ASCEND H-10 TRUE REVIEW

I reviewed the hybrid Ascend H-10 stability and even flipped it to see how stable it is in on the water

[@JasonC1981]

Owned this yak for years. Been through 3 seats. And as i get older the seat kills your back after 5 hours of fishing. Other than that great yak.

[@yoopersurvival]

Wow. I’m still on the first seat. Yaks been through heck. Lots of battle scars. And yes I hear you on the sore back. But it is still a lot nicer then a lot of other seats. I clamp an electric trolling motor on it now. Love it for fishing

[@saltysailor141]

Not a Tracker boat….. ASCEND® Kayaks is part of White River Marine Group®, the boating division of Bass Pro Shops®. Bass Pro Shops . They’re only one of two coast guard approved kayaks…. Hobie is the other. Ascend H10 is a fantastic vessel. I’ve seen a couple in my day.

[@wtfmanicanthaveaname]

heres a tip i used referring to the comment you responded to that i made. I carried a small car battery and built a transom out of a piece of 2x6 and a chopped wheel barrow handle that i used u-bolts to connect to the cross member behind the seat (no drilling required). The boat is big enough that i threw my battery and minn-kota trolling motor in the nose after trying to fight wind to get back to launch. Comes in handy for trolling too. One of the few kayaks ive come across i can add a trolling motor too without doing any drilling. It will block the built in rod holders but it has track mounts you can put rod holders on.

[@yoopersurvival]

you should do a video on that. I have an old trolling motor up in my shed and I've been thinking about trying to mount it on my kayak for the spring walleye run

[@wtfmanicanthaveaname]

@@yoopersurvival i dont make videos but it was super easy. Wheelbarrow rails/handles go from the axle to the handle. I cut the tapered handle off about a foot longer than the kayak is wide. Drilled through it and lag bolted a chunk of 2x6 to it (i went vertical mount but horizontal would work as a trolling motor mount goes 90 degrees) Then i just used U-bolts with the curved side under the cross member behind the seat with a plate over the top to mount it using wing nuts so its easy to loosen and slide the mount out if i dont want to use it. The placement puts the handle for the motor right next to you and easy to use. It will toss you off balance but i naturally lean left slightly so my kayak did too, i put the motor on the right and it leveled me out. I used a HUGE car battery and stored it in the nose since i sit so far back being 6'4'' the the nose raised a bit and hurt the tracking. The weight of the battery up front made tracking better. It was a 20 min and about $14 setup since i already had the motor and stole the battery from my friends project '60s cadillac that dont run. Before that i just used my secondary battery from my plow truck and it recharged itself when i put it back in and drove it. I forgot since i use batteries with posts and the trolling motor has little rings, i bought battery post connectors on amazon that have small threaded posts on them and wingnuts that fit ringed cable connectors perfectly. They cost like 5 bucks for the pair.

[@yoopersurvival]

@@wtfmanicanthaveaname thanks for explaining it more thoroughly. I might do a video on this. I've been trying to get our local resort to put on a kayak walleye tournament.

[@RedRiverWilds]

Just picked one of these up as my first fishing kayak, definitely buying another in a few years but so far I'm liking it.

[@yoopersurvival]

I'm doing the same, saving some money for the 12'. I would like to try it before I buy it just to make sure its what I want. weather has been decent up here but still haven't had a chance to go kayaking

[@RedRiverWilds]

@@yoopersurvival Found it definitely needs paddles on the upper end of the height/width range just over 5'10" so figured a 230cm would work but needed to up that to a 240 to not bash my knuckles constantly, interestingly Cabelas refunded me for the difference since it went on sale the day after I got it so that's a first I just expected an exchange. Not sure what I plan to get next I'm thinking I'll have a few years to look.

[@EKEACRES]

Answered everything, BUT...what it weighs.

[@yoopersurvival]

55LBS. sorry it took so long to reply

[@jimerickson9396]

My 10' H10 fits inside my Suburban size Yukon XL. Love that.

