Thank you for not only the thorough review, but for the tips as well. I just pulled the trigger and purchased a Sportsman 106 PDL and will be picking it up next week.
Thanks! And congrats on the new 120 PDL. Excellent kayak! Just fished a tournament in my 106 PDL this weekend and out in some pretty nasty wind and waves half the day. A couple guys unfortunately turtled their kayaks but the PDL took it with no issue. I also have a 1 Year Review Video of the PDL on my channel.
@@quinnm.2314 Sorry, missed this question. I don't have any experience in the 120 in heavy waves. I have with the 106 though. I have been out in some nasty winds and waves and feel pretty secure. The mod I made to the steering handle helps alot also in higher winds and waves.
Awesome review, thank you for spending the time to go over such a detailed review you made my decision much easier on which kayak I'm buying and I'm sure others feel the same.
Yes, definitely one to look at. The 2019 Outback is very nice also. I think the Topwater is more stable and I almost never have to reach for a paddle when I get into tight areas and need to maneuver since it turns sharp and you can reverse instantly. A little more work with the Outback 180 drive, but the Outback is definitely faster. Seat height was also an issue for me. Topwater puts you up nice and high. If I were younger might not be an issue though. Good luck with your decision.
Great job with the review 👍 When I took it out for a demo that bar on the lower part of the seat was pushing right on my lower back. That was really the only issue I had.
Thanks! Yes, I put a piece of pipe insulation around that bar. Helps for me. I have that problem with a few of the different lawn chair type kayak seats out there.
Same here. I live in Florida and they said they were shipping august 15th, but then got backed up a month. I ordered mine from a local shop and said they are being shipped today.. been waiting 2 months!
Thanks. Very informative. Hubs and I are waiting on ours. He bought a First Light like yours; mine is Photic. Your video really helped me decide where I want to mount the Boonedox landing gear, and gave me a great idea for the box in the mid-kayak storage area.
Very nice review. I'm torn between spending more money on a coosa fd or purchasing the top water. After your great review, I'm still not sure which one to get. Thanks for doing a great job on the video.
Yeah, the Coosa Fd is a nice kayak and sounds like a nice drive system and as stable. That was one of the four I had on my list before I got the Topwater PDL. For me it came down to weight since I car top and price. At the time the PDL was about $800-900 (I am including free fish finder which I sold) cheaper. If you can demo both would definitely be worth it. I thought the Jackson would be faster with the longer waterline but after reading this review jacksonkayak.com/blog/2018/03/17/a-fishermans-perspective-of-the-jackson-kayak-coosa-fd/ was surprised that the Topwater may be faster. Either way both nice kayaks. Good luck on your decision, and curious what you end up with.
Enjoyed the review! I saw one of these at ACK the other day. Looks like a solid boat! I would probably raise the back of the seat up a few inches but it looks really stable.
Thanks! Yeah, I have really enjoyed it so far. Hope your's comes in soon. Size has been great for car topping but yet it feels like a much bigger kayak when on it. And it is super stable.
Great video. I love my Topwater PDL 106. Bought it after selling my Hobie Mirage Outback. Is the Plano dry box a Plano ammo box? Trying to find one with the correct dimensions for the mid-boat hatch. Thanks.
Thanks Tom! Yes, it is a Plano ammo box. I responded to someone about 6 months ago with the model number but cannot find that comment now. I did end up putting a piece of pool noodle under the bottom of the box to keep it from dropping through into the hull if heavy items were put into it.
Yes, I still run it through the front handle but have also threaded the anchor cord through the tiny handle on the front drain plug. That way it pulls the anchor line in more of a straight path at the bow. Also, I did replace the anchor line with a smoother paracord. I used a micro-90 cord and can get more line on the drum now. It is rated at 90lbs which is plenty for even in high winds.
Thank you for such a fast response. I ordered two Sportsman PDL 120 (one for my son) nearly a month ago...just waiting government mandates to be modified so the boats can be shipped from Maine. Thanks for your review!!
Awesome video. Looks like you’re in austin, would you ever be interested in a topwater fishing outing in town? Someone shared this video on the old town topwater Facebook group and I’m so glad he did. What an awesome video.
