Academy has the perception on HOT DEAL for $449.99 and the sticker on the ascend $699.99. Is it worth the extra $250? Or even the extra $100 for the FS12T. I love the way the Ascend's look, and the platform decks, but the reviews aren't always the best either. Give me some insight, I've paddled all...

I personally haven't bought one but I have spent an enormous amount of time reviewing them, sitting in them, etc. So I don't have any true knowledge of how they track, etc.

What I did find is the FS128T had a much stiffer surface than the FS12T to stand on and fish. The Perception is an excellent Kayak and for the cost is well worth it, maybe even a better value overall. But I feel in love with the FS128T. I was looking for something to stand and flyfish from. The bigggest problem for me is the weight. I would have to have a trailer or at least a truck to transport it.

I have/had a Pescador. I actually just sold it to a friend. I am upgrading to a PA14, but I caught many a fish from that Pescador. It tracks well, and it can get up and go pretty darn quick too. It is a proven yak, and has been used by many a fisherman. my buddy is actually the 3rd owner of this particular kayak... if that helps verify the quality and dependability. As for the Ascend I cant help.

Scooter

pescador. i looked at the ascends the plastic looks thin and soft to me. but thats my .02

Nate, if you weigh more than 200#, especially if you want to carry alot of gear, you should look for something with more weight capacity. If you weigh less than, say, 190#, I imagine either one would work fine for you. The Pescador is a proven design, for what it is. The FS12T has some perceived issues. But with an organization like Bass Pro Shops behind it, I'm sure they will stand behind their products and work hard to satisfy every customer they can.

Try them out, then decide.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the insight. I am a bigger guy. I weigh a solid 230#, and am 6'4"... Hmm, flip a coin?

I'm sitting right around 220# right now and have no problems in my pescador.

Was about the same when I bought my pescador. No complaints.

I think I'm leaning towards the proven and very recommended pescador!

my buddy has an FS12T and it's pretty sweet. he's able to stand, but the seat is the big difference maker. try and test both, but I'd go with the ascend personally.

Or keep an eye on craigslist or the yak classified section here. Occasionally you may see a Ride 115 for not too much more than the ascend 128.

Either way, both are solid yaks that get the job done.

Good luck

Is it just me that thinks the Pescador is just a cheaper version of a Tarpon120?

I have had a pescador and sold it to get into the FS12T. The seat and ability to stand in the 12T is what made me switch, not fond of the real lack of dry storage the 12T has though. The pescador definitely tracks better but is horribly uncomfortable to be in for longer then 3 hrs.

Could you elaborate on this?



It's the old tarpon 120 mold.

I second the Pescador its for sure proven it's worth.

It is the Wildernes Tarpon Mold of 2007 and The Tarpon has been Wilderness Sysytems #1 for a long time, so One can get A NEW/OLd wilderness tarpon for a very discounted price when You purchase a Pescador

Have owned 2 FS128T - seems to have a possible design problem concerning warping around the rear hatch ! BPS customer was great to work with, however I am moving up to the PA 14 !