Getting the family some new kayaks (been out for a few years and used to have Hobie but can't afford them anymore.
My wife is pretty set on a Viking Reload and we're probably getting my 11 year old daughter and 7 year old son a Tarpon 100 to share (and me to use at the river here in north Texas but don't tell them that!)
So that leaves me. I originally was set on a Tarpon 160 because I love fast, long boats. But I have done some research over the past few days and now can't decide between the Ocean Kayak Trident 15, the Tarpon 160, and the Jackson Kraken 15.5.
My first kayak years ago was a Trident 13 and it looks like they have fixed what I didn't like about that one (seat, weird shaped tank well, etc). The Tarpon 160 is supposed to be the fastest and is most comparable to my Hobie Adventure (not Island) that I used to have which was my favorite kayak ever. The Kraken is pretty slick but I've never been in a Jackson and it is the most expensive.
Which do y'all like best?
Also, I have seen some complaints on the forums about the Viking seats but they were all from 2014. Have the seats gotten better since? Looks like they come with yak gear seats but I don't know anything about those.
Finally, how does the Tarpon 100 paddle?
Thanks
Help with next kayak
Re: Help with next kayak
I sent you a reply, but the reply-eating cloud has struck again!
I paddled a Viking Profish Reload Z last Sunday at the Corpus Demo Day. Very nice, long, fast yak! The second time I have seen Vikings, and they are impressive! Like them mucho.
I see used Tarpon 160's on the boards, but they are popular and get grabbed quickly. Good luck!
TexasJim
I paddled a Viking Profish Reload Z last Sunday at the Corpus Demo Day. Very nice, long, fast yak! The second time I have seen Vikings, and they are impressive! Like them mucho.
I see used Tarpon 160's on the boards, but they are popular and get grabbed quickly. Good luck!
TexasJim
- eightweight
- Posts: 830
- Joined: Thu Aug 26, 2010 8:42 pm
- Location: Kingwood / OK Prowler 13
Re: Help with next kayak
I was debating between the Tarpon 160 and Ocean Kayak Trident 15, like you. My first yak was an Ocean Kayak, and I love it, simple thoughtful design, and well built. But I chose the Tarpon 160 because of the hull design. It looks like it's patterned after Wilderness' sit in touring kayaks, the Tsunami. And I wanted speed and distance. No regrets. The Tarpon 160 is sleek and fast, like an arrow. It easily added a couple of miles to my fishing day. And if a storm blows up, it cuts through the wind and chop, get's me back to the launch, no problem. I do still prefer the Ocean Kayak's design and build, simple and bullet proof. Wilderness could take a lesson here. But the Tarpon 160 is a beautiful yak.
Definitely needs a rudder, this is a long yak, turning is difficult with just a paddle. And it's heavy, so think about loading and unloading the truck.
I expect you can't go wrong either way. Both good choices.
Definitely needs a rudder, this is a long yak, turning is difficult with just a paddle. And it's heavy, so think about loading and unloading the truck.
I expect you can't go wrong either way. Both good choices.
Re: Help with next kayak
Had both the Tarpon 160 and OC Trident 15. Both great BUT I miss the Tarpon! If you want to save weight and not give up much speed on the Viking Reload I have the Viking GT. Amazingly easy to paddle and maneuver without a rudder. Rudders are great in currents though.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
- kickingback
- TKF 5000 Club
- Posts: 5178
- Joined: Thu Feb 18, 2016 3:24 pm
- Location: Houston, Texas
Re: Help with next kayak
Hobie...