Great suggestion. I’ve got a PA14 customer who is working on a video of his setup. He’s a busy man so I’m probably going to wait. He and his daughter fly fish for Muskie and pike. So dope.

You sound happy with your setup. I’m so glad it’s working for you.

I have a design for the Coosa… if you send me an email to [email protected] I can give you the details.

Great idea!! This location was rocky and one side got hung up on a small boulder. The nice thing is that once you are floating, rotating the leg moves the kayak and allows the leg to lift up and out of the way. So far, I haven't launched in mucky conditions... I'm not looking forward to that opportunity!!

Thanks for the feedback. Happy 4th!!

Thanks for the shout out. Actually, several customers say that despite all the functional benefits, having the "cool factor" on the ramp is their favorite part of owning a Freedom Launcher. People are watching what they are doing and wondering "how did they just do that?". Being on a busy ramp for me is like going through TSA. Moving on quickly gets me to my happy place with less stress.

Yes, this is an alternative landing gear solution.

Will practices 3-4 times a week… he’s still a fan ;)

Will is my first PA customer... and super stoked about the product!! He has game ;)

Hey Cole J thanks! I enjoyed checking out your channel too. Beautiful country up there! Keep up the good work!! Nice drone footage!

Maybe with others… over 100 launches on a Hobie PA12, nada. Works as good as new, this mount is similar concept.

@@wildersidegear sounds good 🤙

Haha,, that was a small dog!

@@wildersidegear haha well I knew it! 😅 I got to tell you, I would buy this in a heartbeat if it was a lot less expensive, but even though I’m not a cheapo I just can’t justify $800. it’s simply not a competitive price point unfortunately… And I’m saying this as someone who came from a consumer products manufacturing background.

Actually, that is Carlos’ kayak and he is quite pleased with his Freedom Launcher!

Thanks for the advice!

I’d love to try out a Lynx

Hey Paul, I’m so glad you and your FeelFree found us. Thanks for the shout out!

Glad you found a solution that’s right for you!

I have heard and observed what you suggest: Using the Hobie cart to get near the water; then tip the kayak and remove the cart. (I have had customers do this method regularly with a Hobie PA12 and injure their shoulder holding the kayak tipped while installing or removing the wheels). Then you simply drag the kayak the last 5 yards. I purposed not to do that since I wanted to see a full wheeled launch side by side with our solution. Depending on what gear you have in back, it should work to slip the wheels upside down in back scuppers. The top of the rods may drag a bit in the water, but it is such small diameter that it probably makes no difference in speed on water.

I'm glad to hear of your interest. Your reasons for wanting to switch will be rewarded if you move forward. I have had customers convert from other landing gear successfully. You will likely need to fill previous holes with either plastic weld material or marine GOOP. If you need assistance with the install, I'd recommend finding someone in your area that does accessory installs for livescopes, anchor wizards etc. and lean on them. I'm hoping to attract some dealer interest at ICAST 24 in July but growing dealer representation will likely take longer than you want to wait. -David

1​@@wildersidegear

Hi Ron, how's fishing in NC?

Fishing has been very good!

Mike, copying my reply from other post for benefit of other readers: I'm glad to hear of your interest. Your reasons for wanting to switch will be rewarded if you move forward. I have had customers convert from other landing gear successfully. You will likely need to fill previous holes with either plastic weld material or marine GOOP. If you need assistance with the install, I'd recommend finding someone in your area that does accessory installs for livescopes, anchor wizards etc. and lean on them. I'm hoping to attract some dealer interest at ICAST 24 in July but growing dealer representation will likely take longer than you want to wait. -David

Do you go there often?

@@wildersidegear I do, I live 20min from Clear Lake so fish it a lot from kayak

Yes! www.wilderside.life/product-page/freedom-launcher-sportsman-classic-for-titan-10-12-and-propel-12

I never know what I may say on video day! Haha. Actually I leaned into some fried eggs and toast; but I’d go for more blueberry Belgian waffles next time I’m your way!!

Hi David, I’m trying to get the word out. Thankful for friends like you and Carlos. How’s the Freedom Launcher treating you on that OT AP 120 of yours??

Thanks Mark! I subbed you back. Nice to meet you.

Fair comment… it’s the best I could get from my customer… he did it on a Sunday afternoon. I was 1000 miles away. Hopefully, we’ll get better quality lakeside.

@@wildersidegear hopefully! Excited to see it.

What make and model are you floating?

@@wildersidegear two lost creeks the 10.5 and the 12’

I hope to go there!

We have a configuration that will fit the lure 11.5. Mostly likely will be over rear rod holders so they will not be available after install.

Looks like it will take the same mount as another kayak… customer very happy. Shoot an email to [email protected] I can provide more details.

Hi, well.. maybe not actually. What happens when the leg is angled back. If you do a free body diagram when the kayak is on the level, that is putting a torque load on the hull because of the angled leg. That isn't a good thing. What we do is design the mount differently so that we put less loads on the hull, specifically torque loads caused by hitting obstacles like pot holes or curbs. Those can do real damage, especially if your mounting holes are close together. We spread ours out to reduce the potential to damage the hull. So far, working well on my customer's fleets of big kayaks.

