Hoodoo Tempest 120P Budget Kayak Review

In this video i review my new Hoodoo Tempest 120P kayak. This kayak is a pedal drive kayak for only $1200! I will say without a doubt this is the BEST bang for your buck. Hoodoo did a great job giving a quality product for such a budget friendly price for a pedal kayak. Of course it is not 100% perfect, but the pros definitely out weight the cons. I would recommend this kayak to everyone!

[@Tommy.McLean]

After spending hours fighting the chop today on my Yukon, and now being wicked sore, I'm sold. Thank you.

[@andrewmoe1192]

Your review helped me decide to buy one back in feb. Mine should be here in a few weeks. I got it with the top rudder and the yak power night fishing light kit

[@jeffojeda8821]

I have the same kayak and love it. I’m having issues with peddle drive knocking and grinding but the guys at Hoodoo are helping me out. It was delivery company not Hoodoo. Awesome customer service.

[@rainerdombek7067]

I had a fantastic experience with their customer service as well. Any questions I had, they responded within only a couple hours with an update.

[@jrobles78586]

Great video bro. And thanks for the info. On this particular kayak.. I was about to purchase the pelican catch 120 at acadamy, and then saw this video.. for about the same price as the pelican I got a pedal drive. I purchased it at a store called the fin factory. I am 5' 10" and it's perfect. As far as stability goes I was kayaking in 20 to 25 mph winds and the bay was choppy as hell.. I felt at ease with this kayak. Pedaling against wind and current was great in this thing and was surprised how easy it was to do so. There was water going over the kayak but took out the plugs and the water bailed out immediately. As far as water going into the kayak, it was minimal to none. Pedal drive is solid

[@jrobles78586]

To what other kayak can you compare this to...

[@jonathanlabrador4986]

Great choice. I got the Pelican 110 Hydryve II last year. I wished I would have known about this kayak.

[@melvinsmith4232]

I just pulled the trigger on that same kayak , been debating and researching finally got her done . Can't wait for it to arrive !!! Thanks for the review .

[@outdoorsnotindoors209]

Just bought mine today. Hell yeah. I can’t wait for it. Best deal for pedal.

[@missann171]

How was it??

[@outdoorsnotindoors209]

Miss Ann. I will be getting it on Mar. 25 and I will let you know how it is. Been waiting for two months. I giving up on my Colorado XT inflatable pontoon with the trolling motor after two years. I will cover more water with a pedal drive. Hoodoo is great with their customer service and even the owner Chris can answer your questions. Thanks hoodoo.

[@anthonyvespia6662]

Great video bro! Mine is on the way. Already purchased probably $400 in accessories, lol. But she's my 1st kayak, and this company is growing, CS is amazing. I didn't want a fin drive. I know I'm gonna love this boat. My brother bought the element 100s, and I love that boat. I did purchase a new 2.5 Suzuki, a railblaza side transom, and the Garmin striker FF. Great review. Thanks. Be safe bro. 🎣🤟🙏

[@JPHET37]

I'm 5'5" , Would I be able to reach the pedal drive with my leg. ? Thanks for the video review

[@rainerdombek7067]

Yes, you will reach. The chair screws into a rail on the kayak which allows you to slide the seat forward and backward.

[@CurtCatchemFishing]

Just came across your video researching affordable peddle drive kayaks. Great review! Curious what your thoughts are after having it for awhile, any issues?

[@Rob-mr9xg]

Damn dude you are moving. Also how casually you are talking while moving at that speed shows that it does not require a big effort to go far. That is nice

[@feustond]

They are awesome and make kayaking much more enjoyable. I love mine

[@fraydnot]

Thanks for the video, I just found a new 2023 for 1299. Thinking about getting it

[@GOODINDAWOODS]

As far as the turning wide part, I ordered mine with the blade rudder, I'm hoping that makes a difference with that upgrade. I ordered the same color, I can't wait.

[@rainerdombek7067]

I just saw that they have the blade rudder, and I'm sure it will make a huge difference! I'm looking into it for myself

[@adamreinhart2684]

I did the mod that swaps the cable attachment points to the opposite sides of the rudder around the post. Look for it on youtube. It about doubled the rudder travel

[@anthonyvespia6662]

I have the blade runner drop down rudder. I got my Bixpy j2 for Christmas, which is going on my rudder. The blade rudder is amazing. The only way you would be satisfied with a rudder undetneath, I'd replacing your rudder with the boondox. It's much longer and wider. So it turns on a dine. But on a 12ft kayak the Tempest if you look closely is the identical hull as the Vibe seaghost 130. The Tempest has that big bow hatch, thru hull for electrical, storage, the blade rudder, tracking fin, pre drilled holes for landing gear. And the bow and stern, with a bixpy will hit approx 5 2 mph. I love my blue lagoon, with the odl and rudder mounted bixpy. 👍 🙏

[@jacobfunkhouser6600]

Thanks for posting! Mine should be here sometime soon, I'm a bigger guy, 6'3 about 250. You think itll be comfortable/spacious enough?

