Ascend FS12T Review

[@ShaggyDogg0128]

I have the same kayak and I love it. It is amazing in saltwater. I live 30 minutes from the keys and take it out around different islands all the time. Works great. I noticed it holds some water in the boat and when I have gear in the back it collects more water but not enough to concern me. Easy to get in and out while in deep water. I snorkel off the kayak which is fun.

[@mjc_fishing9916]

Excellent review. This will definitely be my first yak. Tight Lines!!

[@Vudujoose]

Just a tidbit of information for those who are wondering if this thing tracks well. I have noticed that larger people (like R.J. the guy who made this video) have noticed a significant difference in tracking compared to all the little people. I have a theory that weight in these kayaks is a must. This kayak maxes out at 300 pounds but if you and your gear are equal to 200 pounds your probably not getting the rear chine in the water enough to track well. For those of us maxing the kayak it pushes the rear chine farther into the water creating a better track. Great video R.j. glad you made it, it has restored my faith in buying the FS12T.

[@rj_babydoc2534]

Jeff Norman I don't regret getting it one bit. And I agree with your theory.

[@wp240]

350 max weight

[@AnglerVisionsOutoors]

W P ^

[@kuppler14]

thanks for the review. This is the one kayak im going to save up for. i have only heard great things about this kayak.

[@MaruPanaca]

I got this kayak last year. So far it does what I need it to do which is to get out on the lake and fish. I worried alot about the seat bending the pins or pulling that track out of the hull. I removed the pins and replaced them with a bent tent stake that I tapped myself. My only other mention would be that it is a heavy kayak. Great review.

[@achigurh88]

I have the 2016 model and the seat brackets bending is still an issue. The drain plug on the new model will never fall out because of it's design. It has this plastic "T" attached to the plug that prevents it from completely coming out. I've been out on it once. Went out on the lake for about 4 hours and it was REALLY choppy (15-20 mph winds) but I never felt like I was going to tip or anything. Very stable... I didn't even think to check how watertight everything was before going out, but I didn't hear any water swishing around in the hull when I got back home, so I'm assuming it's alright if I didn't need to drain. My first impressions are that it's a good starter kayak for lakes and calm inland waterways. I wouldn't go out on any fast moving rivers or the open ocean. Edit: Also, the one I got had accessory rails already installed. I believe that some 2016's will have it and some won't... Assuming that the 2017 model will have rails from the get-go. Not sure what brands will fit the rails.

[@Robjmar7]

Great video. Like your set up. Like where you put your Lowrance. Thanks for the advice on the anchor trolley going all the way to the front and back. Makes perfect sense.

[@GOTCHAPARK]

Thanks for the review , it was helpful . I am thinking about getting into kayak fishing in Ft Worth and it was nice to hear from a local boy .

[@ihatecommunism9958]

I've got the 128t and I love it..I'm in the middle of doing a trolling motor, and I'm gonna put some of those stabilizers on it to help with stability when I'm standing. I definitely enjoy it. I'd love to the get Old Town Auto Pilot 136 as my next Kayak, lol..it's pretty sweet!

[@mrgutitdragit1173]

The cooler behind the seat does help make the back of the seat more comfortable

[@ztrubble6889]

Just got mine not too long ago. I fish at Texoma. Love it! Nice video!

[@sonofmaniam]

I have the same model (same color scheme). I have put about 40 miles on it so far, and I have loved every minute of it. It is a comfortable cruiser, but not fast. I think if a person is prioritizing fishing, it is the best $550 spent. I am 6'2" and around 220lb. This kayak would be great for anyone up to about 270lb I think. I don't stand much when I fish, but I can definitely stand on it if I want to. The BEST feature is the hull design which allows it to sit flat on a flat surface, as well as on the roof of my car. Requires no special racking or bracing. I simply put it on a yoga mat on top of my car and run a strap around (and through the vehicle) then a couple lines on each end. I can have it on/off the car in about 5 minutes and ready to fish. Another sweet feature is that I can run the bow ashore and then simply walk right off the front. I have fished from it every weekend all summer, and never have put my feet in the water. If you pick it up...get the ascend dolly for it. It is only $50. By the time you build some ugly pvc contraption yourself, you'll spend $35 and it won't look nice, and probably wont fit on your boat while you fish.

[@MrTolkien121]

Have searched forever on how people transport this thing. Thank you so much. I got a Rav 4 ans was worried about buying some racks for it but that would be another 300 for crossbars.

[@kenni411]

+Jordan Moore it def needs some handles midway .... its pretty awkward to move without them

[@dreofcoursey3085]

This kayak is awesome. Carries lots of weight and very spacious

[@UncleBogator]

great review. Just bought mine Friday and will get it on the water this weekend.

