Thanks for the comparison!!!....I have the Shoalie...but I wouldn't turn down the Rvr...the anchoring setup on the Rvr looks fantastic...the roller is just a brilliant idea....the cup holders in the Shoalie are designed to fit the anchor wizard....I'll just say the way the Shoalie maneuvers in moving water is effortless....upstream....cross current...it goes where to want to go and can run very shallow. I use the paddle holders on each side to hold my rods pointing forward...so the front deck is wide open....still getting used to it....but having a river boat that is NOT constantly grabbed by the current so you are fighting the water flow is just very very nice. A lot of thought was put into both of these and I don't see how you could go wrong with either.
I'm highly suspect of the Crescent Weights. I weighed a CK1 which they said was 61lbs and on my scale it said 82lbs! So I tried a Ultra Lite and LT2 and had discrepancies as well.
That might make for a cool video. Wouldn’t be surprised if manufacturers do that. I swear my shoalie is 100lbs Now I’m curious. Might have to try and weigh them.
Manufacturers should be made to advertise true weights. Not just ‘hull weight’, or weights without the seat. Some are better at breaking it down, but are they telling the truth. If a CK1 actually weighs 82 lbs, I wonder what my Lite Tackle weighs compared to its advertised 75 lbs.
All things being equal, I am not impressed with Crescents claim that the Shoalie is lighter in weight. If true, to me, that means that Crescent uses significantly less polyethylene plastic than the Bonafide kayak. Less HDPE equals less durability. For this reason I favor the Bonefide.
Thanks for a great comparison video! I'm thinking of giving up my Jackson Big Rig and getting an RVR to go along with my Jackson Liska! I would probably put a Torqueedo on it to help get me through some long slow stretches of water on the big floats. I'm a big guy also at 6'3" and 240 so stability is a big concern as i'm getting up in years at 63. Thanks for the video! FISH ON!
I am leaning towards the Shoalie. Lighter and more maneuverable is huge. Storage is important too. Being lighter (155 lbs), stability is less of an issue for me. Thanks for the review!
John your opinion is really valuable, you fish a lot of currents. I myself would lean toward the shoalie, just because I have a crescent crew and I love it.
I have the RS 119 and my biggest complaint is it doesn’t fit well in yolks for transport. I’ve had mine in 2-3’ ocean waves, rivers, lakes. Very stable.
Before you said anything I was wondering which one is better for standing. But you answered that question so I guess it's just a matter of personal preference. Thanks for the video.
You forgot the drop down skeg on the RVR which helps it track truer going straight or paddling a line upstream. The Dry Pod system allows you to run a pod setup with electronics that is removable in seconds, buy a second plain pod for skinny creeks with shoals. 😊
yes the skeg is something i havent been able to tell a difference with yet, but most where i have been is rivers with current so i am always twisting and turning
A good honest straight foreword review, I’ve been on the edge between these two kayaks for some time. I’m thinking the RVR 119 more room for my dog if I just feel like just paddling around the lake playing with skinny water capabilities (love the anchor setup too) my lake rig just doesn’t have room for that with all the fishing gear.
I used a shoalie this past weekend for a skinny water tournament. It was loaned to me because my Titan x 12.5 just isn’t set up for that kind of fishing. I was impressed! I never felt unsafe, it was not a terrible one to drag when needed. Only thing I didn’t like is from getting in and out so much water would collect and set on my ketch board so I would have to drain it off every time before I used it. Also as a talk person I would have liked to have had the seat riser, even at high position I wish d it was higher. Now as far as padding? Best I ever used and I was floating in like 8 in of water loaded so that was cool
John What about the anchor system on the RVR- Does it work well- Looking to get a new River Kayak and it’s down to these 2. Thanks - Looking forward to having you on the podcast!! I would love to come fish with you and try those Kayaks out.
Great detailed review John. I had the RS117 and I enjoyed it for a few years but it didn't track well at all and that seat was not that comfortable. I like my oldtown sportsman 10.6 pdl. I like the seat way better and I can use it with the insert plate from Navarr and still float creeks. Only downside is it doesn't paddle no where near as fast. 👊👍
I have an Old Town PDL 106 that I love for lake fishing. I also have a Crescent Lite Tackle (original version). If I’m not fishing I really enjoy paddling. But…. I would really like a boat with a shallower draft than the LT. I think either of these would handle skinny water better. I’m leaning towards the Shoalie. I like being able to have the low seat when I’m just paddling and not fishing. Giving up all the storage capacity of the LT is hard to do though.
