Just wanted to say thanks. Bought one a year ago based on your review and love it to bits. Even bought a second one this year for my partner which also gets used by my friends when we go out and they also love it.
@PaddleGuy12 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for the reply and really happy to hear that!
@3000KTM5 жыл бұрын
one of the best presented reviews ive seen
@PaddleGuy15 жыл бұрын
That's a mighty fine standard to be compared to - thanks a bunch..took me a long time to put together so very happy its got the tick...this one is the best tick though thanks
@eduardosanchez7827 Жыл бұрын
I’m sold! great review! I’ve been looking for a nice fast/stable kayak with no pedals/motors . Nowdays it’s hard because the market moves towards motorized:pedal kayaks
@danieleealessandra5 жыл бұрын
I really believe it is the best review of the Reload by today!!
@gw67974 жыл бұрын
I've been looking to change fishing Kayaks and this has been one of the most informative and well put together reviews I've seen for any product Thanks Graeme
@PaddleGuy14 жыл бұрын
Awesome ! thanks for the feedback and glad to hear it helped .. let me know of you get one and what you think of it
@gw67974 жыл бұрын
@@PaddleGuy1 I will but will have to work a lot of overtime lol
@gaycha65894 жыл бұрын
Great review. Very informative thanks. Thinking of one of these for UK summer coastal fishing.
@PaddleGuy14 жыл бұрын
Thank you - you will love it
@alanreynolds88435 жыл бұрын
Great review as usual . Just bought a profish reload 6 weeks ago. Kayak No 4 . The review confirms ive got the right yak this time .
@PaddleGuy15 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate - so good to hear
@sean194 жыл бұрын
Definitely thinking of upgrading to one of these . They look the nuts .
@samnoon87283 жыл бұрын
Awesome review. Thanks for sharing.
@PaddleGuy13 жыл бұрын
your welcome - thanks for the comment
@samshepherd39594 жыл бұрын
Awesome review I have and love the 440 platform but yourv covered details very well nice setup
@sean194 жыл бұрын
Looks a great all rounder.
@mr.italia3220 күн бұрын
Ciao. Complimenti per il video con molte spiegazioni. Mi hai quasi convinto ad acquistarlo. Anche se in Italia precisamente in Sicilia dove vivo, non trovo un rivenditore di Viking.
@jualmad215 жыл бұрын
Excellent Jason. Greetings from Florida!
@PaddleGuy15 жыл бұрын
Thanks bud...Great to meet 💪
@frankmolina94075 жыл бұрын
Awesome review mate. Would be handy to get a in depth review on the profish 400 as a comparison.
@PaddleGuy15 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate - good idea - I will look into doing just that for you soon
@stephenjackson18285 жыл бұрын
Mine is winging its way from NZ now pick it up at the end of the month! Can’t flippin wait!
@PaddleGuy15 жыл бұрын
Congrats 👌 sure you will be a very happy angler and paddler
@stephenjackson18285 жыл бұрын
Paddle Guy I’m sure I will be! I live 300 yards from the river Teign in Devon UK 4 mile paddle down river and I’m out to sea!! These review vids are priceless! Keep it up fella!
@PaddleGuy15 жыл бұрын
@@stephenjackson1828that's a journey worth taking ..thanks for the feedback
@martymonsterfishing5 жыл бұрын
Great review Jason. Can you make a video of what they are like to car top/load and whether they are suited to upright or upside down transporting. My old prowler was a pain to load upright onto cradles. Thanks.
@PaddleGuy15 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate / yeh I can do that - I transport mine upside down. Here's a video that may also help kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2SQoouhbZ57jMU
@maldrury83135 жыл бұрын
I have the Profish GT which is transported on a Toyota Camry sedan. The GT has a very flat bottom so I find it OK to transport right side up. I just place a large drop sheet on the boot and rear windscreen, lift the front onto the boot then slide the hull on the drop sheet on to the roof rack. Very easy with the light weight of the GT which was one reason I wanted this kayak. Easy to load with the Rack N Roll side load rack too.
