Check out my new TH-cam channel! www.youtube.com/@KenWhitingAdventures is now the place to find all my paddling adventure videos, while PaddleTV will focus on Instruction and Gear Reviews.
We got our Prima 125 kayaks in 2022. Even after living on my car for the last two years they appear as good as new. We have taken our kayaks all across the country from Florida to Alaska and back through the southwest. This year we are going to get them wet in Canada (again). They go with us everywhere we go. All our paddling gear is stored inside the rear hatch with the boats. On the water they are wonderful.
@@David-gld There are many faster kayaks. I have only had mine up to about 70 mph. My car doesn't go much faster with the boats on top. Seriously, in the water, there are many faster kayaks. A narrow boat that is longer will go faster. Tandum kayaks are even faster than that. I think, however, that my kayaks are kings in the lightweight comfort department.
I never saw this one, I just picked up the Eddy Line Sandpiper 130 yesterday and spent about an hour in it, had I seen this one I probably would have considered it. The oversize cockpit in both and light weight make these yaks more accessible for those of us with mobility issues, I chose a sit on top to enter this sport to get in and out better but I had no issues yesterday getting in and out of the boat. Another great review and glad to see you doing them again.
Watching safety videos is always a good idea. I've been kayaking for years and had my first flip the other day in a river. Totally my fault as I got complacent. Now I'm dealing with some minor injuries and things that will take a while to recover from, but luckily nothing serious. Moral of the story, safety is something you should always think about on the water
Great review and I always learn something from your videos. However, it would have been nice to actually see more of the kayak in the video. 90 % of the time it's just you talking to the camera and no boat in sight. I would have loved to see you paddle it more, see how it handles in a few situations, see how the bi-directional hatch actually works and so on.
He always seems to cut out the bit where he gets in and out of it as well. This I suspect is quite important for some to see. I suspect he just falls in a lot 😂
SKIMMER 116 FIRST CLASS is what I'm looking at. Sit on top, cup holder, lightweight, great seat that comes out making it even lighter when carrying, thermoform. Your reviews are marvelous to bring out the pros and cons of each kayak.
I’ve got a Chelan which I love but for a while have been ready to take my passion for kayaking to the next level and after much research have settled on the Prima 125, and have started saving. Thank you so much, Ken, for your fantastic review because now I’m even more excited to one day own this kayak, and so happy to know it’ll be everything I’ve been hoping for! Love your videos. They’ve helped this Aussie girl learn so much.
I love my Prima 125. This review hits the nail on the head and I agree with everything said. It is a very sweet boat and glides surprisingly joyfully. I think it turns terrific when not going fast and especially if you re-grip your paddle to full extension by holding the inboard blade. The ONLY thing I wish it came with is a squared off tail to mount a rudder bracket. I mounted a Bixpy electric drive to extend my range and had to beef up the stern and make my own mount. I take the drive off for most paddling and quickly snap it on for longer or windy trips. This kayak is near perfect and I couldn't be happier!
Classic 'Ken Whiting Review': helpful, thorough, genuine. Since you asked re: gripes, one thing that caught my eye is that poorly done hull-deck joint at the bow. Go to 0:19 to see the uneven glob of mastic at the bow and along the port side, coupled with a pop rivet. The starboard side looks more carefully fared. In itself, just a small cosmetic ding on the build & structurally irrelevant...but experience has taught me that inattention to a hull-deck joint where you can see it leaves you wondering how well done the joint is where you can't. But wow, what a great kayak.
I saw that too. I have a feeling this was a used boat and they don't come like that new. With a thermoform kayak you will spend more time repairing it.
I learn something new with every video of yours I watch! I love your honest, unbiased reviews and expertise. I'll check out the new online training courses for sure! Might just go paddling today!
I have become more aware of Hurricane kayaks recently. One of the things I am interested in is the difference between them and Eddyline. Specifically the price premium Eddyline has over most other thermoform products. Being in the Pacific Northwest Eddyline is very popular having been produced here. I own 3 Pungo 120s of from 2005, 2007 and 2021 production years. Many of my friends I paddle with have Eddylines. At 70 years old the wright difference is starting to make a difference in my preference. The Pungo is the most comfortable boat I have ever paddled. Looking for other options that won’t be do expensive.
