But I won't try that. No biggie, though. Through skillful engineering, the new Pungo features a size for everyone - a 10.5 foot model is a compact package designed to fit a variety of paddlers, a 12 foot model accommodates small and medium-sized paddlers, and a 12.5 foot model for a large fit. They also have 9-foot models for $350+. I should also mention it is light enough that I can lift it by myself (I'm female, 5'8" 130lb). When I bought my Pungo, I had to paddle it home from the demo and found myself in very rough and windy conditions. Its an ok boat, but our other boats out run and out preform it. My back is finicky about how I sit, but I find the seat extremely comfortable. The company continues to improve its designs, making tweaks for more comfort and better performance. I've paddled it in some pretty good chop and it perorms fairly well but you will get wet. If kayakers kayaking speed is not an issue for them, getting Pungo 105 kayak may be a good option since its cheaper than Pungo 120 kayak, and kayakers who kayak in oceans or calm kayaking waters wont need a lot of kayaking space. (It is the only sub 14' boat in the fleet). I tried tipping it and of course it didn't tip but it felt like it was too high in the water. I own and old 10ft pungo and the (newer version without dash, with the plastic back hatch). No complaints whatsoever. The highlight is the AirPro Seating system. Its also nice to be able to leave your boat at the dock and have your valuables in one convenient place to quickly grab and go. One of Confluence/Wilderness Systems biggest selling points is their very well-designed rec boat seats, definitely better than Johnson Outdoors/Old Town. Known as one of the early pioneers of sit-on-top kayaking, the company came into being when the founder adapted a surfboard to be paddled from a seated position and carry his scuba gear. I live on a lake and also have a 19 foot pontoon boat for the family but when I want to get a quick fish in I grab the Pungo. The Pungo 125 kayak is more suited for higher speeds, surfing, and anything racing-related. I confirmed with Pelican that is had the twin arch multichine hull. It features a stable, predictable, and efficient performance in both calm and rough conditions. Phase 3 seating is SO comfortable, and there's a good size hatch. I have been looking for a short kayak I could put on the back of my SeaRay 27 so I could fish and mess around when we take the SeaRay out and anchor. Purchased the Pungo 125 new in 2022 (ouch on the price - usually buy used). I gave it a seven because I am not a huge fan of rec boats, and personally have a hard time giving it a higher score. The seat is comfortable and adjustable and has good lumbar support. On that day the Pungo clearly was not much fun, really being pushed around by wind and waves. Ample storage capacity, yet light enough to handle with ease. Overall, great for a beginner like me. The updated Pungo family includes 3 sizes of kayaks, of which the Pungo 105 is the smallest. I was timid going into the sport and wanted a very stable boat (it is), easy to carry (small enough to put in the back of my pickup), some dry storage for long day trips and ok let's be honest, a pretty color (mystic blue)! I'm not sure it matters that the Pungo's bulkhead supposedly leaks. And Wilderness Systems recommends the 125 for someone my size. This is a perfect boat for flat water and easy rivers, including multi-day trips. Perhaps not surprisingly, given its length, width and hull design, the Pungo just did not seem to be the boat for the more challenging conditions. Wilderness Systems kayaks are widely available from local paddle shops and national outdoors stores. Quick, stable, ample storage in the rear hatch. But, there are some dissimilarities between the two models from PUNGO. It had the biggest cockpit of the 10'ers, tracked & rode nicely, very well made & had a great seat. worked like a charm. I was initially going to buy this one because its price was very attractive but when I tried it on the water I found that I felt like I was floating in a bubble on top of the water. Full review, Perfect crossover kayak. stability, speed, looks. I decided that I would buy a good kayak this spring, and after doing a bunch of research I have narrowed down my choices to the 2019 Pungo 125 and the Jackson Tupelo 12.5. The minuses - not the world's fastest boat (but then again, I'm not looking to race anyone) and just wish it was a wee bit lighter. All of these boats are wider and shorter in length (between 8 feet and 14.5 feet), offering lots of stability and easy maneuverability for beginner paddlers. The Pamlico seat only allows you to adjust the angle of the back rest and to lift your legs. The reason for a ten foot was because I can get it INSIDE my Toyota Prius for easy loading and unloading. Does this mean that you cant fish out of a recreation boat? The Phase3 AirPro allows anyone to customize their seat for ultimate comfort. Choose Wilderness Systems if youre ready to invest in a more refined touring, recreational or fishingkayak. When I paddle in it, I feel I am in a boat rather that feeling like the boat is part of me. Secondary stability is more difficult - first, you ARE NOT locked in, the cockpit is so large that you have minimal contact with it. Tidy, adjustable deck bungees on the bow and stern give you more options to stash gear on-deck. They have proved to be very versatile. A skirt is also really nice to have in the rain and in cooler weather for a bit of extra warmth. The Tsunami is available in 12.5-, 14- and 14.5-foot lengths for day and weekend trips, and high-volume, rudder-equipped 16.5- and 17.5-foot models for extended multi-day trips. Synthetic fabrics, or wool, are generally a better choice. