Last time I checked kayak city . They had 2 left yesterday. But most likely gone by now. I tried the topwater 120 pdl at monterey bay kayaks, which has the same haul and pdl drive, it lets you atleast have a feel for the sportsman pdl 120. The sportsman pdl 120 has some changes in the haul, seat, power pole mounting, carrying handle, ...

It was stability and how long it is, I have a shed but more than 12 feet would be difficult to store. Also the fact that the boat can carry about 500lbs. Im about to take a Diving class So I was also considering a kayak that can carry that gear. The new sportsman has an upgraded seat from the Topwater pdl. with some extra padding.

The price point was good, I got it for 2100 shipped. So I dont have to go pick it up anywhere. I think its the best value for the money, Lifetime warranty on the hull, 5 years on the drive. And researching about warranty claims they seem to come thru with no hassle.

Hi,

I'm trying to find the new  Old Town Sportsman Salty pdl 120 but i. An't find it anywhere!!. Even in places where they do have the sportsman pdl 120. I wonder if its back ordered or they are making design changes??

Has anyone seen it?

It's kinda weird they called it an update and not a recall. There are some videos I encountered while doing research of kayaks with the new drives where the fins become loose after some use from customers. They also talk about the process of exchanging the drive in the video.

Hi,

I have been researching kayaks for a bit now, my girlfriend would call it obsession, im calling it research. LOL.  I have it narrowed down to:

Hobie compass with MD180 turn fins for 2399.. leaning towards this one. I honestly dont see a reason to spend the extra for the Outback. I have seen quite a few posts about the new outback model taking in more water than the old version and even the compass. And to me I rather be more dry in these cold waters.
I have seen a couple videos of guys in hobie compass in rough waters handling marlins fighting them for 5 hours so im pretty sure it can handle want i want it to do.

Old Town Sportsman 120PDL . A couple upgraded things from the TOPWATER 120 PDL. From what i gather is super stable, the drive is great, although not as efficient as a mirage drive from what i gather... but Old Towns warranty and customer service is excellent.

Old Town bigwater 132 PDL... This one I cant seem to find that much Information on it. I feel like its to new and due to whats happening its also on backorder and it will be a while. But from what i gather is pretty much the predator in different color and a old town tackle box.

Vibe shearwater 125... looks great, mirage drive access is awesome. If i could buy the kayak with the drive it would be great and the just buy a md180 for it. But also its to new to see good reviews on it. All of them are in lakes or ponds, not what im going to use it for mainly,so i dont know how it handles off the bay of offshore.

Feelfree lure 11.5 v2 with an island hopper trolling motor... all this comes to about $2000. I mean the first time I saw that seat, i was like man, i want that . Lol... but i havent seen much reviews on the feelfree handling offshore fishing or the bay. So im curious about that one and how it handles....

I would definately consider an Outback 2019/20 if i find a great deal of course but for the price. I feel like is not offering that much more. I feel like all of them have drawbacks and positives... and im unsure the extra money will be worth it in the end. But this is my opinion, Im sure Outback owners dont regret it, thats why you dont see used outbacks for sale that often hehe.

Anyways im new so this is from a newbies perspective. I can only afford 1 good kayak so i wanna get it right nad get out and have fun.

This weekend i will be demoing the hobie compass and the topwater pdl.

Any opinions, thoughts, feedback , I would appreciate it.

Thank you all for your kind welcome!

Ill check out the safety first list for sure.

See you around ,

Andres