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New Kayak for bad back
#12297043
06/16/17 02:44 PM
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4,564
J-Moe
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
TFF Team Angler
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4,564 |
I currently have a Feelfree Moken 10 kayak. I wasn't able to sit in it for more than an hour without severe back pain. I installed an elevated marine boat seat and it allowed me to continue kayaking. I am looking to purchase a kayak with the best quality seat to support my back.
I am looking to spend $1000 or less on a new / used kayak in the 11 to 12 foot range. I've seen the 10 foot Feelfree Lure for $1000 and I'm impressed with the seat but since I have a Moken I know how painfully slow they are.
I've found a new Wilderness Ride 115 with the Airmax 3 adjustable elevated seating system, a used Native 12, Pescador Pro 12, etc that all have the solid seats and not the strap in type. I refuse to buy one like that, I can never adjust them properly to get the support I need, nor elevate them.
Since I haven't tried any of these I would like to hear the opinions of my more knowledgeable TFF buddies
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Re: New Kayak for bad back
[Re: J-Moe]
#12297065
06/16/17 02:55 PM
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Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 45
zimmer0
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 45 |
Agreed on the seat of the Lure but absolute [censored] paddle-ability (?). Not efficient at all. Had the 13.5 and upgraded to a Native Slayer Propel with the lawn chair style. I can fish all day comfortably. They also have additional pads available for added support. The Wilderness seat is also very comfortable and would have a slight edge over the Native and Pescador bc its adjustable elevation.
Last edited by zimmer0; 06/16/17 02:56 PM.
Lizard Lick Slayer Propel 13
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Re: New Kayak for bad back
[Re: zimmer0]
#12297075
06/16/17 03:00 PM
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4,564
J-Moe
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
TFF Team Angler
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4,564 |
Agreed on the seat of the Lure but absolute [censored] paddle-ability (?). Not efficient at all. Had the 13.5 and upgraded to a Native Slayer Propel with the lawn chair style. I can fish all day comfortably. They also have additional pads available for added support. The Wilderness seat is also very comfortable and would have a slight edge over the Native and Pescador bc its adjustable elevation. Thanks, when I googled back pain and kayaks the Native and Wilderness Air system did both get mentioned often.
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Re: New Kayak for bad back
[Re: J-Moe]
#12297079
06/16/17 03:01 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,221
Jimbo
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,221 |
I hear you about the bad back since I've already had back surgery and many, many back injections that have pretty much failed to help. I can't sit in my car very long without nerve pain that shoots down to my ankle from my hip downward. That said I have a Wilderness Systems Commander 120 that I can sit in for several hours and not experience the amount of pain I feel from just driving. In fact last Saturday I fished for several hours and thought, "What happened to my pain?" Seriously I don't know if it was the fact I was fishing or it was the kayak, but all the pain meds and all hasn't relieved my pain. That was the first time since my surgery over a year that I fished from my kayak, but the seat has always been comfortable to me. It also has the high captains perch but you don't have a backrest with that seat as you are basically sitting on top of the kayak. It's super stable and light enough for me to handle as I take the seat out and keep it bare bones when I load it or unload it without a problem. You might consider that one especially if you fish the back creeks and ponds as I think I've seen some of your reports it would be ideal. I would add that everyone is different, so I would look around and test them out before putting down the cash.
Last edited by Jimbo; 06/16/17 03:07 PM.
Just one more cast!
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Re: New Kayak for bad back
[Re: J-Moe]
#12297111
06/16/17 03:16 PM
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4,564
J-Moe
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
TFF Team Angler
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4,564 |
Thanks Jimbo, Great information from someone who shares my experience. I'll check it out.
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Re: New Kayak for bad back
[Re: J-Moe]
#12297128
06/16/17 03:23 PM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,167
Fisherman13
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,167 |
I bought a pelican catch 120 its been great. Had high low lawn chair style seat. Really stable paddles decent its not as fast as my old pescador but I can stand in it easy. It is 11'8" long and 34" wide. 400 lb capacity. It was $750 new. The seat is comfy, way better than the seat my old pescador had. Here are some pics
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Re: New Kayak for bad back
[Re: J-Moe]
#12297419
06/16/17 05:50 PM
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4,564
J-Moe
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
TFF Team Angler
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4,564 |
Thanks Fisherman13, I saw this one in my search as well.
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Re: New Kayak for bad back
[Re: J-Moe]
#12297429
06/16/17 05:56 PM
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4,564
J-Moe
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
TFF Team Angler
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4,564 |
I have continued to read more reviews and get input from friends. The more research I do the more I am leaning toward the Native Ultimate 12. Even though the seat doesn't raise and lower on this model it still sits a couple inches off the floor. I found that enough to help relieve the stress on my back along with a firm seat.
I actually read one review in which the person had both the ride and Native and said the Native was far better.