Unfortunately I’ve never tried an Eddyline kayak. I’ve tried repeatedly to get a boat to test, but no luck. On the surface, they look quite similar. Not sure why they cost more… Not surprised you’ve enjoyed the Pungo for so long. It’s a really nice boat!
I just bought this boat and am loving it. Stable, fast, light, and most importantly ... there's enough room for my 23 pound Miniature American Shepherd to move around between my legs. There's a few Eddy line boats that I love too, but there's not enought room for my pupper in those. BTW, Props to Ruttabegga Paddle sports Madison for the demo lake and knowledgeable staff on this . purchase.
I went to 4Corners in Durango, Colorado 2 days ago to buy a 2nd hand Eddy Line Sandpiper 130 also, like "Bubblehead" below. I saw a new Prima 110 (11') next to it and compared the two, and went for the Prima mostly because it was new. And the "aqua" looked more like turquoise, my weakness. I worried that it might be too small for my 6'2" frame. I took it out to a nearby lake yesterday in a fairly strong wind. I'm used to my roto molded 68 pound, 15' sea kayaks which get blown around when there's wind. The Prima took to the water like there was no wind and it glided across the lake's surface easily. The Sandpiper would have been nice, but I'm glad I got the 110. The length is perfect for both loading and "laking".
Great video! I like the bulkheads, and I wish there was a better place for a cupholder. We have the 110 Sports, and LOVE them. The double bulkheads work really well. My husband flipped it once. He was able to flip it back quickly, swim it to the creek shore, and bilge out the water easily. There is a molded bottle holder next to the seat, but I kind of wanted a cup holder. We tried the clip ons, but I am shorter, and it was in my way if I put it close enough. There is a fishing dashboard with a track so you could get that and put a compatible cupholder on it. For anybody wanting a rod holder that is mounted closer, this could work as well. While we definitely don’t abuse them, they are tough enough to handle getting hung up on logs, cypress knees, etc. Even on our smaller kayaks, the tracking is impressive and handles much differently than the heftier kayaks we rented in the past. I could see the 125 being better for more open water, but I really like the 110 for creeks and swamps; much easier to turn around in a gut.
I'm buying a 110 this week and I've been looking at cupholder options too. Hurricane sells a "Sports Console" that sits in the front portion of the cockpit (like a pungo's). But even that doesn't appear to have a cupholder. I'll probably end up with a track mounted one as you said. Sometimes you really need somewhere to put a can of beer.
I bought a used 15 year old Hurricane Tampico and it can move in the water. It is a bit bow heavy and at 23" it's pretty narrow but works for me for now
Nice review Ken! I'm a Delta owner and love almost everything about it, except for the seat. Would love to have a removable framed seat. Have you ever reviewed Tutjak sea kayaks out of Quebec? They are on the higher end but look awesome.
Great review. I see this is more/less a Liquid Logic Saluda 12 in a thermoformed version. That said, I wonder if the front counsel on the Saluda would fit on the hurricane to add a bit of front storage. On a side note, I would be curios on your thoughts on the Swift kayak line. Not allot of reviews from professionals on this line of high end kayaks.
Looks like a great kayak for what it is . If i had one I would be tempted to put a hatch on the front for more camping gear . seems like a waste of space if you cant pack gear into it
Test the Pelican Mustang 120X it is similar but the price is half of this one (at least in the Netherlands). I have one for recreational use, day peddling or camping trips with the tent. I need a wide kayak because my organs of equilibrium are out of order. So every time I launch my Kayak I have to learn again where the tipping point is, passing boats that cause waves are a big challenge not to tip over. Sometimes I ask myself why am i torturing myself by doing this kayaking.
My mom has parkinson's and her sense of balance is pretty bad. I have an inflatable kayak and she is able to go out in it because it has a ton of stability and you sit pretty low. Mine's a Sea Eagle Explorer but others might be more available in Europe.
@@edevans5991 Sounds good. My 1st kayak was a wilderness Tarpon 140 sit on top. within 100 meter I already capsized. So I sold that, the Pelican I have 3 years now and it works fine for me. Have thought of adding floaters to the side making it a catamaran kind of kayak.
