Dicks Sporting Goods Kayaks | WHICH WOULD I BUY?

Kayaks At Dicks Sporting Goods Stores
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Today I shop for rental kayaks down in Florida. I want to offer affordable kayak rentals to those on vacation visiting Florida. Dicks Sporting Goods had some kayak clearance sales so I wanted to go check out what they had available. These are my opinions and reviews on the kayaks sold at Dicks Sporting Goods based on all my experience in paddle sports.
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[@bradwadefishtx]

New sub here just found your channel researching kayaks. I'm in the market for a paddle sit on kayak (price point 6-800 possibly used) for inshore marsh fishing here in Texas. Need something that tracks well and easily transportable for the roof of my CRV. Can you give a couple recommendations?

[@KayakDIY]

I like the Kaku Wahoo series. Their 10.5 model is easy to transport yet tracks really well for it’s size due to the keel being dropped down significantly in hull design. Also check out the new “V2” FeelFree Moken. It has nice comfortable seat, a wheel in the keel so you don’t need a cart, and it tracks pretty dang well. It is priced at $799 for the 12.5 model or $599 for the shorter 10 model. On the used market look for Old Town Predators. There are lots of them sold and you are more likely to find one used. 🙂👍

[@bradwadefishtx]

@@KayakDIY excellent info thank you very much for that reply!

[@KayakDIY]

*VIDEO NOTE:* I realize that shopping Dicks Sporting Goods as an Outdoorsman is something controversial due to their rather Anti-2nd Amendment policies a while back. I'm being reminded constantly since uploading. I banned them as well personally, but as KayakDIY I’m largely uninvolved in political matters. Before you judge my decision know that i worked in the gun industry and built gun components and firearms sold to both civilian and military. I fully support 2nd Amendment. I also own the "big and scary guns" that Dicks doesn't want to sell. I personally banned Dicks Sporting Goods for what seems like years. Couldn't remember the last time I walked into one. However, I've been trying hard to cover all department store kayaks in videos because many viewers don't have tons of options on where to buy. Also, i am trying to start an affordable kayak rental business for folks visiting Florida. Kayak rentals are expensive here and I wanted to offer something for a lot less. The kayaks I had my sights set on were only sold at Dicks Sporting Goods locally. So disliking this video only means you will see less videos from me as a whole....it doesn't show your dislike for me supporting Dicks Sporting Goods by buying these kayaks. You shop where you want and others will shop where they want. KayakDIY isn’t getting involved in politics. That is a personal choice and businesses should stay uninvolved. KayakDIY is a place for people to de-stress from the rigors of daily life which is being over run by politics. We just want to get people on the water. This video fulfills that mission.

[@primate2744]

Imho boycotting dicks for not selling guns is kind of silly. It's not a good business move on their part but that's their choice if they want to miss out on sales. I don't shop there mostly because I find them expensive and there isn't one conveniently located to where I live. The one near me is close to bass pro and I'd rather go there. Buy your kayaks where you want to man. Check Sam's Club as well. They have cheap decent kayaks every year around this time.

[@KayakDIY]

Primate I agree. I will keep in mind Sam’s Club for future videos. I have no interest in getting involved in politics unrelated to paddlesports. I just want to share options and hopefully get more people on the water. Only politics I have gotten involved with is the channel donated thousands last year to clean water efforts in south Florida. We were one of the largest donors for Calusa Waterkeepers organization. We did it because it directly affected paddle sports, our health, and wildlife that didn’t have a voice. Personally I support gun rights. As KayakDIY I’m uninvolved since it isn’t my focus. Right now I just want to get people on the water having fun. Thanks for the support. 🙂

[@primate2744]

That's great! I wish there was more that could be done to clean up the water in Florida as a whole. There is a really cool system east of Orlando where they filter reclaimed water through a system of wetland cells before it's released into the st. Johns river where it's supposedly many times cleaner than the river water itself. Honestly, I believe sugar mills should be required to do things similar before dumping their waste water into our water ways. I'd pay double for sugar if it meant cleaner environment.

