Best Fishing Kayak Value? | RS117 Full Review
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ต.ค. 2024
- In this video I am walking you through the Bonafide RS117 Fishing Kayak. This kayak is the kayak that I consider the best value dollar for dollar on the market for fishing kayaks. Y’all comment below and tell me your opinion on other fishing kayaks in this price range that I should review.
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Key Products: BONAFIDE Kayaks RS117, YakAttack BlackPak PRO, YakAttack RotoGrip, YakAttack DoubleHeader, Bending Branches Angler Pro Plus
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As a 6'4 kayak fisher, I appreciate the info about leg room. I considered the RS117, but ultimately went with a '22 Jackson Bite. Even so, I enjoy watching reviews of other kayaks. Good work!
Thanks Jeremy. How is the Bite for you for
leg room?
@@ChadHooverFishing The Bite has an amazing amount a legroom due to the ability to trim the seat. I wish it had a high/low seat option, but as you mentioned in your overview, the seat height falls right in the middle - not too low or too high. I'd definitely recommend the Bite to the angler who is taller than 6'3 and having trouble finding a kayak with sufficient legroom.
Chad, this is the boat I own and I am 6'4" and I can tell you, I have never had the seat in the low position, and after using it a while I have removed the adjustable foot peddals. They were just in the way of my legs and feet and even with them all the way forward I was never comfortable. I love the boat, I love the design. I feel super save in the boat and have done a ton of fishing in it since I got it. I paddles great as you know and is super stable.
That’s awesome, so now I know that it’s at least good for 6’4”! Thanks brother
That’s awesome, so now I know that it’s at least good for 6’4”! Thanks brother
Chad this is one of the most detailed, and unbiased reviews I have ever watched. Thank you so much for this video. I’m in between buying this kayak or the topwater 106. I wish I could find a video on the top water this detailed and honest. Thanks again.
Hello. Did you buy one? Could you tell what and why? I am exactly in the same dilemma as you were and can't decide.
@@Kolibrichiti I ended up going with the bonafide rs117. Honestly, because of name and where it’s made. For what it’s worth I love it. I weigh 230, and have a lot of gear I normally take with me, and I have no problems standing while fishing.
@@matthicks9622still liking it? I’ve been looking at a few models but getting down to just a few. Old town 106 or the rs117 are both in the top 3 I’m considering.
@@FishermanFred2023 I actually bought a boat and sold the kayak but I loved it while I had it. I weigh 240 and could stand all day long on this kayak.
@@matthicks9622 nice! Thanks for the info.
Hey Chad: got the RS117 this year from FishUSA in Fairview Pa. Loved it , however the two scuppler holes under the seat developed stress fractures on the top portions of the holes. Working with FISH USA and Bonafide they came to the understanding that this was not a normal issue and offered me a new yac . I asked to receive full credit for the now 4 month old 117 and paid the difference to now have a SS127. I like this yac as much or better but it's not near as nimble to move in and out of the heavy pads. Also the flex fins on a 117 are not pad and slop/weed friendly at all I hade to remove them for this type of fishing. 5' 10 250# and strange as it may seem the 117 seat was a lot more comfortable bare bones than the 127s. Mostly because of back and hip operations I would suspect. Miss the 117 but now have the 127 motorized with 40# Minkota foot steering and PWM mounted near my rt. knee area. This has been a game changer to add to my many hours on the lake. I would recommend either yac but to just paddle the 117 would be my choice. I'm retired and fish 4-5 days a week now known locally as "The FROGMAN" only fished frogs this year till 10 -18-22. Thanks for the video and all your hard work Chad follow your path. PS I am a certified MH Instructor and get to work with many people of all walks of life and wholeheartedly support your efforts for Veterans with MH issues.
I’m really liking my crescent lite tackle 2 (1199 price range) and also enjoy looking at other videos for other boats. Would love to see you go through the lite tackle 2 as there are not many videos on it due to its newness. Love your detail and presentation.