This boat is designed for stability on flat water. Some of yall are mentioning what if it flips. My question is, what are you doing to make it flip? My previous yak is a 10 ft pelican which is quite stable but Ive never flipped it. Even in choppy water. I also dont drink, do drugs or try to stand up in it, to pretend it's an SUP either.
Great review I have the Eddyline Sandpiper 130, (47 lbs, don’t know if 47 is with or without the seat), looks like the same removable seat, do you know if the seats are interchangeable? At 81 years, looking to go for a lighter kayak
No they are most definitely not the same. If you look at the frame and feet on them they're quite different and they attach to their respective boats differently as well.
Love this one Ken. Very tempted to buy one. How does it compare (briefly) to the Itiwit X500 (which I have and love) in terms of speed, tracking and stability?
Hi Ken! In your opinion what would be the best kayak for someone who doesn’t care to fish, wants to go way faster than a normal kayak, and will have plenty of room for kayak camping? I currently have 4 kayaks and my 2 favorites are my old town vapor 10 and the bass pro shops DS10, they are good but I want better
I like this boat, but I'd prefer a smaller cockpit with an added skirt. I'd hate to find myself in the middle of a lake when an unexpected downpour occurs. That said, I appreciate the light weight & think this could make a good canoe alternative for trips requiring portages.
We like our Eddyline Skylark 12 footers, we were considering the Sandpipers but like the kayak reviewed here the cockpit is a little large.. Skylark has a slightly smaller cockpit, track well and glide nicely.
There is different kind of plastic used for kayak. The weight is not related to rotomolding versus thermoforming but the kind of plastic used. Rotomolded kayak are made of polyethylene. This kind of plastic is more flexible and must be thicker to give it some rigidity. ABS plastic is more rigid and can be thinner, saving weigth. I have a 15' thermoformed ABS plastic sea kayak weighting only 51 pounds. It is rigid and shinny like a composite one. I never seen ABS rotomolded kayak. What I appreciate of ABS made kayak is the rigidity, but don't drop it. Contrary to polyesther it doesn't flex much so it is more prone to break.
I think at 20kg, its still a bit too heavy. You cant let the kids batter it. Thermoforming plastic isn't family friendly. A rotomolded kayak will do a lot more and handle the knocks better. With no front hatch its more like a white water kayak but you cant take this into ruff water. I did see a similar kayak of this design in a cannel lock, it got swamped and hit the sides a few times. It looks like a good flat water kayak and you cant really do anything else with it.
That is a big cockpit. And is it lipped for a skirt? That’s a a big skirt if that’s the case. And probably proprietary to their brand to boot. Imagine finding a universal skirt for that 😂 it’s very clean looking though.
There isn’t a cup holder, but there is a water bottle holder down next to the seat. We have the Hurricane 110 Sport, and have tried clip on cup holders which work to a degree. I am short, and if I clip it in where I can reach it, it is in the way. My husband can clip it out further, but we just don’t bother. There is a fishing dashboard, but it doesn’t have a cup holder. The dashboard does,however, have a track on it. You could get a track cup holder to use with it. I am kind of surprised that hurricane hasn’t done a dashboard for general purpose with a cup holder.
I love a good packboat, and the Swift Pack 13.6 is a great one.... but I have to disagree about it being more fun. They're both great boats, designed for different purposes.
Check out my new TH-cam channel! www.youtube.com/@KenWhitingAdventures is now the place to find all my paddling adventure videos, while PaddleTV will focus on Instruction and Gear Reviews.
We got our Prima 125 kayaks in 2022. Even after living on my car for the last two years they appear as good as new. We have taken our kayaks all across the country from Florida to Alaska and back through the southwest. This year we are going to get them wet in Canada (again). They go with us everywhere we go. All our paddling gear is stored inside the rear hatch with the boats. On the water they are wonderful.
@@David-gld There are many faster kayaks. I have only had mine up to about 70 mph. My car doesn't go much faster with the boats on top. Seriously, in the water, there are many faster kayaks. A narrow boat that is longer will go faster. Tandum kayaks are even faster than that. I think, however, that my kayaks are kings in the lightweight comfort department.
I never saw this one, I just picked up the Eddy Line Sandpiper 130 yesterday and spent about an hour in it, had I seen this one I probably would have considered it. The oversize cockpit in both and light weight make these yaks more accessible for those of us with mobility issues, I chose a sit on top to enter this sport to get in and out better but I had no issues yesterday getting in and out of the boat. Another great review and glad to see you doing them again.