I've been hunting down and researching kayaks I'm really pretty much locked on the surely. I do fish Rivers but I also fish big water. But because I'm a small structured person I feel like I could use the crescent solely on lakes and be okay for stability. I like the idea of the bona fide only because it looks like you can just drop in the foot pedal thing and that rvr 119
Great idea for an alternative CFA video, John! I have been eyeing up the Crescent Shoalie UltraLite for a while & enjoy your comparisons here..Thanks! :-)
One thing I'm not hearing anything about... The RVR has the drop down skeg. Right outside our door (well, a mile or two away) is the lake caused by a hydro-electric dam. The river has some shallow spots in mid summer, some class 2 rapids but there is miles of fishable "lake." How is the RVR 119 "transformed" when that skeg is dropped on flat water?
if the skeg is in use it will push back up in the kayak when hitting something shallow, it is like its spring loaded. I have even drug it on the ground and forgot it was out, didnt hurt anything
I have the RVR and the skeg makes a big difference. If you're trying to cover open water with the skeg up, it won't track well and you'll be all over the place. Drop it down and it will track very well and allow you to power it through the water with ease. Pop it back up for rapids and skinnier water and the maneuverability improves dramatically. I do worry about the long term durability of it. More moving parts = more stuff to break! So far so good though. Also if you need to drag through mud and stones, stuff will get lodged in there and it will get stuck so you need to remember to clear all that out before getting on the water so you don't spin like a top!
If you are paddling upstream to a good hole or down through still sections the glide is very important. At times I've wanted to sell mine and go with a Wilderness Systems Pungo120 or 125 and I may still to have 2 yaks for 2 different jobs. The Bonafides are very stable and the best choice if you stand to fish like I do. The Sholie maneuvers well but I can't use them to stand and fish.
John, I would just love to be able to use one without having concerns stabilities not what it used to be. Actually feel safer on a pontoon little bit different than a kayak!
Unfortunately, you can't get a pontoon into a river very often, especially the kind of fishing I like to do which is the kind of fishing you like to do.
Thanks for the comparison. I was hoping you would do exactly what you did. I live on the Tellico and really want a true river kayak. I decided not to go with a cheap fishing kayak I probably wont be happy with and had narrowed it to these two. Since you fish rivers I respect your advice above others. I was thinking of the Shoalie because of the weight and the maneuverability. But the RVR has some nice features. It seems like the closest dealer to me is Toccoa River Outfitters in Copperhill, but I wonder if they stock them.
The RVR will have better primary stability, but the Shoalie will have better secondary stability. Crescents boats have great secondary stability, which is fantastic for rapids.
I appreciate this video! I am currently in the debate over these two kayaks in my head and struggling. I love my PA14 but this coming year I plan to do much more skinny water fishing and it's just such a PITA with my PA, especially with it being rigged out for big water competition. So I'm adding one of these two kayaks to my line up and leaning towards the Shoalie largely because of the storage.
Not my kind of fishing John, but I'm really anxious to hear your thoughts. I'm all about Saltwater now but that's because of where I live. I grew up in Kentucky Crereks, Rivers, and Resevoirs. Thanks John. I can understand your thoughts and bet you shift back and forth as you enjoy both of them. I Bet if you get into motorized, you'll lean a little more on the RVR
Lol, you picked the Shoalie but didn't really say why. I get that they are close. Really wish the Shoalie had the RVR's anchor system, or the RVR had the Shoalie's storage options (hatch and rod/Plano staging). Oh well, eventually I'll have to demo them and decide. I currently have a Crescent ck1, and don't like the tippy keel when you get on a rock or log, so leaning RVR (idea: do a giveaway!)
Great review and both are great choices. Would be hard to choose but then again not so much. Really depends on what water way you'd be fishing. Awesome job!