I’m picking up a Shoalie and an LT 2 on the 18th of December and will start working on reviews of them
@@ChadHooverFishing I looked at ck1, lt tackle 1, lt tackle 2 and shoalie in person. I ended up with the lt 2. I think ck1 was small considering I have lab with me on hunts. Tackle 1 cost more after I did all the things that came on the 2. Shoalie seems fine but not 400
Dollars more fine. I liked the hull better on the lt tackle than the shoalie so I went with the two. Again. Can’t wait for your analysis.
I really love the kayak reviews. That's how I found your channel in the first place. I was looking at the CK1 because of the forward storage space. I was thinking about taking my dog with me. Could you do reviews of kayaks with that in mind?
Absolutely, thanks for that suggestion.
This was a phenomenal review. I really appreciate the depth and detailed.
Thanks, glad it helped
Seat strap issues...yeah. I’d shared a tip over on the KayakHacks channel some time back. It’s a relatively easy fix. After you get your straps tightened to where you want them, wrap both the running and standing portions of the strap with a good strong tape(I always use black cloth hockey tape) immediately in front of the buckle. Guaranteed to stay where you want it.
Yeah, that’s works great. But they stretch with us extra gravity folks so you still need to tighten them up. I will point out the tape trick in one of my upcoming videos
I have a 2018 rs117. It's been a great boat. I've added a fish finder, wired it up for a trolling motor, and now have a black pack pro. This boat is solid on rivers and lakes, that is the thing to remember.
Chad this is a great video. I too have the RS117, and find it to be a great kayak for all the reasons you mention. It looks like you're at Ditto. As a Huntsvillian, that's exciting to see you in my own stretch of water! I installed a rudder on the back of my RS117 to help with tracking and wind. Seems to do the trick. My rudder is a custom mount and works perfectly. I also accessorized with some small wheels back on where the sacrificial pads are. That's a nice addition as well. Other than that, my rig is bone stock. I'm short (5'6"), and I appreicate your thoughts on tightening the straps on the bottom of my seat. I'll try that. I do have a kayak kushion, but haven't used it (yet). Thanks for the great advice.
Excellent review, had this kayak for several years, agree with everything you said. Noticed you didn’t mention the wonky above board rudder system Bonafide designed but never released - but still have the hull ident mounting plates for. I mounted a generic, worked very well. Bonafide Wings on this kayak don’t work that great imho - they’re much smaller than the SS models and ineffective. Best upgrade I’ve done is replace my rudder with a Newport 55lb stern motor with ESC control & 100ah lifepo4 - constant smile on my face every time I use it.
I have a RS117 and a Ss127. The RS117 is by far my favorite. I have caught my PB Blue and Flathead out of it. It does everything you need it to do and some. The secondary stability is legit solid. I’ve pulled many trophy cats into this boat and never had an issue.
Why do you like the rs117 over the ss127? Asking because I’m stuck between the two
@@LeviShambaugh I like them both. You can’t go wrong with either. I use the SS127 with a bow mount XI3 and fully loaded and I trailer it. Mainly on big lakes and when I fish in person tournaments. I need the motor in water I don’t know well or if I plan to drag baits all day and just cover water.
The RS117 is my throw and go. I try to keep it a little less loaded down and only paddle it. You can bow mount but I don’t think it performs as good as the SS with a bow mount motor because it’s too front heavy. So if you plan to I would go with the SS.
The SS seat wins out but the RS seat is still pretty dang comfy. It sits a little lower and makes landing big cats a little bit easier for me. It paddles better than the SS and is much more nimble when you need it to be. I think it’s just as stable as the SS.
For me the throw and go style works when I’m going to the river and trying to be stealthy. The way I fish my little river is a little different than most because I’ll drift/suspend and use the paddle to quietly sneak in and over fish.
The RS is a very good kayak that I’ve had in some pretty sketchy situations. I’ve always felt safe in it. I’ve had the SS in some bad scenarios too and it does fine.
If I had to choose between the two it would be hard but I’d probably keep the RS. For me there are a lot of advantages in transportation of a smaller kayak. It makes trips a little more enjoyable. I hope this helps.
@@LeviShambaugh you should go demo them both. Kayaks are not really one size fits all and I think that seat time in one before you buy is important. Heck you might find a different model or brand that suits you better. Now days there are so many great choices for fishing kayak I’d problem be in everyone of them before I bought again.
nice video, man that kayak is awesome! keep it up!!
