Hello All! Just like the title says I am trying to figure out which kayak to buy. There are no demos/dealers within 2-3 hours that have either kayak to demo. I know the Topwater PDL isn't out yet so I've been looking for the Predator PDL version as a comparison because its the same drive.

I am looking for the lightest easiest to carry with the option to go between peddling, paddling and motorized. Stability is important but still want to be able to paddle in the river in my backyard. Access to some rivers means I am carrying the kayak or dragging it. I am a minimalist fisherman so all the extra storage just adds weight for me. Without feeling the gear ratio of each kayak I like to get some feedback from both sides if possible.
Here is what I have put together so far...

Old Town TopWater PDL Angler
79lbs
L 10' 6"
W 36"
Gearing 10.3:1
Draft 6"
Top Speed 5.5
Accessories: Fishfinder GPS, Pedal, paddle
Extras: Drive Floats, Transducer mount
What I like most: light weight, stackable (will be buying more for kids), price, comes with drive, comes with $275 fish finder, stability 36" width
Cons: Being new and untested, no swapable foot pad for river rafting (i can probably mod one though fairly easy), no height adjustable seat (Old Town says its designed for peddling but no mention of paddling)
Notes: Gearing seems like it will produce more torque due to the lower gearing, wider beam maybe be harder to paddle?

Wilderness Systems Radar 115
85lbs
L 11' 8"
W 34.5"
Gear Ratio 6:1 14x17 2 bladed
Side Handles: Yes / Inside
Extras: Has paddle holder upfront, Height Adjustable Seat
What I like the most: ability to mod it with a trolling motor and the seat height adjust-ability for rivers and large body water, drive comes up with single press of the foot
Cons: weight
Notes: Gearing sounds like it will be easier to paddle long distance

"peddling, paddling and motorized"

I don't think any true pedal kayak will paddle well, except perhaps the Santa Cruz Raptor 2.

Motorized? Check out adding a Bixpy to a kayak. https://bixpy.com/bixpy-kayak-jet/

The Wilderness Systems kayak is time proven, and it being even only a foot longer makes a difference when it comes to tracking and paddling.
The minimal weight difference isn't enough to offset the other advantages.

Good point. I've asked around and from what I hear the PDL drive is built and feels a lot better than Wilderness. But the main feature that brings me back to the Radar is the quick release on the peddle. I do not like the rudder control design and I do not like the floor plan as your feet are pretty much locked in on the right and left. The internal side handles are also a turn off because I like to be able to get a good grip on the sides and lift it into the back of my truck. I think I am going to hold off another month to see more reviews of the topwater before jumping in. If the speed of the topwater is there and it paddles good then I am pretty sure I am going that route. $1750 for a peddle drive 36", 79lbs kayak makes it pretty darn hard to pass up ($250 for the fishfinder). I am also going to be buying 3 of them (wife and daughter) and being stackable is going to be great for storage and traveling. We were going to purchase Hobie Compass but the standing platform turned us off. I would deal with mirage drive IF the compass was a good standing platform. 60-80lbs standing peddle kayak is what we are trying to find but not many choices. Thanks!

The Radar is a great Kayak. I've only used it for paddling the 135 model, but it tracks well and is very stable. It's also substantially lighter than my ATAK 140.

I think that they will introduce a 12' 120 with the pdl soon (if not this year next year). That might interest me more than the 10' boat. I will be interested in seeing what happens at the end of Aug with the Paddle Sports Retailer show: https://www.paddlesportsretailer.com/

ICAST is not the end of the introductions for next year, the next new wave of boats will show up at the end of Aug for a 2019 release date. If you want a boat still this year, and like the 10' style the new Topwater seems to be a nice boat in that length.

*pedalling

I'll be at the paddle sports retailer show for a few days too...