Radar 115 & Helix pedal drive

[@ChazCat0]

One of the best walk trough and honest opinion's I have seen yet. Thanks man.

[@32OT491]

WestLikeTheDirection thanks for watching

[@rjohnson5120]

Researching pedal yaks due to old shoulders. Never occurred to me that leg reach could be an issue. Simple solution would be to replace the pedals with thicker ones. Or bolt wood or plastic blocks to one side of the pedal. 3/4” on a bike seat height makes a big difference. Exact same effect if you add to the pedal itself. Thanks for the good review.

[@rickjalbert3504]

Great video. I just bought the Wilderness Radar 115 used. The guy buys a new kayak every year, charged me half price. I took her out twice so far and decided to spend the bucks on the helix pedal drive. I am in half a dozen tournaments in the next few months and love the idea of reverse as well as leaving the drive in or taking it out when I am transporting. Mine is being installed next weekend so after watching your vid totally hyped. Thanks.

[@32OT491]

Rick Jalbert you won’t regret it. That’s the main reason why I went with this one is due to fishing tournaments and if there is any wind it is a pain to fish in a normal paddle kayak. With the pedal drive it makes it so much easier. Enjoy.

[@rickjalbert3504]

@@32OT491 Especially since I am 63 years old not a spring chicken anymore.

[@W4RD1N8ER]

I am strongly looking at a wilderness kayaks for sure!

[@bucktalesoutdoors7566]

Great review, this is probably gonna be my new boat for 2020. Thanks.

[@32OT491]

Thanks, you will definitely love it

[@anthonyreid374]

Great vid! I like the fact you brought the 'short guy' issue. You're actually taller than me and that was the one issue I was concerned with. I attended a demo day yesterday and brought that exact issue up to the sales rep. Enjoy your vids Coy. Good stuff!

[@32OT491]

Anthony Reid thanks, did you end up testing the radar out? If so what did you think

[@anthonyreid374]

MFA Fishing you betcha! I actually own a Radar135. It's an epic boat. The pedal drive is awesome. I've been bassing out of it a few times and hitting the salt this weekend to hunt some lingers. Love my Radar! As I mentioned before though, a couple small changes would make it a bit more short guy friendly.

[@32OT491]

+Anthony Reid I agree on the short guy changes lol, I am loving my radar as well.

[@robbiejohnson3698]

Great video thanks for your review

[@jazztoad54]

Thanks for the review dude! I'm 5' 7" and have a Radar 115 with Helix drive I just bought. Took it out yesterday and quickly found out that pedal kayaks for shorter legged people is just not fair!. I can't reach my tackle or my rods that are attached to my crate. I have to loosen up and slide the seat back and forth to get to my tackle. What a pain. Not sure of the answer. I wanted to see if you still use the Radar and how you deal with reach problem. Thanks for your feedback! Keep the videos coming.

[@32OT491]

Rankin Darby I have the same issue. What I ended up doing is getting 4 ram mount rod tubes and use those right behind me. For a while I actually mounted the black pack right behind me with straps

[@DonnyAngler]

I noticed that as well on every video I've watched so far. They either designed it for someone seven feet tall or made anyone using the PD a secondary thought.

[@FishSCTV]

Love my Radar 115!

[@32OT491]

4_sons_fishing same here, so nice to be able to pedal and fish

[@michaelschaller7572]

Great video and prob one of the more practical and very fast at least the way it lookson cam

[@32OT491]

Michael Schaller I absolutely love this yak. Definitely a game changer especially if you compete highly recommend it

[@EricRomines]

Thanks for the video man! Very informative. I am going to be purchasing a pedal drive Yak soon. Not sure which one to go with.

[@32OT491]

TNBassin' its def a game changer for sure, I couldn't go back just to paddling. For me it was between this and the slayer propel.

[@Kamov66]

got any actual GPS speeds and or comparable speed w just using a paddle? Thanks. I simply want to tour and really wish wilderness systems would make a NON-Fishing yack built for speed that was reasonably stable..lol I am a cyclist and a kayaker/ own several tarpons. both 16'. I like sit on tops as they are just more comfortable am interested in the ped drive if its faster.

[@harahara10]

Thanks for the video. Do you still remember where you found the anchor trolley bracket idea for the transducer installation?