[@tommyers477]

the fact that you have chosen to ban a store because you think owning an assault rifle is constitutional (it's not, they weren't around when it was written) literally made me stop watching this video, and completely erase everything about it from memory. I will never watch another video by KayakDIY again. And I will make sure every single one of my friends/followers know where you stand on this issue. By posting something like what you did, it does the opposite of de-stress. It brings politics into this video, and created my response in the first place. I want to get into kayaking, but I no longer want to hear what you have to say about it at all. If you had left the issue alone altogether, you would have educated a newcomer into this seemingly awesome sport. Because of your choice, that will be someone else.

[@korndawggy1801]

@@tommyers477 he didn't say anything about assault rifles but, anyways. Buh bye. 👋

[@mikewalters1224]

Perception Tribe 11.5 in my opinion. I live in Cape Coral and I have bought four of them. One from Estero River Outfitters for about $670.00. Then I bought three more from Craigslist for $50.00 each down in North Naples area. They were used rentals with some worn down keels. I did some plastic welding and good as new. Gave them away to my adult kids. 11.5 feet and 350lb capacity. I’m 6’4” and 265lbs and it works great for me. I also have the tandem 13.5 Tribe. These are often used by rental companies because they are simple, efficient and tough. I paddle around Matlacha all the time. Maybe I’ll see you out there!

[@KayakDIY]

Awesome! Thanks for your feedback. I have seen Perception Tribes and Ocean Kayak Malibu models used a lot in rentals. I chose these 10ft kayaks due to being easier for renters to transport and fact that most were just using kayaks in canals and mangrove trails. Also I wanted them to not easily sink and preferred lack of hatches. I offer renters free dry bags that they can tuck under bungees. Based on customer feedback and perceived needs I will try picking up more kayaks in upcoming months. Starting small and slowly growing. Didn’t want to over buy till I determined what customers ultimately like and want. I already got one other kayak added to the fleet (Ocean Kayak Frenzy). Also looking at one type of tandem kayak by FeelFree called Gemini which has a wheel in keel for making transporting easier for renters, but I need to paddle one first to see if I like it. I know I like the Tribe series and Rambler 135. My in-laws live in Matlacha so maybe will see ya!

[@mikewalters1224]

KayakDIY Agreed. The Ocean Kayaks are great picks too. The wheel in the keel is a great idea for renters. When I bought the used Tribes, it was from a young lady that rented them in the Naples area. Customers had dragged the kayaks so much that the keel was worn down to the point that she had used jb water weld putty to keep them from leaking. The kayaks were only about 2 years old and in great shape every where else.

[@robertd9850]

Was planning to go to Dicks to look at kayaks today or tomorrow so this is good timing. I did the mangrove kayak trip in Sarasota a couple of years ago. It definitely can be tight maneuvering but it is worth it.

[@dabradguy]

Back when kayaks were in stock.. good times.

[@casso4998]

They still are?

[@tF6U]

@@casso4998 I can’t find any near me here in Northern California

[@JW-fg3yz]

You make some great reviews and thank you for doing that. Do you have any info on the HooDoo Tempest 120P? Not many reviews out there on this kayak because it’s a new company so I was wondering if you had any knowledge on it. It’s in my price range but I feel like I need more info. Thanks.

[@KayakDIY]

I’m not too familiar with it. I will actually have to check it out and do some investigating. Thanks for alerting me to it. Lots of new companies in the past year.

[@williamjohnson4311]

Dicks usually puts their kayaks on sale for about $50 cheaper than what they are now. I bought 2 Chute paddles for $30 each last year. I'm pretty sure Field and Stream kayaks are made by Feel free with a cheaper grade plastic.

[@techzombiechannel]

Awesome video. Love this! I also watched your Bass Pro kayaks walkthrough. I agree with your choice for kayak and recommendations. Those kayaks should be great for the money! I like how honest you are. You don’t just say nice things about every brand and model. That is why I’ve been long time subscriber.

