10 Best Kayaks Ever Made | My Personal Favorites

In today's video I go over my 10 best kayaks ever made. Some of these selections are on here simply because of what they mean to the industry and what kayaks evolved from them. There are so many quality kayaks out there and it was hard to pick just 10. #kayakfishing #kayak #floating
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[@thebeardedpaddler]

Let me know what's on YOUR list! Help us out! hit that like button if you enjoy the content! Than you!

[@stevenvalenti3722]

The Old Town Predator 13 was my very first kayak I've ever bought in 2014. When I first got into Kayak fishing. And I fully agree that is a really great fishing kayak. Very good list of great paddle kayaks.🙂👍

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Thank you. I appreciate that. Hard to go with just 10.

[@mikedinardo5995]

The Ride 115 was a great kayak. They should redo it at 12’ and 34”-35” wide. Put in a flat open floor with a framed seat like the Bite and you would have a winner.

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Yeah Wilderness seems like they have been out of the fishing kayak game for a while now. I'd like to see some updates and redesigns from them

[@shanereeder6041]

Been fishing my RVR 119 the last couple months and couldn't be any happier with it's handling and fishability on the creeks and streams. Thanks for the advice prior to the purchase !

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Not a problem!

[@tomearly111]

I fish mainly lakes and reservoirs. After much research I bought my first kayak in 2011. It was the Wilderness Ride 135. There weren't as many fishing kayak options in 2011 as there are today. I still use this kayak today although I have upgraded to the new seat and added a rudder among other things. I have absolutely loved this kayak and have spent hundreds of hours fishing with it. I'm not surprised it's on your list.

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Great kayak

[@sherrylawrence]

Glad to hear the Ride 115 is on this list. We own 2 of them. The stability was the selling point to get my husband out on the water (he can’t swim). His is stock still. I have motorized mine with a trolling motor on the back.

[@thebeardedpaddler]

It's such an underrated kayak

[@bigguyinalittleboat7927]

Shoalie and Lite tackle 2 are great kayaks. Love that you included the Commander. I'd add, although a rec kayak, but certainly can fish from it, is a Loon 126. No one likes sit insides, but it is a great paddling kayak. Very stable and big guy friendly.

[@thebeardedpaddler]

I kid you not, I almost put the Loon on the list lol

[@bigguyinalittleboat7927]

@@thebeardedpaddler it’s a great kayak

[@OnlyFins]

Of the yaks on your list, I've had the Outlaw, the older tarpon 100, the coosa, and now the RVR119. I definitely want a PWR129. I'd say your list is right on target.

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Thanks! It is my list so if you have something you think needs to be on there let me know

[@MidwestOntarioHeadwaters]

I was almost ready to choose the Outlaw until I saw your video and realized I'm on rivers as well. Thanks again for that!

[@bigrayray74]

Just picked up a Precision outlaw 11.5 a couple of weeks ago. I got it used off of marketplace for $1300. It was totally rigged out with trailer and trolling motor. I love it so far.

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Nice. What motor does it have on it?

[@everythingyouknowis]

Great video with lots of great information.

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Thank you for watching. I really appreciate it

[@LovingIdaho]

The best fishing paddle kayak I have owned is my feelfree lure 11.5 . The great seat reinforced deck was what sold me . There was really not many fishing kayaks with a comfortable seat , removable pod or reinforced deck . Before the lure , I was in a hobie and a ascend kayak . Both very uncomfortable kayaks with awful seats . My favorite sit in kayak that I bought about 18-20 years ago was the elie sound 100 . A great seat and great secondary stability . Nice and fast . I could not even tell you all the brands of sit ins I have had .

[@marvjacobs5857]

Wilderness atak 140 to me was great kayak. The 140 for a big kayak move well in the water. That is one kayak I would love to have back in my line up.

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Definitely a lot of features in the ATAK series. That 140 is a beast too!

[@PhotoBob]

I don’t have enough experience with a lot of brands but man I miss my Tarpon. I also feel like the Pescador Pro is underrated. It’s usually mentioned as a good entry level kayak but I actually think it’s solid for anyone. I don’t love the 10 but the 12 is a great paddling kayak with a good balance of stability and paddling performance. It’s proven too. Lastly the best kayak ever made was whatever I had in 1998 when it flew out of the back of my truck on i67 got hit by cars, had a 2’ dent, and still carried me and a case of beer down the spring river 😅…oh to be young again

[@thebeardedpaddler]

The Pro is great. I just wish the prices hadn't hiked up to over $900. I wish they would update it a little

[@bobbyhogan9207]

Great video Andy 👊 Love seeing the Commander making the list. Love mine. Got a bit of work to do on it, but plan to get it back on the water. 😎 The FeelFree Moken 12.5 V 2 is a delight to paddle. Wish I still had mine.