@perryjohnson17015 жыл бұрын
Love your surf launch & landing footage
@PaddleGuy15 жыл бұрын
Perry Johnson Thanks mate
@NautiFish15 жыл бұрын
Such an ideal kayak!! I will buy one by next year!!
@PaddleGuy15 жыл бұрын
You will love it 👌
@paultaylor38564 жыл бұрын
Ive had fibre glass kayaks but plastic is so care free, awesome review.
@PaddleGuy14 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate - yes and I am pretty rough with my yaks so need that bombproof factor...a little less weight would be ideal as the bones and muscles get a little older but for now its perfect for the needs
@oncewerejedi5 жыл бұрын
Great Review Jason!
@PaddleGuy15 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate
@archiebob115 жыл бұрын
Fantastic review, thank you. Could quite well be my next kayak 👍
@PaddleGuy14 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate -- hope you get one you'll love it
@BarefootAngler5 жыл бұрын
Fantastic review mate and can’t wait for the surf guide 🍻🎣😁
@PaddleGuy15 жыл бұрын
Barefoot Angler thanks mate
@turboduckhead61792 жыл бұрын
I definitely want a Viking Kayak
@Jake-ky9ed5 жыл бұрын
Great review, love the pod
@PaddleGuy15 жыл бұрын
Thanks - yeh that’s such a clever system 👌
@PaddleGuy15 жыл бұрын
bloody good idea isn't it ! thanks
@grunter13895 жыл бұрын
Waiting for the vid on the carbon fibre model ... With baited breath !!
@PaddleGuy15 жыл бұрын
Me too ! They launched it in NZ with little notice to me here in AU. Early days so I doubt I will see one for a few months. 21kgs is very very appealing
@WildLifeWale2 жыл бұрын
Great video and information. You all really do make great Yaks down there. I'm looking for a new offshore yak currently. I'm torn between Viking and Stealth. How do they compare in your experiences?
@fatchili742410 ай бұрын
Just bought a used Viking Reload, where can I get the "little grey toggles" mentioned at 8.40 ? Chuurs Bro 😜
@vinniesdayoff39685 жыл бұрын
Excellent review. Did you ever paddle an Ocean kayak Scupper pro or an RTM Tempo kayak? Would you know how a Viking Reload would compare to them?
@PaddleGuy15 жыл бұрын
Thanks and yes I certainly have paddled the scupper pro / dive pro back when it was the original rec kayak modified into a fishing kayak, I worked for ocean kayak at the time for 3 years when they introduced the prowler 13 & 4.5 ... Reload has some similarities to the scupper pro as it’s design was influenced heavily by Stephen Tapp who was the pioneer for ocean kayak and kayak fishing, he started in the scupper dive pro after the Perception swing. A lot of those features have crossed over into the Reload however the scupper pro whilst a very sleek and stable yak for up to 90kg paddler it was not ideal for bigger paddlers so the Reload is a compromise by comparison - at 80kgs the scupper pro was perfect for me, loved the width for less drag and the deep snug seat for responsiveness. Hope that answers the question in a round about way
@vinniesdayoff39685 жыл бұрын
@@PaddleGuy1 That answers it perfectly! I have an RTM Tempo which is a clone of the Scupper pro and I was looking at the Reload wondering if I should treat myself and wondering if it would be better or worse. Thanks for replying
@MrKnuckles89784 жыл бұрын
Awesome vid, subbed!
@fishnbits22265 жыл бұрын
Solid review, but what's one thing you'd change on the reload? I've got 800km on my GT and all I'd love is an extra few cm behind the seat to fit a couple of starports. I've got them in there, but it's a reeeaaal squeeze.
@PaddleGuy15 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate: For me it would be weight, the launch of the carbon reload at 21kgs could just sort that out. I have a GT also and I have the same issue, work around was some star ports fitted on the rear sides, not perfect but good work around.
