The hull isn't shaped right and won't maneuver well in fast current when you need to control the boat. The Wilderness Systems Pungo is priced higher than many budget and box store recreational kayaks, but boasts the features and comfort of kayaks costing hundreds of dollars more. This company manufactures kayaks that have been proven to be popular and reliable by kayakers around the world. To fix the straps just run new cord thru the rubber handle and use the bolts to fasten eyes put on the ends of new cord. Cons - the plastic does seem to scratch up easily, but hull is thick enough to not seem a threat. Add Argo 136XP Tandem Kayak . Wilderness Systems aims to make the worlds most comfortable kayaks, and the Pungo 120 is no exception. They track well, turn quickly when necessary, and are extremely stable, even in heavy swells and waves. My fourth Pungo (a 100 and 3 120's) -- all sold over the years. They will easily last a lifetime of heavy use with minimal care. Again, it will help you to know more about these two kayaks and their features. *MSRP: $1,229 USD / $1,599 CAD . Pungo 120 Specs and Features Structure: Rigid / Hard Shell Cockpit Type: Sit Inside Seating Configuration: Solo Ideal Paddler Size: Smaller Adult/Child, Average Adult The comparison between these two kayaks is based on the features you can find in these kayaks. I confirmed with Pelican that is had the twin arch multichine hull. I would recommend this be used in less than choppy water, other than that it seemed to be great. They've been used by a variety of people from children to large adults. It offers the widest cockpit and a 12'6" (381 cm) long hull. It is the perfect size and weight which allows me to pick it up and put it on my SeaRay. Boats like the Recon 120 and Radar 135 can be propelled with a paddle, integrated pedal drive or a small electric motor. If you are a kayak enthusiast, then surely youve heard about kayaks from Wilderness Systems. See and review all Wilderness Systems kayaks here. The DAgger floats smooth and straight plus, has a lot of room for my gear. I had a 14 foot Old Town canoe before buying the Pungo and this thing is much better in every way! They also have 9-foot models for $350+. Perception Joyride is basically a stripped down pungo. Very stable boat with comfortable cockpit. As a newbie paddler, this has been a great first boat. Also recommend the skirt for the Pungo. It is most likely a kayak that will be used for kayaking on the ocean, or in a lake with high waves. Absolutely not, but if fishing is the main goal, youll want to look towards a serious fishing kayak. This content was made possible with the support of OntarioCreates. Wilderness Systems touring line includes the Tsunami and Tempest single person kayaks, and the Polaris tandemkayak. Wilderness Systems makes a diverse selection of sit-inside and sit-on-top kayaks for touring, fishing and recreation. I went out on a flatwater creek and a small lake. It comes up with the legendary thought of retaining all the things that kayakers love to enjoy. Secondary stability is more difficult - first, you ARE NOT locked in, the cockpit is so large that you have minimal contact with it. Tracking is great and winds have litte effect. Cushy thigh pads prevent bare legs from rubbing on the plastic sides of the kayakan all-too-often overlooked feature in cheaper box store kayaks. I am very disappointed with the Pungo 100. I love the storage behind the seat and found it Full review, Great beginners kayak. The Pungo does what it is designed to do well. Boat is a flat bottom multi-chine design for use primarily in Lakes and mild streams/rivers. 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. This swift and agile kayak is the ideal day tripper for larger paddlers. 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. We have 5 of these kayaks and we LOVE them. Here are answers to some of the most common online questions about Wilderness Systems kayaks. Its an ok boat, but our other boats out run and out preform it. I do enjoy the large cock pit I have room for my self and take my dog along for a ride.if wilderness systems ever find the need to up grade I hope it is some kind of scuff proof keal cover. The updated Pungo family includes 3 sizes of kayaks, of which the Pungo 105 is the smallest. The Tarpon 100, 120, 140, and 160 all offer what many consider to be the most comfortable SOT seat and driest ride available. It is extremely difficult to put a life jacket on once you fall into the water. Yes, it does "plow" water in waves and when attempting to move at its top speed, and the huge cockpit is not skirt friendly, so you will get a little wet. It was the kayak designed to replace the highly successful and well-known Tarpon 120 kayak. Great things come in a small package, this easy-to-manage kayak for smaller paddlers is packed with performance that's ideal for both fledgling and advanced users. WS boats are typically built pretty well, though I have noticed they are beginning to use thinner (cheaper?) The kayak weighs 54 pounds with all gears, which makes it a lot lighter than Pungo 120 kayak. Seat is WAY comfortable. At outdoor retail chains like MEC and REI, Wilderness Systems kayaks are a mainstay on the sales floor. Great, light-weight kayak that is good on lakes and slow moving water. The kayak is available in the striking color of red and blue, with 30% more gel coat on top for extra kayaking space. The Pungo best met my criteria. The company continues to improve its designs, making tweaks for more comfort and better performance. 