[@shred5]

I fish primarily lakes. It's hard to order them because some of them are better at different things, but I'll order them based on what I used to decide when buying a kayak and also considering kayaks for bigger guys like myself. 10. Nucanoe Unlimited - high weight capacity, not a lot of built in functionality but tons of customizing options. Can be paddled, pedaled, powered or all three. The base kayak offers minimal options but can be customized - depending how well you rig it out can easily move it up the list. 9. Kaku Zulu - can be paddled, pedaled or powered. Pretty stable and probably the best seat! 8. Bonafide SS127 - great option for paddle or power, super stable, good reliability minus the seat pads, but NEEDS the rudder added. Great setup, allows for a nice center mounted fish finder, gives you places to lay down multiple rods up front etc. 8. Old Town Sportsman 106/120: Not as customizable and fewer features than the SS127, but tracks much better and faster. If you are looking for something to hold a few rods and not really a tweaker, this is a better option. 6. Hobie Pro Angler 14 - they're big and heavy, ton of issues with the hull and pedal drives and not the fastest but they provide a great setup! 5. Bonafide PWR 129 - if paddling or powering, this is a great option. Basically takes all the things I love with the SS127 and improves them. 4. Hobie Outback - I technically outweigh this kayak, but it's pretty quick and nimble, solid stability and has some nice features. 3. Native TitanX - big, heavy and slow but tons of space. Ideal for someone on smaller lakes looking to add a motor. 2. Old Town Sportsman Bigwater EPDL+ 132 - if you can afford it, pedal and power in one and a fast hull, but $$$$ 1. Old Town Sportsman Bigwater 132 - this is what I went with (the PDL version). Not the best stability, and limited storage in back, but it's probably the fastest fishing pedal kayak, priced right and reliable.

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Have you been on the Titan X? Its big and heavy but definitely not slow. Very good list.

[@shred5]

@@thebeardedpaddler Not the X, but the Titan is relatively slow and slow to turn - easily the slowest on this list at least for pedal kayaks - and as a list for stuff that doesn't sink when I get on it, What pedal kayak is slower?

[@JudahsTreeFarm]

As a former OMTC employee. (Tyler from the Conway store) my list is very similar to yours!

[@thebeardedpaddler]

My dude!

[@marcbeck3166]

Great review of some nice kayaks. I have many in the garage and have paddled since 1985. My favorite is still on my kayak trailer and it's my 16' Aquaterra / Perception Chinook that I bought around 1986. It has been offshore of San Diego on one coast and Rehoboth Beach, DE on the other, and many lakes and rivers in between. It is truly a joy to paddle, stable but not too stable and very fast and efficient. I am gifting it to one of my sons who is really starting to enjoy kayaking.

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Great feedback! Thank you. Definitely some solid choices

[@jaredrobertson1955]

I still have my ride 135. Very durable kayak. My best yak

[@thebeardedpaddler]

I really miss my Ride115

[@cr8244]

For me, I miss my ocean kayak big game prowler 1 and my jackson big rig 1. 2 AMAZING kayaks in my opinion

[@scotthurley4967]

Love my PWR129 it's awesome!!

[@thebeardedpaddler]

It's been MY favorite so far

[@NarleyAdventures]

The PWR 129 has been my top pick for lake fishing and my river pick was the Crescent Shoalie.....nice review. Edit: Actually the RVR 119 will end up being the river platform…

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Great choices for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@NarleyAdventures]

@@thebeardedpaddler Are you intending to use the PWR 129 on the river/creeks ? Not Meaning kayak championship high CFM TYPE flows but with some rapids...? That would save a two kayak setup.

[@thebeardedpaddler]

@@NarleyAdventures I wouldn't have any issues taking it on a river. Obviously it really shines on flat water

[@NarleyAdventures]

@@thebeardedpaddler 👍👍👍

[@beaker151]

The only happy day of a Radar owner was when we sold it.... LOL

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Lol I've heard that

[@truecrimson1]

Glad the Ride made the list, and high up too. I'm still in my 2012 Ride 135. Put an old fashioned PWM trolling motor build on the stern and a Minn Kota with an Autoboat on the bow. Great for everything; rivers, creeks, lakes, and even saltwater.

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Absolutely

[@Larry77777]

I've been bass fishing from my Tarpon 100 since 2010 when I was 56 years old. This spring, I've adapted a Minn Kota motor for it to get me to places too far away to easily paddle to. I stage my rods on the excellent back tracks (easier to reach than crate rod holders). The Tarpon 105 has no back tracks - a greedy decision by WS.

[@hikewadepaddle]

I still carry so much regret for selling my Ride115. I've lost count of how many kayaks I've owned, but that's the one I always kick myself for selling.

[@thebeardedpaddler]

same here!

[@danareed1656]

great video! i love my shoalie and my LT and my LT2! yep im a crescent lover!

[@thebeardedpaddler]

They do good yak there for sure

[@lowlifeangler]

No Lifetime? LoL Cool video beard

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Don't poke the bear bro lol. Appreciate it man!

