Anyone have any first hand experience with this kayak? I’m considering buying one because it’s affordable $599 price. Online the reviews are evenly mixed some really bad and some really good but you never can tell. So just looking for opinions from actual owners or previous owners. I’m 6ft 225 pounds. I fish mostly calm waters. Rivers, creeks and bays here on the Texas coast. Thanks in advance!

I have the Ascend 12T and I am the same size as you are. It is a very steady kayak and I can stand with no issues. It is a bit heavy and wind can wreak havoc though. I bought mine used a few years back and really don’t have any real complaints with it besides the weight and the location of the rod holder. I have not used it in any rivers, just lakes and at the coast but I think it would handle it just fine. It’s a great kayak for the price in my opinion.

Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate it.

I've had that kayak and was not a fan. I found the kayaks weight rating at 350 lbs is over rated by about 40 lbs. And it's horrible in the wind! For ease of paddling I give it a 5 out of 10. You get what you pay for. As long as you know going in you're getting a bottom end kayak it should meet your expectations. If you're thinking at some point down the road you may upgrade save your money and wait until you can add a few hundred to it. Your options are much better if you can spend 800-900. This of course is for new. Used there are many kayaks for $600 I would recommend over the Ascend.

I agree with Jerry. I personally would keep an eye out for a good used kayak vs buying an entry-level yak. If you find one that is garage kept (or correctly covered outside), it will last for many years and you will have a much better experience in a properly designed hull.

Keep in mind that mostly calm waters can turn on a dime in Texas and a good hull design will make the difference between "manageable", "miserable" and in some cases "dangerous". By way of example, this summer I got caught in a squall with no notice (not remotely in the forecast)... in a moment the wind was blowing 30 to 50 and I ended up doing a 180 in my PA as I rounded a point heading back to the ramp. It really scared me. An Ascend may very well have turtled?

I don't know paddle kayaks very well, but many guys on here do. Perhaps a couple of them can make a few recommendations for you to hunt down.

Just my two cents. Good luck with your search.

It's a budget starter kayak, so you'll get what you pay for. Watch how much weight you put in it, your 225 lbs plus gear, since it is rated for only 350 lbs. Don't skimp on a good, comfortable PFD and a quality paddle.

$599 + tax, pfd and paddles you're going to be spending $800+ for a yak you will be posting on Craigslist soon. Right now there is a Vibe Sea Ghost in DFW for $800. Lots of yaks under $800 to fit your needs that you just may want to keep.

Thanks everyone for the input and suggestions

I am going to go a different tack and suggest you might look at an inexpensive kayak, such as lifetime or pelican which can be found new on sale for < $150.
Reasoning is that for the price of a few rentals you have a kayak which is easy to load up, can get you out on the water and you really can not add much stuff to them.
You will be able to do a lot of fishing out of it and have a lot of fun.
Lets you figure out if you like the sport for minimal outlay and start thinking about what is important to you when you upgrade.
Maybe you get a few bucks out of it when you upgrade or keep it for a friend to go out with you sometime.
You can go to demo events and try out various kayaks or talk with some of the dealers to try out ones your are interested in..
I would go with a nice pfd, NSR Chinook, is my favorite and is well respected by many here.
Paddle might come with the kayak and they will not be great but will get you around.
You do not know what you really want or need and can keep the entry paddle as a spare in the future. Also will save you from buying a mid priced paddle then the one you want and ultimately paying more for paddles.
All this being said, I would not take one of these kayaks out until the weather and water warms up and be very careful of the weather .
I had my sons 8ft lifetime kayak,for about 20-30 outings while I was trying to figure stuff out. I am 6' and was about 240 at the time and would suggest the 10 footer. Made a good decision on my next kayak and have just about figured out what I want in a paddle.
If you do decide to go in the price range you are looking at you can find some much nicer used kayaks in the same price range.
Unless you do a lot of research and demo several, you will probably be wanting something different soon but at least you may be able to get a good portion of your money back out of it.

Thanks for the great advice I appreciate everyones responses.