Well I know that I said I dint like the layout of the Ride kayaks, But I had a chance to paddle one about a month ago and I really liked it! soooo after looking around a little I thought I was going to mariner sails to pick one up next weekend and then, I found Hook1's new color "Knot Right Camo" and it looks sweet!
I talked to Chad and I think I am going to order one from him this week. As long as he is going to start shipping them soon I want that color. If its going to take awhile I will still go with mariner sails. I am still a little uneasy about ordering a kayak online and having it shipped.

I am really considering buying the Lowrance Elite-7 HDI to go along with it but still up in the air on that.

I think i'll go ahead and pick up a couple of rod holder, anchor trolly, rudder, and a ram mount for a fish finder while I am at it.

Another FF you might consider is the HB 598ci HD SI. Its got a smaller screen but it makes up for that quickly bc it has side imaging, 2d sonar, downscan and gps. This is the decision i have been fighting with, then again, I need to sell my current DSI unit before I make the upgrade. That bright green camo is sweet but who knows when they will hit. I purchased my RIDE 135 from Mariner- Sails and have not once regretted the fact. Aris and his team are second to none and always take care of any service or product issue you might run into. Another big perk is all the additional savings they honor if you purchase your kayak from them. Good luck and I am sure you will love your RIDE as much as I do...

I put my deposit down on a Ride 135, in camo, yesterday at the Mariner show. I am counting down the days until it gets here!

I had originally planned to get a Lowrance Elite 7 for it but I've decided to go with the Humminbird 798. I think the side imaging will be well worth the extra money.

Why the 798 over the 598??

Jrob78 Did they not have any in stock?

good question?

They didn't have any camo 135's in stock. I believe Mike said they were expecting some Wildy's soon but not the one I want so they had to order it. I would contact Mike, he was great to work with and will get you set up.

The main reason I want the 798 over the 598 is for the preset buttons. The screen is too small to effectively use the split screen in some scenarios so the ability to quickly switch back and forth between modes is huge. Also, the 798 has 2 card slots so you can use a map card and still save waypoints without switching cards. I have no idea if I will even buy a map card but it will be nice to have the option.

Your going to want a map card. Best put that in the budget!

I'm having a blast with my Ride135. Best kayak I've been inside of hands down.
I have the 798si. Side image is the diffrence. And yes it's worth the price!!!

For me, I would not want a screen smaller than the 798. old eyes!
I use the preset buttons a lot.

Shaun, do the 3 quick buttons and the 2nd card slot really make a big difference? Enough to spend 3-4 hundred? I'm thinking of getting the HB 598 ci HD Si... I can get it for under $700

The 598 and 798 have the same screen specs.

Actually mid 7s...

Congratulations! I try to encourage anybody looking at a kayak to go paddle as many as you can but be sure to paddle a Ride. Its stability and comfort sales itself. The layout is what makes the Ride nice. There is none. It's designed so you can attach what "you" want and make it your layout and not somebody else's layout. You will be very happy with your purchase.

Thanks guy! Just looking at the Ride I was not a huge fan but after getting it on the water that changed pritty fast. I like the regular camo also but just fell in love with the knot right camo. I am ready for a new boat and not sure i can wait for it to ship. But on the other hand I still have the drifter.