[@yoopersurvival]

sweet, that is good to know. I didn't think one would fit but those XL are super long

[@jimerickson9396]

@@yoopersurvival The foreward end goes on the counsel between front bucket seats. It becomes a two passenger vehicle but I like my property out of the rain, road dust, and hands of thieves.

[@webjammer1]

​@@jimerickson9396 Same with my FS10 that fits inside my Grand Caravan.

[@lude3645]

What is the height bottom to top and is it like my canoe where its higher on the ends? Trying to see if it could fit in back of my sons SUV.

[@timklima6016]

Wow great video !!!! I just bought mine today supposed to be 10 days or so before it comes in now I gotta learn how to fish lol

[@seatato4468]

As a bigger guy at 6'2 290lbs this kayak is great. Easy to get in and out of and holds the weight i needed without paying over a thousand dollars for a higher weight yak. Also only weighs 55 pounds so it's super easy to just Carry to the water along as long as its not a super far distance and is great for fishing with tons of room for gear

[@seatato4468]

Also super small thing but of the 2 saddle bags one is water resistant and one is not. Also idk if this is a new thing they added or because they have me the h12 accessory pack with the chair and stuff but it also had a small sorta backpack that goes on the back of the seat which I thought was cool since it didn't say that but again that might just be for the h12

[@yoopersurvival]

I agree with you that's the same reason I bought mine. and we didn't break the bank purchasing it. I think you are right that pack only comes with the H12 I debated on the 10 or the 12 I like the plastic cover over the bow on the 12. mine takes a little water over the bow when the waves come up. I keep a water proof box for all my stuff I need to keep dry in the saddle bag. on a good note I haven't flipped this one yet on any trip I've taken. LOL happy kayaking my friend

[@TSniper79]

Nice demo. This will be my first kayak for fishing.

[@yoopersurvival]

you will love it. I cant wait for this snow to melt

[@wtfmanicanthaveaname]

it was my first fishing kayak too. It got me hooked on kayak fishing. Its pretty nice to load and unload alone and its so light and easy to grip onto. I carried mine with 1 hand at my side like it was a huge duffel bag. Replaced it this year and gave to my ex-wife who always wanted a kayak and shes small and has no issues loading and unloading from the roof of her jetta either. Its durable as hell too. Great for bass. I fish weeds and lilly pads for bass and if i park on top of the weeds or pads i can cast all day like im anchored.

[@wtfmanicanthaveaname]

i have one of these. used it one season and regret not dropping the cash on a higher end boat. its stable enough if youre experienced but its a slow barge to paddle for only being 55lbs. its sketchy AF to stand and cast much less stand and piss out of even in flat water. Not a chance i would take this into salt water as a light current and youre out to sea. I was on a small lake and the wind kicked up to 16mph and it was every ounce of energy i had to fight the wind and get back to shore. Picking up a perception for this season. Also its very flimsy. Standing in it buckles the tunnel hull and i have a dent running left to right behind the seat now from having it in my truck leaned up on the tail gate for 8 hours on a 70 degree day with the straps completely loose while i was at work as i always slack the straps if im going to be parked for a while for that reason. Didnt help on this boat. If you have a small budget and fish small lakes and ponds, then im sure its fine though and light enough to just carry it even semi long distances to launch. No need for a cart or even to drop the tail gate to load it. I have a lifted f350 and i can just pitch it over the tail gate.

[@joefrat]

I agree - like paddling a cardboard box.

[@yoopersurvival]

sorry about your bad luck with this kayak. I love mine but I agree with you its not a fast lake machine. I have 4 different kayaks for different waters. I bought mine for river camping. I do fish with mine but I pick the day I want to take it. in a strong wind its very hard to muscle through and the waves could come over the bow and swamp it. I've never tried to stand up in mine. (I'm old 😂) I always leave my tail gate down when I haul mine, but I have a club cab with a 6' foot bed so I need my tailgate down and have only kept the kayak sitting up right. I have some battle scars on mine but nothing like you have. I would be pissed if that happen to mine and would be calling Ascend and doing some complaining. like you said this is a budget hybrid but it should take more then that to leave a dent behind the seat. I just love the convenience of getting in and out and the weight it will haul for camping.