[@lowlifeangler]

@@thebeardedpaddler 😂 I have a cheapo Lifetime Cruz and Tamarack pro. The $400 Tamarack pro w/framed seat is comfortable 8-9hr fishing in the lake. I can't imagine a quality kayak would feel. I was checking out the Bonafide PWR and RVR at the Ohio Fishing Expo with Wendell. They're masterpieces. I'm picking up a Native propel 10 in the fall so I can able to rooftop. The Hobie booth was a ghost town at the show for some reason

[@zachherman8647]

Bonafide SS107, RS117, EX123 Cobra Fish N Dive Crescent CK1/Primo Eddyline Caribbean 12 Heritage Redfish 12/Angler/ProAngler Hobie Outback, Revo 11, Quest 11 Hurricane 12 Jackson Kilroy Malibu Mini X Native Ultimate 12/14.5 / Prowler 13 / Slayer Propel 10 / Slayer XC Ocean Kayak Trident/Prowler/Scupper Old Town 10 Perception Pescador 10/12 / Caster 11.5 Riot Kayaks Mako 10 Swell Scupper 14 Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100/105/120/140 / Commander 120 (not 140) / Ride 115

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Nice list!

[@eddiefalch127]

I don't know if Bearded has an East coast/regional bias or if his list is primarily for bass fisherman. Being on the west coast, targeting white sea bass, yellow tail, Ling cod, calico bass, halibut on the salt and trout in the fresh. Zach, your list is right on!

[@Valdier]

I'd love to know your thoughts on the Titan X versus the pwr 129 I'm 6 ft 5 and torn between those two models, with the idea that I like the concept of a foot pedal unit, but I for sure want either a bow or Stern motor for larger Lakes

[@thebeardedpaddler]

If you want a motor then go with the PWR129. Go Nucanoe Unlimited if you like open deck space

[@Valdier]

@@thebeardedpaddler is that because the Titan does not manage well with the motor? Also thank you for the feedback

[@37RACIN]

Was looking at a used Kilroy but kinda also interested in the coosa what you recommend fir small river recreational

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Personally, I prefer the Kilroy but that's my preference. I like the control and stability the Kilroy gives me.

[@ryancrum7419]

@@thebeardedpaddlerkilroy/tripper 12 stability. Im 260 lbs and like the stability of my Jackson liska and bite. Would you say the kilroy is on par with the stability of those two?

[@derekbushnell1309]

Not in any particular order Wilderness Tarpon 140 Wilderness Commander 140 Old Town Predator 13 Wilderness Pungo 140 Wilderness Tarpon 120 Jackson Cuda 14 Crescent CK 1

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Solid list!

[@AlleyCatPro2023]

Speaking of getting into marshes, would any of these be good for frog gigging?

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Nucanoe U10 would be great for it

[@jacob.1684]

I want to get a kayak but the only place I have to store it is on my car port was wondering if you think when winter comes if the freezing Temps would damage it

[@thebeardedpaddler]

No. But I would cover it and store upside down. If it's a sealed hull (no openings, hatches, etc) store with the drain plug out. Allows the air to escape and keeps it from expanding or contracting in hot/cold weather

[@jacob.1684]

Thanks good to know I was wanting to get a native titanX

[@matthewpickard3567]

I've read about some concerns with Bonafide after a merger that happened in like 2019... it mentioned some quality issues and customer support issues. I guess it's saying pre-2020 Bonafide was incredible, but it fell off after the merger post-2020. Do you have thoughts on that?

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Their quality and service have gone way up since 2020 in my experience. It's a big reason that I have a Bonafide this year. Biggest issues people have are that they are not going to their dealer for service. Emailing the factory is not going to be the best way to resolve a problem with any manufacturer

[@Justicecustomlures]

I haven't own 10 kayaks. I just ordered my 2nd kayak from ego fishing. The mokin v2 pdl I hope I like it. I can tell you and everybody else don't buy ascend kayak from bass pro they don't honor their warranties. I had 3 major problems with in the first year. A broken seat first day, the yak power didn't work properly you couldn't power more than 1 thing even though it's had 5 hook up, the hull cracked 3 in Under the seat rest spot. I contacted them and they won't honor anything. So bass pro can keep their crap I will not shop there again. I wasted my last 1200 at bass pro.

[@thebeardedpaddler]

I can't speak from personal experience with Ascend but a lot of people get rid of them fairly quick

[@jaymcgowan8079]

I have a Cuda 12, but have been looking to upgrade, Like the Nucanoe's a lot.

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Definitely check them out

[@mr.skeptical3071]

What about hoodoo?

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Not on a 10 best ever list. That's just me though

[@Mr.BassJaw-Jackin75]

No Hobie,…cmon now bro

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Paddle kayaks

[@akirafromwiisports5096]

Where the Vibes?

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Not in a top 10 list of kayaks ever made

[@gloppy101]

"10 best ever made"?? LOL..not even close. I'm thinking you are a new paddler if your serious about these choices. You mention rec kayaks only and are leaving out the dozens of others, especially sea kayaks and upper end sot's.

[@thebeardedpaddler]

If you watched the video I said "my" favorite kayaks. "Your" list may differ. That's the whole point of the discussion here. Thanks for watching.