[@Dirtwhistlegristle]

Appreciate the video. My buddy and I are going to get into the hobby and are currently gauging what the best kayak is for us here in Missouri. I’m 6’3 260 and would haul on a Toyota Corolla so I am kind of limited I feel like. I saw one in your video that interested me a lot, that I have not seen on the internet or on Dicks website! Looking forward to buying one of these and getting in the water!

[@KayakDIY]

I would go with the little bit longer Perception Access 11.5 based on your height and weight. Just because a kayak is rated for your weight doesn’t mean you want to load the kayak to that weight. The closer you get to the weight capacity the less stable and poorer performance. Another paddle craft to consider are the inflatable paddleboards. Some have seats like a kayak. They hold a lot of weight and are easy to transport. They are also very durable. I have tan them over with my truck to prove durability. The Perception access 9.5 is nice, but based on your height and weight I think you will not enjoy it. Im 6ft 2in and 210lbs. It was ok to paddle for me, but I believe much more weight and I wouldn’t have enjoyed myself much.

[@LarryTalbot_1313]

I wonder if the person at the register thought, "this guy's a newbie buying his first kayak?" If they only knew!!! That looks like a great kayak for rental and its good that you avoided sit inside's because sometimes newbies get too cocky and might swamp it. Definitely not a good scenario.

[@KayakDIY]

Haha...I agree. The folks at Bass Pro know me very well, but I don’t go to Dicks Sporting Goods as much. This was a really large store with two floors. I banned Dicks Sporting Goods for quite some time due to their rather anti-2nd amendment policies which were ridiculous. Hadn’t been there in what feels like years. However, I really was interested in a few brands/models that were primarily carried there....So I’m giving them a chance at some of my business. I will be watching them closely though and how they continue to treat outdoorsmen in the hunting industry. If they continue to add further ridiculous anti-2nd amendment policies I will stop purchasing from them and no longer recommend them for any business. At moment I am happy and feel I made a purchase that made sense for me. It will get folks visiting Florida on the water affordably and that is what matter to me right now. 🙂

[@LarryTalbot_1313]

@@KayakDIY I totally understand the boycott of Dicks. I don't understand the banning of guns anyway. That's like closing the barn door after all the animals escaped. If criminals, shooters, disgruntled students, etc. want one, there are literally millions of them out there and the right price can buy anything. That's the one thing the govt. Doesn't seem to understand and probably never will. Keeping them out of the hands of good people only puts a target on everyone. It makes no sense at all. Places like Dick's should know better! I don't own any "big scary" guns, but I like to think if I wanted one, I could just fill out some govt. red tape forms and buy one.

[@richyoung4051]

@@LarryTalbot_1313 it doesnt matter if theres no guns. its called molitovs, pipebombs, knifes, etc. guns are only one of the hundreds of ways to kill people. hell, the might as well make us chop our hands off cuz ya know, we can use them to strangle people to death. its a lust for power and control with our fucked up sick evil government

[@coachd3666]

I found 2 kayaks from Dicks online for 50% off the field and stream 80 for my son $115 and the Seaflo 9ft for me $180 both both paddles were $25. I'm very happy going to morro bay tomorrow to try them there.

[@cachief]

What did you think?

[@OldLadyAngler]

Love the light weight on the Pelicans.

[@KayakDIY]

Me too. Hard to beat them for convenience and quickly being on the water. Effortless to transport. Also really affordable.

[@patriotrob7066]

Imo the pelican mustang 120 x is the best kayak for the $ bought two yesterday ! I was surprised there was any left... thanks Dunham's your prices are un beatable under 300 for a pelican mustang!!!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@KayakDIY]

I agree, but for beginners or for my start up kayak rentals business I needed SOT (sit-on-top) kayaks. Also here in Florida SOT kayaks are just more common. Most of the people here launch kayaks from high seawalls and docks so SOTs are easier. That can be a challenge to do from a sit in. Flipping the mustang 120x would result in water filling hull which is a liability for me renting kayaks. So to me the Perception Access series was the best all around kayak for durability, stability, price. The speed/tracking performance is going to be better on the mustang 120x than the access. Sit inside kayaks to me are always faster. Scuppers slow down kayaks a lot. Now I have transitioned our kayak rental fleet over to FeelFree Nomads, Juntos, Mokens, and Geminis. I hope Dicks Sporting keeps carrying Perception kayaks. I think they are made the best for the money. The Rambler 135 is a great deal for a tandem. Likely will buy more of those. Got a few in my rental fleet already.