I get that sit on tops take on water from time to time. I fish out of a jackson cuda 12. Most of the videos on the Topwater PDL show an awful lot of water coming in around the pedal drive. I'm hoping to make Topwater my first pedal kayak but that factor has me hesitating to see if Old Town tweeks the hull in the future.
It looked like your Garmin had side scan, correct? Does it work well even though the transducer mount is not below the hull of the kayak? Looking at mounting my Lawrence Hook2 with Tripleshot if I get a Topwater PDL and didn't know if I would be able to mount on the bottom or have to run a RAM mount off the side. Thanks!
Yes, it does have side scan. I get good returns out of it mounted under the hull, and it is protected. Have not had any damage issues beaching or in shallows also. Hope that helps.
This was one of the best reviews I've seen on the top water pdl. I'm interested in this and the Jackson cruise FD. Do you have any seat time in a Jackson cruise FD? If so can you give me insights? Again best review and great video and commentary. Professional job.
It comes with 4 scupper plugs. Two one way self draining plugs to go up by the front of the drive unit and two others that I put by the rear of the drive unit. If you want plugs for the other scuppers you will need to get those separately.
Was looking at the compass, now this... how do you like it soo far? Any updates? what battery do you run with the garmin 9”, and how long of a run time do you get?
Still really like this kayak. Have been in some pretty rough wind/wave conditions and stayed upright. I have a 7 ah and 12ah battery wired together so even with running the led lights in the morning and night I can go a full day of fishing. If doing a lot of really shallow saltwater bay fishing would recommend the Compass but that's not what I fish. Compass is a nice kayak. I like the mirage drive and actually rented one for a while before I bought the Topwater. However, I prefer the seat height and storage options on the Topwater (can even store rods inside the hull which you can't on the Compass) plus have to spend more to get reverse on the Compass. PDL is not as fast as the new Outback but I like the seat height on the PDL better.
Thought it was a Plano box. Actually, it was a Monarch Plastic Ammunition Can from Academy Sports and Outdoors sku#154981 www.academy.com/shop/browse/outdoors/shooting/shooting-gear--accessories/ammo-cans
Yeah, the Compass is a nice kayak. I like the mirage drive and actually rented one for a while before I bought the Topwater. However, I prefer the seat height and storage options on the Topwater (can even store rods inside the hull which you can't on the Compass) plus have to spend more to get reverse on the Compass.
It makes deploying the anchor really quick and smooth. Although, I did replace the paracord that it comes with with some that has a smoother exterior so that it makes less noise. Retrieving the anchor is pretty quick. The anchor wizard has no problem holding the line from releasing. As far as holding the boat in place has all to do with what type of anchor you use. I use cheap plastic covered dumbells as I find they do not snag when pulling them off the bottom. 3 or 5 lb works well for light wind and I go up to an 8 lb for heavier winds.
It all depends on how hard you are pedaling. Pedaling along nice and easy and nothing. Really getting on it and yes you are going to have some water come through. Also, if you stand closer to the drive unit than some water will come in as well. Bugged me at first but I do not really see it being a big deal. Any water that comes in drains out pretty fast.
Is there a way to seal it better? IN FL with warm water, not a deal killer but using it in cold months or up north, would not be fun.... @@kayakfishingworks1304
That is a great question. I believe the first day that I went out I tried that and yes there was no problem pedaling while they were staged. I will be going out in the next day or two. Will try it out and let you know.
Yes, you can pedal with the rods in the staging area. Infact I put 5 rods up front just to see if it would work. Probably, won't be doing this myself but it is possible. Will post a video later.
Yes, the seat is really easy to remove. There are two straps that go over the rear seat bar. They detach with some quick release buckles. I usually only use one anyways. And the two slides on the front adjust by pulling up on two self retracting pins. Just pull the pins up and you slide the seat forward off of the track. Really simply. Seat adjusts front to back really easily and quickly also.
Thank you very much
Thank you for not only the thorough review, but for the tips as well. I just pulled the trigger and purchased a Sportsman 106 PDL and will be picking it up next week.
Excellent video! :)
Thanks!
Wonderfull Review 👍👍
Thanks!
i Liked your video, just ordered one. wish it was summer.
