Wilderness Systems Ride 115

[mic]

I'm looking at buying a kayak. I was wondering if anyone has or used a Wilderness Systems Ride 115? How did you like it?

Any suggestions on other kayaks, please advise.

[Wayne SW/MO]

That's a fairly new one, but the old Ride 135? has been around a long time. There are rules when it comes to kayaks and one of them is the wider the beam the more stable it is. The more narrow the faster and easier to paddle. This applies to equal lengths of course. The Ride has always been advertised as a yak you could stand a fly cast comfortably from. I've never read of any exceptions when being compared to kayaks in general.

Having said that it's always hard to make a recommendation without any idea of what you want it to do and what is most important when there are conflicts. One example would be tracking and maneuverability, they aren't on the same page and some compromise is necessary.

[mic]

That's a fairly new one, but the old Ride 135? has been around a long time. There are rules when it comes to kayaks and one of them is the wider the beam the more stable it is. The more narrow the faster and easier to paddle. This applies to equal lengths of course. The Ride has always been advertised as a yak you could stand a fly cast comfortably from. I've never read of any exceptions when being compared to kayaks in general.

Having said that it's always hard to make a recommendation without any idea of what you want it to do and what is most important when there are conflicts. One example would be tracking and maneuverability, they aren't on the same page and some compromise is necessary.

Well, I don't know what I want, but this is what I think I want:

1. Stability - I grew up in a flat water canoe and have never tipped (knock on wood) on lake or a half dozen river runs so that isn't the top of the list but appriecated. I would think I don't want to stand up much when fishing broken smallmouth water, right???? It would be nice for pond fishing though.

2. Manuverability - I want the kayak to float in the ozarks and I prefer the smaller water (away from the crowds). I also want to be able to get into and out of eddies to fish riffles ect.

3. Speed - Sure I would like to fly down the dead water, but I think it would take a back seat the previous two. As I understand it, you have to give up one or the other.

I might want something fast so that I can paddle upstream (dragging through riffles) and fish back down eliminating the need for two vehicles. Again, since I don't have one, I only think that is a requirement. Wouldn't know until I try and see how much work that actually is.

4. Tracking - Same as speed, but I think (again won't know until I try) it would take a back seat to manuverability.

5. Size - I would like something I can stoe in the back of my truck.

[Wayne SW/MO]

A Tarpon would do all those things well with the exception of the maneuverability. I'm not saying they don't maneuver, I'm saying that they don't compare to my Mohawk Solo 13, but then it doesn't track either.

I have a Tarpon 12 and as far as stability goes it won't turn over, you'll have to turn it over. I also have a Pamlico 10 which is a sit in. The Pam is a great creek boat, but it is hard to store much gear that you can reach. The Tarpons on the other hand can store a lot of gear rhat you can reach while floating. Anything in the back of the tarpon can be reached by sitting on the side of the yak with your legs over the side, and it won't turn over.

Given its weight and length I think for you a Tarpon 10 would make you happy. I would only upgrade to the 12 if I thought I would do a lot of frog water or lakes.

[moguy1973]

Hopefully if all goes well I'll be getting an Ocean Kayak Prowler 11T at the end of the year...From the reviews they look like a pretty good anglers kayak, albeit kind of pricey (around $900)....it has a much longer "rod pod" storage area than the Ride does and has a little better storage options...

I won't be paying a dime for it because it'll come from my work's bonus program we have...

[mic]

Hopefully if all goes well I'll be getting an Ocean Kayak Prowler 11T at the end of the year...From the reviews they look like a pretty good anglers kayak, albeit kind of pricey (around $900)....it has a much longer "rod pod" storage area than the Ride does and has a little better storage options...

I won't be paying a dime for it because it'll come from my work's bonus program we have...

You suck...

After you take it out, give us a review.

[Gavin]

You might want to check out the Jackson Coosa...it similar to the Ride 115 but with a few more features...Another option would be the swap meet at the Alpine Shop in Kirkwood this weekend...Might be able to pick up a good used boat for less.

[Smalliebigs]

You might want to check out the Jackson Coosa...it similar to the Ride 115 but with a few more features...Another option would be the swap meet at the Alpine Shop in Kirkwood this weekend...Might be able to pick up a good used boat for less.

mic,

i have a Jackson Coosa and in my opinion for moving water it can't be beat. i'm confident enough in that hull that if you want to try a yak before you buy, you can take my Coosa on a float if you want and see what i'm talking about with the Coosa. pm me if you would like to try it.

Scott

[mic]

mic,

i have a Jackson Coosa and in my opinion for moving water it can't be beat. i'm confident enough in that hull that if you want to try a yak before you buy, you can take my Coosa on a float if you want and see what i'm talking about with the Coosa. pm me if you would like to try it.

Scott

I would love to...thanks. Just by dumb luck do you have a second so we could run a float together? I'll drop you a PM.

[Troutguy]

The Jackson kayaks apparently have a three-year hull warranty, and the Wilderness Ride's have a lifetime warranty. I wonder why?

That would be enough to convince me if I wanted a new kayak.