The RS117 from Bonafide kayak | Should you consider?

Should you consider buying the RS117 from Bonafide kayak? I go over the features of fishing kayak that it full of fishing and recreational paddler features for around $1k. There are many fishing kayaks that are out there in the $800 to $1200 price range. I go over the RS117 and compare to some of the other kayaks to see what the best kayak is for you. #kayak #kayakfishing #paddle #floating #fishing
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fishing kayak, kayak fishing, native titan x, Native slayer, Bonafide kayak, PWR129, Bonafide SS127, Kayak trolling motor, diy kayak motor, Kayak

[@grumpysgarage7276]

The RS117 was my first kayak in 2021. I researched roughly 6 months and found it to be my best fit. It's a great kayak, stable and tracked well. I car topped which was my main choice for it

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Awesome! Glad you like it

[@bfavalora]

Love the videos! I owned an RS117 for over a year before selling it. It should be a great kayak but the paddling performance is extremely poor IMO. Even after adding their flex wings the boat got blown around in the wind, tracked horrible and was just plain pathetic at every aspect of paddling. I had hobies, jacksons, and natives before this and was extremely disappointed with the Bonafide. Definitely test paddle before buying.

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@josemirles4595]

Great video! As a tall guy, I really appreciate your input on a kayak's leg room in both high and low seat positions. I did look at the RS117 but did not like the lack of leg room in the low seat position. I like a lower center of gravity when I paddle, so leg room in the lower seat position is important to me. I am looking for a new paddle kayak so I will keep a sharp lookout for your videos!

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Not a huge deal but it does get cramped on super long trips for the taller paddlers

[@ColsenTaylorFishing]

This was my first real fishing kayak, great boat for the price! I personally prefer the NuCanoe flint but it’s not a bad boat at all! Great video!

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Love the Flint!

[@crashdsnowman1]

Paddles like a barge but if you just float down stream it is stable to stand and fish from. (edited)Don't take it the wrong way, I didn't want a big heavy yak like the Big Fish 120 or Moken 12.5 but being stable enough to stand and fish was important. After comparing those 2, the Sholie and the RS117 I felt the RS117 fit my needs better. Stable while not being too heavy and mid range price beat out some of the much more expensive yaks.

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Great feedback. Thank you for watching

[@brettchilcoat5656]

I have been considering both this Bonafide RS117 and the Perception Outlaw. Have you tried fly fishing from either one? Maybe someone in the comments has?

[@thebeardedpaddler]

The adjustable footpegs are a game changer for me on the RS117. That being said, the RS117 is not the best "tall person" kayak. I think the RS117 is one of the best values out there though. It will paddle a little better than the Outlaw. The Outlaw will have a little more stability

[@Howie_fish]

I'm currently looking at this model. I would like to bow mount it because I'm planning on getting the xi3. Do you think it'll make it tip heavy? I figure I can counter balance it with the battery in the rear. I'm 5'10,180

[@thebeardedpaddler]

If you are wanting to bow mount t I would urge you to look at the SS series. I'm sure you can do it, but the RS117 is not the best option to motorize in my opinion

[@John-Keathley.]

Do you let people demo the kayak on the water? Also what kind of paddle and life jacket would you recommend for someone with no kayak experience at all?

[@thebeardedpaddler]

We do. Paddle depends on the size of the kayak and the Paddler. We size up both to recommend. I suggest, at minimum, the Bending Branches Whisper paddles, and a quality kayak designed pfd (stohlquist, NRS, etc)

[@John-Keathley.]

@@thebeardedpaddler ok thank you for the info!

[@SamMelik]

can you give me your honest opinion on the Bonafide RS117 versus the Perception Pescador Pro 12? I'm just a chill, relaxed recreational kayaker, and I'm not exactly a giant.

[@thebeardedpaddler]

better stability and comfort on the Bonafide and better paddle performance on the Pescador Pro

[@adambaughman5854]

Do you think this Kayak is a better fishing Kayak than the Jackson Bite?

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Its close. I like the seat on the Bite and the layout of the Bite a lot better.

[@johngutkoska634]

Where can I buy one near Baltimore Maryland?

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Not sure, best thing to do would be to go to Bonafide kayak's website and do a dealer locator with your zip code. Ill help in any way I can

[@SamMelik]

Will Perception pescador pro will be faster and track better ?

[@thebeardedpaddler]

It will be faster but many like the stability better on the Bonafide

[@SamMelik]

Hey, thanks for the reply! By the way, I love your channel. You're super organized. Unfortunately, I can't find anyone renting a pescador pro 12 here in Chicago, but I'm gonna try Bonafide tomorrow. Can you give me a couple of reasons why the pescador is better? That would help me make a decision. Thanks!

[@crashdsnowman1]

@@SamMelik I am sure you have made a decision by now but, if you want to stand and fish(very important when fishing) the RS117 will be more stable. If you want to paddle around the Pescador will move easier but not quite as stable. I have a RS117 and a Pescador pilot 12 which is the same if I remove the pedals.

[@SamMelik]

Thanks a lot :) I bought Pescador pro 12, and I've never been happier. I care more about the speed.

[@thebeardedpaddler]

@@SamMelik you're welcome!

[@techtiger38]

It's a fishing kayak!!!

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Ok?