Thanks! I hope you enjoy the new yak and get a few warm days to take it out!
Great unbiased review. Straight to the points and no bs. This helped me purchase the new 120 Pdl topwater and I cannot wait to jump In.
Thanks! And congrats on the new 120 PDL. Excellent kayak! Just fished a tournament in my 106 PDL this weekend and out in some pretty nasty wind and waves half the day. A couple guys unfortunately turtled their kayaks but the PDL took it with no issue. I also have a 1 Year Review Video of the PDL on my channel.
one of the best reviews ive ever seen. well done. subscription earned!
Thank you. I appreciate that!
@@kayakfishingworks1304 Can you advise on if there is a significant difference on the ability to handle waves between the 106 and 120?
@@quinnm.2314 Sorry, missed this question. I don't have any experience in the 120 in heavy waves. I have with the 106 though. I have been out in some nasty winds and waves and feel pretty secure. The mod I made to the steering handle helps alot also in higher winds and waves.
I really like your review style. Thorough without any nonsense.
Just purchased mine last sunday. I've been out twice and I LOVE this boat!! I fly fish out of it and it's just what the doctor ordered! Nice review!
Thanks and congrats on the new Topwater! Fly fishing, awesome! Enjoy it. It is a great boat.
Best review I've seen so far. Thanks !
Great review, glad you enjoy the boat. This is the one I'm going after so it's nice to see someone put THIS much info out there.
What an excellent, informative review! Thank you for posting this!
Awesome review, thank you for spending the time to go over such a detailed review you made my decision much easier on which kayak I'm buying and I'm sure others feel the same.
Thanks, I appreciate that. Am glad that it helped you.
Its looks like a great boat and comparable to a few of the others at a much lower price. Its definitely on my top 5 list that Im looking at.
Yes, definitely one to look at. The 2019 Outback is very nice also. I think the Topwater is more stable and I almost never have to reach for a paddle when I get into tight areas and need to maneuver since it turns sharp and you can reverse instantly. A little more work with the Outback 180 drive, but the Outback is definitely faster. Seat height was also an issue for me. Topwater puts you up nice and high. If I were younger might not be an issue though. Good luck with your decision.
I’m not sure if you have made your decision yet, but I just picked up a 120 PDL Topwater and absolutely love it!
Great job with the review 👍
When I took it out for a demo that bar on the lower part of the seat was pushing right on my lower back.
That was really the only issue I had.
Thanks! Yes, I put a piece of pipe insulation around that bar. Helps for me. I have that problem with a few of the different lawn chair type kayak seats out there.
Great review! Very comprehensive and informative.
Thanks!
I like your review. Ordered two from ACK. One for me and one for my wife. Waiting for shipment. Can't wait to test them!
Thanks, I appreciate that. Great that your wife gets to join you. Hope you enjoy them!
Dan Duran did your kayak arrive yey since it has been a month. I'm debating if I should order one. Just dont know how long it's gona take
Waiting for my new topwater pdl has been agony. Thank you for the nice walk through!
Thanks and you are welcome! Hope it comes in soon. Well worth the wait.
Same here. I live in Florida and they said they were shipping august 15th, but then got backed up a month. I ordered mine from a local shop and said they are being shipped today.. been waiting 2 months!
Zill same here, man. I ordered mine in July.
Been waiting on a walk through like this! Thanks for being extra detailed....I think we can all say this is a solid investment!
I really like this build and how clean it looks. It's swaying me towards buying this kayak.
great review, subscribed. this'll likely be my next kayak purchase
Thanks. Very informative. Hubs and I are waiting on ours. He bought a First Light like yours; mine is Photic. Your video really helped me decide where I want to mount the Boonedox landing gear, and gave me a great idea for the box in the mid-kayak storage area.
Thanks and congrats on the new PDL's! Hope they arrive soon. Glad you got some info you could use for your setup.
Very nice review. I'm torn between spending more money on a coosa fd or purchasing the top water. After your great review, I'm still not sure which one to get. Thanks for doing a great job on the video.