@Timmature3 жыл бұрын
Love this review! I'm looking at a viking kayak (not sure which model yet but mostly fishing around Moreton Bay). How would you say the style of seat in Viking kayaks compares to the 'stadium' style seating. Asking as a few of the kayak stores I've been to say stadium is way more comfy - although I'm conscious they usually try and push the cheaper kayaks at the same time.
@PaddleGuy13 жыл бұрын
Thanks Tim. In the right kayak the non stadium seat is as comfy. Many things to point out here that those sales people are not taking into account if that comment is related to the Viking Reload. The reload is designed in every way for comfort and stability offshore no matter the conditions. The low set moulded cockpit and seat area is designed to enhance and support the seat when added. Kayaks that come with a high stadium style seat need to be wider to accommodate the higher centre of gravity and for that you lose performance. If you a break or bass fisherman who’s spending hours casting and doing far less padding then a wider kayak with a stadium seat is going to be comfortable- if your padding and exploring bigger ground then a kayak with more performance is of greater benefit and the seat position will complement that paddling movement. It’s all compromise at the end of the day no kayak is perfect for all so find the least compromise for your needs. I don’t use a seat at all, just the foam cushion as there is enough support in the moulded seat
@jerry-3815 жыл бұрын
Great video!
@PaddleGuy15 жыл бұрын
thanks mate
@PelagicChaser3 жыл бұрын
Hey Jason, when we are getting the new 21kg Profish Reload in Australia?
@NautiFish15 жыл бұрын
Would be cool to see a pedal option for it
@teheitiliauzun24164 жыл бұрын
Hey thanks for that awesome review!! Ive been using the RTM disco but im looking for an upgrade. Ive been using the RTM Disco wish is nice for speed and long distances and downwind as i troll a lot but its not very stable. Do you have any idea how it would compare for speed? Would you have any paddle to recommend for long distances and power/speed?
@PaddleGuy14 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and happy to help - I know the Disco and its a fun boat to play in the surf but not so much a fishing kayak for the reason you are already aware. The Profish Reload is much more suited and you will be surprised to note that it is fairly comparable to the disco by way of performance, poss not as agile given the disco has a lot of rocker bow and stern but near enough that you can still have some fun in it without feeling like your in a barge. Log distance and downwind you will still enjoy. as far as a paddle goes that's really a personal preference which is often motivated by budget and availability - these days to conserve energy I prefer a lower angle blade with bent shaft - carbon or glass. the reload is heavy so over powering with bigger blade is not ness an advantage over bigger distances unless of course you are trying to increase power more then increase endurance. whence I prefer a low angle blade which has enough bite when I need it but allows me to drop back a gear or 2 when covering bigger distances - hope that makes sense
@teheitiliauzun24164 жыл бұрын
@@PaddleGuy1 thanks for your answer! I will save up and upgrade as soon as i can :)
@paultaylor38564 жыл бұрын
Great review. But a bit of a hassle stripping your reels from your rods. What about using a sealed reel like the Penn spinfisher series? Regards, PT.
@PaddleGuy14 жыл бұрын
Not such an issue only takes 10mins and all pretty easy to reach as reels are on the pod or behind me- leave 10mins earlier if it’s cutting into the bite time. Other alternative is to leave reels on and cover them with plastic bags sealed (99%) using rubber bands. Then if you have run the line through the guides prior you just add your tackle once out back.
@dylanlockhart45304 жыл бұрын
Hey mate, love the video. I'm currently looking at buying a kayak and this one is very tempting. I want a kayak that's good for fishing, but also is able to go on some longer expeditions/touring. I'm also living on the Sunshine Coast, so while I'm here I will be looking to take it out to Moreton and Stradbroke or Fraser for anywhere between 3 days - 1 week/2 week trips and hopefully one day much more extended trips somewhere around Australia. My question: how do you think this kayak would hold up for longer trips with days of 40km+? Do I need to be getting a sit in- touring kayak? Thanks!
