Been researching a lot on this Ascend 12T. It seems to be the best bang for the buck. Most of the reviews, older ones seem to be:
Heavy
Scupper holes leak
Thin plastic/hull
It�s a tank, slow

I am not finding anything on the current 2019 12T. I love the looks and it possibly being stable enough to stand.

Anyone have any real world recent interactions with the Ascend 12T?

I have heard�save up� for a better Kayak, look for used.....

650 is my budget. Still need paddle, pfd, milk crate, odds and ends. This will be a an occasional weekend trips. Do not want to get in �too deep�.

Opinions greatly appreciated.

My .02 cents. I bought an Ascend 12t 2 years ago. I was at Bass Pro yesterday and I can't tell where there have been any changes at all made since I had mine. Actually the price has dropped a little. I don't have a lot of good things to say about it other than it's for sure an entry level kayak. It's far from a wise investment.

In speaking from experience those who are telling you to wait until you can afford a better kayak or buy used are giving you solid advise. I'm not trying to bash Ascend I just didn't have a good experience with it.

The Pescador 12 is a better kayak in just about every way IMO and is about the same price. I've seen them listed on Craigslist only used once or twice for $500 or less. The seat is important but not as important as the kayak.

I've seen a lot of folks spend $700 with tax on an Ascend just to sell it 6 months later, lose hundreds of dollars to get something better. Just my thoughts.

Good luck! Let us know what you end up getting.

Here's a smoking deal in a complete set up. Not sure where you're located.

https://austin.craigslist.org/spo/d/austin-perception-pescador-pro-12-fully/6887285184.html

I�ve had my 12t for a couple years now. No issues at all. I�ve had it 2 miles out in the gulf, twice down the devils river, and everywhere in between. Very stable and easy to stand in. I love it. Also never really felt like I�ve been slower than anyone I�ve fished with. I would recommend it.

I have it and love it. Very stable. I�m 6,4 and stand up and sit down no problem.

I've had my 12T for 2 years and actually just bought at D10T as a spare. I love the 12T. I have paddled it all over lakes, can stand easily, and even flyfish out of it. I just took it last week up to the White River in Arkansas and it was a true pleasure. We paddled about 20 miles in a day and a half. Totally 100% comfortable. I am 6'1" and 210 lbs. I love mine.