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 company has produced boats since 1986. I'm female, 5'4, 120lbs and often go on solo trips, so I needed a boat I could load onto my car and portage by myself. The only downside is the weight. Holds a line really well for a 10 foot boat. 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. It is equipped with a kayak paddle rest and a sprayskirt. In Pungo 105 review, the Pungo 105 kayak has many of the features that kayakers love about the Pungo 120 kayak, but it does not have a lot of other features that can be found in Pungo 120 kayak. Overall, this is an excellent choice for price, durability, comfort, and stability. I will be getting more accessories to supplement my kayaking desire!!! The Pungo clearly was a bit plodding compared to the longer (12.5 ft) Stealth, but the primary stability was great and it was very easy for adults or kids to hop into the big cockpit and paddle away. 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. Get the X-Grip Phone Mount/Base if you want to keep your phone handy for selfies and navigation, or opt for a Basic Track Ball with T-Bolt Base to open up a huge array of mounts and options. In fact, I've never been able to tip mine over. Wilderness Systems recreational kayaks include sit-inside models like the Pungo, Aspire and Pamlico tandem, and sit-on-top models like the Tarpon series and Ripper. The kayak also features the famous Phase 3 air seating system, which provides kayakers support as they kayak for hours on end. 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. I've had it on Lake Superior and been completely comfortable. What a good investement! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. The kayak also comes with a paddle rest and spray skirt, kayaker air support system with two built-in backrests instead of the Phase 3 air seating system that comes in Pungo 120 kayak. All of Wilderness Systems fishing kayaks are sit-on-top models for easy, uncluttered access and movement around the kayak. Fabulous kayak! I have been kayaking since I am young & have extensive experience with different kayak brands. Avoid cotton clothing like t-shirts and jeans; they retain water and accelerate cooling when wet. View all recreational kayaks , I received this kayak as a gift and it is my first kayak ever. The Pungo 120 kayak is well balanced and can be used for day-touring, but it also offers more stability and comfort than a larger kayak. I would never buy this product again. Wilderness Systems is a best-selling American kayak brand that has been around since 1986. Add Pungo 120 Kayak to Compare Dagger Axis 12.0 Kayak (2) 2 reviews with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. The Pungo 125 has a generous carrying capacity of 425 lbs, but is somewhat heavier and less maneuverable. You will also get a comparison table and a detailed comparison. The Pungo 100 kayak comes with a good stern hatch with a bulkhead that allows you to get dry storage for gearing. They are virtually indestructible in the hands of all but the most extreme users. I have the feeling I'm going to be buying another one as the first one now goes by the name "Girls Express", fortunately, I already measured and I can put 2 of them on the SeaRay if I stack them sideways. I'm not sure it matters that the Pungo's bulkhead supposedly leaks. Without a doubt Wilderness Systems builds exceptional plastic kayaks. 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. Look for water flowing freely from one hatch compartment to another, or from the cockpit into the hatches. Bigfoot aside, the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 strikes up a great balance of speed, stability, durability, comfort and affordability. I contacted Wilderness Systems and they say it is caused by using the boat in ponds or rivers that are rocky! I initially thought the kayak would be used by my ten year old son while myself, wife and his 6 year old brother were in the canoe. I have had my Pungo a year now. It tracks nicely, has good speed and the same good looks as the Pungo, plus . 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 was deciding what boat to trade or sell to make more room in the garage so I took the Pungo out for a spin. Wilderness Systems' recreational kayaks include sit-inside models like the Pungo, Aspire and Pamlico tandem, and sit-on-top models like the Tarpon series and Ripper. I was somewhat afraid of a short boat since most of my paddling experience came as a guide using much longer boats (that I didn't have to store). 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