Thanks buddy
Chad I personally over the years I have learned alot from you thank you
Thank you sir
The Hobie PA has the same goofy seat with the gap at the bottom in the back. I use a Kayak Kushion too, but I tried it the way you rigged it, but found it MUCH better if you attach it to the back. It's just more comfortable.
I’ve tried it both ways and the support for the back of your legs where the edge of the seat is and the nerves in the back of the leg contact the seat so it’s just WAY more comfortable for me rugged towards the front
I've watched this video about 10 times. I just got my RS117 delivered to the house yesterday! Looking forward to getting it rigged and out on the water.
Hope you enjoy it!
Just bought one couple weeks ago. Pro V bass motor blew up at 30hrs. So atleast im not stranded on shore. Already took it out and pretty amazed by how stable it is and lightweight. Me and the girl did a full day trip on a lake and i was more then comfortable. I didnt know about the dry pod issues. Never really was into kayak fishing but after researching how everyone hooks up there fish finder on the drypod and how easy it is, i wish this one had it. Probably gonna go the arm route into the water right behind the seat on an extra rail system so it removable. Other then that love it. 👌🏻got on sale up in muskoka. $400 off plus free paddle.
Glad you like it. At $400 off with the paddle you got a steal.
@@ChadHooverFishing ya pretty much why i grabbed one at that point. Couldnt say no to that.
Great in depth review!!
Can’t wait to see the new RVR 119 review
When is that coming out ?!
Between November and January from what I’m hearing
Thanks Chad
Solid work sir. I have just started learning to enable a future kayak purchase. Welcome more in-class comparisons between the big companies (Hobie, Old Town etc). Thanks again.
Great review. I really want an SS 127 however, I'm 72 and just can't afford one. I looked at the RS 117 and was worried the seat would't be comfortable so the kayak cushion you suggested makes sense. I fish mainly small lakes and ponds in Connecticut. I need a new kayak badly and this is a good option. I was also thinking of a Old town sportsman 106 and a perception Outlaw 11.5 and would love to see reviews on both of those kayaks. Or at least your thoughts on the other two as well. Thanks for all you do for kayak fishing!
I wouldn’t put the Outlaw 11.5 in the same conversation honestly, but the Old Town Sportsman 106 is REALLY close, it’s just a little too short for me to recommend as the “best” all around for the money. On top of that, the Old Town Topwater is probably the closest other kayak to “Best Value” or “Best Dollar for Dollar” but I just haven’t had as much experience or time with it and it’s been super hard to find one. Who knows, when I get to fully try it out for a
week or so and put it through the paces, I may put it on top.
@@ChadHooverFishing Thank you!
I've got a 2019 RS117 & love it. Great river boat. Handles the Susky & Potomac just fine. I've got my Lowrance on there just for water temp. Headed over to my long time friend at Innovative Sportsman shortly to install a Torqeedo1103.
Let me know how you like it when you get the Torqeedo on it.
@@ChadHooverFishing Will do brother!
Agree, great yak for the money. It paddles like a barge but I use it for fishing rivers so I don't paddle much. It is very stable so if stand up fishing is a priority like it is with me it smokes some yaks that are much more expensive, like the Sholie.
Chad, what are your thoughts on the Feel Free kayaks? Just ordered an 11.5 Lure, because it has alot of upgrade options and a great seat design.
You are a wizard with the paddle lol. I don’t look as graceful paddling and I’m 5’10 160lb’s lol
Ha, thanks. It’s called Fatgility!! 😂😂😂
Love this kayak very stable on large waves in the Rapids even though it's a fishing kayak it was awesome
Great review with helpful suggestions to make one’s experience even better. 👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks brother
I have a 2020 117 and love it!! I bought it new and just this summer I have started getting comfortable enough to stand up in it, I haven't fished standing up yet though, baby steps :) Is this a 2022 model? Also what seat cushion is that? I think a cushion could help me with the high back/pfd issue and also may help my hip not hurt after fishing for 6+ hours lol. Keep up the great content!
