One of our members, LaughingGull has an ascend and finished 4th in big redfish out of 400 anglers earlier in the month.
If you have the money you buy a Chevy or Cadillac, but of not you buy a Hyundai. Still gets the job done.
Difference between an ascend versus a Cuda or Hobie is like the difference between a Hyundai and a BMW.
Good look with your search and decision making.

[nubby]

I have two Wilderness System Ride 135 and love them. You should be able to get one for about $1,000.00 to $1,200.00 new. When you get back to the states you need to ride to Jacksonville, FL and check out Black Creek Outfitters. The have several brands and a lake behind the store so you can paddle to your heart content.

[istalvey]

Good idea nubby. I'll have to check them out when I get there.

[istalvey]

Well when initially looking around I showed the wife the $700 Hyundai above of naturally the price range became commonplace. I talked to her tonight and told her I found a really cool one for around $1400 just to test the waters, lol. To my surprise her reply was and I quote, "Well, you deserve something nice." I was kinda of speechless for a second or two hahaha. So looks like a Cuda 12 is in my near future unless they come out with something better between now and then!

3spots I saw that you have the illuminati. How do you like it? It is useful for those night trips? I plan on doing a bit of night fishing so am interested in that color.

[3spots]

The illuminati is aesthetically cool, but isn't much help for night fishing. I believe it's a couple hundred $ more for it. I wouldn't waste my $ on it, get a color you like. The glow doesn't last very long.
Glad the wife is supporting you. The JK Cuda is a fishing machine! The 12 ' model will be very versatile. There is also a JK kayak( can't remember the name) that is both a recreational yak and fishing yak. It doesn't come with rod holders or a center pod, which allows for an open floor and plenty of area to rig things how you would want them.

[snafu]

Craigslist is a better spot for a good deal. You will find a used kayak owned by someone that isn't really into the "kayak craze" like the rest of us. You can find used yaks on fishing forums, but generally these guys know what they have and know what its worth. So good deals are tough to find on fishing forums.