The other thing is it only weighs 49 lbs. My best friend keeps pushing me in this direction as well. He loves that hybrid design and says I might finally be able to keep up with him, LOL
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Re: New Kayak for bad back
[Re: J-Moe]
#12297495
06/16/17 06:43 PM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 43,998
Tallgrass05
bill maher's protege
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bill maher's protege
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 43,998 |
I have the Native Ultimate Tandem 14.5, which is longer than the Ultimate 12. It's very stable because you sit lower compared to a SOT, and it's fast and comfortable. It's a different ride than a sit-on-top, though, and with the open hull, you have fewer options for attaching a pile of gear.
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Re: New Kayak for bad back
[Re: J-Moe]
#12297502
06/16/17 06:48 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,221
Jimbo
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,221 |
The other thing is it only weighs 49 lbs. My best friend keeps pushing me in this direction as well. He loves that hybrid design and says I might finally be able to keep up with him, LOL
I almost bought the Ultimate before I bought my Commander. Only reason I bought the Commander was the sales guy at ACK didn't have a Commander 120 on the floor to show me, but he had his personal kayak in the back of the shop. He showed it to me, and it was like new with no marks on the bottom like new condition and I made him an offer and he took it....If I hadn't gotten such a good deal I would have gone with the Native. With a bad back you have to go with the lighter kayak! That's an idea you might try if you go to ACK since they have rental kayaks that they may be wanting to liquidate.
Last edited by Jimbo; 06/16/17 06:53 PM.
Just one more cast!
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Re: New Kayak for bad back
[Re: Jimbo]
#12297593
06/16/17 07:51 PM
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4,564
J-Moe
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
TFF Team Angler
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4,564 |
The other thing is it only weighs 49 lbs. My best friend keeps pushing me in this direction as well. He loves that hybrid design and says I might finally be able to keep up with him, LOL
I almost bought the Ultimate before I bought my Commander. Only reason I bought the Commander was the sales guy at ACK didn't have a Commander 120 on the floor to show me, but he had his personal kayak in the back of the shop. He showed it to me, and it was like new with no marks on the bottom like new condition and I made him an offer and he took it....If I hadn't gotten such a good deal I would have gone with the Native. With a bad back you have to go with the lighter kayak! That's an idea you might try if you go to ACK since they have rental kayaks that they may be wanting to liquidate. Awesome, thanks Jimbo. I'm convinced now that the Native Ultimate 12 is my choice. I would like to get the one with the adjustable height but it is $300 more. I suspect I could always upgrade later, if needed. Or see if I can squeeze $300 more from my wife, not
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Re: New Kayak for bad back
[Re: Tallgrass05]
#12297603
06/16/17 07:58 PM
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4,564
J-Moe
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
TFF Team Angler
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4,564 |
I have the Native Ultimate Tandem 14.5, which is longer than the Ultimate 12. It's very stable because you sit lower compared to a SOT, and it's fast and comfortable. It's a different ride than a sit-on-top, though, and with the open hull, you have fewer options for attaching a pile of gear. Thanks, great insights. I thought about that too but I never use electronics. I do see your point of being a different ride and it will be more difficult to fly fish. Those items concern me but I think I can adjust. I was told I can still raise the seat up with some cushions so that should help with the fly fishing part. Really appreciate the input
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Re: New Kayak for bad back
[Re: J-Moe]
#12297628
06/16/17 08:24 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 6,490
Shaun Russell
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 6,490 |
I'm having back problems right now. I use a Wilderness Systems Commander and I like the seat a lot. I've had a Ride115 and 135 that were comfortable too.
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4:19
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Re: New Kayak for bad back
[Re: Shaun Russell]
#12297769
06/16/17 10:01 PM
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4,564
J-Moe
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
TFF Team Angler
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4,564 |
I'm having back problems right now. I use a Wilderness Systems Commander and I like the seat a lot. I've had a Ride115 and 135 that were comfortable too. Thanks Shaun, I've always wanted the Ride 115 since they came out. I still do, but that 78 lbs is really the only problem. At 53, with a bad back it's probably smarter for me to get something lighter. I still intend on transporting it in the bed of my truck. Sounds like there is something special about the Commander. That's 2 votes. I didn't get a good feel about the high seat position on that yak though.
Last edited by J-Moe; 06/16/17 10:02 PM.
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Re: New Kayak for bad back
[Re: J-Moe]
#12297784
06/16/17 10:12 PM
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4,564
J-Moe
OP
TFF Team Angler
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OP
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Posts: 4,564 |
I spoke with the guys at ACK. They said they could upgrade the Native Ultimate 12 to the high/low adjustable seat for around 120 dollars. I was worried if I purchase the lower seat and still had back pain I wouldn't be able to get the better seat. That's a win. I'm first in line to look at a used one tomorrow. I'll sit in it and get a good feel for it. Hopefully it works out. Thanks for all you inputs. It's been a great benefit, as always.
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