That’s a 2021 model. The cushion is from Kayak Kushion.
www.kushionkompany.com/shop/fulton-cycle-yww57-y8pzm-lp5es
@@ChadHooverFishing thanks!
Great video. What seat pad are you using?
That’s the firm Kayak Kushion
Jackson bite angler or rs 117 or crescent ck1 or Jackson liska, nucanoe flint, feel free moken 10, old town sportsman 106, vibe seaghost 110. So many choices hmm?
Yeap. And I’ve reviewed most of them. I plan to review the others. Jackson discontinued the Liska, the Bite was pretty close to this one, I just like the overall performance and stability of the RS117 better and it’s quite a bit lighter.
The Old Town Topwater would be a closer comparison than the 106 and I’m working on getting one for that reason.
The NuCanoe Flint just isn’t as stable and doesn’t have as many premium features at this price point, and it’s a little harder to stand in comfortably. I haven’t been in the new Moken yet but I’m working on setting up a demo of one of those too.
I’m also working on getting a Vibe for a demo as well.
we don't fish much but we did almost buy 2 bonafides in 2020 but we went with the Jackson Tripper instead. for us i think we made the right decision. because i love our Trippers.
The Day Trippers are great for recreational floats and I’m really liking the looks of the new Jackson Staxx. I’m going to be reviewing one of those very soon.
I’m a big guy and this is my kayak. Thanks for showing us your setup! Where can I get that drag strap?
Rogue Fishing Co.
Thanks brother, here is the link.
www.roguefishing.co/collections/assist-straps/products/the-a-d-s
Man. You are on it! Great content! Keep it coming.
I just ordered the drag strap. They have a good military/veteran discount. Thank you Chad
I went to Hook1 in Hendersonville to look at them when they first came out, nice kayaks for the price.
👊🏻
Thanks for the video and insight! Any feedback on the Vanhunks Elite Pro Angler compared to this Bonafide yak?
Not really. I can try to get one, but the Vanhunks are like a few other companies. They are Ali Baba knock offs and not really my thing.
Nice! Want to get out in one of these. How does this compare to the Bite?
It’s more comfortable and lighter and maneuvers a lot better or I would have the Bite a lot closer to it.
I struggled to make a decision between the Jackson Bite and Bonafide RS117. I ultimately chose the spacious, clean deck of the Bite since I mostly fly fish. Also, Jackson had a sale during the month of July, which prompted me to pull the trigger on a purchase. I don't think you can go wrong with either kayak. I mostly fish small lakes, and the Bite has been great for that application. I do agree with Chad that the RS117 is an excellent value at the current MSRP. I wish the Bite came with deck pads (can be purchased separately) and a skirt for the bow storage.
I have a Perception Outlaw 11.5. I’ve paddled the RS 117, though has been a few years. I’d have to get in one again to have a better opinion. But, from what I can recall they’re very similar as far as paddling and stability. I know that I made it through shallow water a little better than a friend that was in his 117. Though he he’s a bit bigger than me.
I will have to do the Perception Outlaw 11.5 to give it a better consideration. Glad you mentioned getting through shallow water, I need to make it a point to point that out as a factor, especially for river fishing. I’m a big dude and I get through some really skinny stuff in the RS117.
I will say, the overall quality and features goes to the bonafide. But, I got a good deal on the perception.
I’m looking at the rs117. Perception outlaw and vibe sea ghost 110 so these comments help some. Still cannot decide though.
Chad, you're a great salesman. I'm going to a dealership tomorrow for a 20 minute test paddle. I'm 5' 9" and 195, what paddle length would you recommend? My guess is 250 cm. Thanks.
If you can get an adjustable go with the 240
To 255. If not, I would go with the 240
For more flat water and paddling more vertical but if need leverage and maneuverability then I would opt for the 250.
Great video, keep the coming.
Thanks madman, we plan to
Hi Chad. I bought an RS117 this year and love it. I really like the cushion in the video.. Can you please tell me who makes it? Thanks. Ben
Kayak Kushion.
www.kushionkompany.com/shop/fulton-cycle-yww57-y8pzm-lp5es
@@ChadHooverFishing Thanks Chad.
@@ChadHooverFishing Thanks Chad.