Watching safety videos is always a good idea. I've been kayaking for years and had my first flip the other day in a river. Totally my fault as I got complacent. Now I'm dealing with some minor injuries and things that will take a while to recover from, but luckily nothing serious. Moral of the story, safety is something you should always think about on the water
Great review and I always learn something from your videos. However, it would have been nice to actually see more of the kayak in the video. 90 % of the time it's just you talking to the camera and no boat in sight. I would have loved to see you paddle it more, see how it handles in a few situations, see how the bi-directional hatch actually works and so on.
He always seems to cut out the bit where he gets in and out of it as well. This I suspect is quite important for some to see. I suspect he just falls in a lot 😂
lol
5x national champion
Ken is probably pretty solid at launching a recreational kayak
Dude, the whole video is about the kayak! Get on the kayak’s website if you want to see more pics of the boat!
SKIMMER 116 FIRST CLASS is what I'm looking at. Sit on top, cup holder, lightweight, great seat that comes out making it even lighter when carrying, thermoform. Your reviews are marvelous to bring out the pros and cons of each kayak.
Its a nice boat but wilderness are better at this price point. My pyranha fusion sot is a lot more fun to paddle.
I’ve got a Chelan which I love but for a while have been ready to take my passion for kayaking to the next level and after much research have settled on the Prima 125, and have started saving. Thank you so much, Ken, for your fantastic review because now I’m even more excited to one day own this kayak, and so happy to know it’ll be everything I’ve been hoping for! Love your videos. They’ve helped this Aussie girl learn so much.
I love my Prima 125.
This review hits the nail on the head and I agree with everything said. It is a very sweet boat and glides surprisingly joyfully. I think it turns terrific when not going fast and especially if you re-grip your paddle to full extension by holding the inboard blade.
The ONLY thing I wish it came with is a squared off tail to mount a rudder bracket.
I mounted a Bixpy electric drive to extend my range and had to beef up the stern and make my own mount. I take the drive off for most paddling and quickly snap it on for longer or windy trips.
This kayak is near perfect and I couldn't be happier!
Classic 'Ken Whiting Review': helpful, thorough, genuine. Since you asked re: gripes, one thing that caught my eye is that poorly done hull-deck joint at the bow. Go to 0:19 to see the uneven glob of mastic at the bow and along the port side, coupled with a pop rivet. The starboard side looks more carefully fared. In itself, just a small cosmetic ding on the build & structurally irrelevant...but experience has taught me that inattention to a hull-deck joint where you can see it leaves you wondering how well done the joint is where you can't. But wow, what a great kayak.
I saw that too. I have a feeling this was a used boat and they don't come like that new. With a thermoform kayak you will spend more time repairing it.
ACA courses were a nice refresher. Thanks for the link!
Just bought one of these. It’s amazing!
Awesome to hear!
I learn something new with every video of yours I watch! I love your honest, unbiased reviews and expertise. I'll check out the new online training courses for sure! Might just go paddling today!
I wish tracks were closer so I can fish but I love the features. Thanks. Bob
I have become more aware of Hurricane kayaks recently. One of the things I am interested in is the difference between them and Eddyline. Specifically the price premium Eddyline has over most other thermoform products. Being in the Pacific Northwest Eddyline is very popular having been produced here. I own 3 Pungo 120s of from 2005, 2007 and 2021 production years. Many of my friends I paddle with have Eddylines. At 70 years old the wright difference is starting to make a difference in my preference. The Pungo is the most comfortable boat I have ever paddled. Looking for other options that won’t be do expensive.
Unfortunately I’ve never tried an Eddyline kayak. I’ve tried repeatedly to get a boat to test, but no luck. On the surface, they look quite similar. Not sure why they cost more…
Not surprised you’ve enjoyed the Pungo for so long. It’s a really nice boat!
I just bought this boat and am loving it. Stable, fast, light, and most importantly ... there's enough room for my 23 pound Miniature American Shepherd to move around between my legs. There's a few Eddy line boats that I love too, but there's not enought room for my pupper in those. BTW, Props to Ruttabegga Paddle sports Madison for the demo lake and knowledgeable staff on this .
purchase.