Yeah, the Coosa Fd is a nice kayak and sounds like a nice drive system and as stable. That was one of the four I had on my list before I got the Topwater PDL. For me it came down to weight since I car top and price. At the time the PDL was about $800-900 (I am including free fish finder which I sold) cheaper. If you can demo both would definitely be worth it. I thought the Jackson would be faster with the longer waterline but after reading this review jacksonkayak.com/blog/2018/03/17/a-fishermans-perspective-of-the-jackson-kayak-coosa-fd/ was surprised that the Topwater may be faster. Either way both nice kayaks. Good luck on your decision, and curious what you end up with.
Great review! Well explained! Thanks for your post!
Can you please do a rod holder video :)
Enjoyed the review! I saw one of these at ACK the other day. Looks like a solid boat! I would probably raise the back of the seat up a few inches but it looks really stable.
Great review. I just bought one, but haven't received it yet.. I really like the design and smaller size. I think it will be a solid craft.
Thanks! Yeah, I have really enjoyed it so far. Hope your's comes in soon. Size has been great for car topping but yet it feels like a much bigger kayak when on it. And it is super stable.
Love this kayak. I’m planning on putting the Bixpy motor on the the rudder. Should be a perfect pedal/power yak.
Yeah, Old Town did a nice job on this. I have been enjoying mine. That will be a great setup with the Bixpy on the rudder.
Nice video! I order my topwater two days ago. I can't wait to get it. I'm going to make a video comparing it to my hobie revolution 11.
i believe you can use the rudder as a carry handle. great review.
Great video. I love my Topwater PDL 106. Bought it after selling my Hobie Mirage Outback. Is the Plano dry box a Plano ammo box? Trying to find one with the correct dimensions for the mid-boat hatch. Thanks.
Thanks Tom! Yes, it is a Plano ammo box. I responded to someone about 6 months ago with the model number but cannot find that comment now. I did end up putting a piece of pool noodle under the bottom of the box to keep it from dropping through into the hull if heavy items were put into it.
Great review! Waiting for mine to come in :)
Thanks! Great kayak. Hope yours arrives soon.
can you give the insert complete name and where you find it (the one you use behind the seat)
It is a Monarch Plastic Ammunition Can from Academy Sports and Outdoors sku#154981 @t
Thanks for this great review!
Great review. Thinkin about gettin the anchor wizard for my PDL. Have you had any problems running it under the front handle?
Yes, I still run it through the front handle but have also threaded the anchor cord through the tiny handle on the front drain plug. That way it pulls the anchor line in more of a straight path at the bow. Also, I did replace the anchor line with a smoother paracord. I used a micro-90 cord and can get more line on the drum now. It is rated at 90lbs which is plenty for even in high winds.
Did they supply the scupper plugs? Thanks
Old Town supplied 2 of the self draining scupper plugs and 2 standard scupper plugs. Not sure if anything has changed in the past year.
Thank you for such a fast response. I ordered two Sportsman PDL 120 (one for my son) nearly a month ago...just waiting government mandates to be modified so the boats can be shipped from Maine. Thanks for your review!!
Good review. Thanks.
Awesome video. Looks like you’re in austin, would you ever be interested in a topwater fishing outing in town? Someone shared this video on the old town topwater Facebook group and I’m so glad he did. What an awesome video.
I get that sit on tops take on water from time to time. I fish out of a jackson cuda 12. Most of the videos on the Topwater PDL show an awful lot of water coming in around the pedal drive. I'm hoping to make Topwater my first pedal kayak but that factor has me hesitating to see if Old Town tweeks the hull in the future.
Thanks for walkthrough
It looked like your Garmin had side scan, correct? Does it work well even though the transducer mount is not below the hull of the kayak? Looking at mounting my Lawrence Hook2 with Tripleshot if I get a Topwater PDL and didn't know if I would be able to mount on the bottom or have to run a RAM mount off the side. Thanks!
Yes, it does have side scan. I get good returns out of it mounted under the hull, and it is protected. Have not had any damage issues beaching or in shallows also. Hope that helps.
Nice bin looking at this one and the wilderness radar 115 pedal. Do they have a plug for the floor when your not using the pedals..
There is a 3/4" thick HDPE insert you can buy for around $70 shipped. Made by a company in Houston.
This was one of the best reviews I've seen on the top water pdl.
I'm interested in this and the Jackson cruise FD.