I can’t stand up on my vibe sea ghost 110 in the middle of lake. Going to fall into water if I casting or handle fish, with or without wind. I am $190 Lbs . I need to change to Chad’s kayak. Same price and length like the sea ghost. But much stable for stand up
I'm 6'2 and weigh 290 could I stand on this comfortably and if not what should I look into
Great video!
Thanks Michael
Hi Chad, week-end do you put your wheels? It is quite bulky and would interfere with the black pack or not?
I either don’t use them, take them back to the truck or lock them to a tree or dock with a cable lock
When he first mentioned he was a part of the build but was going to be unbiased on the review I almost turned it off, but I'm glad I didn't u think he did fairly good of going over the kayak.
What brand or kind of kayak cushion are you using. I’m a fairly big guy, 6’1” 220lbs. It would be worth the money.
Kayak Kushion is the brand
@@ChadHooverFishing I ordered it last night after it being recommended by another Big Guy (firm) on TH-cam. Thank you!
tell us your weight next time, and do one on feel free and crescent kayaks
I'd iike to see a comparison between this and the Falcon 11
Roy
Please rate the Yukon Angler kayak 116.
Thanks for your help.
Hey Chad just wondering if the RS can handle spot lock trolling motor
It can handle it for sure. But I think you would be much happier for rigging and setup with the SS127
I am a big dude and weigh 300lb and was wondering if this would be a good kayak for me
have one in the venom color. Absolutely love it!
👊🏻
Would you recommend that boat to a first time buyer ???
Great information
Love my flint for the same price point.
I like the Flint too, but it doesn’t have as much to offer for the money and it’s nowhere near as easy to stand and the overall stability is t there in my opinion.
do you think this boat is more stable than the big fish 120
How r u able to grab your gear in back of u?
@Chad Hoover What level of firmness for the Kayak Kushion is good for this seat?
Get the firmer one
I'm sold.
Great kayak at a great price.
Thanks for the comment underdog
Love my Pelican Catch 110 HD2. $1400
I’m going to try and do that one too
I’m I the only one the rewatched Chad flipping over multiple times
😜
Why didn't you just design a seat, so you didn't have to buy a cushion.
Bonafide are the best in quality and rigging
Thanks Robbie
🍻🤙🏽
👊🏻
Kinda long for a commercial. But it was nice
That’s because it wasn’t a commercial homie! 😜
🤦🏼♂️
Looks like you flipped it pretty easily.
When you throw 300 pounds over the rail and hold on, everything will flip pretty easy 😂😂
Review feel free lure
That’s in work
like a skateboard. lol
😜
Dude that's not cool you almost stole every idea from the Ozark trail pro angler 12 that I called to your attention on the video that you made, kayaks for big guys and you poo pooed big store kayaks 3 years back, but I guess they were good enough to steal all their ideas I hope bonafide knows that none of those ideas were yours you even copied off ((kayak diy)) video that he made 3 years ago that's not cool chief be original. S. M. H. You lost all credibility. I hope bonafide sees this comment!.
I hope Bonafide sees it too. They'll get a good laugh out of your unhinged
nonsense. What are you even talking about?
I have no idea what you are talking about buddy. You may have had too much to drink. Kayak DIY and I are good friends. This isn’t my first video on this kayak either. Lastly, this kayak was designed over four years ago. Actually Shaking My Head
And just so you know, I’ve been at the forefront of design in this industry since before Walmart sold kayaks. There isn’t a single idea on that kayak that isn’t something I didn’t come up with before they knew kayak fishing was a thing. And they used the same name for their kayak as the Hobie Pro Angler and you want to use that kayak of all kayaks as an example of something ideas were stolen from. Come on man! 🤦🏻
Here you go from FOUR years ago.
th-cam.com/video/PYtLbnlqJ4g/w-d-xo.html
Another one from FOUR years ago.
th-cam.com/video/-1E3fn4YBS8/w-d-xo.html
Hey Chad I have a RS also I love it but I'm curious what Paddle do you use and recommend also what length? And also a good cart to transport this with I have a cheapo Paddle and a cheapo cart looking to upgrade
I like that hat