Looking into the Kayak world. The Jackson big rig is out of my budget, however found this Kayak. Any reviews or complaints with these? Any help I appreciated

Hey trav,

Lots of info available on these kayaks. The FS128T is a wide stable platform. The newest models have some large storage hatches, a frame seat that swivels on its platform and offers a very stable platform for most folks to stand. Notice I said most folks. I've seen wider kayaks topple so nothing is a guarantee where water, wind and anglers are concerned. A downside to this kayak for me was paddling it. It makes for a good float kayak or river kayak going downstream or even a calm water kayak but I found it harder to paddle than I desired into headwinds or with a good cross wind. Not an ideal fit for open water I guess is what I am getting at. Its little brother is a little more adept at tackling wind. It is the FS12T. Not quite as many features but lighter to transport and an easier paddling kayak. Either one has a lot of features for not a ton of money.

These are just my opinions. If at all possible I would try to paddle each and if you are interested, maybe a couple of others near that price range. I believe there is a get together being planned in the very near future. Definitely check that out as there will be SOOOOO many models of kayaks there and most folks are very friendly about letting others paddle their kayak. I think Adrian Acosta may have some info or others can weigh in.

This is the FS12T




This is the FS128T

I appreciate the info.

Several people in the area have been getting the 128 lately, it is a lot like the Big Rig( which I own) have never paddled the 128 but I do know that the big rig is a beast in the wind but other than that and the weight of it I really love the big rig, maybe some of the people that have recently purchased the 128 will chime in and maybe set you up with a test ride come on over to Bass Pro in Grapevine they are in stock there for your viewing pleasure . For the price point on the 128 it would be a good stable yak for you to float.

I've got the FS12T and have no complaints. Can't imagine the 128 would be much different in any significant way.

I also have the FS12T and I love it. Great stability and plenty of room for my gear. Wish it had the extra storage like the 128 but I manage.

I have the FS128T and am in the process of modifying it with a stern mount trolling motor. Bought mine used for only $550 and it is fun modifying it myself. I made my own wheels to port it around. I also made some rod racks for trolling and to store rods behind seat. I will post pictures when I complete my mods.
I can stand easily in mine and can maneuver the entire yak while on it. Very stable. Of course with every yak you need to take it out first trip and see how far you can go before turning over. This will help you gauge the yaks limits.
You should think about what you want to do in the way of fishing or just paddling around. Like Paynefish said, it is big and at 95 lbs empty it is almost twice as heavy as some of the smaller kayaks. Still can be handled by me and I'm 170, 5' 11" and not very muscular. I found it so heavy though that I decided to add a 36lb trolling motor. It gets me to about 4 mph and with a deep cycle AGM 100AH battery I can be out all day without running low.
It is fun to mod your own yak but sometimes it is easier to buy everything you need so you can get right to fishing. Check out Craigslist and local flea markets for deals and buy your yak gear from Amazon for cheaper prices or Austin Kayak to find anything you need.
Lots of You tube videos ont he FS128T. Do a search and enjoy the reviews.

Looks like all of the main points have a been covered.

A few things to add:

The 128T was recently redesigned, and the newer model has a number of really great improvements.

The 12T was recently redesigned as well, and only a few minor changes are noticeable. You tend to hear a lot of chatter about how "the only thing that was changed was the positioning of the round hatch." While this is true, there are several other changes that aren't as noticeable. The metal on the seat is better, and there are a few differences as far as stress points go on the kayak.

Additionally, you hear a lot of chatter about how the kayaks leak at the scupper holes due to the platform being 2 pieces. I can see where people would think that, because there is a ridge in there that you can feel, but on the inside of the kayak you can clearly see that there are not 2 pieces. It is a fully rotomolded kayak. The ridge is there by design (drag purposes).

As mentioned, they aren't perfect kayaks, but not bad at a very reasonable entry price.

Lots of good reviews out there on these kayaks, and I would encourage folks to keep the feedback coming. With every redesign these platforms are getting better and better.

