Go point. I need to "test drive" both before. Is there a local dealer that does that I wonder.

shouldnt the cuda have more storage than the coosa since its bigger? That holds true for most kayaks.

I don't think the depth of the hull is as deep in the Cuda vs the Coosa. It may even out though, I am not 100% on that. I know the openings are smaller on the Cuda to put things in your hull, than on the Coosa.

I have both. And while the Coosa is a great boat, I prefer the Cuda on the Brazos because of its mostly flat water and lack of technical rapids. If hill country rivers like the Llano or the San Marcos were my home waters, I would prefer the Coosa because of its superior manuverability.

Storage is great in both boats, but the Cuda has more because of the added length. But I will say that for an 11' boat, the Coosa will store a lot.

"I have both" ....... U lucky dog!!!!

I agree 100% if flat watr Cuda would be best

I have a Coosa and like it a lot. If the wind is blowing hard, sit in the low position and your body won't act as a sail quite as bad. I have not been in a Cuda yet so I can't speak for that boat. If I were you, I would test drive a bunch of boats and see what fits your style and your checking account. Will you want to haul a 14' boat different from a 10'-11'? Can you load and unload a 14' boat with gear by yourself? Lots to think about. Good luck! Show us some pics after you pull the trigger!

This is the classic speed vs maneuverability quandary.

If you plan on covering any sort of distance and will generally fish other flat water (lakes, bays), go with the Cuda. If you don't really care about how far you go and you plan on fishing other, smaller rivers (San Marcos, Devils), go with the Coosa.

Head to head, if you ONLY paddled the stretch of the Brazos mentioned, then the Cuda is the better yak, because has much more efficiency, speed, and tracking.

We have both the Cuda and Coosa in stock and available for free demos every day we're open at our San Marcos location. Come hop in each yak, back to back, and you'll be able to make the best decision for you.

as low as the water is, the best kayak to own is someone else's.

Malibu X-factor provides substantial staorage due to hatch/hull design. At 14.5" , it is fine on the Brazos and not much slower due to it's wider girth. It paddles silimar albeit slightly slower than my Manta Ray 14.

Here is the Cuda on a three day two night trip from last weekend.
Notice, the only thing above deck besides me is the K2 cooler and the extra beer i'm carrying for someone who ran out of room. Inside the kayak are Hooligan 2 tent, twin matress, sleeping bag, bag of charcoal, cooking supplies, pump, clothes and other mixed gear. Paddles straight and glides well.

the rear looks low in the water.

Can anyone tell me what a Cuda cost with rudder? I havent even considered price differances between yaks.

I had a lot of weight back there as well as my 250

According to Jackson the Cuda is $1,399 w/ rudder. The WS Ride 135 will set you back about $1,149 with rudder.

I'd still take the Jackson. It has more storage space, better seat which is included.

OK, those are your personal opinions.

yakitup, the best thing you can do is paddle each kayak that you're interested in, preferably side by side. That's the only way you'll know you've bought the best kayak for your needs.

Isn't that why he asked the question? So he can get everyone's personal opinion?

Yea, I'm an idiot.

I guess I should have said I don't think the Cuda has a more storage (comparing the specs of both) or a better seat than a Ride.

or just left that first line off. We all just love our kayaks so much we get a little defensive when someone suggests another. I do it as well. no harm no foul.

I should have said, that I had a Ride 135 and the Cuda so I based my opinion on that. Since I have fished and camped out of both.

trudat

My Brother just bought a Cuda. Super pumped hes getting into te sport of Kayak fishing.I'll try and test his.lol. I really like the ride since I already have a pungo 120. I really take all you guys advise so it's good to see people's passion for there preference. It could be worse fellas... U could be working mon thru Friday in Tucson Az were fishing is almost none existent! Think I might go crazy! Trying to plan another trip with yaknyota. Is there a thread anywhere that is a place we could show off the yaks and brag about em? It would be cool to find a thread that just had people's yaks and what they have done to them. It could be called the "show off" thread.