Great comparison review! I seriously looked at the Old Town Autopilot 136, but I just couldn't get past the 4k cost. I bought the Shearwater 125 and bow mounted a MotorGuide Xi3 trolling motor. The only thing I would have had Vibe change is to convert that front deck storage into under deck storage with a large hatch.
That sounds like a pretty nice setup with the Xi3. And agree, I actually sent them an email when I saw the first prototypes giving them my 2 cents about your same thought on a front storage hatch.
That's a durned good review. Thanks for all the work on this. I'm looking at the Shearwater or NuCanoe and I think it'll come down to a demo on the water. As far as clearing the Topwater's prop - I think I saw a good video where an angler mounted a serrated steak knife blade so it cut the weeds off the prop as they collected. Worked pretty well for a five dollar homebrew.
Thank you! Yeah, I saw D. Santos setup on the Shearwater Owner's Facebook page for the Lightning holders. I feel pretty confident with the drive system now.
@@kayakfishingworks1304 yup. it changes the whole thing. I'm always confident in my drive/pod now with the yakgadget/lightning/hobie 180 combo. sort of a Frankenstein 😆
Good comparison! I'm about to get a shearwater but I need to check it out first because I way 318 and I'm not sure if it will work for me but this did help so thanks!
Thanks for the comments and glad this helps. If you are going to trailer or put it in a pickup a used Pro Angler is also a good option. I have been enjoying the one I picked up. Good luck with your decision.
@@kayakfishingworks1304 Which drive of these 2 is easier to pedal (less fatigue)? Thank you very much. Also, which one requires more maintenance? Thanks a lot.
@@alchemistlee5882 as far as which is less fatiguing, I think they are about the same. The shearwater seems to go slightly faster than the PDL 106 for the same effort. On a PDL 120 probably a tie or maybe faster on the 120 but I don't know for sure on that. PDL drive is going to be less maintenance and less chance of a something breaking on the water.
@@kayakfishingworks1304 Thank you very much. I tried hobie drive with turbo fins, it was like " climbing stairs". I felt like my legs would be sore after a short while of pedaling. So I thought maybe the bicycle style of the PDL drive would be easier to pedal. Anyway, thank you very much for the info.
@@alchemistlee5882 Yeah, that is a good comparison except you are not fighting gravity when doing the "stair climb" on a mirage style drive. Slightly different muscles that develop after using either of them. Depending on what you want to do you might also look at the Old Town Salty 120. Not as stable but faster than the Shearwater and PDL 120. Me personally, would take stability over the speed.
@@kayakfishingworks1304 I am 5 11 190lbs. I have a very small car(ford fiesta). I dont go saltwater. i was looking for something i can easily carry around.. thanks
old town has a 120 model give it a shot i love mine.
Great comparison review! I seriously looked at the Old Town Autopilot 136, but I just couldn't get past the 4k cost. I bought the Shearwater 125 and bow mounted a MotorGuide Xi3 trolling motor. The only thing I would have had Vibe change is to convert that front deck storage into under deck storage with a large hatch.
That sounds like a pretty nice setup with the Xi3. And agree, I actually sent them an email when I saw the first prototypes giving them my 2 cents about your same thought on a front storage hatch.
That's a durned good review. Thanks for all the work on this. I'm looking at the Shearwater or NuCanoe and I think it'll come down to a demo on the water. As far as clearing the Topwater's prop - I think I saw a good video where an angler mounted a serrated steak knife blade so it cut the weeds off the prop as they collected. Worked pretty well for a five dollar homebrew.
i guess I am pretty off topic but does anyone know a good website to stream newly released movies online?
@Hamza Jaxx flixportal xD
@Clay Jairo Thank you, I went there and it seems like a nice service :) I really appreciate it!
@Hamza Jaxx No problem :D
Great videos keep them coming.
Where did you get the quick release clips for the yak gadget holder for the drive
Thanks!. Here is the link to the Lighning Kayaks site. lightningkayaks.com/collections/freedom-drive-parts
new subsciber here. great vids. I see you did my lightning kayak mod to your yakgadget pod. looks great! great vids, good comparison.
Thank you! Yeah, I saw D. Santos setup on the Shearwater Owner's Facebook page for the Lightning holders. I feel pretty confident with the drive system now.
@@kayakfishingworks1304 I am Danny Santos 😆
@@kayakfishingworks1304 yup. it changes the whole thing. I'm always confident in my drive/pod now with the yakgadget/lightning/hobie 180 combo. sort of a Frankenstein 😆
@@KayakKingdom Hahaha...Danny you are the man!
5:16 bioluminescence?
The purple wake looks awesome!!!
Good comparison! I'm about to get a shearwater but I need to check it out first because I way 318 and I'm not sure if it will work for me but this did help so thanks!
Thanks for the comments and glad this helps. If you are going to trailer or put it in a pickup a used Pro Angler is also a good option. I have been enjoying the one I picked up. Good luck with your decision.
@@kayakfishingworks1304 Which drive of these 2 is easier to pedal (less fatigue)? Thank you very much. Also, which one requires more maintenance? Thanks a lot.
@@alchemistlee5882 as far as which is less fatiguing, I think they are about the same. The shearwater seems to go slightly faster than the PDL 106 for the same effort. On a PDL 120 probably a tie or maybe faster on the 120 but I don't know for sure on that. PDL drive is going to be less maintenance and less chance of a something breaking on the water.
@@kayakfishingworks1304 Thank you very much. I tried hobie drive with turbo fins, it was like " climbing stairs". I felt like my legs would be sore after a short while of pedaling. So I thought maybe the bicycle style of the PDL drive would be easier to pedal. Anyway, thank you very much for the info.
@@alchemistlee5882 Yeah, that is a good comparison except you are not fighting gravity when doing the "stair climb" on a mirage style drive. Slightly different muscles that develop after using either of them. Depending on what you want to do you might also look at the Old Town Salty 120. Not as stable but faster than the Shearwater and PDL 120. Me personally, would take stability over the speed.
i have been on both , i also feel the Topwater is slightly more stable
how tall are you? Im 5'11 and 190 lbs and I am thinking 106 might be small for me.
I'm 5'11" also. The 120 wasn't available when I got the 106. But to do it over again I would probably get the 120.
@@kayakfishingworks1304 I am 5 11 190lbs. I have a very small car(ford fiesta). I dont go saltwater. i was looking for something i can easily carry around.. thanks
Lol