[@rainershinefishing3311]

I think the kayak will fit you well. At the time of my purchase, I was 6' and 215 and still had plenty of room. Being able to slide the seat back and forth allows for you to not feel like your knees are in your chest while pedaling. I don't even have my seat all the way back on the rails, so you should have plenty of room!

[@johnnyguerra3754]

I just got mine today. How do you set up the anchor trolly? thanks for the video

[@rainerdombek7067]

I haven't utilized my trolly system yet, but I may make a video on how I will set it up with some stainless steel quick disconnect clips and stuff.

[@capnkente1]

Great vid.......what kind of boat shoes are those?

[@rainershinefishing3311]

Sorry for the late response, these are just cheap 10$ Walmart wet shoes haha

[@anthonyvespia6662]

Hey bro had a question. I recieved my HOODOO TEMPEST 120 PDL. She is beautiful, and everything I expected. I have the blue lagoon. I have so many accessories i've bought, and can't wait to install. I purchased my Garmin striker FF, with the transducer. I purchased 2 Cabela's 12V batteries. One to run my FF, and USB Charger panel, with the volt meter. And the other will be a fully charged spare, in the same DIY Battery box. Just wondering where you put your transducer. I know allot of people make a mold around it, and velcro it inside the bow storage hull. Then add a little saltwater, in the well formed around it. It's like a soft puddy, that forms and hardens, around it. I know key west kayak fishing has his setup like that. He's got a bigger FF but his depth, gps. FF work great on that setup. But the hobie has a spot. I think alot of anglers like it in the hull. Incase of an on the water repair. Be safe bro. Side mount 2.5 Suzuki going on her next season. 🎣🤟🙏

[@rainershinefishing3311]

Hey sorry I'm late getting back to you, I have a suction cup that holds my transducer in place l, but I know people that did the same thing and molded the transducer in the front of the kayak under the front hatch and it worked great. My Garmin came with a suction cup and I just use that for now before I hardwire everything in.

[@craig_g1176]

Now that you have had it for awhile. How is it still holding up? I have read recently that people are having trouble with the rudder steering.

[@rainershinefishing3311]

I have not had any real issues with the rudder system, except that I needed to tight the cables because there was some play in the steering handle. But other than that the kayak performs as should and don't really have any complaints

[@jonathanlabrador4986]

Thank you for the review. Did it come with a paddle?

[@rainershinefishing3311]

Yes it comes with a paddle too

[@renereina8305]

Hi this kayak look amazing for the money. where did you buy , in storage or online ?

[@rainerdombek7067]

You can buy online from hoodoosports.com, or possibly find a kayak store near you that may carry them. Near me, there is a store that sells them, but usually sold out haha.

[@feustond]

Went to get one and they are on back order until mid April 😒

[@jackjohnson1666]

Does the pedal drive come all the way off? I'm gonna put it on top of my suv

[@rainershinefishing3311]

Yes, it detaches from the kayak

[@pendragofan]

you should probably tighten your rudder leads thats why you can make a sharp turn...they come in loose to prevent damage

[@designdoubletap]

Is it normal to get that much water in the kayak? Was looking to get one of these, but that was alot of water

[@rainershinefishing3311]

Sorry for the late response, water does go through the scupper holes around your feet, but the water drains out fast. I fish this kayak short distances in the ocean and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and it's never been a problem. If you are worried about getting wet, naturally your feet tend to stay on the pedals so I'm never really getting wet. I fish it in the winter when water temps are very low.

[@Snoopaloop1981]

How is it comfort wise to old town autopilot. I ask because i want a backup kayak to take my wife or a guest.

[@wlftexas916]

Love my HooDoo!!

[@afreakingplum9315]

I’m 6’6 do you think I would be comfortable with this pedal drive system?

[@chargerfish1]

Kinda sucks that water comes through if you plan on using it when its cold...

[@lornwulf01]

how's the drive holding up?

[@rainerdombek7067]

It has held up great. Probably gone on dozens and dozens of trips since I've bought it, and it is still just as smooth and quiet.

