OK big game vs x factor

I have a tarpon 1601 which was originally rated at 400 pounds max weight.  I noticed later it was reduced to 375 and then I noted that some other sites show the limit as 325.

since I am 275 without gear, that 325 sounds too close for comfort.  So going for the max weight route.  Any one tried the Big Game vs the X factor?  I am fairly strong so moving the yak is not an issue.  One other question is that back hatch on the x factor practical on the water?

thanks
Eugene

Isat in Seans X-factor at Bam ll and I found the foot wells to be to confining (take my name into consideration ) but if your a good sized guy you might want to check it out. narrow in the calf and ankle area.

Eugene - I have access to an X-Factor. I'll be fishing the local lakes (Del Valle, Beryessa, Forebay) during the weekends. If you wanna test paddle one, send me a PM if you want to meet - I'll gladly bring the X-Factor along.

Half Moon Bay Kayak Company has the Big Game for rent. Aquan Sports in San Carlos also has 'em for sale / rent. I believe Allen Bushnell in Santa Cruz has access to one as well.

I've paddle Sean's X-Factor once but never tried the Big Game....can't really make any comparisons for now - sorry.

I have an X-Factor an I agree with Bigfoot the foot well are some what confining, but that does not bother me. The hatch behind the seat is practical. I take a lot of rods sometimes and you can get them in and out from underneath. I am 6'2" and 235lbs and I probably take to much stuff with me but I like the stability of the kayak. It is a bit slower kayak then most. You should compare both of them and lets know what you think.

I've never paddled the big game, but I gots me an X Factor and love it! I'm 6'00" and 195 lbs and I have plenty of room. The hatch in front of the seat is in a great spot. The only thing I don't like about that hatch is it's not real practical for stuffing a big into. The front hatch is useless when your on the water, unless you get out of the boat. It is perfect for storing stuff before and after you enter the water (dry bag, camping equipment, cart, small humans).

The rear hatch behind is great for storing fishing rods for transport, and can even be accessed on the water if you don't have a crate in the rear well.

Overall, I give the X Factor a big thumbs up and I'm real glad I made the purchase. Now I just waiting for my Mini-X for  ease of carrying and river action.

CHEERS!

I have a tarpon 1601 which was originally rated at 400 pounds max weight.  I noticed later it was reduced to 375 and then I noted that some other sites show the limit as 325.

since I am 275 without gear, that 325 sounds too close for comfort.  So going for the max weight route.  Any one tried the Big Game vs the X factor?  I am fairly strong so moving the yak is not an issue.  One other question is that back hatch on the x factor practical on the water?

thanks
Eugene

Kayak Connection at the Santa Cruz harbor had a yellow Big Game last time I was in there. I'm sure they would let you do a test paddle. If they don't have one available, maybe SCAllen can scare one up for you to try. It looks like a great boat. I have a Prowler 15 and a Tarpon 160i. If I was your size, I'd definitely get the Big Game.

Seans X-factor at Bam ll and I found the foot wells to be to confining (take my name into consideration ) but if your a good sized guy you might want to check it out. narrow in the calf and ankle area.

I can understand this in a Marauder, but in an X???  It has some of the biggest, flattest footwells in existance.  The footbrace adjustment flag was a minor PITA to some, but they footbraces hae been updated and that is gone.

Anyhoo I have paddled my X-Factor MANY hours and I ave tried lots of boats and while it is big etc., I have always found it to be very comfortable, very versatile, and most importantly very fishable.

I haven't paddled a Big Game so have, so I can't compare them.

Maybe it wasn't your X  I sat in Sean? Did someone have a Marauder there. My ankels are all swollen from all the rebuilds and I know someones yak actually hurt to sit in. I don't want to give something a bad rap if it's not true. I want to try the Big Game also.

Footwells on the XFactor confining?  First I've heard of that one.  They're huge compared to many other boats.  I've never experienced that problem.  Bigfoot, when I first read that, I thought perhaps you were confusing the boat with Cobra Maurauder.  Just checking ...

I'm 215#, 6'3", with size 11.5 feet, and I probably fall into the bigger calves category (although not as big as Bigfoot's   ).  I use to own a couple XFactors and I now own a Big Game.

Both boats can carry a the weight.  Both are super stable.  The Big Game is probably more stable, but at the level of stability we're talking about here (very high compared to a 160!!!), it doesn't really make a difference.  The XFactor is a faster boat.  The Big Game is shorter, but heavier.  The Big Game surfs better.  The Big Game also has some nice features like battery tray, transducer mount area, and an accessible center console.  In the end, it will be somewhat of a personal choice.  Paddle them both and see what you like.

Regarding the back hatch.  It depends on what you have in the tankwell behind you.  I personally never used the back hatch.  The boat is so stable that it makes accessing the front hatch very easy, so I just ended up doing that.  I'd rather straddle and scoot forward than turn around or side saddle, but that's just me.

-Allen

Just from looking at the Big Game it seems to me that the width is just too much for me to straddle comfortably. My legs are always in the water.
Not sure what the comparison in width between the two is, but I would go with the narrower. Which ever one that is it is still wide enough to provide PLENTY of stability.

XFactor: 33" wide, 65#
Big Game: 34", 69#

-Allen

It think more than the width diff, its the shape of the gunnels that seems to make the BG harder to straddle...its kinda squared off, where the X is lower and more beveled.

What can I say; Malibus Rule!!

thanks for the input folks.  I'll paddle them both and report back.

Eugene 

thanks for the input folks.  I'll paddle them both and report back.

Eugene 

I was at Kayak Connection yesterday. They do have a Big Game in stock. Regarding the other comment about hanging your legs over the sides, I think it is too wide for that. It is also so stable that I doubt if you will need to hang your legs over the side.