Great information, I'm a bigger guy at 6'2 290lbs. Stability is what I'm looking for. I went into Bass Pro the other day they said they would have to order it for me. Do yall only have displays models? I would understand these kayaks taking up a lot of room in the back so low inventory.

Once again I appreciate the information. Hope to soon see yall out there

Congratulations on the new yak, it won't take long to come in. You'll enjoy it.

Given your build I would recommend you look for a kayak with higher weight capacity than 350lbs. You really need a kayak that has a capacity of at least 425 lbs. All kayaks have a max capacity, however there is no industry standard to determining such capacity. So, in general, it's recommended that you stay around 30% below ( I recommend 33%) the published max weight capacity for yourself and gear to be safe on the water. Given your weight and add a tackle box full of lead weights & lures, a small cooler with ice & beverages, anchor, etc and you're pretty close to max capacity. That's a lot of weight that is typically found in the back half of a kayak, where most kayaks are susceptible to taking on water, especially if the body of water has a heavy chop or rollers.

Given the Ascend FS128T's hull design and 33" beam it is a fairly stable kayak. But this kayak has a frame seat so you're already sitting higher up from the waterline than a normal SOT kayak, so you're center of gravity is higher too. Putting the seat in the high position only amplifies everything. The kayak itself is stable, but there's still a chance you could lose your sense of balance and fall in the water without "turtleing" the kayak.

I don't mean to be discouraging or bashing the Ascend kayak (which I really like, actually) it's just I want you to be better informed before your purchase. Do a little extra homework on the front end and you'll be much happier with your purchase. I've seen some great deals on the 2nd hand market recently (such as this One-Helluva-Deal Ride 135 that sold in less than a day).

I've been paddling my FS128T for over 2 years now.
I bought it mainly for it's standing capability and it was the only kayak at the time that had a raised swivel seat for less than $800.
It is great & stable, but it handles like a boat (very slow, especially when making 90 Degree turns).


However, there's 2 major things you advised:
- You're a big dude, FS128T has a 350lb limit (This includes you and your gear)
- Even more important, You don't have any kayak fishing experience.


For this, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you rent a fishing kayak first before you buy anything.
You can rent a top-quality kayak for $50 a day, which then will give a far better idea if kayak fishing is what you want to do. If it is, it'll give you a better idea what kind of kayak you need. (There is no "One-size-fits-all" kayak)

Kayak Fishing is getting popular, but it's not for everyone.
I'm not trying to discourage you, it's just I've seen too many people waste thousands on kayaks & equipment only to turn around and put it up on Craigslist within a year.

Last year we took one of the first generation FS12T kayaks and dissected it.

The first 3 images show the inside of the scupper holes. In the first picture, you can see the little "ridge" or "lip" on the inside of the scupper, and you can feel it when you put your finger in there. This has led many people to believe that there are two pieces, but you can clearly see that opposite of the ridge, there is not a seam.

Again, the Ascend Kayaks are fully rotomolded (always have been). The ridge is there intentionally for drag purposes.

The 4th image shows the thickness of the plastic. I took several measurements, and the minimum thickness is 1/4 of an inch. In the corners and nooks, the plastic will build up thicker during the rotation process (and this is a good thing, as it adds structural support). The thickest areas are half an inch thick.

That said, these kayaks are fairly thick. They should be able to withstand a great deal of dragging and abuse before a complete erosion occurs.

Where does one go to rent a Kayak? I have not made any purchases and the research is ongoing. Thanks for bringing up the gear I hadn't even thought to add the weight my gear. Glad I asked and yall chimed in. Much appreciated

Talk to your local kayak dealer and ask if they have a test pond. Bass Pro does here in Houston. Or go to a park and they have kayaks for rent. They will not be the expensive ones and are probably sit in and not SOT but you can get a feel for a sit in and go from there. Agree with weight issue. I have added a trolling motor to mie and I am sitting at 275 with me (170lbs) and my gear, TM and battery. The battery is the heaviest at 63 lbs!