[@32OT491]

harahara10 sure do, here is the link www.austinkayak.com/products/19083/YakAttack-Leverloc-Anchor-Trolley-HD-Heavy-Duty.html?Shopping:%2520ACK%2520PLA&adpos=1o5&scid=scplp19083_16297_1&sc_intid=19083_16297_1&gclid=CjwKCAjwkYDbBRB6EiwAR0T_-rItapXY03ERUC_0toEUSRjl2qRWsTQxAv9HLU4zmV7mymjNFnuDLxoC0kcQAvD_BwE The 2 long pieces is what I used to get the total scan transducer lower to the water and then you can use the rest of the pieces for an anchor trolley

[@harahara10]

MFA Fishing, thank you!

[@nickvivirito9699]

Great video, very informative! I've been thinking about peddle drive and also sitting higher in the boat. Do you find it to be easier on your back. I have spinal stenosis in my lower back and paddling my kayak seems to aggravate it. Also, sitting low. Have you noticed any difference with your back? I have been looking at the Native Propel and the Pescador Pro as well as the Radar and the ATAK. I take it you're happy with your purchase? Thanks!

[@32OT491]

Nick Vivirito i was debating on between the propel also, I too have very bad back problems and have spent 10 plus hours in the kayak with hardly any issues. Wilderness sytems does have a lumbar support for the seat that might make it even better. I am very happy with the purchase. If you want subscribe I will be doing a video on how I rig everything on the radar.

[@NPC-rl8iw]

It looks like the circular peddle style requires more effort/energy expended than the Hobie Mirage Drive. What do you think?

[@NPC-rl8iw]

Seems you were hauling ass though, and I like the instant reverse.

[@32OT491]

Skid Mark the reverse is definitely amazing feature, it has been a game changer for sure. I have used the hobie mirage as well and I would say there might be a slight difference but well worth having reverse

[@NPC-rl8iw]

Thanks for the response. I'm still looking for my first pedal kayak, and I will have to look at the Radar. Tight lines!!

[@bobbybass1944]

Hobie has reverse on there mirage 180 at least I think they do

[@jlilly1961]

Hi Great video. I have a question. I'm 57 and the knees are not what the used to be. Compared to pedaling a bicycle what is like to pedal the Radar. What I mean is.Is it like pedaling on level, slight hill or steep hill to compare to a bicycle. I saw a Radar at the local Kayak Shop and I am interested. They don't have demo days very often and I would like your input please. I have a low end fishing Kayak "Future Beach 144 Angler" and looking to upgrade. Thanks.

[@32OT491]

jlilly1961 a little bit more like a slight upward hill I would say. I would definitely recommend the radar.

[@jlilly1961]

Thanks for the reply. I will also have to keep the seat forward, I'm 5'7" :(

[@32OT491]

jlilly1961 lol being short is a struggle I hear ya 👍

[@AlanHowellphotovideo]

Nice clear demo and after seeing this I can see how this would be a good comparison to the Native Propel. It seems I have been researching yaks forever and, like you, with back issues, the pedal drive is really the only option without being totally miserable after a long day on the water. Have you had any issues with leaks or cracks? Also, are you able to store the rods inside the front hatch down through the boat?

[@32OT491]

Alan Howell have not had any issues, I haven’t tried storing my rods. It’s a awesome kayak

[@moyaker7716]

I'm debating between the Radar 115 and the Slayer 13 as well, are you happy with your decision?

[@32OT491]

Yes very happy, after several outings I love the radar. I should have a video up here soon of me fishing more than 13 hours out of the kayak. I am very happy with it

[@KillerFuzzOutdoors]

Have you compared it to the radar 135 in a speed test? It looks like you move pretty good. Also have you gone down some shallow rivers in it and paddled it, Im asking cuz I want to use this at the Texas Coast and paddle it down rivers. Thanks Subbed to you

[@32OT491]

Kettlebell fatBUZZ I have not compared it to the 135. Yes I have paddles it through shallow rivers and worked great.

[@32OT491]

Kettlebell fatBUZZ also subbed back

[@aliikane]

Good review video of pros and cons. How does the transducer work through the hull? Isn't there a loss of signal strength?

[@32OT491]

Benjamin Lee I don’t have any issues, when I was running the total scan transducer for sidescan you have to modify it a bit to make it hang lower with brackets but if you are running a normal size transducer it works prefect

[@Pghsfinest222]

Have you ever paddled a feelfree lure? Im thinking about buying the radar and selling my lure

[@Davvidd702]

Update on the pedal drive? I am looking to buy it but seen many bad reviews

[@32OT491]

still holding strong no issues, I did hit a rock a while ago and snapped one of the clips off but Wilderness systems sent me a kit to fix it after a phone call. So far so good no complaints here

[@notforyou85]

Great vid. How is this holding up after a year of use? Still recommend it?