Great video, I have been waiting for this one ,I'm in an ss127 and love the inner storage do I think I am going with the sholie and cutting the hatchout ,thanks for a great comparison
I have the shoalie and was looking at the same as yours the ss127 mainly for the stability. The shoalie in my opinion is kinda tippy. For me very unstable to try to reach anything behind me. I’m not a newbie as I have been floating for 40 years. Just my 2 cents.😂
Leading with my question, how do you transport and secure your kayak in you pickup, especially for longer distance trips? Are there any specific characteristics one should keep in mind for a pickup when transporting a fishing kayak? This past weekend I went out and got a proper fishing kayak and this video helped a lot in that process (tho I didn't end up with either of these kayaks in the end haha), but as I was trying to get my new wilderness systems recon home, it made me realize my current automobile situation isn't really conducive to transporting a 12ft, nearly 90lb watercraft. I'm going to soon be looking to get a new car or truck and given this recent purchase I'm looking at potentially getting a pickup, but I've never owned or driven one before, so I was hoping you might have some advice for what to look for when selecting a truck that would be good for moving kayaks, and how it is you load and secure your kayaks in a truck bed. I'll grant this is a bit outside your normal type of content, but your videos were key to me even considering getting a fishing kayak and I suspect I'm not the only one in that camp, so I thought it could be a good topic you might cover to go along with some of your product review-type content! Regardless any insight would be appreciated. Keep up the great work!
I bought a pickup with an 8' box. I bought 8 of those puzzle-like floor mats for playrooms and cover the floor of the bed. This makes sliding them in and out a breeze as well. I use ratchet straps through the scupper holes to secure the kayaks ( I stack two Jackson Bites) to the truck. Use the scupper holes further back from the truck's tie down loops, and this will draw the kayaks down and forward as you tighten the straps.
I was searching for a review on kayaks from you just yesterday and stumbled upon this video. What I'd like is a kayak that I could use by paddling and switch to using pedals or switch to use with a motor underneath the keel or bottom that can easily be lifted up when going through shallows. What kayaks are versatile enough to do all that?
I'm looking for a river kayak for the New River, VA. We have plenty of shoals and fast water. My problem is, I always go out solo and I need a yak where I can run it up river through fast water & some, we'll say, class 1 & maybe class 2 rapids. So, far the only solution I can find is to have an electric motor. Would I be able to get up river through fast water with a pedal drive like your Old Town PDL 120?
no not really, its not fast enough to go up quick water, i use it in a couple places to basically keep me in place or barely go up, people are putting motors on the back of the shoalies and rvr and they can cruise up current easily, i would like to add one to mine some day
Great comparison! Your categories are simply weighted differently with weight and maneuverability being slightly more important (to you) than stability, fishability, and all day comfort. A couple of great kayaks!
I’m interested to hear if your choice of the Shoalie would change if you didn’t also have the Old Town pedal drive. I currently have a Vibe 120 and have enjoyed it so far but will probably upgrade in the next year or so. The Shoalie and the RVR119 are the two I am considering as an upgrade. I will only have one and it will be primarily used for river fishing and an occasional trip on my home lake, which is 40 acres of calm water.
If you plan to paddle a lot you should look more toward a touring type sit in yak, Wilderness Systems Pungo 120or 125 will track and paddle much easier.
Personally it sounds like a coin toss . And understandable but for me the coin never hits the ground. That once in a hundred need for maneuverability takes it.
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Thanks for the comparison!!!....I have the Shoalie...but I wouldn't turn down the Rvr...the anchoring setup on the Rvr looks fantastic...the roller is just a brilliant idea....the cup holders in the Shoalie are designed to fit the anchor wizard....I'll just say the way the Shoalie maneuvers in moving water is effortless....upstream....cross current...it goes where to want to go and can run very shallow. I use the paddle holders on each side to hold my rods pointing forward...so the front deck is wide open....still getting used to it....but having a river boat that is NOT constantly grabbed by the current so you are fighting the water flow is just very very nice. A lot of thought was put into both of these and I don't see how you could go wrong with either.
youre description is right on, not getting controlled by the current was one of the things most people probably dont understand
I'm highly suspect of the Crescent Weights. I weighed a CK1 which they said was 61lbs and on my scale it said 82lbs! So I tried a Ultra Lite and LT2 and had discrepancies as well.