@dylanlockhart45304 жыл бұрын
Though, 40kms would certainly be an oddity. Probably 20-30 would be the more likely when taking on expeditions
@PaddleGuy14 жыл бұрын
@@dylanlockhart4530 Hi mate thanks for the message - not going to lie as an avid sea kayaker and ex sea kayak guide a sit inside will certainly be a more enjoyable experience for you in the touring aspect and you can certainly fish from the right hull without too much compromise. Fishing from a sea kayak, is another conversation all together but I will leave it at it can be done with some compromise and a good amount of experience. Now for this kayaking that application Yes it can certainly do all you are thinking. Has the payload to carry all the gear you could need for such a trip without compromising its stability. As far as those distances of up to 40km again yes sure if you fit for it and the weather and currents are favourable I cannot see a problem - On a good day trolling for Spanish and chasing tuna over a 6hr ish period I can easily get to 20kms overall...if I were pacing it at a rising speed of say 5km hr and starting very early id be comfortable doing multi day trips of up to 30kms ... would poss even consider a sail for a trip like that and plan it around afternoon tail winds. Hope that helps - take one for a paddle sometime - welcome to loan mine as with my shoulder I am presently only using the Hobie till surgery is done and I have recovered so the reload is just sitting out in the yard and in need of some watertime - message or call anytime 0424997727
@dylanlockhart45304 жыл бұрын
@@PaddleGuy1 This is such an awesome reply. Thanks so much. I ended up getting the reload. See you out there sometime hopefully. Keep an eye out for a blue and black reload
@PaddleGuy14 жыл бұрын
Dylan Lockhart awesome great to hear mate - I missed a call from you and apologies for not calling back straight away - days turned into over a week so fast!! Text me again so I have your number - keen to join you soon (i am off the water for the next couple of weeks with a big backlog of work)
@Bloomerist854 жыл бұрын
What material did you line the inside of your tackle pod with, to keep it waterproof?
@PaddleGuy14 жыл бұрын
Just some foam strips from local hardware - stuff people use to seal off drafts in doors and windows. Used a contact adhesive to stick it.
@justinhayes74 жыл бұрын
I fish in the Florida Keys. Can the interior of these boats be accessed to add things like rails and anchor trollies? Stationary fishing is still high on the list.
@PaddleGuy14 жыл бұрын
They have brass inserts on both sides bow and stern for the running rig so no need to drill into it. as far as Rails (assume you mean track?) the surface on this yak makes it tricky to fit track..what would you need the track for? answering your first question - yes internal access through front hatch - no other internal access other then that - way around that is use rubber well nuts if you think 14g self tappers into 4mm ish plastic wont be strong enough for the task... I would be surprised if your using it in more extreme conditions then the guys in NZ where self tapping screws suffice.
@jettonogbanua3 жыл бұрын
Have you got a tandem/double kayak that unwould recommend? I want an entry level kayak that i could later upgrade to fit in gears
@PaddleGuy13 жыл бұрын
I see you found my review of the 2+1 - that is the one or similar I would have recommended -
@luischavez25955 жыл бұрын
What are the grey toggles you use in the front bungee? I would like to add some to my reload as well! Thank you!
@PaddleGuy15 жыл бұрын
its called a Deck Line Ball - can buy from here if in NZ otherwise search your local kayak shops - www.vikingkayaks.co.nz/shop/accessories/parts+%26+hardware/deck+line+ball+7762
@Alexxx---1014 жыл бұрын
Wait you said it comes with a back rest?? I just bought one of these and they charged me extra for a seat.
@mellowfellow1003 жыл бұрын
Hi bud just waiting on my Viking reload being delivered I’m currently looking for a fish finder with triple shot transducer but the lowrance transducer seems very big for the tackle pod do you have any recommendations ?