[@lornwulf01]

@@rainerdombek7067 thanks bro, great video btw. hope u make more

[@rainerdombek7067]

Thank you, I really appreciate it. More to come!

[@stephenrobertson2397]

I think the length helps the tracking.

[@rolandmcclendon1394]

Rainershine fishing looking to get a hoodoo pdl drive kayak I'm 6'5" 235 pouds is the 12 foot big enough for me

[@rainershinefishing3311]

So I'm 6ft around 210 lbs or so. The seat screws into the rails on the kayak and allows you to slide the seat forward or back. I typically have the seat set in the middle of the rails. I definitely think you l, being 6'5, would be able to fit no problem because of how far back the seat can slide. I also bring a ton of gear with me adding weight to the kayak and have had no issues. So I think you will be comfortable on the hoodoo.

[@bobgillis2624]

Roland, I’m 6’6” and 290 pounds. I fit with no problem. Surprisingly, I had to scoot my seat forward a little so I could reach the farthest rotation of the pedals. Definitely big enough for you!

[@rolandmcclendon1394]

@@bobgillis2624 thanks Bob

[@elizabethsmiarowski6710]

❤made in TX, USA !

[@TravisDoesKayakFishing]

Thanks for sharing.

[@watchluver]

Does the floor dry out? Or is it always wet?

[@rainershinefishing3311]

Sorry for the late response. Water comes in through the scupper holes but it instantly drains back out. I fish it on the Coastal Beaches along with on the Chesapeake bridge with no issues. If you are worried about getting wet, your feet tend to never leave the pedals. I fish this kayak all through the winter when water temps are very low.

[@skinz1234]

Hey how do you reach stuff behind you in a kayak like that?

[@rainershinefishing3311]

It's not hard. You just reach over as if you are grabbing something from the backseat of your car.

[@fish4fun354]

I thought about getting the Pelican The Catch 110 HyDryve II. But if this is the same price range, gonna be looking into this one.

[@jonathanlabrador4986]

I have a Pelican 110 Hydryve II that I bought in February 2020. It’s a good kayak. I just pulled the trigger on purchasing the Tempest 120P 2 weeks ago. I’m excited to make my first run on this one.

[@J_pearce01]

I’m torn between this kayak and the Seastreak angler 120 PD. I don’t that storage spot in the back. I feel like I’d have to reach a country mile to reach my crate

[@richardhartwick8875]

Mine will be here tomorrow! Of course a cold front blew in....

[@GhostlyShankemz]

Stable enough to stand??

[@rainershinefishing3311]

Yes. I stand on it regularly when sight casting.

[@GhostlyShankemz]

@@rainershinefishing3311 saltwater? Does it handle well?

[@rainershinefishing3311]

@@GhostlyShankemz yes, I really only fish saltwater with this kayak. I was out this morning chasing speckled trout.

[@user-fo2el6jm7n]

How's standing in it?

[@rainershinefishing3311]

I can stand on this fairly easy. I personally have no problem standing and casting.

[@user-fo2el6jm7n]

@@rainershinefishing3311 Cheers!

[@asianangler]

so what are the cons?

[@MBHODNETT2005]

How do u still like yours and is it still holding up

[@rainershinefishing3311]

I still love mine. I really do put a lot of miles on the kayak and it has done everything I need it to do. I do not regret getting it at all, and not looking to replace it either. It has held up in rough conditions and all the abuse I put it through haha. All in all definitely a great bang for your buck for a budget kayak. Only thing I will say though, is if you store your kayak outside like I do. Invest in a tarp, the front hatch isn't a full water proof hatch and during heavy rain a little water will creep in. I got a tarp and that fixed that. Just for your information. I know people have made a rubber gasket to fix that.

[@brianslack7111]

How is it on open ocean water??

[@davidv8229]

That's a crap ton of water in your foot area. Would suck for any kind of winter fishing

[@rainershinefishing3311]

I haven't had a problem and I fish all year around. It personally doesn't bother me, and I never notice a large amount of water that impairs my fishing. But I understand there are much dryer kayaks out there that people prefer.

[@jamesmapoles2163]

Any more footage of this kyak bud? Would be awesome if possible. Thanks

[@rainerdombek7067]

What kind of footage are you looking for? I'll see what I have saved, and if not make a new video

[@jamesmapoles2163]

Any really not much available for this brand and you'd probably get a lot of hits on some. But I've ordered one and enjoy researching or just watching other people enjoying there's to give me ideas or tips.

[@rainerdombek7067]

@@jamesmapoles2163 ok, well I'm planning on posting a video about how to make a cheap fish finder mount for the kayak. If you have a hoodoo it would only cost you about 3$. I will also have some other fishing trips up soon. Thanks for the feedback!