@@wildersidegear I understand your reasoning, that's why they use a long backing plate to absorb that rotating force. however, that angled back leg also serves as a suspension, handles uneven roads better I think. In your design, when the wheels hit a rock, the torque load on the hull is not too much less (FBD's, roughly 1/5 kayak weight less?)

@@wildersidegear Btw, I was thinking of a design similar to yours, but is more like a trailer jack design, which would requires aluminum welding. Structurally it's more stable, and smaller size, can also be as easy as your design ito deploy/stow the legs.

Good catch - and thanks for watching the clip. The end cap slid off the leg in the video. I found out that day that slip fit caps needed glue. Now they are staying on tight. No more field failures that I've heard of.

Thanks Nic! Hope you are doing well.

Hey Mack, those were crocs in the video. The wheels are the Freedom Launcher from Wilder Side. Thanks for the feedback!

Fair question. This was a demo for those who wanted to see the setup on a Titan. Greg often launches on a shallow gravel bar where it is a gradual drop off. Right next to his house. A trailer launch would be difficult.

How did u put the wheels up so easy?

@@pelontattoo6308 Hey, that is the secret sauce of the Freedom Launcher! The leg makes a handle above the pivot pin. It just works!!

A recent AP120 customer ordered beach cart / balloon tires. He is going to work on a launch video. He also offered to accept a call from you if you have questions. Reach out [email protected] and I can give you more details. He's had the BDX and thinks his new wheels are much better :)

I asked my first Pelican Catch customer of he felt the Freedom Launcher was worth it. He thought for a few seconds…and then replied, “My back is happy… now I only take one trip to the ramp. You gotta take care of yourself, money well spent!”

I went with a trailer. Harbor Freight. $700 was a big stretch for me.

Rick, I respect that. For some, a trailer is absolutely the right solution. Others don't have room in their garage or property for a trailer. Paying $80-100 bucks a month for storage adds up pretty quickly (ask how I know!). Some of my customers only have a pickup and then a hoist system in their garage to get the kayak out of the way. I'm glad you are happy with your trailer solution. Each person has to figure out what works for their situation.

Jesus walked on the water, but none of my friends do. But I have had friends slip and fall at the bottom of the ramp in 3" of water on the slick as snot moss that grows on the concrete. Did a real number on their back. So when you get to be over 60 years old, you weigh the potential for hull damage vs body damage differently. I can add a Kydex wear plate or weld some plastic on a badly worn kayak. A healthy back or knees is worth much more than $3700 for many of my customers.

Or here’s a thought just back up to the ramp and use the trailer . Lmao

Where does he do that?

Tony, I absolutely agree with you 100%! That is why I invested in a custom die to make our new Gen 3 Freedom bracket. Shorter with better lines. Took 8 months of development but finally we are in production! I’ll try to find a picture…

Okay, can't post a picture, but here is what the Gen3 bracket looks like... and it now only comes in black (either powder coat standard or anodized (premium)). What do you think of the change?? Shown in recent video starting about 1:28 kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6q8pXtnf5V7gs0si=w9arkzQfugfuY1fj&t=88

Hey, great question. It depends on which mounting group we are using. I have seven different solutions based on how much hull access you have and what shape of gunwale we are dealing with. With some installs, I can access the bolts by temporarily removing the rear rod holder and then using that port to tighten the bolts. If you have a hull without inside access, then we use a "blind bracket" with threaded inserts. Need to "fish" the blind bracket under the hull with string or wire and then insert the bolts from the top. Mike with the Pelican Catch used this successfully. Other installs allow a tapered inner bracket where you install the bolts in the bracket and then install it through the rod holder (Hobie Outback solution). It's all based on whether you have access inside or not. We've installed on 15 different kayak models. Haven't met one we couldn't fit. Might require some innovation, but I can design and make a part in less than a week in most cases. Feel free to send us more questions directly at [email protected] if you would like us to look at your kayak. David

Hey thanks for the thumbs up! You bring up an interesting idea. I have thought of attachment point, but never considered the option you describe. I think it could work…

Hey, what’s your go to trolling rod holder? I might try something..

Cool, thanks!

Hey Nic, good to hear from you. TIA for spreading the word.

It definitely was a challenge for this first time user. The nice thing is with a Freedom Launcher, you don’t need practice to make launching look easy.

Maybe…. or maybe not. 50+ launches on that exact kayak… some over muddy rough terrain, and hull is in great shape. We do things different than our competition….

Wilderside.life

Sure, I get where you are coming from. 40 lb of hand weight on the Bigwater is better with two hands! I much prefer the Outback or Salty which is closer to 20 lbs. But the Bigwater is a fun ride!

Yes, very easy with our configuration especially for Native Titan. We use the rails just like other landing gear.