That might make for a cool video. Wouldn’t be surprised if manufacturers do that. I swear my shoalie is 100lbs Now I’m curious. Might have to try and weigh them.
I'll bet they are way off also
Manufacturers should be made to advertise true weights. Not just ‘hull weight’, or weights without the seat. Some are better at breaking it down, but are they telling the truth. If a CK1 actually weighs 82 lbs, I wonder what my Lite Tackle weighs compared to its advertised 75 lbs.
All things being equal, I am not impressed with Crescents claim that the Shoalie is lighter in weight. If true, to me, that means that Crescent uses significantly less polyethylene plastic than the Bonafide kayak. Less HDPE equals less durability. For this reason I favor the Bonefide.
Thanks for a great comparison video! I'm thinking of giving up my Jackson Big Rig and getting an RVR to go along with my Jackson Liska! I would probably put a Torqueedo on it to help get me through some long slow stretches of water on the big floats. I'm a big guy also at 6'3" and 240 so stability is a big concern as i'm getting up in years at 63. Thanks for the video! FISH ON!
I haven't used the shaolie but I've taken my RVR down some certified class 2-3 rapids and it handled them with ease!
im so glad they make these to handle that kind of water so in feel way more comfortable on those fishing trips
I am leaning towards the Shoalie. Lighter and more maneuverable is huge. Storage is important too. Being lighter (155 lbs), stability is less of an issue for me. Thanks for the review!
yeah it would be great
John your opinion is really valuable, you fish a lot of currents. I myself would lean toward the shoalie, just because I have a crescent crew and I love it.
I have the RS 119 and my biggest complaint is it doesn’t fit well in yolks for transport. I’ve had mine in 2-3’ ocean waves, rivers, lakes. Very stable.
Before you said anything I was wondering which one is better for standing. But you answered that question so I guess it's just a matter of personal preference. Thanks for the video.
You forgot the drop down skeg on the RVR which helps it track truer going straight or paddling a line upstream. The Dry Pod system allows you to run a pod setup with electronics that is removable in seconds, buy a second plain pod for skinny creeks with shoals. 😊
yes the skeg is something i havent been able to tell a difference with yet, but most where i have been is rivers with current so i am always twisting and turning
A good honest straight foreword review, I’ve been on the edge between these two kayaks for some time. I’m thinking the RVR 119 more room for my dog if I just feel like just paddling around the lake playing with skinny water capabilities (love the anchor setup too) my lake rig just doesn’t have room for that with all the fishing gear.
I used a shoalie this past weekend for a skinny water tournament. It was loaned to me because my Titan x 12.5 just isn’t set up for that kind of fishing. I was impressed! I never felt unsafe, it was not a terrible one to drag when needed. Only thing I didn’t like is from getting in and out so much water would collect and set on my ketch board so I would have to drain it off every time before I used it. Also as a talk person I would have liked to have had the seat riser, even at high position I wish d it was higher. Now as far as padding? Best I ever used and I was floating in like 8 in of water loaded so that was cool
Thank you for the comparison video very informative I've been waiting for a video like this
John
What about the anchor system on the RVR- Does it work well- Looking to get a new River Kayak and it’s down to these 2. Thanks - Looking forward to having you on the podcast!! I would love to come fish with you and try those Kayaks out.
the anchor system on the rvr is really nice
Great detailed review John. I had the RS117 and I enjoyed it for a few years but it didn't track well at all and that seat was not that comfortable. I like my oldtown sportsman 10.6 pdl. I like the seat way better and I can use it with the insert plate from Navarr and still float creeks. Only downside is it doesn't paddle no where near as fast. 👊👍
the 106 is a great versatile kayak for sure
I have an Old Town PDL 106 that I love for lake fishing. I also have a Crescent Lite Tackle (original version). If I’m not fishing I really enjoy paddling. But…. I would really like a boat with a shallower draft than the LT. I think either of these would handle skinny water better. I’m leaning towards the Shoalie. I like being able to have the low seat when I’m just paddling and not fishing. Giving up all the storage capacity of the LT is hard to do though.
Great job with the comparison! Appreciate you sharing! #MoreCreekFishingAdventures rocks!
