Falcon F215 Vid 1 Great Bass Boat Search 2021 - Video 24
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ส.ค. 2024
- This is part 1 of the review of the Falcon F215 in the Great Bass Boat Search of 2020-21. This video series overall is titled Before You Buy a Bass Boat Watch this, this is the 12th boat in the series where we walk through spending the day in a bunch of different bass boat models through the fall of 2020 and into 2021 looking for my next boat. If you didn't see the first 21 videos you can go back and watch them first, (reviewed Bass Cat Puma Hybrid the boat with the Champion 203 style hull, a Charger 210 Elite, a Ranger 521C & 520L and a Caymas CX21 , a Vexus VX20 a Bullet 21 SDC, a Phoenix 921 ProXP, a Blazer 650 Pro Tour, a Phoenix 21 PHX and a Skeeter FXR).
We review all boats for fishability, Performance, Amenities, Fit & Finish and then a 5th catch all that includes feedback from friends that own them, trailer, options, feedback from fiberglass shops in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas asking them what they see as the best 3 boats, based upon construction, currently being built (since they see how we beat them up). And then we ask them which they see the most non-impact damage to the hulls with (least well built). Then for tournament anglers we include a 6th 20 point category looking to see who has the best contingency prize package available.
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See also Shopping for a New Bass boat, Bass boat shopping, Shopping for a new bass boat 2020, which bass boat is right for me, what to know before you buy a bass boat, thinking about buying a new bass boat, buying your first bass boat, buying a new bass boat, best bass boat for the money, what to look for in a bass boat, bass boat walk through, what to look for in a new bass boat, bass boat comparisons, bass boat champion, Ranger walk through, buying a new bass boat tips and tricks, consumer digest bass boat, best value bass boat, best bass boat 2020, best bass boat 2021, top 5 bass boats.
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Hey Ken, I’ve been in a F-21TE since Jan of 2020. My 2021 F-20TE should be here in the next couple of weeks. The TE series includes options that the F-215 doesn’t like padded front deck, sea deck flooring in the cockpit and a few other things. I have fished all day in heavy rain and the day box or any compartments get wet. At first I thought the cockpit area was going to be too small but after some seat time I really like how it fits. There is room to put your left foot with your leg extended or bent. The only thing that I could find to complain about was the tool holders, only a couple of the slots were large enough to put scissors or pliers in. I provided feedback to Falcon and they are going to be changing that in future models. Keep up the good work and if you want to see the 21 model just holler in a few weeks.
Thanks Danny if I’m having a difficult time finding these boats around dallas or Rayburn so if I can’t find one I’d like to connect. Can you email me your contact info?
Good job on the review. Seems your audio and video clarity was top notch.
I don't know if the go-no go option on the Sea deck will be a deciding point on your future rig. What I have seen on BBC is that it doesn't seem to last long. Hooks tear it very easy. Stains easily. The positive side is its dries quickly. There are more Non-Carpet options being offered from other companies (Marine deck companies) such as Aquatraction. If you do get the Sea Deck, I'm looking forward to a report on its longevity with wear. They can do some fine work with the CNC machines on the Sea Deck type flooring.
Plot twist. Ken smith isn't shopping for boat just looking for a bunch of free fishing trips
Dan the bad part is I've got so detailed on these I didn't even pick up a rod on this review. Now granted it was freezing cold and windy or I would have had to make a cast or two on some of my old holes!
This was one boat review that I have been anxiously awaiting. Kind of disappointing to see the cooler and the co angler day box to be underwhelming. i am hoping you find that these issues have been remedied in the newest models. Looking forward to part 2 and your final point by point review. Thanks again for the phenomenal work, Happy New yesr to you and your family.
The cooler is a little disappointing, but I've never had an issue with water in the day box, or any compartment for that matter (besides the cooler). Just me personally, and I've fished/towed in some heavy rain.
Been fishing fork since it opened. Not the lake that it used to be but it’s still nice I love that piece of water
Brought back a bunch of memories
The Falcon website does have a list of options on the boat models page , bottom right corner under compare models. It lists foam padded cockpit floor no carpet as an option or standard for all their boats Thought you might have overlooked this page.
I actually found it after that first video, it’s a page with a grid and all models and options, good stuff
Hope you are able to test a Progator. My first boat was a 93 and i loved it. Just dont see alot of them.
Superb video! I’ve never seen the Falcon up close. Surprisingly good hole shot for a big heavy boat. Just for clarity, can you define “side slop”?
Kind of the side to side bouncing you get at speed, will happen in all in side chop but some you feel even when into or trailing seas
Ayyeee nice vid!
I have never been in a Falcon on the water, but have crawled around plenty at boat shows and such. Nice mid level boat, like a Nitro, but does not come close to a BassCat or Ranger for build quality.
Mike I've done some digging online trying to figure out how they are priced but really can't find much, did they appear less than other brands?
@@KenSmithFishing When they first came onto the market, they were a good value and price point, some success has allowed them to move up the food chain price wise. I don't think they are as good a value for the buck as when they started out. The guys should know how to build them as they can trace their roots back to the old Bumblebee brand in east Tennessee. A Bumblebee was indeed a well built, value boat for the money. Not a lot of frills, just a solid fishing platform. I know you know, but when Clouse and group bought what was left of Bumblebee, they launched Phoenix. The main things Falcon has going for it, small and privately held. I live in Dalton, GA, a hour or so away from Phoenix (old Bumblebee) and have fished a lot at Tims Ford, Dale Hollow, Woods, etc. in east Tennessee. Back when Bumblebees were being made, they were everywhere around here. What we need is more solid, mid level boats, not more $70,000 and above, and I am fortunate enough to be able to buy what I want.