[@jamesmapoles2163]

Yes sir. Man for the price that thing is a beast.

[@Deadward1113]

I live in Cypress.. I kinda wanna give them a shot

[@jeffjacobs2343]

I’ve been looking at them for a awhile now if u later on buy the drop down Rudder u will turn better

[@rainerdombek7067]

Well after dozens of trips (without the drop down rudder) the kayak turns pretty decent. I have gotten use to the kayak and learned how to use it. Although in the future if I do get a drop down rudder, I will make an update video on the difference between stock rudder and the drop down.

[@robertdoyle8972]

if your on land and have the peddle drive up then you can’t open the front hatch all the way and don’t like the rudder system I like going down the river and need to be able to flip the rudder up out of the way when going down the rapids and if it wasn’t for that I would buy one !

[@rainershinefishing3311]

They sell a drop down rudder for this kayak for I believe 60$ just so you know.

[@jrobles78586]

Can you tell me to what other kayak this compare to.

[@rainershinefishing3311]

It has almost the same pedal drive as the native watercraft kayaks which some people consider higher end kayaks.

[@briarfox637]

Thats the same pedal drive on the Native Watercraft yaks just a little different in style

[@ryanlawrence8305]

Would a 6’5 guy be able to use this ?

[@rainershinefishing3311]

The seat is adjustable and slides back pretty far, I have seen someone who is 6'3 pedal comfortably in it, but it also depends on your weight and how much gear you are hauling. If your height is the only issue I would say you should be good, but look up a local kayak store and see if they have one near you to test drive, or go to the hoodoo kayak page on FB and ask if anyone in your area has one to try, many people do this.

[@michaelcipilewski3420]

"There he goes" lmao

[@meep5886]

Still feeling the same?

[@rainershinefishing3311]

This kayak was worth every penny for the price. It is a budget kayak, but it still does it's job and gets fish in the boat!

[@jimschultz9465]

howmuch doesit weigh?

[@rainerdombek7067]

80lbs including pedal drive

[@tbone6924]

on your keyboard, there is a really long key on the bottom...it is called a spacebar. It's very useful I have found.

[@jimschultz9465]

@@tbone6924 I'll bear that in mind. thanks.

[@tbone6924]

@@jimschultz9465 HA...didn't expect a response, but just throwing you some silly shit...no offense intended :)

[@jornelindberg5127]

Was sold until u said water comes up through center

[@JohnTaylor-zy8cm]

Ft Monroe!

[@BassManStrikes]

Looks exactly like the Native propel drive, patent must have expired. Pretty much a Native slayer clone.

[@rainerdombek7067]

I noticed that. But it's like half the price for people on a budget.

[@PSNCraCkBaBy13]

I would love to be able to go out and catch some sea food. I’d be out on the water everyday!!! Jealous.

[@johnpuckett899]

Hey man if you see this please reply if you had it to do again would you got one of them or would you have saved your money and got say a lightning strike kayaker a sheer water

[@rainershinefishing3311]

So a buddy of mine that I fish with all the time has the lightning. Well actually a few people. They do like their kayaks. Honestly though, for the price of the hoodoo, I definitely recommend it. The speed of the pedal drive easily keeps up with any of the other fisherman I'm out with. The pedal drive, unlike some other fin drives allows you to have instant reverse which helps when fishing bridges or in fast currents. This kayak has held up great since I've gotten it. Also, if you prefer fin drive kayaks, hoodoo is releasing the Impulse which will have the fin drive. They are constantly creating new products/upgrades for their kayaks as well. I will be ordering their new blade rudder for my kayak.

[@johnpuckett899]

If you see this please reply where did you get it did you buy it online or did you go to a store and get it I never seen or heard of them before I seen your video today thanks for the reply if I could get one more I would appreciate it

[@rainershinefishing3311]

@@johnpuckett899 sorry for the delayed response, I ordered mine from their website. There are some shops that sell them in store. Not sure of your area, but you could look online to see if anyone has them. Mine was shipped to my door and any questions I had were immediately answered from their customer service.

[@r0meoh0t3l6]

@@rainershinefishing3311 I'm 265lbs, will this kayak hold me and my fishing gear you think?

[@rainershinefishing3311]

@@r0meoh0t3l6 so the weight capacity for this kayak is 350lbs as per the company's website. I know someone who is around 240 and brings all of their gear on and they have no issues.

[@huddyv2219]

I will buy your kayak for a 1000

[@offthegridliving3339]

What is the weight?