@PaddleGuy13 жыл бұрын
I have the triple shot in mone you just need to put it in reverse otherwise it won't fit (flip left and right in the settings so it reads accurately) - the risk is the transducer is always exposed that's all so take care on beach landings where there are rocks, I just step out and take the pod pin out before dragging it up the beach
@mellowfellow1003 жыл бұрын
@@PaddleGuy1 ok appreciate the feed back think I might just order the Garmin striker plus 7 Sv .love yer videos man watching from Scotland 👍👍
@robertopellegrini53095 жыл бұрын
I bought profish reload a year ago...still trying to figure out how to install side scan transducer....if it s really worthy ....and if it s going to be difficult to Lounch the kayak in and out of the water...thanx from Italy, Florence
@PaddleGuy15 жыл бұрын
Yes launching and landing you will have to take a little more care. Just step out of the kayak prior to landing on the beach and lift the front handle of the kayak and it will be protected. I have the Lowrance Total scan transducer which has to be fitted in backwards to allow the pod to drop in and out ( just change left and right settings to make it read normal) hope that helps
@robertopellegrini53095 жыл бұрын
@@PaddleGuy1 Thank u...
@zloi-vlad42344 жыл бұрын
Supper kayak
@coryjkerr2 жыл бұрын
I find the cutout for attachment of a backrest digs into me if I paddle without a backrest. Does this bother you? Or have you got a bit of foam or something to fill that cut out?
@PaddleGuy12 жыл бұрын
Don’t even notice it - perhaps you fill the seat area more then me (i am 80kgs, 5’10) so packing it out with foam might help. I simply only use the foam seat pad.
@coryjkerr2 жыл бұрын
I’m 95kgs and 6 foot definitely fill the seat out a bit more 🤣 I’ll try packing it out with a piece of foam because I really like the idea of keeping it simple. Love the videos mate. Learnt a lot from them!
@jetapneiste3 жыл бұрын
le meilleur kayak de pêche.
@Alexxx---1014 жыл бұрын
I want one!
@allenyoung34832 жыл бұрын
Is putting the FF& transducer on the tackle pod easy?
@PaddleGuy12 жыл бұрын
very easy when using the transducer kit from Viking
@allenyoung34832 жыл бұрын
@@PaddleGuy1 Thanks!
@Alexxx---1014 жыл бұрын
I want to buy one of these but I've heard that the Viking kayaks are made from thin plastic compared to the Ocean Kayaks and Wilderness ect. Plus the 30 year warranty is only valid if you live in New Zealand so no use to me in the UK. In reality I would get a 12 month warranty. Are Viking kayaks easily repairable ? Can you plastic weld these with HDPE plastic?????
@PaddleGuy14 жыл бұрын
Not sure what the warranty is overseas but I do know the owner stands by the product 100% so if its a manufacturing issue then you have nothing to worry about. Regarding the plastic I have worked with Ocean kayak when made in NZ and can tell you its the same plastic as they used and made just as thick. I can only assume your source of intel is from the earlier profish 400 lite models which were made lighter using a higher grade of polyethlene which yes had a little more flex but was far stronger then the un educated gave it a chance for as they were so used to heavy chunks of plastic they could not see past the point of lighter and flex...ABS plastic has far more flex then this version ever had. Anyway due to mis information they just got sick of trying to educate and went back to heavy version. I personally loved the vacuum formed kayaks I used for years and you simply just take a little more care with transport and storage. Hope that has helped and good you asked for more clarification as its sounds like your sources of info have not done alot of research. The plastic issue I can assure you is false...the warranty one in your part of the world would be best to double check with Viking or a dealer as I am not 100% on that one.