[@yoopersurvival]

LOL I would never want to enter mine in a race. but I would buy another one in a minute for kayak camping

[@wtfmanicanthaveaname]

@@yoopersurvival i liked my h10 for small to midsized lake fishing as its comfortable with lots of room and the seat cup holders dont advertise my beer as they are below the walls. I just got stranded on a very small lake when winds kicked up over i would say 20mph. I made it back but i worked my ass off for it. It was supposed to be a quick after work fishing trip and i almost had to call in sick i was so exhausted after 2 hours of aggressive paddling to go about 2 miles or less in headwinds. I wont even touch that thing if winds are over 10mph especially since i usually fish much larger lakes. Would never take it in salt water and have to battle a current lol. Most of my camping is islands in the ocean or sound as our lakes are pretty much all surrounded by houses. I bought a pdl 12'6'' kayak for that which is much more reassuring in a current or if in the middle of a 4k acre lake and the wind decides to kick up. The biggest issue is the hull design. It doesnt track well and it sits so high out the water (im 240lbs) that even anchored im dragging anchor in mild wind unless i grapple some structure like a fallen tree. I find lower profile, longer and heavier kayaks are faster and more resistant to wind and im assuming the tracking is dependent on hull design.

[@wtfmanicanthaveaname]

@@yoopersurvival for the proce, if it works for what you need its awesome. I like to fish large lakes and ocean/sound waters and ts definitly not for that. A slow moving river like the columbia where i am (if it wasnt ALWAYS windy) it would be great for camping cause you can load SO MUCH STUFF into it without fear of losing it because the deep well hull.The extra weight might even help it sit lower and be more resistant to wind and even track better. Ive actually used mine as a trailer to haul gear and beer behind a zodiac for camping lol.

[@ruggedkingdragon]

by far i think the greatest review on this kayak, idk how you dont have a crap load of likes.. thank you for your review

[@yoopersurvival]

thank you. I usually don't do reviews. but in one of my videos I said I would do one on the Ascend 10. I wanted to do something different. flipping it was my first thought. thanks for commenting

[@ruggedkingdragon]

@@yoopersurvival hell yeah bro thank you, cause of you I will buy myself this very kayak

[@ty_dye]

I've been searching on youtube for a video like this of the Ascend hybrid kayak. First one I've come across that goes in depth and shows demonstrations. I've made my mind up, I'm definitely buying one in the coming months. Thanks for the video!!

[@yoopersurvival]

thanks for watching. I love mine. you wont regret it

[@wtfmanicanthaveaname]

I got one if you want one if youre in the PNW lol. Used 1 season. the mesh covers are still in the box with the factory creases lol. Cabelas sold it to me with the H12 kit and i returned and they didnt get me the h10 kit until season was over. For hauling stuff its great if you dont combat any kind of wind or current. For a budget fishing kayak that you just want to fish out of and not do heavy hauling i wouldve rather gotten the ascend fs10 but i drink when i fish and i wouldnt know where to put the cooler on the fs10 lol.

[@jorcktheoutcast8007]

If you put a rudder on the back it may help the tracking some

[@yoopersurvival]

not a bad idea. I will look into that. thanks

[@grumpyartist9416]

Also, I agree with you on the strength of the bottom. This hybrid is very well built. People need to remember that ANY plastic boat will have a lot of flex. If it is stored properly and treated with appropriate care this boat will last as well as any in my opinion.

[@yoopersurvival]

thanks bud. I literally abuse mine. but i use it on a lot of trips. I do store it in my garage. but every time I wash it I find more and more scars. LOL thanks for commenting

[@saltysailor141]

They’re grwt

[@grumpyartist9416]

Now THAT'S the review I was waiting for! I have an ASCEND H-12 but have not pushed it's limits. Mine tracks very well (probably because of the two extra feet in length) and I love the carrying capacity. Thanks so much for the honest review.