[@jesseyoung8721]

Just picked up a vibe skipjack 90 from Dicks, that was like finding a needle in a haystack.

[@EthanPriceOutdoors]

Awesome Video

[@KayakDIY]

Thanks! It was kinda an unplanned vid, but thought it could benefit some folks. Also folks seemed to have liked my Bass Pro Store kayak walkthrough vid. 🙂

[@gsp49]

They cost only half as much at Tractor Supply, for the same boat. Cheaper than Walmart.

[@KayakDIY]

Great tip! Do they have the longer 11.5 Access? That is my favorite budget rental boat. It is dang near indestructible, but paddles decent.

[@OldLadyAngler]

I think you made a good purchase

[@just-dl]

I prefer the sit inside kayaks, or, as I like to call them to annoy my sit-on-top-kayaking friends, "REAL" kayaks! ;-) (just kidding, guys! don't feed me to the gators!) Seriously, I like "wearing" a kayak, with multiple points of contact with the 'yak to really twist and turn. I'm not good at it. I'm certainly no expert. But, it's the flavor I enjoy! You've covered a really good selection of the $200-550 market. I'm still on my first (in terms of ownership)...an inflatable tandem, which I want to keep forever for it's portability. It's also a good extra, for dragging unsuspecting friends along. If you have a good source for them, the inflatables tend to be good for fishing as they are typically flatter, wider and with thicker edges, way more stable and dry than just about anything else. There is, of course, the issue of "hooks" and "inflatable." I'll leave that for smarter people to sort out. I'm looking for my second kayak, and I'm thinking about a Feel Free or Riot (sit-insides, 12-13' long; bulkhead compartments with hatches, retractable skeg). This is more of the $600-1000 segment. May you could keep a few of those in the back for your better behaved, frequent rental customers! Anyway, I really appreciate you're going through to give a good comparison, in terms of weight and capacity on each of these. I'm liking the field and stream models for my daughter. Blade 97 is what I want to get her right now. She wants a whitewater yak, of course. Yikes. I'm just rambling now. But, wanted to say I appreciated your effort on this. All the best.

[@KayakDIY]

Definitely would love to provide sit inside kayaks for rental customers. Only problem is they have to lower kayaks over a dock/seawall and get inside which requires more stability and could be unforgiving. I mostly rent to people vacationing at canal homes. So they are launching kayaks over a drop off seawall/dock. It would be hard for many to get into a sit inside and would be a liability nightmare. I otherwise like sit inside kayaks for their ease in paddling….scuppers on SOTs create a lot of drag. I buy a lot of kayaks used too. Amazing what Facebook marketplace has for deals sometimes. I have bought 6 kayaks in 2 weeks. I never lose money buying kayaks used. That is where I would look. Just target name brands. You can replace worn out hardware cheap. Also, I’m getting an inflatable tandem kayak/canoe from Aquamarina called the Thomahawk Air-C. Pretty stoked. Dropstiched inflatables are pretty robust. Inflatable crafts have actually been what excite me most over the last 2yrs.

[@just-dl]

@@KayakDIY you’ve got this! Love the business model. And, yeah, without a standard ramp launch, getting in would be dicey. Cool plan. Love my inflatable for casual play but looking forward to jumping into the faster end of the game. I’m hoping to do overnight trips next summer.

[@fearplug6027]

any advice on a good one for calm waters and occasional rapids

[@The66Leadfoot]

Yes try the Access 11.5. For bigger rapids, try the Perception Tribe 11.5.

[@WaynJul]

I like the Perception/Wilderness bottom kayaks. But the shorter ones seem to track lousy. Your customers should be happy.

