Kayak upgrade Opinions

Considering replacing Commander 120 with the WS Radar 115 or 135. Nothing against the Commander, great kayak fishing platform but like the options of pedal or motor drive with the Radar without sacrificing stability. Would the Radar be an upgrade from the Commander other than the options of motor or pedal drive? Any input would be helpful.

Also regarding Radar, any big differences in speed or stability between the 115 and 135?

I would demo them out and stand on them. The commander was more stable than the ride 115 - 135 the platform the radar replaced so you might see a difference.

Will need to demo

Had the opportunity today to demo the Radar 135 with the Helix Pedal Drive. Overall was impressed. Paddled similar to my first Kayak, Ride 135. Tracked very well, handled the wind and chop very well( It was a windy day during demo). Was impressed as well by the glide of the Radar, when I stopped paddling Radar tracked straight and kept moving. Seat was very comfortable, easy to adjust, only limitation was when seat was adjusted forward, I am 5'10, could not access the middle hatch. Standing was no issue at all, easier to stand with flat and move around than my Commander 120 and still with the advantage of with an open deck. Pedal drive took a me awhile to get used too, I was trying to put to much force into pedaling at first and was not smooth, once I figured out that pedaling did not require forceful effort, pedaling was much more smooth and efficient. You need not try to pedal like a mad man. Adjusting the pedal drive unit was easy, lowering and raising the unit was effortless, only issue for me was trying to align the propeller with the opening in the deck before disengaging the drive.
Overall Radar I thought was a great fishing platform with the options of paddle, pedal and electric motor. Radar 115 did not a chance to demo but would assume very similar to 135 in terms of paddling and fishing platform.
Need to decide to keep or sell the Commander 120 to help pay for the Radar 135.

Aggie61, "long" is usually faster and more stable, all other things equal. If you get in a 115 for a demo, it should be a bit less stable and slower. But, will it matter, or even be noticeable? Not sure.

A Jackson Coosa FD would be another possible option. It has the new drive system that levers up and out of the way if it hits something. I'm not certain they have been released yet but due out soon.

I sure like the looks of the new WS kayaks! You can't go wrong there, for sure.

Brad

Have read some forums where Radar 135 owners are having issues with the handles falling off. Some have suggested replacing with handles from the Tarpon. Anyone having issues with the handles on the the Radar?