[@yoopersurvival]

I want the 12'. I keep thinking on a river how much stuff I could carry. how do you like the front and back covers, do they stay locked? my wife has a older oldtown which she loves but it can't carry much weight. so I have to haul more to MAKE HER HAPPY. LOL

[@grumpyartist9416]

@@yoopersurvival I'm sharing your shoes! My wife paddles an oldtown vapour 10 foot so I too will carry the load. Our old town is the porche and the ascend is the limo. Front cover on the ascend 12 stays in place well but I only use it in nasty weather. The rear cover I never use. I don't mind that the ascend is slower. The trade off for stability and gear carrying capacity (fishing that is) is well worth it. I'm very happy with it's tracking and it is not that hard to make tight turns if need be. All around I'm very happy that I bought it!

[@HeavensGatesCherryFarm]

Here to support your channel, from Michigan to, stop by and give us a look!!!

[@yoopersurvival]

thank you, will do. right now I'm 7 days a week. been busy

[@SD_702]

Can't find these in stock anywhere

[@yoopersurvival]

I feel your pain, we were planning a small kayak trip and our friends went to Dunham's and every kayak was gone. this covid hurt everyone. I'm surprised Cabela's didn't have any

[@flhxri]

Can you use a canoe paddle, it seems more like a canoe than a kayak

[@yoopersurvival]

you could but a kayaking paddle is easier

[@harrisinford7369]

Great review! Would the H10 handle up to Class II rapids? Also I assume a longer paddle would be needed compared to average sit in kayaks since it appears to sit a little higher in the water?

[@yoopersurvival]

Harris In Ford I don’t think the ascend would be that good in rapids. Class 2 isn’t that bad. But with the cockpit being so large water can get in through the waves. Basically if you won’t take a canoe thru it. Don’t take the ascend. Yes I did buy a longer paddle. But only 2 inches longer. My other paddle worked but I wanted a longer one plus lighter

[@thepieman2742]

Realistic take 👍

[@fishn365]

Found your review while researching the H10. Great review. As mentioned, answered a few concerns and the flip test was unique. I would add that a paddle leash should be used, that way in the event of an unexpected flip, your paddle will be close by for retrieval. Thanks again for the review!

[@yoopersurvival]

I think your right. last year I flipped 3 times. ( equipment failure each time ) LOL. one time another person retrieved my paddle. have you ever used one if so does it get in the way

[@JamesMcCutcheon]

Kanuyak is what this is. It is awesome. This is what I need to get.

[@yoopersurvival]

I like it. I'm going to start calling it that. you will love it. were just starting to thaw out up here. ice still on the bay, wont be long. we found a bunch of small lakes while riding our utvs were going to try and fish some of them this year.

[@HuplesCat]

That took effort to flip. Impressed

[@yoopersurvival]

best kayak I have ever bought. you must kayak up there. all those lakes you's have

[@HuplesCat]

@@yoopersurvival Yes. Was out for 4 nights last week. Some vids on it

[@Masatao1]

So this thing float when capsized?

[@yoopersurvival]

yes it does.

[@Matt-rt9ws]

just bought an h10 yesterday. what kind of paddle do you recommend considering this is a wider kayak. I am 5'9" as well. TIA

[@yoopersurvival]

I bought a ascend paddle at cabalas. they come in three different sizes. it goes by your height. hope this helps

[@Matt-rt9ws]

@@yoopersurvival I bought the ascend paddle as well. works great

[@jamesharrison2]

Thanks for the review. I was going to get one but read reviews about the flimsy bottom. You took that worry out for me. Thanks. I gotta get one now

[@yoopersurvival]

thank you for commenting. that kept me away from buying one also. then we started doing three day kayak trips I decided to try it. now I love it

[@wtfmanicanthaveaname]

i have this kayak, you might have read my comment about the flimsy bottom. Ill explain. It has a tunnel hull, its raised in the middle and is a hybrid of a sit-inside (1 layer between you and the water) and a SOT "sit on top" which has 2 layers. Its essentially a front facing canoe. If you stand with feet on left and right its not flimsy. If you stand on the channel or "tunnel" of the hull thats raised in the middle it will buckle but its not brittle or thin or feels like it will crack. it just kinda pops like the button on a pickle jar lid.

