Which store is the demo at today?

Demo at Grapevine or Garland Store?

Grapevine

Alright guys, I have some good news. I will be bringing one of our FS128T Kayaks to the GTG this weekend, and yes, you can paddle it.

Now, there is always a chance that we could sell through these by next weekend, so I can't guarantee that I will have one. However, I should be able to make it happen.

Come out to the GTG and give her a spin: GTG Info Here

I was going to write a really thorough review, but now that the kayak is going to be available for a demo, I will just let the kayak itself do the talking.

See you guys out there.

A few impressions:

I would really second Mateo's review of the kayak (see the link at the top of the page). Very accurate.

The high seat position on this kayak is very comfortable and stable. From a comfort standpoint, I could fish out of it for hours and hours and escape any temptation to complain.

She is definitely on the heavy side, but that isn't exclusive to this kayak in particular. High seat kayaks are going to require some more weight. Having said that, I was impressed with the tracking.

The weight capacity on this kayak is 350 pounds.

The kayak weighs around 89 pounds.

You won't be able to moonwalk on the deck of this kayak, but standing and fishing was intuitive for me. This was the first high seat kayak I have ever been in, and the first "stand up" kayak I have ever been in.

I do think the kayak could be improved by adding some simple side carrying handles (very easy and inexpensive project).

I had a great time today. Thanks for coming out, guys.

Oh dang Dean I totally forgot about it being today...I'm sorry I really wanted to check that new kayak out.

I was there, if you watch the video I'm in the background wearing the orange shirt.

From a spectators perspective. The kayak does have more freeboard than I was anticipating, so I suspect it'll get pushed some like the Ride 135 in a cross wind. Unlike the Ride 135 it doesn't have the geyser/gurgling effect from the tunnels. Also, because the floor is so flat and wide it does noticeably flex, even with the foam blocks for support. The Carolina Flair makes it very unique looking on the water, I think this yak would be a perfect candidate for a trolling motor.

Dean also didn't look too comfortable trying to get the seat to swivel. Part of it is unfamiliarity with the kayak, but I also suspect the locking mechanism awkwardly positioned.

Watching Dean paddle it does seem to track well, and you can spin the kayak within its length. Not sure how hard it'll be to turn it while underway, because the Bass Pro pond is kinda small.

Ascend FS128T
Length: 12' 8"
Width: 32"
Weight: 90lbs
Capacity: 350lbs (a little disappointing if you as me)
Price: $699.99

Let me get back to you guys about the locking bar.

I am pretty sure when you assemble the seat you can face the locking bar front, left, right, or back. This would definitely give you options.

I had mine set to the back (this is definitely due to unfamiliarity with the platform).

Very good point, Josh.

Thanks.

I was there also. Thanks for the demo. At 350 lbs capacity I'd have to say it would NOT be good for a trolling motor. Not enough capacity for a heavy battery, trolling motor, etc. But I do agree it does have a high free board and was pushed around by the wind. But overall it looked like a pretty sweet kayak for the price.

Dean, thanks for making the effort to get the BPS demo arranged as well as the possibility of a GTG demo. There was quite a bit of wind across the pond when he demo'd so explains why he's moving quite a bit.

I also was a bit surprised about the amt of freeboard and a lower than expected weight capacity but the boat seemed to track very well and spin easy enough. The deck flex was noticeable but as noted above, it's a pretty wide and flat area. Not being one who has done any standing in the kayak, it will be interesting to get opinions from those who do as to how it compares with their respective boats.

Thanks again Dean.

Update: The locking bar can be mounted in several positions. Probably best to put it in the front.

Spent a few minutes sitting in one today.
Very cool rig!

I was seriously considering investing into the jackson cuda. when I heard of the ascend fs128t. I went to the baas pro shop here in harlingen, Texas. Comparing with the cuda 14 and the ascend 128t. They are very similar as far as features i.e. storage handling etc. Two things in my opinion that makes it stand out. 1, is the price. Comparing it to the jackson, that makes it a very good point. 699 versus 1700 that makes it a definite seller. The down side is it doesnt have no carry handles in the middle. But that is fixable and easy. Overall, I am sold on this kayak. It will be a definite upgrade from my 12ft perception pescador.