[@32OT491]

G. Robinson have no complaints, the stock pedals did start making noise so I replaced them with different bike pedals but besides that no issues or complaints. Best investment I have made definitely a game changer when it comes to kayak fishing

[@quintonrenfroe6707]

Are there any rod holders on this kayak because I saw you only had rods on the milk crate

[@32OT491]

Quinton Renfroe no there isn’t. So what I did is use Zooka tube rod holder and put 2 on each side on the gear track as well as the crate rod holders

[@Rggrimes16]

Did the transducer show outside the bottom of kayak once installed. Can you send a pic

[@32OT491]

Reggie Grimes depends on what kind of transducer. A total scan w/ side imaging will stick out for it to work. If you are running just downscan it does not stick out and is well protected

[@Rggrimes16]

MFA Fishing thanks . I also have a 115 and was wondering about side scan transducer. Have you hit anything with it sticking out? And what fishfinder are you running with it?

[@32OT491]

Reggie Grimes I was using elite 5 TI with sidescan, but have since reverted back to a hook 7 since I really wasn’t a fan of the elite 5. I now just run downscan.

[@Rggrimes16]

What different pedals did you install when it started getting noisy

[@32OT491]

Reggie Grimes I replaced the stock pedals with these, www.amazon.com/BONMIXC-Bike-Pedals-Bearing-Mountain/dp/B07B7FP87B/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1537367431&sr=8-2-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=bike+pedals&psc=1 Have had no issues

[@romyoverlandingandoutdoors2566]

How much more stable is it from the ride 115x?

[@romyoverlandingandoutdoors2566]

I have the Ride 115. And have trouble standing on it. How much more stable is it from the 115X? I’m on the fence on getting the Radar 115

[@ps3Rambo21]

does this come with the pedal drive? if not, how much is the total package?

[@32OT491]

Rambo21 it does not come with the pedal drive, the total package was 2300

[@DonnyAngler]

Every video I've seen so far with the PD. They have the seat really far forward. I take it they designed this for people who are seven foot or made the PD secondary in the design.

[@32OT491]

Donny Engler yeah I’m 5’6 and have it pretty much all the way forward

[@austind9222]

Just recently bought one. Is it just me or does the deck seem to have a lot of give?

[@32OT491]

not quite sure what you mean give?

[@Dsher719]

How does reverse work?? Pedal backwards??

[@32OT491]

Yea

[@wdpohlmann]

How is the stability in regards to standing?

[@32OT491]

I stand all the time, very stable I am able to stand without grabing or holding on to something, if you check out one of my other videos called cayuga lake i was standing 90 percent of the time and fighting fish with no problem

[@goijehudim5798]

What plugs have you got in the holes?

[@32OT491]

Goi Jehudim I use the wilderness systems harmony scupper plugs work perfect

[@goijehudim5798]

Thanks for the quick answer. I tested the 135 on the water and I had a look at the 115 in the shop today. I just can't decide. I am 6'4, would be the bigger one better?

[@32OT491]

Goi Jehudim I'm a pretty short guy and have the seat all the way forward on the 115 to reach the pedals. I guess it would depend on if you want more storage space and a bigger front hatch.

[@goijehudim5798]

Thank you. I can't tell, it's my first kayak.

[@theblake5356]

What color is that?

[@32OT491]

The Blake when I bought it it was just grey but I think since then it’s called desert camo but they have changed the pattern a little

[@theblake5356]

MFA Fishing Thank you. Are there any significant cons to the WS Radar 115....? I’m trying to decide between the WS Radar 115 and the Old Town Topwater PDL.

[@32OT491]

The Blake the only con I had in the beginning was that the pedals were making noise but I changed them with different bike pedals and no issues since then. I personally love the radar and think it is an amazing pedal kayak.

[@ryanrosser8520]

I like your video but I hate this kayak. They should have stuck with putting a pedal drive on the 115x. The storage on the radar is useless and the handles suck. They come apart every time I pick it up.

[@32OT491]

Ryan Rosser I agree with you on using the ride 115x. Actually the kayak I owned before this one

[@viennaraider]

Would you say the pedal drive system exerts less energy than paddling?

[@32OT491]

William Whaley yes absolutely, I can pedal for 45 min without a break. Pedal kayak is a game changer

[@viennaraider]

MFA Fishing awesome! I'm going to go get one today. Only thing I'm worried about is my height as I'm 5'5 and I have the tarpon 130x so hopefully the dimensions are close to what you have as far as leg length is concerned. Thanks a lot for the vid and answering my question. This has been the only helpful video I have found so far

[@32OT491]

William Whaley I am 5'6 and it I have the seat almost all the way up. You should be fine, it might be easier for you to pedal with the seat in the low position.