I've been hunting down and researching kayaks I'm really pretty much locked on the surely. I do fish Rivers but I also fish big water. But because I'm a small structured person I feel like I could use the crescent solely on lakes and be okay for stability. I like the idea of the bona fide only because it looks like you can just drop in the foot pedal thing and that rvr 119
Great idea for an alternative CFA video, John! I have been eyeing up the Crescent Shoalie UltraLite for a while & enjoy your comparisons here..Thanks! :-)
One thing I'm not hearing anything about... The RVR has the drop down skeg. Right outside our door (well, a mile or two away) is the lake caused by a hydro-electric dam. The river has some shallow spots in mid summer, some class 2 rapids but there is miles of fishable "lake." How is the RVR 119 "transformed" when that skeg is dropped on flat water?
if the skeg is in use it will push back up in the kayak when hitting something shallow, it is like its spring loaded. I have even drug it on the ground and forgot it was out, didnt hurt anything
I have the RVR and the skeg makes a big difference. If you're trying to cover open water with the skeg up, it won't track well and you'll be all over the place. Drop it down and it will track very well and allow you to power it through the water with ease. Pop it back up for rapids and skinnier water and the maneuverability improves dramatically. I do worry about the long term durability of it. More moving parts = more stuff to break! So far so good though. Also if you need to drag through mud and stones, stuff will get lodged in there and it will get stuck so you need to remember to clear all that out before getting on the water so you don't spin like a top!
If you are paddling upstream to a good hole or down through still sections the glide is very important. At times I've wanted to sell mine and go with a Wilderness Systems Pungo120 or 125 and I may still to have 2 yaks for 2 different jobs. The Bonafides are very stable and the best choice if you stand to fish like I do. The Sholie maneuvers well but I can't use them to stand and fish.
John, I would just love to be able to use one without having concerns stabilities not what it used to be. Actually feel safer on a pontoon little bit different than a kayak!
Unfortunately, you can't get a pontoon into a river very often, especially the kind of fishing I like to do which is the kind of fishing you like to do.
Thanks for the comparison. I was hoping you would do exactly what you did. I live on the Tellico and really want a true river kayak. I decided not to go with a cheap fishing kayak I probably wont be happy with and had narrowed it to these two. Since you fish rivers I respect your advice above others. I was thinking of the Shoalie because of the weight and the maneuverability. But the RVR has some nice features. It seems like the closest dealer to me is Toccoa River Outfitters in Copperhill, but I wonder if they stock them.
Have you had a chance to paddle a Jackson Coosa X to compare to these two? These three are on my shortlist for a river boat.
RVR being 85lbs would probably be the difference maker for me. I have an Outlaw that’s 77lbs and that things a tank.
The RVR will have better primary stability, but the Shoalie will have better secondary stability. Crescents boats have great secondary stability, which is fantastic for rapids.
I appreciate this video! I am currently in the debate over these two kayaks in my head and struggling. I love my PA14 but this coming year I plan to do much more skinny water fishing and it's just such a PITA with my PA, especially with it being rigged out for big water competition. So I'm adding one of these two kayaks to my line up and leaning towards the Shoalie largely because of the storage.
Dear future viewers - I went with the RVR :)
What is the height on the seats. Is it easy to get up and down? Tell both companies to send them to me and i'll give my opinion.
Not my kind of fishing John, but I'm really anxious to hear your thoughts. I'm all about Saltwater now but that's because of where I live. I grew up in Kentucky Crereks, Rivers, and Resevoirs. Thanks John. I can understand your thoughts and bet you shift back and forth as you enjoy both of them. I Bet if you get into motorized, you'll lean a little more on the RVR
yes i have thought if i got a motor i would run the rvr
Lol, you picked the Shoalie but didn't really say why. I get that they are close. Really wish the Shoalie had the RVR's anchor system, or the RVR had the Shoalie's storage options (hatch and rod/Plano staging).
Oh well, eventually I'll have to demo them and decide. I currently have a Crescent ck1, and don't like the tippy keel when you get on a rock or log, so leaning RVR (idea: do a giveaway!)
Great review and both are great choices. Would be hard to choose but then again not so much. Really depends on what water way you'd be fishing. Awesome job!
