Neumie - I'm not advocating the Eagle Talon because I know nothing about it other than the sale price looked like a very good deal to me, but I'm not sure that the weight is really an issue. The listed weight of 68 pounds may be an "honest" figure; I'm not so sure about some of the other kayak manufacturers and their reported kayak weights. Example: Cobra lists the 12.5 foot Navigator XF at 48 pounds - I find that pretty hard to believe. My beloved Manta Ray 12 is listed at 64 pounds and it sure feels a lot heavier than that when I'm lifting it off the ground and over my head.

One other tip - if any of you have the Dallas Entertainment Book (of coupons) you can get another $20 or $30 (can't recall precise amount) off the purchase price at Dick's.

You guys better hurry...only one at that price

I went by the one on Northeast mall and they didn't have anything. The rest of the models were all dinged and scratched (not surprised by the big box stores).

I'm in the same boat as you. (ummmm, no pun intended) I made my opinions based on the different kayak hulls I have gotten to paddle.

I do believe that this is a great kayak for its price; it's got it all. The tankwell is well thought out, it comes with great accessories, and it looks like a very solid kayak.

I liken it to a cross between a Tarpon 120 and a Redfish 12. I believe it to be a nice cross-over between the two. More stability and tracking than the Tarpon 120, but a slightly wetter ride and more stubborn turning radius.

I know kayak manufacturers are "light" on their weights, but that kayak does feel heavy. My favorite kayak is the Perception Search 15. It's arguably, the heaviest sit-on-top fishing kayak ever made, but it is pretty awesome.

Josh

these r pretty good kayaks they track well and i believe they are better than the catser (just my opinion) they are stable and have great extras, 3 rod holders, bulit in well for bait bucket, lots of storage, anchor trolly and anchor. for $350 they are a good deal but that sale ends this saturday, then they go back up to $499

I called the internet# they said if I go to the store they could order it for me at the promo price. Turns out the Eagle Talon is not on sale, the Eagle Run is for $349, the Talon is $499. But the salesman said he could order either for me from the kiosk in the store and have it shipped to me, probably no freight charge. I doubt that, but that is great service.

The Dick's web site has the flyer at the top of the page and all the kayaks for sale. The talon for $350 would be a rocking deal.

Also the sales person said the Talon is a sit on top the Run is a sit inside.

I would say that if you have a local store go check it out. I definately saw an Eagle Talon at mine (Harker Heights)marked at $399 and asked the manufacturer. A sales girls tried to tell me that Field and Stream made it and she saw Field and Stream all over Arkansas including Walmart and Academy. I explained that Field and Stream was her employers label just as Magellan was Academy's and the twain never mixed. Finally she paged the department manager who told me it was made by Confluence so similarities to Wilderness Systems are not surprising.

If this were not the 10 weeks a year I do not draw a check I would have bought it as my SOT and a spare for guest.

My thoughts too, a spare one. I was calling the one in Shreveport the nearest but still over 80 miles. Chris at Dick's in Shreveport can not do it (a Talon for $350 or $399), he just got a orange Eagle Run in today so I could look at it.

I don't want a sit in kayak, so ... wait for the next go around.

Normally I prefer a SinK or solo canoes, but at the moment I do not have a SoT which fits a few uses better or at least more to my taste. But then I am as much a float camper as fishermen and have found the others better suited.

I think the SoT excells in open and rough water which is a small percentage of my use. But as an extra to loan and use in specific situations I might justify it.