Not sure anything Johnny Morris has a hand in should be attached to anything when considering build quality. Today’s Ranger isn’t your grandads quality Ranger. If you’re looking for the best build quality, don’t buy a boat where they use a spray gun to put fiberglass down. Most all the big brands do that to save cost and labor. Ballistic, Bullet, Bass Cat is 100% handlaid fiberglass. Ballistic vaccum infuses both the top cap and bottom. They even custom built a 22’7 .223 for a customer in 100% carbon Fiber with a 300. 100+ MPH boat. They’re the only ones that do both on the market and it pays off. Bottom line, if I can’t call a boat manufacturer and talk to the owner, i don’t want it.
Ken
Noticed in video back deck carpet was wet. Was water coming over the transom on shut down coming off plane? THANKS
Alan yes a bit, I mention it in vid 2 upcoming
Have you heard of Big O Boats out of Florida?
Is that the tunnel hull?
Don't get things like leaking hatches and other quality issues not just in this boat but in many high end boats. People who build boats up out of there garage have solved these problems no engineering degree involved. At the price of boats these days quality issues should not even be in the equation. It should only really be personal preference that your having to consider.
Amen....
I would think if post this video to falcon fb or social media page Stephen Waller probably call you give you ever run down on every thing. Fyi stephen dad was Charlie Waller the founder of bumble bee boats before selling it to cooter. Falcon f/te editions are some the most reasonable boat prices loaded vs everyone else 80k-95k boats.
Kyle I’ve talked with him
@@KenSmithFishing that great thing about the small boat builders. The owners seem to value the customer even if you are just a normal joe not bring nothing to the table but willing buy their product.
Some good things there, the way it planes out would drive me nuts. I can see that back panel becoming a rattling PTA with age.
Last day to buy livescope and get $200.00 garmin rebate
Ken. Buy a camera mount. I’m getting dizzy trying to watch you talk.
Sorry Jim.....you should see the crud I cut out!
Love the info though. Fabulous breakdown of the +/-‘s. Plus I don’t think anyone else is doing this anywhere.
i can answer any questions you may have about the boats. There are significant differences between the 21TE and the F215
Like what? Also didn’t Falcon change the hulk this year?
@@thebasswicker6294 the TE model for example has a non folding bucket seat that is extremely comfortable. all the interior of the boxes are fiberglass instead of carpet. particularly in the rod lockers. the console on the 21TE sits a little further away from you. The hull is real close to the same. I know that on my 21TE the day box doesn't get water in it. I've never noticed my cooler area getting rained in honestly. i've owned a skeeter, a bass cat and a ranger. the falcon has provided me the dryest ride, fastest ride for a 21ft boat and in regards to stability, well the size of the platform speaks for itself. please note, the f205 hull is more broad in the front. so its a bit wider up near the trolling motor and is considerably a faster boat.
@@gantfishing thank you
@@thebasswicker6294 please note also that on the 2020 and all models from here on out have upgraded latching systems. the 2019 models weren't equip with the upgrades that falcon has made at the factory. the customers spoke and falcon listened. thats a beautiful thing when dealing with smaller company boat manufactures.
Agree falcon has made some positive changes from 2019. I have a 2021 20TE And it has addressed most everything ken has a problem with in this vid. I will say I wish the co angler day box opened long ways tho as you can catch a rod tip in there if not careful
One thing I don't like about the Falcons is that they do not offer the option for fiberglass fenders on the trailer.
I hope Falcon boats listens because I really like their boat, but the small issues have to be addressed.
I didn't really know where to ask this but I figured your latest video would be good. I have a boat I'd really love to see you review. I like the honest and open minded way you are reviewing all the boats. Have you ever heard of Gatertrax custom boats? I know this is not a boat you would normally look at because they are aluminum but they are made like tanks and claim to be better than any fiberglass on the market. They are not made cheap like mass produced aluminum boats the price reflects that average $68K TO $80K. 20ft rated upto a 250hp and a 21ft and 22ft rated upto a 300hp. Actually Poche will be using one to fish the mlf tour next season. They use much thicker aluminum. Extruded aluminum bracing and no foam. They have a basic layout but you can customize it anyway you want. They are out of Louisiana and have no dealers.for their bassboat just buy direct because they are custom and made to order. I'm really debating on buying one soon. Please atleast look at their website and some of their videos before just saying no. They are not that far from you so someone near you may have one. If you don't know the difference between extruded aluminum braces and bent aluminum sheet bracing you need to watch their video on that so you can see the difference and see why I'm considering one. Lifetime hull wty and they claim you can hit stumps and logs at speed with little or no damage. Claiming speeds in the 70's
You clearly are associated with the company
Adam I’ve had several guys ask about them, I want to do tin boats next and when I do I’ll see if I can find one of those
@@thebasswicker6294 i am not. I am just interested in buying one and looking for a credible person to review it.
@@KenSmithFishing they just finished poches boat yesterday. I think. They said it did 78mph with a 250 merc but boat was empty and no electronics on it yet. It looks like thy made a very cool new feature on their boat, friction hinges. No gas struts on compartment lids. Open them and they stay in any position.