need advice

Hi,

I just saw post that West Marine Pompano 120 SOT will  be on sale for $399. The price is very good (especially that I bought some WM gift cards with 30% discount).

originally I ordered Malibu X-Factor (I was told that I cancel it any time) and XF will be 2 times more expensive.

I'm newbie kayak fishing and it would be my first yak. I would like to ask would you recommend to save $$$ and downgrade to Pompano or continue to wait for XF?

I'm from a big side (250lb), may loose some when start kayaking, but I do not count on it.

I plan to use it on SF Bay, Delta and ocean (HMB and etc) rockfishing and crabbing.

any advice is welcome, 300 dollars is still money and I know how I would spend it

Just my 2 cents but at 250 lbs. I think you're better off sticking with the X-Factor.  I've paddled the Tarpon 120 (Pompano 120 mold) and found it to be a wee bit squirrly, even with me barely pushing 160 lbs.  If you were just looking to paddle flat water I'd say the Pompano would be an option, but heading into the ocean with gear you want to be 100% confident in your ride, and the X-Factor should do that for you. 
-beenfishin

The Pompano looks like a sound boat, but 1" skinnier than a Scrambler XT and only holds 350 max. 

I have a Scrambler XT and an X-Factor.  The Scrambler is way less stable, but I do like it for certain applications.  The X-Factor has a 650 pound capacity - this makes a big difference, especially when you have 50 pounds on me.  I'd go with the X-Factor.

Good luck.   

Since you are gonna catch the madness, buying the x factor will save you 400$, because once you hit the water in the pompano, you will go out and buy the x factor, stick with your guns and get the x factor.  There's plenty of stuff you will need to buy at west marine, and can use your gift cards for.  Ex. Fish finder, pfd, paddle, vhf, hardware, rope, various fishing gear, etc, etc, etc, etc, you get the idea 

I saw that West Marine Pompano last weekend and was not impressed.  Get the X Factor, you get what you pay for.

If the Pompano is really the same as a T120, then its probably not going to be a good fit for you.  Sara has a T140 and though I can paddle it, its very wet ride for my size and I assume the T120 would be worse.  Like the others have said, I would go for the X-Factor!  You will be very comfortable, high and dry, and stable as can be in a yak!  I could possibly bring mine this weekend if you want to give it a shot!

Thank you ALL.

I'll not change my original target and will wait for X-Factor.

BTW, I ordered it from West Marine in San Carlos. The sales person pricematched it to www.wayfair.com, plus  as I mention I spent some time buying WM gift cards/store credit on eBay.