[@rj_babydoc2534]

You'll have a blast. Just don't worry too much about getting wet. It's going to happen no matter what haha.

[@ADDICTED2FISHINGTX]

Nice review! 👍🏻 I’m just about set on buying one of these.

[@windoffreedom7358]

I like your presentation skills. Nicely done.

[@CallSignWhiplash]

You can make a small pvc tool to open the screw in hatch.

[@mel18sebas]

Got mine 2 weeks ago ain't been able to get in the water texas crazy weather 75 during the week 35 plus wind on the weekend

[@jamesmcvey7472]

on my kayak the first time out I got about 5 to 10 gal of water inside got a can of flex seal sprayed all the screws an the next time I took it out not one drop of water

[@iwantosavemoney]

I love mine got mine last year I did get my fish finder last week but I got the cheap one the lowrance hook3. do you like where you mounted your fish finder or does it get in the way? Am just know adding accessories to my kayak. that yak attack anchor trolley am getting next. but first for me would be to get my fish finder and lights put on.

[@AnglerVisionsOutoors]

I bought a sun dolphin boss ss 12 and the seat mount caved into the kayak so I’m going to return it this week how nice is the seat and everything on the 12t? Is the plastic good quality or is it real flimsy?

[@ryanbn2127]

Can you show how you installed your fish finder?

[@flysubcompact]

Not a thing wrong with that kayak unless you wanted to go to a peddle rig. Also, I've found no better chair than what Ascend puts on their boats. The little Lowrance 4x is also a tough little unit. It is monochrome, but has worked really well on my main kayak (Pescador Pro 120) for over two years. It is not as fancy as the Garmin 42 DX that is on my saltwater kayak, but it looks sturdier.

[@jasond2831]

I am just about your build. 6'2" 260 lbs. so seeing this video has made me more conscious about purchasing one. I have been up in the air between this and the 128T. 128T has more storage and a few more extra cool options but the issues with that yak and the extra 20 plus pounds makes it look less appealing. Plus just for a few bucks I can add the options to this 12T so its a winner. My main source of fishing in my area is a river. The bass fishing is excellent for a good 17 mile stretch. However when the river is down there is a lot of shallow areas. But when its up it has a few sets of shallow rapids throughout. Ive been through it with a canoe but me and my buddy ended up walking it through a lot. So I have a few questions for you. What is the shallowest amount of water this yak will float in for you? Have you ever had it in a nice current and if so how was the steering? Also the guy below said the max weight was 300. I thought it was 350?

[@rj_babydoc2534]

+Jason Degrant I am extremely happy with my FS12T, but some days I wish I would have gone to the 128. I think it would allow me to stand a little easier. Yes it is heavier, and slower...but Standing is something I wish I could do. If you have the option to demo each one do it! Go with your gut and be confident in your choice.

[@Godisforyou8989]

Thanks for the video...ill be fishing on mine here in abilene tx not too far from ya

[@heavyd2249]

good review! They must have raised the prices, they are $650 now, unless you got it on sale.

[@rj_babydoc2534]

Dukepgh you are correct. This is an old video and they have made some improvements to the design since I made this review video.

[@jonathansmith5009]

I've been considering this kayak because I'm a bigger guy as well. I plan to take it out in the bay a lot, was wondering how easily it glides. Does wind push it fairly easily? Thanks for the vid

[@stevecarraccio7689]

I have the same yak. Nice job on the video. Any chance you can shoot a quick video on how you installed the FF?

[@zachgreen611]

Yeah that would be great !

[@rj_babydoc2534]

I sold this kayak, but all I did was drill a hole for the cables on the hatch lid, and used marine goop and foam to mount the transducer. it worked great for me!

[@MrDpms2010]

what did you upgrade to? and why

[@trueteam1313]

MrDpms2010 he upgraded to a ascend h12 it has better stability so he says

[@TasOCE]

do you have to buy a paddle

[@bigtater29]

Great video man. Very informative. In a little taller then you. How is it for leg room? I'm looking for my first kayak and that's the trouble I've been having. Everything I've sat in so far has had pre-molded or adjustable foot braces. I noticed that ur kayak doesn't have any.

[@tattooistatplay]

What're you using for a battery for the fish finder? I like how it's nice, small, and tucked away.

[@MrCard031584]

Are they set up to install a rudder system?

[@markwelch7125]

Great video!!! i have the same kayak and just wanted to know if you have ever though of raising the seat height. i found it very difficult to stabilize long enough to stand and fish. i found it a shame that the seat from the 128T isn't transferable.