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community! You'll fall in love with the water all over again! Creature ComfortsThe seat is very comfortable, allows Full review, The Dagger Axis 12 is my first kayak. With a wide-open cockpit, the Pungo is one of the easier sit-in kayaks to get into and out of. The ten year old did fine, paddling 2 hours + on a river trip. I think the Pungo 100 is a little small for people over 6 ft tall. It is extremely difficult to put a life jacket on once you fall into the water. It is very stable and maneuvers well. I feel I made a good choice for a first boat and find it great for practicing my strokes and gaining experience. Lets take a look at two of their best kayaks: Pungo 105 vs Pungo 120. Full review, Terrific overall kayak. Cons: the closed cell foam insert they put up front is hokey, doesn't fit well and mine fell out and is now lost. Its rigorously engineered hull provides renowned stability without sacrificing performance. They are a very stable kayak and I have never had any trouble with it tipping over. I've been a canoer my entire life but decided that my big 15' canoe was a bit too heavy for me to man-handle alone so I sold it and bought the 12' Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 kayak which weighs about 49 pounds (30 pounds less than my old canoe). The kayak also has some problems in big windy conditions because it can be blown from side to side even with the kayak paddle. The 29-inch width and voluminous chines (where the sides of the kayak meet the bottom) create confidence-inspiring stability so you can wiggle around, snap a few pics or take Fido out on the water without fear of the slightest movement sending you overboard. I almost bought a cheap kayak from a sporting goods store or Walmart, but after . The cockpit and seat are comfortable for my 6'3" frame. If you are deciding between the Pungo 120 and the Pamlico 120, I would suggest you save the extra cash and purchase the Pam. After doing some research I have seen a lot of people recommend 14' boats. But - this is the perfect small kayak for fishing, knocking around, and FUN. Wilderness Systems kayaks are targeted to a mid-level price range, reflected by the construction and outfitting options. I bought mine one season used in absolutely perfect condition from an outfitter for $350! I took my 8 year old daughter with me to buy the kayak and she decided it was for her rather than for me. The Pungo 120 kayak provides kayakers with an extensive kayaking space in that they can enjoy kayaking. Our first time out on the water in them was not a disappointment. Excellent boat for the beginner or varied recreationalists. For a rec boat, this one still has enough of an aggressive design to be faster than most. I am 6'0" and 190 lbs and have no problem fitting into this boat. Wilderness Systems Tsunami 165 (best ocean touring kayak) Check Price on Amazon. A very worthwhile investment. Coast Guard and state BUI (boating under the influence) laws apply to all vessels. You can go for Pungo 120 if you are trying to find a stable kayak for kids. Price is a major factor while choosing a suitable product and you need to make sure of your necessity also. I have found it to be a nice boat, it tracks well, and is about as fast as you can expect for a 10 footer. I felt so comfortable in it (the seat is amazingly adjustable and the foot pegs are so easy to adjust even when in the water). Also recommend the skirt for the Pungo. Being a first time kayaker, I had no problems getting into the boat, stearing, or paddling. The plastic is thick enough to withstand some abuse, and the weight is about average. It is most likely a kayak that will be used for kayaking on the ocean, or in a lake with high waves. Inspiring paddlesports participation through quality coverage of the people, places, adventures, boats and gear, trends and events that make paddling something you'll do for the rest of your life. Overall, this is an excellent choice for price, durability, comfort, and stability. The Pungo 120 dashboard also incorporates Wilderness Systems SlideTrax gear mounting system. The biggest drawback is the weight. Hatch is difficult to close properly. It put together two of my favorite things: outdoors and water. While the Pungo 105 is also good for fishing, it does not have many accessories such as rod holders and extra storage. If you are a kayak enthusiast, then surely youve heard about kayaks from Wilderness Systems. The cockpit is very roomy. The kayaks hull is designed to be more efficient and quick than kayaks in its class. This popular model was introduced in 2003 and has been a touring mainstay for nearly two decades. Enough speed to get back up river in current. However, the best part is the Phase 3 seat. Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, The Great Canadian Kayak Challenge & Festival, Best Kayak Brands For Fishing, Sea Kayaking, Touring & More, Recreational Kayak Review: Wilderness Systems Pungo 120, Recreational Kayak Review: Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100, Fishing Kayak Review: Wilderness Systems Recon 120 HD, Boat Review: Zephyr 160 Pro by Wilderness Systems, Boat Review: Wilderness Systems Tempest 165 Kayak, Boat Review: The Tempest 170 Composite by Wilderness Systems, Touring Kayak Review: Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145, Best Cheap Inflatable Paddleboards For 2023. The Pungo delivers a dynamic on-water performance with superior stability, unmatched speed, premium comfort and intelligent outfitting. More stable, FASTER, much more manuverable. I've had it on calm lakes and rivers with Class III rapids (I prefer to keep it at 3 or below). I decided on a WS Pungo 100 and so far, am completely satisfied. The only weakness I can detect so far is than on a river, the current can sometimes grab the rear rudder and slew the boat around if you're not careful to protect against it. It tracks nicely, has good speed and the same good looks as the Pungo, plus . Beginners can easily maneuver their way through the water while experienced paddlers can experience remarkable performance. The overall quality construction and Phase 3 seating really made this boat stand out over all others in its class. The range in boat sizes also accommodates a wide range of paddler sizes, ensuring a perfect fit. Having used three years now, I feel I can give some insight. I think that any first time kayaker ( like all the folks in my family) will find the Pungo 100 more fun than they could have imagined! Reading reviews of Wilderness Systems kayaks helps to understand where these kayaks excel. The Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 will serve as a great day tripper for small- to medium-sized paddlers looking for more glide and efficiency than the shorter Pungo 105; larger paddlers should look at the Pungo 125 for a roomier fit and higher carrying capacity alongside the same versatile features and performance. Their wide range of designs includes award-winners like the Tempest touring kayak and A.T.A.K. If I have a complaint it is pretty picky and that is I would like a little more deck rigging (I'll add my own later) since I'll use it for fishing. My wife and I were looking for an entry level kayak to get us into the sport. If youre parking your boat where you cant keep an eye on things, you can even lock the latches for peace of mind. Aside from a few discontinued composite touring models, the Wilderness Systems kayaks you will find on the used market are made of rotomolded polyethylene plastic. It comes up with the legendary thought of retaining all the things that kayakers love to enjoy. The company is owned by the Confluence Outdoor group, which also encompasses popular paddlesports brands Dagger, Perception, Mad River, Boardworks and Adventure Technology. Are you interested in fishing from your kayak? Plus we found vests that go to the bottom of the shoulder blade & now we can sit in these very comfortably for a long period of time. The Pungo 100 is perfect for me. The Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 is a sit-inside kayak that has a large cockpit opening for easy entry and exit and an unrestricted feeling when sitting in the kayak. The other one I tried was the Perception Prodigy 100. There are so many makes, models, designs & options of kayaks that it was difficult to choose which one to purchase as my first kayak. THIS awesome kayak should not be listed as a recreational kayak only. Best-in-class speed makes the Pungo the easiest to paddle and most efficient kayak in its class, taking you farther and faster than you ever thought you could. Recommend it highly. The Pungo 120 is equipped with what Wilderness Systems bills as the most comprehensive kayak dashboarda removable console that fits over the front of the cockpit and features a removable dry box, cup holders, an accessory gear track and a recessed batterycompartment. The open decks of these 12- to 14-foot sit-on-tops provide ample space for gear storage, and on all fishing kayaks, expect thoughtfully placed bungees and hatches to store key pieces ofgear. Add a Wilderness Systems TrueFit Spray Skirt to keep splashing waves out of the cockpit when paddling in rougher waters. I have 1 in Florida, and 1 in Central NY state. I am 6'3", about 235 lbs. Also they sealed the rear hatch area but didn't move the drain hole. I've had my Pungo 100 for about 8 years and have no plans to replace it; it's a great rec boat! I've paddled most of my life and this is the most comfortable kayak or canoe I've had. Sit-inside kayaks from Wilderness Systems range in length from 10.5 ft all the way to 17' 10". This sit-inside design best suits the beginner to intermediate paddler who enjoys a variety of paddling situations. Definitely recommend this to anyone new to the sport that wants a stable and comfortable boat. Couldn't wait to get it in the water! Doesn't have the effortless curise and glide of a sea kayak - but it is so comfortable and easy to use. Even those who were technically over the rated weight limit found them to be maneuverable and comfortable. So who will win the Pungo 105 vs 120 battle? 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