[@billmitchell7731]

Like what I see. Great review👍👍👍

[@yoopersurvival]

thanks. now with work being 7 days a week I have no time to enjoy it.

[@billmitchell7731]

@@yoopersurvival That's just sad. But we got to make that money for the slow times👍

[@brandonwelch5933]

Have you tried standing in this kayak? I'm picking up two of these for me and my girlfriend and am looking to fly fish out of it so standing would be a big plus!

[@yoopersurvival]

not at my age LOL. I have tried and you can stand. but I didn't feel very stable.

[@thestonesaver6345]

I love my H12!!

[@bryanbeaird2352]

Shoulda stayed on the manistee with us. Coulda done some review shots with 39camper

[@yoopersurvival]

he was supposed to send me some footage of his kayak but he didnt

[@brianhildebrand6272]

Thanks for the great review, I am picking one of these up in the next couple of weeks. Just sold my 12 foot Coosa and was looking for something smaller and more compact.

[@yoopersurvival]

you will love it. especially if you do kayak camping. I use it for fishing all the time.

[@justgregnow]

It's a damn good thing you had that life vest on lol 😂

[@yoopersurvival]

LMBO especially at my age 😂 thanks for commenting

[@sticksnstones5407]

Great review well done

[@yoopersurvival]

Thank you! 2020 has been hard I've only had it in the water twice

[@NathansFerroceriumrods1]

Looks like a nice kayak.

[@yoopersurvival]

thanks bud. we finally got some weather that isn't rain. you take care bud

[@wtfmanicanthaveaname]

For the price i dont think you can beat it. $550 is a great price for a functional and practical fishing kayak.

[@MelinWisconsin]

My gosh Mr. Yooper id love to be there too! I want one!

[@yoopersurvival]

the wife got me into kayaking 3 years ago. my rule is we kayak to a restaurant. LOL

[@RealRickyRoss]

Thank you so much for this review! I appreciate it ... also, I just moved to Neguanee 3 months ago! Sub'd ;-)

[@yoopersurvival]

thanks for watching it. that's awesome we want to kayak the Au train river this year. maybe you can go with us

[@RealRickyRoss]

@@yoopersurvival I have never heard of that River, but I would love to join you! I haven't bought a kayak yet, but I've been watching videos for the past several days, LOL... Trying to make a decision. But I will have one here within the next few days. I subscribe to your channel, so I will be watching all of your videos from here on out.

[@RealRickyRoss]

@@yoopersurvival By the way, where are you at in the U.P.?

[@themiwoodsman7222]

Sweet yak Jim nice deno and sweet load out and set up , i almost bought one before i got the one i ended up with a standup style for the stability for a old man LOL hope all is well atb john

[@yoopersurvival]

I would like one like yours for fishing. what kind of good crappie lakes do you have down there. I want to take wife down todo some crappie bluegill this fall. any small lakes with cottages to rent or camp by

[@themiwoodsman7222]

@@yoopersurvival crappies been hit and miss a friend went to out favorite lake and limited out 3 days in a row with a total of 150crappie we went and threw every thing we could and got only a few , hoping this fall they will be in a better mood lol your alwzys welcome brother you know that I'll be doing alot more fishing after this heatwave ends wow 97f before heat index this weekend . we got a river camp coming up the end of August hoping for some better weather Ttyl

[@russshackleford5437]

I bet it's extremely stable for those of us who aren't unreasonably obese. Stop eating so much crap!

[@yoopersurvival]

that camera sure adds on 20 pounds. LMBO

[@otahu26]

I Will Disagree with the TOUGHness. After 3 years of 99% stream fishing. The bottom finally stretched enough in the same place. It got a Hole now. I have a pelican that is 10 year old. Abused way more and is way tougher! It's scratched but not a hole in it yet.

[@yoopersurvival]

that's terrible. did you call the company. I've seen kayaks same model, bought the same year. the couple uses them the same time and place. but one of them is wore on the bottom more then the other. check with Ascend and ask them what they can do for you