[@kenni411]

+Mark Welch im in the same boat as you , just bought a 2016 fs12t and im envious of the 128's seat .... i am thinking of raising my seat in the future ... maybe if i can get my hands on some of that trek decking like the square spindles the solid ones or some pressure treated ... id like to be about 1-2 inches higher ... that might be better

[@markwelch7125]

Anything is better than the stock seating height. A 5 1/2" inch increase would be a god send. i saw some chair accessories in the basspro magazine which may work without the need to drill any holes

[@kenni411]

+Mark Welch can you post a few links? I'd like to check it out if possible

[@markwelch7125]

+kenni411 www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Jon-Boat-Seat-Clamp/product/1212071538/?cm_sp=WrkdrP6Apr2016_BO

[@drakes_homestead]

how long is this kyak my brother

[@flankz0101]

How long of a paddle do you have what fish finder/battery is that and where is your transducer at i see you said a hull mount but not sure where it is going exactly

[@spydervs11]

could you show how you mounted your transducer

[@kenni411]

did you install those top handles yourself? did you have to put a backing plate behind it with screws or did you use rivets ?

[@melgozakoki85]

Whats the difference on the 12t

[@ljc_outdoors9511]

Hey man great video and thanks for the help/ideas/review!! Do you remember what size paddle you used? 240 or 250??

[@zachgreen611]

would this be a good yak for bay water or choppy water ? i live in the golf coast and its almost always windy and choppy. so does anybody know how this would handle that kind of water or what yall would recommend ? . thanks!

[@42701texasman]

Ive heard they are like paddeling a tanker. But my question is, when fishing, does the wind blow you around a lot? Basically what im saying is if you are paddeling you are not getting lures wet. Im interested in buying one is why im asking.

[@rj_babydoc2534]

Any kayak is going to be affected by the wind. The key is learning to position yourself so the wind works in your favor. Use it to move you down a bank, or around a piece of cover. Another thing that helped me a TON was learning that I didn't have to be in the perfect position every time to cast at my target. Once I grasped that concept, the paddle was in my hands a lot less. I also picked up an anchor pole setup from Kevin Dismuke. Go check out my video on that. Getting the anchor pole was a complete game changer to fishing.

[@EmpireofBlack]

Have you hooked into a fish standing yet? If so how was the stability? Thanks!

[@ronaldkeith810]

I'm also 255 lbs The weight limit is 350 do you have any problems with overloading it

[@rj_babydoc2534]

Ronald Keith you'll be fine man. Just don't bring a week's worth of tackle lol.

[@speedofacentipede]

does water collect on top of the dry storage ?

[@isaacg3232]

also, heard you would like to upgrade to the slayer 13, why not the Hobie PA?

[@rj_babydoc2534]

Isaac Gallatin The Slayer has the ability to go in reverse. In my opinion that is a huge bonus.

[@gun4hire685]

How did you put this on the roof of your car? What system did you use?

[@OutdoorMishaps]

would this be a good yak for a 250 lb man??

[@XploreAz]

He said in the video that he himself is about 255-260lbs.

[@cory3100]

Do you think a medium or large dog would fit on here comfortably.

[@rj_babydoc2534]

It would really depend on the dog. If they're a wiggle worm then it might be a tippy kayaking trip lol

[@isaacg3232]

what is the capacity on this boat? Do you think it lives up to the capacity or do you think it surpasses the capacity?

[@rj_babydoc2534]

Isaac Gallatin This boat is 350lbs I believe. But a general rule is 3/4 of the stated capacity.

[@tannerpritchett4652]

Could I handle this or would it be to big I'm 5.3 I've been don rivers in small kayaks but I want a kayak for lake and pond use please answer I can't decide if I want the 10 foot or the 12 I heard the 10 isn't stable enough

[@Duhg26]

Go with this, its the perfect kayak for a beginner.

[@52082mdt]

hello, would you recommend or can you use this for Ocean kayaking / fishing? Thanks!!

[@rj_babydoc2534]

Inshore fishing yes. I personally cannot recommend it for offshore waves.

[@dmoua08]

LOLOLOLOL That squeak @6:30 thoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!

[@cameronstenstrom5293]

what do you dip

[@TheAubreyTalavera]

Thanks for the info. Good video. 👍🏽

[@j.wildoutdoors8483]

Ever have it in white caps?

[@rj_babydoc2534]

I did! While it wasn't the most enjoyable trip, it did okay considering but if you have the scupper plugs in you may see some water accumulate. I'm a river/shallow water fan so white caps were a rarity for me.