Thank you for sharing. God bless you and your family... 🙏❤🙏❤🙏😊🙂😀
Great video and thank you for doing a review and comparison. Have a good day and week
Great video, I have been waiting for this one ,I'm in an ss127 and love the inner storage do I think I am going with the sholie and cutting the hatchout ,thanks for a great comparison
I have a Shoalie and I really like it.
I have the shoalie and was looking at the same as yours the ss127 mainly for the stability. The shoalie in my opinion is kinda tippy. For me very unstable to try to reach anything behind me. I’m not a newbie as I have been floating for 40 years. Just my 2 cents.😂
Good info. Thanks! Lots of options out there.
Would you say that the RVR is better suited to a newer river kayaker?
i think i would,
Leading with my question, how do you transport and secure your kayak in you pickup, especially for longer distance trips? Are there any specific characteristics one should keep in mind for a pickup when transporting a fishing kayak?
This past weekend I went out and got a proper fishing kayak and this video helped a lot in that process (tho I didn't end up with either of these kayaks in the end haha), but as I was trying to get my new wilderness systems recon home, it made me realize my current automobile situation isn't really conducive to transporting a 12ft, nearly 90lb watercraft.
I'm going to soon be looking to get a new car or truck and given this recent purchase I'm looking at potentially getting a pickup, but I've never owned or driven one before, so I was hoping you might have some advice for what to look for when selecting a truck that would be good for moving kayaks, and how it is you load and secure your kayaks in a truck bed.
I'll grant this is a bit outside your normal type of content, but your videos were key to me even considering getting a fishing kayak and I suspect I'm not the only one in that camp, so I thought it could be a good topic you might cover to go along with some of your product review-type content! Regardless any insight would be appreciated. Keep up the great work!
I bought a pickup with an 8' box. I bought 8 of those puzzle-like floor mats for playrooms and cover the floor of the bed. This makes sliding them in and out a breeze as well. I use ratchet straps through the scupper holes to secure the kayaks ( I stack two Jackson Bites) to the truck. Use the scupper holes further back from the truck's tie down loops, and this will draw the kayaks down and forward as you tighten the straps.
th-cam.com/video/aFz9VW4o7go/w-d-xo.htmlsi=AssNHyg9vMormsC7
I was searching for a review on kayaks from you just yesterday and stumbled upon this video. What I'd like is a kayak that I could use by paddling and switch to using pedals or switch to use with a motor underneath the keel or bottom that can easily be lifted up when going through shallows. What kayaks are versatile enough to do all that?
the old town pdl, hobie 180, native slayer
I'm looking for a river kayak for the New River, VA. We have plenty of shoals and fast water. My problem is, I always go out solo and I need a yak where I can run it up river through fast water & some, we'll say, class 1 & maybe class 2 rapids. So, far the only solution I can find is to have an electric motor. Would I be able to get up river through fast water with a pedal drive like your Old Town PDL 120?
no not really, its not fast enough to go up quick water, i use it in a couple places to basically keep me in place or barely go up, people are putting motors on the back of the shoalies and rvr and they can cruise up current easily, i would like to add one to mine some day
great review iv got the shoalie but have not used it yet!
Better chose the Shoalie after you just sold me on buying one!!! LOL Loving mine!
Great comparison! Your categories are simply weighted differently with weight and maneuverability being slightly more important (to you) than stability, fishability, and all day comfort. A couple of great kayaks!
What is your got to color and size worm
I’m interested to hear if your choice of the Shoalie would change if you didn’t also have the Old Town pedal drive. I currently have a Vibe 120 and have enjoyed it so far but will probably upgrade in the next year or so. The Shoalie and the RVR119 are the two I am considering as an upgrade. I will only have one and it will be primarily used for river fishing and an occasional trip on my home lake, which is 40 acres of calm water.
your right, my opinion is based off what i have used, but i think either kayak would work for what you want
If you plan to paddle a lot you should look more toward a touring type sit in yak, Wilderness Systems Pungo 120or 125 will track and paddle much easier.
Very cool! However I am slightly mad at you because now that you have a kayak I find myself kayak shopping...
Personally it sounds like a coin toss . And understandable but for me the coin never hits the ground. That once in a hundred need for maneuverability takes it.
Great review
Crescent just looks like a boat that can do little bit of it all just paddle lake and catch sun on some days