@Alexxx---1014 жыл бұрын
@@PaddleGuy1 Hi, thanks for the reply. I read it in a discussion about Viking Kayaks on a fishing forum. I will copy and paste your answer and add it if that's ok. What about repairing the Viking kayaks ? You say its the same plastic as Ocean Kayaks - Does that mean you can plastic weld any damage/scratches you get? 100%? Cheers
@PaddleGuy14 жыл бұрын
Alex Doe yes any plastic welder can work with the material as its nothing different other then perhaps the better UV stabilisers... same as most other plastic kayaks, dealers might even have some offcuts from viking that you can use for repairs. I personally don't bother welding scratches but if you run it up on sharp rocks or shells like oysters and gouge it deep then certainly patch it if concerned - In 15 years with plastic kayaks I have seldom needed to weld them, if I want to make the scratches look better when selling a kayak I generally just run a flame torch over the scratches which cleans up the look and feel of the edges of each scratch...same for any brand of polyethlene kayak (would not do this with ABS unless you know what your doing as they melt ! Learnt that the hard way 😁) - as far as sharing it in the forum thats entirely up to you, i suspect it wont help change their opinions but will waste more of your time in replies - opinions and egos can be fragile things to mess with in a written forum, if someone with a little bit too much ego feels their opinion is being challenged they will go all out to stay on top even if they are wrong...my experience with forums suggests that is what you will come up against...anglers afloat in years gone by was prob one of the worst for egos and time wasters. I just have better things to do with my time then try and prove a point with words...whence video is a better way to express and show what can be done...go get your hands on a reload for a demo, you will make your own opinion from there.
@Alexxx---1014 жыл бұрын
@@PaddleGuy1 Thanks for clearing that up for me - I'm selling my Ocean Kayak Big Game which is a absolute tank but its really old now. Its time to upgrade but there's no distributor in the UK for Ocean Kayaks anymore. I'm a bit hesitant in trying another brand but I do like the look of the Viking profish Reload Railblaza. I'm probably going to buy one soon but will wait until the winter and get a deal. Thanks for your help.
@PaddleGuy14 жыл бұрын
@@Alexxx---101 If you have had any experience with the kayak the was called the Ocean Kayak Prowler 4.5 then you can safely say the reload is much the same feel but with a better cockpit layout. Big Game, by comparison, is a chunky un responsive kayak much like the kayak that superseded the prowlers call the trident.. they changed the seat position to sit higher which made it a totally different feel which I never liked in the rougher water..at least with the Big game them also made it wider which made more sense when your sitting higher and it gets rough. Ocean Kayak NZ and France shut down factories much the same time and all manufacturing went back to USA...shame the did not pick up a distributor in the UK as the Old Town range, in particular, has some models that would have suited your market. Oh well leaves more sales for the others. Good luck
@darrylwoodward4155 жыл бұрын
You made the tackle box water sealed ?
@PaddleGuy15 жыл бұрын
yes as per the video using rubber around the lid - also adding straps to pull it down onto the rubber seal
@darrylwoodward4155 жыл бұрын
@@PaddleGuy1 thanks mate
@dalestephenson87694 жыл бұрын
Is the reload available in south africa?
@PaddleGuy14 жыл бұрын
not that I am aware of - freight from NZ to SA prob prohibitive for a retailer
@dalestephenson87694 жыл бұрын
@@PaddleGuy1 such a brilliant kayak, I love the storage. Wondering if I can take one back from NZ in my hand luggage 😂
@PaddleGuy14 жыл бұрын
@@dalestephenson8769
@gw67974 жыл бұрын
And subscribed!
@sebastianrafiq41075 жыл бұрын
Muito bom 👍
@gavinnz61695 жыл бұрын
Gonna get me one chur
@kevinstorm21675 жыл бұрын
World Wide except in the USA!
@PaddleGuy15 жыл бұрын
you will find the USA distributors info here www.vikingkayaksusa.com/
@erikfri8982 жыл бұрын
nice kaysk but this is not ta fishing kayak. kayak without a place to store the fish. the zipper bag behind your back is a bad design hardly reachable almost impossible to store midium fish. large fish is impossible. why not a hatch in the cocpit betwin your legs that you can throw in the catch??
@damkayaker2 жыл бұрын
Too bad the global warming freaks have declared war on petroleum products. I read about the fire in Matamata. A big retailer (ACK) in the U.S. closed this past new years, the main store in Austin, TX and 5 others. Hold on to your kayaks if you got 'em!