Academy's return policy on kayaks is that you can't return them. Make sure you look it over real good before you walk out the door with it. Otherwise, you're dealing with the manufacturer in the event of defect.

Even if Academy won't accept it as a return and you have to deal with the manufacturer, the usual way that is handled is you have paperwork that states when and where you bought it and you have proof as to date of purchase and that you are the original owner.

You buy one used, you might have a hard time proving you are the original owner.

But yes, like anything it's always best to check before you buy!

True ... in fact, as part of the purchase process, you have to sign a paper acknowledging that the yak cannot be returned.

Probably why they sell them cheaper than everyone else....Ya think?

That's why you always demo a used kayak.

The lower costs more than likely comes from lower overhead for the yak. There's no RnD, no new molds to build, your limited to 1 (maybe 2) colors, very minimal rigging from factory, etc. Add Academy buying the yaks in bulk and it's easier to see the cheaper costs.

Now, whether or not Confluence (Perception Sport's parent company) will warranty the Pescador is something I don't know. Academy might have gotten burned in the past from letting kayakers return leaking kayaks (cough castaway cough cough) for new ones. So, that could be why they won't allow returns for kayaks.

Again, this is my opinion as I have not paddled the Pescador (I have paddled the Tarpon 120), so I don't know the quality of the Pescador. I think it's a very good buy and would put it ahead of the BPS Ascend and the Heritage Angler 12 that's also at Academy.

It is true that Academy will not let you return kayaks and you would just have to go through the manufacturer for warranty issues EXCEPT for those Heritage yaks. They are made specificaly for Academy and Academy is handling the warranties on them. So if you have a problem with one of the heritages after purchase and take it back to Academy I bet you will leave with a new kayak. There was a guy on here reporting that he did that. Took the heritage back and got a pescador. I think I am getting one of those Heritages because I'd prefer the stability over the speed of the Pescador. And if I have a problem I feel good that Academy would take care of it.

FYI...the Heritage brand is a part of the Legacy Paddlesports Group who also make Native Watercraft and Liquid Logic. Legacy is actually phasing out and putting the Heritage brand name to bed. They are selling a very limited number of models under a Native/Heritage badge. Academy probably took a large inventory of previous years of discontinued stock at a cheap price from Legacy. You can look at the last two digits on the serial number to see the year of manufacture.

Thanks so much for all the great info guys i really appreciate it. Does anyone have any experience or expertise with the ascend brand from BPS?

My buddy has one and I don't much care for it. Storage is minimal, the tank well isn't deep enough, the rod holder is way too far forward.

I still say search for quality used. It wouldn't be that hard to verify if it is in good shape or not.

http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=176568
http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=176355

i have the heritage angler 10. There are no returns on any of acadamy's kayaks as I was told before purchasing it! my .02 its a decent yak but I wont lie I will be saving for a 12ft yak mainly bc i think the extra 2 feet would be awesome! I havent flipped it once and ive been in the middle of grapevine in 20+mph winds it rode well and with my cushion my butt stays dry! and I have done a deep water re entry with it fully loaded and that was suprisingly easy.

The best under 750, I the one I just bought ,the t-120(pescador12) for 500 .better hurry because they aint restocking these babies.Everyone keeps buying it instead of the new t- 120 .

What are some opinions on the Field and Stream Eagle Talon at Dicks?
Currently the web site shows it on sale for $550.
On other forums have read good stuff but I trust you guys more!

I have been all over the board on what water craft to get - I have now decided I will be purchasing 2 yaks so I will have to stay in this price range.
Thanks for all the information - you guys are awesome!

I love my pescador. My only complaint is that its max weight is 300 lbs. So with my 200lbs and 20lbs of gear. It is a wet ride. I have now plugged all the scupper holes. Which is ok for pond and calm lakes. But I want to do a Devils River trip this year and the water will need to be able to drain through. And i am not even sure i could bring what i need to bring for a 2 day trip with the limit of 300 lbs..

You and me need to go on a diet. Lol