[@j.wildoutdoors8483]

@@rj_babydoc2534 @RJ Hillman one of my favorite duck hunting areas is about an hour paddle across a fairly shallow big windy lake, 3 foot ot higher rollers are not exactly uncommon. But the marsh itself when you get there is calm as can be when you get there, but also a few inches deep in some places. I have yet to be on the water in anything other then a boat on that lake as I only have access to a canoe and a not so great kayak. Benefitly (if thats a word) I have access to some decent rivers and two famous marshes that gave rise to ducks unlimited. Thanks for the reply, your kayak comes up.alot in my searches, and I've been quite curious about the nasty water.

[@rj_babydoc2534]

@@j.wildoutdoors8483 As long as you're wearing a PFD I'd see no issue taking waves that size. It may be super sketchy and not fun at all but you'd make it lol. I personally wouldn't risk it if the wind was high but I have had it in rollers about 3' or so a few times. I got wet, but I was fine

[@j.wildoutdoors8483]

@@rj_babydoc2534 awesome! Thanks man!!

[@tideman66cw83]

I know with this yak I'm getting wet....my question is how much? I ask because not sure whether or not to get a sit in or sit on yak. thanks

[@rj_babydoc2534]

You won't get that wet. Just get some kind of water repellent pants and you'll be good.

[@MaruPanaca]

+Curtis Ware You'll get wet from water coming off your paddle with every stroke. Same with any kayak. Water will start to collect inside the hull. It won't be more than a cup or two. Easy enough to get out if you bring a sponge.

[@ianwright9619]

I am saving up money for a fishing kayak and this is the one I have considered getting the most. would you say it is a good beginner kayak? I have read some reviews and most of the problems seem to be easily fixable.

[@rj_babydoc2534]

Ian Wright The problems that people have pointed out about this kayak are all small. I definitely recommend this as a beginner yak. Just be sure to do a good inspection of the one you're getting at the store before you take it home. Also, try and save a little extra money for one with a fish finder already mounted.

[@canamcrazyman9301]

Can I add a trolling motor

[@marklaas4475]

I've seen another video dude made a pipe harness to fit in rodholders in back to put one

[@JordanMaadi]

how did you attach the rod holders to the crate

[@rj_babydoc2534]

I used zip ties

[@mikeplaysorderchoas7165]

How did you install those side handles?

[@rj_babydoc2534]

Drilled holes and used good Ole pop rivets

[@kenni411]

+R.j. Hillman so have the rivets held up ? did you use aluminum rivets ?

[@rj_babydoc2534]

+kenni411 yes and yes. They worked great for a while. They are the rivets that come with the yakgear handles.

[@kenni411]

did you have to replace them ?and if so what did you go with ?

[@charlesanderson3965]

RJ Hillman ng

[@ralphie0224]

Great review! Thanks.

[@frankstein497]

If I buy this kayak will my wife lose weight and stop having such terrible smelling gas???

[@RonGyver]

no, I have this Kayak and she says she hasn't lost any weight and still smells when she toots. Of course she's never been on any of our kayaks.. I have a 2013 FS128T, 2) 2018 12T's and a 2018 128T She says she'll doubtfully ever get on one...

[@joemartinez21024]

How's the speed on that yak

[@rj_babydoc2534]

It's no speed demon. But if you take it nice and steady and develop a good paddling form you can stay at a decent speed for a while.

[@wyattkennedy4706]

What is the price of it

[@illduitmyself]

new is $799. I found one on craigslist for $600.

[@josetrevino9401]

They have them at bass pro for 599.99

[@TboneMetallic]

i put my snuff in it .... sorry hahaahah perfect dude. excellent video thank you!

[@ikehall2065]

how do you think this would hold up in the ocean?

[@rj_babydoc2534]

I cannot comment on that. But I can tell you that I would get a higher end kayak for salt water. That's just me though.

[@stirch9]

Hey man. I'm the guy that was on the pear fishing with my son out there. Great video! Have you ever caught anything our there? I took a rental out yesterday and had a blast. But didn't catch anything.

[@rj_babydoc2534]

I remember you! And yeah I've caught a few out of Arlington.

[@owl331]

lake Arlington I live in Duncanville I am currently working in Southern Illinois, maybe next spring we can fish yak some waters I am a Bass, catfish pan fisherman I own a 10ft Lifetime musky angler my first ever kayak

[@M.G.O.2.3.9]

how much

[@TheSkeeter02]

nice video buying one cheap old but good

[@dukeduke3599]

@6:32 😂😂😂 great review though

[@backlashfishing1013]

Good Honest review.....looking for stable 2nd kayak for my wife. Sub'd your channel!

[@Victorkayak]

Awesome info cool brother

[@cesarramos438]

oh yes, we are the same team

[@bigtater29]

Oh. I'm sorry. I see them now. Lol

[@TasOCE]

do you have to buy a paddle

[@rj_babydoc2534]

Taswild yes you do. The kayak does not come with a paddle.