[@KayakDIY]

Yeah...the kayaks should be fine for the mangroves and typical renter use. Not to mention renters should like that I’m renting them for about half the price of all other kayak rentals in the area. Trying to get folks enjoying the water affordably. If I could afford to do free rentals I would. Just not in the cards yet. 😉

[@marlon5656]

Hello. I’m new at kayaking and I have a wilderness tarpon 120. I’m 6’3” 350. The site for the kayak says it holds 400 or 450 I can’t remember. Thing is I got on it and working 3 minutes I flipped. When I have my legs inside to maintain balance is hard but if I leave my feet outside the kayak I’m good. Any advice?

[@KayakDIY]

Keep practicing your balance. Also consider adding Yak-Gear stabilizer outrigger kit. Might give you extra help when you lose balance.

[@VictorGarcia-op2kf]

sir can you do a review on one of those field and stream eagle talon 120

[@KayakDIY]

If I see an opportunity I will definitely try one out. 😊 Based on hull design it doesn’t look like it would be too bad to paddle. It should also be reasonably stable. Just depends on your preference of deck layout and features.

[@mrmidnight32]

Boss 12 or the Tamerack Angler Pro?

[@KayakDIY]

Definitely the Boss 12! Way better.

[@integraellie]

What’s your rental website, in case I’m ever in Florida

[@KayakDIY]

It is called: www.GrabNGoKayaks.com Im still working on designing the website fully. We have the lowest priced rentals in the whole SW Florida gulf area from what I can see. Possibly will offer special crazy low deals for folks that can prove they are long time subscribers or who have any of our KayakDIY channel merch. I always support and will continue to help out those who have supported me. As the channel grows I hope to offer more. Just doing what I can afford. Who knows if you visit I might just go out kayak fishing with you if you want the company. 🙂👍

[@integraellie]

KayakDIY 👍if I know of anyone going over too I’ll tell them about you too

[@miamiwax5504]

Do you know anywhere in florida you can try out a kayak before you buy?

[@KayakDIY]

Estero River Outfitters is one I know of. Most kayak shops that have rentals have try before you buy. Nautical ventures is nice place to check our as well.

[@KayakDIY]

If you see a kayak I have and are in the SWFL area I would be ok letting you try it out. I’m just not a dealer so you would have to buy somewhere else.

[@miamiwax5504]

@@KayakDIY I appreciate that. Wont be in sw any time soon tho. Its amazing how little kayaking goes on in miami. I actually got kicked out of a park last week for launching. Very curious to try out some sort of pedal kayak. Many thanks for response.

[@rayliberatore1463]

Ray from Dick’s Sporting Goods here,like your video’s.Keep up the good work!!!!

[@KayakDIY]

You are awesome Ray! Great to talk to a fellow kayaker & angler! Always nice when a store employs people who know the industry. Btw I am filling out the survey today and will give you guys a great review!

[@rayliberatore1463]

KayakDIY Thanks, I need good surveys and I am happy to hook up our customers with you very informative video’s.

[@rayliberatore1463]

Find me and friend me on Facebook and I will do my best to hook you up with other folks that I meet through Dick’s

[@M5guitar1]

Prices have increase a lot in 3 years. Service at the Dicks in Cerritos California is horrible. I may look elsewhere

[@XAGR-hn3qt]

What is safer ,sit in or sit on top?

[@KayakDIY]

On average for newer paddlers the sit on tops are safer. If water comes over the bow it runs out. On sit inside kayaks if a wave swamps you then you can’t easily get water out. With every kayak you need to train for flipping and re-entry.

[@XAGR-hn3qt]

KayakDIY I see , thanks I want to get my first kayak but it’s a bit intimidating 😅 definitely subscribing,it’s amazing how much information is available today thanks to people like you , thanks 🤙🏼

[@dieseldick1264]

MATLACHA?

[@KayakDIY]

Yeah! I go there a lot to paddle and fish around the mangroves. My in-laws live there and I live right in Cape Coral. 🙂

[@letsroll03]

Pelican 120 is not 375.

[@johnnyc5355]

Which dicks location is this? Because they actually have varieties of them to choose. .