I went to 4Corners in Durango, Colorado 2 days ago to buy a 2nd hand Eddy Line Sandpiper 130 also, like "Bubblehead" below. I saw a new Prima 110 (11') next to it and compared the two, and went for the Prima mostly because it was new. And the "aqua" looked more like turquoise, my weakness. I worried that it might be too small for my 6'2" frame. I took it out to a nearby lake yesterday in a fairly strong wind. I'm used to my roto molded 68 pound, 15' sea kayaks which get blown around when there's wind. The Prima took to the water like there was no wind and it glided across the lake's surface easily. The Sandpiper would have been nice, but I'm glad I got the 110. The length is perfect for both loading and "laking".
Great to hear! Nice to know the 110 is big enough for someone 6'2" as well.
Great video! I like the bulkheads, and I wish there was a better place for a cupholder. We have the 110 Sports, and LOVE them. The double bulkheads work really well. My husband flipped it once. He was able to flip it back quickly, swim it to the creek shore, and bilge out the water easily. There is a molded bottle holder next to the seat, but I kind of wanted a cup holder. We tried the clip ons, but I am shorter, and it was in my way if I put it close enough. There is a fishing dashboard with a track so you could get that and put a compatible cupholder on it. For anybody wanting a rod holder that is mounted closer, this could work as well. While we definitely don’t abuse them, they are tough enough to handle getting hung up on logs, cypress knees, etc. Even on our smaller kayaks, the tracking is impressive and handles much differently than the heftier kayaks we rented in the past. I could see the 125 being better for more open water, but I really like the 110 for creeks and swamps; much easier to turn around in a gut.
I'm buying a 110 this week and I've been looking at cupholder options too. Hurricane sells a "Sports Console" that sits in the front portion of the cockpit (like a pungo's). But even that doesn't appear to have a cupholder. I'll probably end up with a track mounted one as you said. Sometimes you really need somewhere to put a can of beer.
I bought a used 15 year old Hurricane Tampico and it can move in the water. It is a bit bow heavy and at 23" it's pretty narrow but works for me for now
The hull looks similar to some Eddylines ... That would be a good thing.
Nice review Ken! I'm a Delta owner and love almost everything about it, except for the seat. Would love to have a removable framed seat. Have you ever reviewed Tutjak sea kayaks out of Quebec? They are on the higher end but look awesome.
Great review. I see this is more/less a Liquid Logic Saluda 12 in a thermoformed version. That said, I wonder if the front counsel on the Saluda would fit on the hurricane to add a bit of front storage.
On a side note, I would be curios on your thoughts on the Swift kayak line. Not allot of reviews from professionals on this line of high end kayaks.
Yeah I'm surprised Ken didn't mention that since he reviewed the Saluda 12 (which is $400 less) not too long ago.
Looks like a great kayak for what it is . If i had one I would be tempted to put a hatch on the front for more camping gear . seems like a waste of space if you cant pack gear into it
Test the Pelican Mustang 120X it is similar but the price is half of this one (at least in the Netherlands). I have one for recreational use, day peddling or camping trips with the tent. I need a wide kayak because my organs of equilibrium are out of order. So every time I launch my Kayak I have to learn again where the tipping point is, passing boats that cause waves are a big challenge not to tip over. Sometimes I ask myself why am i torturing myself by doing this kayaking.
My mom has parkinson's and her sense of balance is pretty bad. I have an inflatable kayak and she is able to go out in it because it has a ton of stability and you sit pretty low. Mine's a Sea Eagle Explorer but others might be more available in Europe.
@@edevans5991 Sounds good. My 1st kayak was a wilderness Tarpon 140 sit on top. within 100 meter I already capsized. So I sold that, the Pelican I have 3 years now and it works fine for me. Have thought of adding floaters to the side making it a catamaran kind of kayak.
Thermoforming kayaks are so beautiful. Ummmm shinny!
This boat is designed for stability on flat water. Some of yall are mentioning what if it flips. My question is, what are you doing to make it flip? My previous yak is a 10 ft pelican which is quite stable but Ive never flipped it. Even in choppy water. I also dont drink, do drugs or try to stand up in it, to pretend it's an SUP either.
How does the Hurricane compare to the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120?
Great review
I have the Eddyline Sandpiper 130, (47 lbs, don’t know if 47 is with or without the seat), looks like the same removable seat, do you know if the seats are interchangeable?
At 81 years, looking to go for a lighter kayak
No they are most definitely not the same. If you look at the frame and feet on them they're quite different and they attach to their respective boats differently as well.
Love this one Ken. Very tempted to buy one. How does it compare (briefly) to the Itiwit X500 (which I have and love) in terms of speed, tracking and stability?
Unfortunately, I don't know if it's available there. If you send Hurricane an email, I'm sure they will point you in the right direction.
@@PaddleTV Thanks Ken, done that and edited my question to something different if you have a moment :-)
Hi Ken! In your opinion what would be the best kayak for someone who doesn’t care to fish, wants to go way faster than a normal kayak, and will have plenty of room for kayak camping? I currently have 4 kayaks and my 2 favorites are my old town vapor 10 and the bass pro shops DS10, they are good but I want better
Thanks for sharing Ken....😊
Have not looked for kayak stuff in years. I have a wooden struer sprint kayak in my garage, have not used it in 10 years
Is there a tandem version of this kayak? Thank you
oh i think i would love this one! i prefer ride on tops cus if they tip they dont fill with water!
Sealant at joints seems sloppy but maybe that's normal - otherwise an ideal upgrade from a solid pungo?
This sounds like the perfect boat for me. Thank you.
Cheers!
Prima 125 vs Bonafide ex123 Your thoughts?
I like this boat, but I'd prefer a smaller cockpit with an added skirt. I'd hate to find myself in the middle of a lake when an unexpected downpour occurs. That said, I appreciate the light weight & think this could make a good canoe alternative for trips requiring portages.
We like our Eddyline Skylark 12 footers, we were considering the Sandpipers but like the kayak reviewed here the cockpit is a little large.. Skylark has a slightly smaller cockpit, track well and glide nicely.
There is different kind of plastic used for kayak. The weight is not related to rotomolding versus thermoforming but the kind of plastic used. Rotomolded kayak are made of polyethylene. This kind of plastic is more flexible and must be thicker to give it some rigidity. ABS plastic is more rigid and can be thinner, saving weigth. I have a 15' thermoformed ABS plastic sea kayak weighting only 51 pounds. It is rigid and shinny like a composite one. I never seen ABS rotomolded kayak. What I appreciate of ABS made kayak is the rigidity, but don't drop it. Contrary to polyesther it doesn't flex much so it is more prone to break.
Can you please add cm measurement for the rest of the world?
Check out Eric Jackson’s new company apex. Super light. And great quality. I’d love to hear your opinion
I think at 20kg, its still a bit too heavy. You cant let the kids batter it. Thermoforming plastic isn't family friendly. A rotomolded kayak will do a lot more and handle the knocks better. With no front hatch its more like a white water kayak but you cant take this into ruff water. I did see a similar kayak of this design in a cannel lock, it got swamped and hit the sides a few times. It looks like a good flat water kayak and you cant really do anything else with it.
That is a big cockpit. And is it lipped for a skirt? That’s a a big skirt if that’s the case. And probably proprietary to their brand to boot. Imagine finding a universal skirt for that 😂 it’s very clean looking though.
Video rất hay
Cup holder? 😞
There isn’t a cup holder, but there is a water bottle holder down next to the seat. We have the Hurricane 110 Sport, and have tried clip on cup holders which work to a degree. I am short, and if I clip it in where I can reach it, it is in the way. My husband can clip it out further, but we just don’t bother. There is a fishing dashboard, but it doesn’t have a cup holder. The dashboard does,however, have a track on it. You could get a track cup holder to use with it. I am kind of surprised that hurricane hasn’t done a dashboard for general purpose with a cup holder.
@@GingerByrn1 Thanks so much for your information and knowledge.
I had to mute the music 🤮
Did you forget to take your psychotropic medication today? Are you fine bro?😢
Fast . . . Compared to what?
40 lbs. Not really all that light compared to other similar kayaks.
It just doesn't turn well...
That seat back looks like an impediment to self rescue if you flip
Will stick with my 22 pound Swift Pack 13.6. Half the weight and 10 times more fun
I love a good packboat, and the Swift Pack 13.6 is a great one.... but I have to disagree about it being more fun. They're both great boats, designed for different purposes.