Do you have any seat time in a Jackson cruise FD?
If so can you give me insights?
Again best review and great video and commentary. Professional job.
Very sharp looking kayak.
Great video! Question, does it come with scupper plugs? I purchased one from Austin kayak on Aug 23rd, still waiting for mine to even ship.
It comes with 4 scupper plugs. Two one way self draining plugs to go up by the front of the drive unit and two others that I put by the rear of the drive unit. If you want plugs for the other scuppers you will need to get those separately.
Have they made upgrades since this review because I have seen the newer ones and people seem to stay bone dry on deck
Bone dry after you stop. Have yet to see a 106 that does not get wet when standing or pedaling. Not sure if the 120 is any better.
Excellent review! I'm glad to see they are finally shipping. I need to place my order!
Was looking at the compass, now this... how do you like it soo far? Any updates? what battery do you run with the garmin 9”, and how long of a run time do you get?
Still really like this kayak. Have been in some pretty rough wind/wave conditions and stayed upright. I have a 7 ah and 12ah battery wired together so even with running the led lights in the morning and night I can go a full day of fishing. If doing a lot of really shallow saltwater bay fishing would recommend the Compass but that's not what I fish. Compass is a nice kayak. I like the mirage drive and actually rented one for a while before I bought the Topwater. However, I prefer the seat height and storage options on the Topwater (can even store rods inside the hull which you can't on the Compass) plus have to spend more to get reverse on the Compass. PDL is not as fast as the new Outback but I like the seat height on the PDL better.
What size screws and wing nuts did you use for the ram ball?
I got mine the day after labor day from ACK. Did you get the fish finder deal?
I mailed off the rebate form last week. Imagine it will be a little while until I receive the fish finder. Pretty great deal.
@@kayakfishingworks1304 my fish finder came in this week . I thought it would take longer. Now I have to figure it out.
How do you like the Helix 5? Mine just arrived.
@@kayakfishingworks1304 been working too much. Haven't had time to set it up.
Which model plano dry box did you purchase for the under seat storage?
Thought it was a Plano box. Actually, it was a Monarch Plastic Ammunition Can from Academy Sports and Outdoors sku#154981 www.academy.com/shop/browse/outdoors/shooting/shooting-gear--accessories/ammo-cans
So much cheaper !
For the same amount of money, I would get a Hobie Mirage Compass.
Yeah, the Compass is a nice kayak. I like the mirage drive and actually rented one for a while before I bought the Topwater. However, I prefer the seat height and storage options on the Topwater (can even store rods inside the hull which you can't on the Compass) plus have to spend more to get reverse on the Compass.
How well does the anchor wizard hold this boat in place?
It makes deploying the anchor really quick and smooth. Although, I did replace the paracord that it comes with with some that has a smoother exterior so that it makes less noise. Retrieving the anchor is pretty quick. The anchor wizard has no problem holding the line from releasing. As far as holding the boat in place has all to do with what type of anchor you use. I use cheap plastic covered dumbells as I find they do not snag when pulling them off the bottom. 3 or 5 lb works well for light wind and I go up to an 8 lb for heavier winds.
I ordered one also the seal in the drive isn’t that solid huh a lot of water comes in thru there!
It all depends on how hard you are pedaling. Pedaling along nice and easy and nothing. Really getting on it and yes you are going to have some water come through. Also, if you stand closer to the drive unit than some water will come in as well. Bugged me at first but I do not really see it being a big deal. Any water that comes in drains out pretty fast.
Is there a way to seal it better? IN FL with warm water, not a deal killer but using it in cold months or up north, would not be fun....
@@kayakfishingworks1304
The rod staging under the seats - are you able to leave them in that position and pedal or will they be in the way?
That is a great question. I believe the first day that I went out I tried that and yes there was no problem pedaling while they were staged. I will be going out in the next day or two. Will try it out and let you know.
Yes, you can pedal with the rods in the staging area. Infact I put 5 rods up front just to see if it would work. Probably, won't be doing this myself but it is possible. Will post a video later.
I want 1
Is the seat easy to remove?
Yes, the seat is really easy to remove. There are two straps that go over the rear seat bar. They detach with some quick release buckles. I usually only use one anyways. And the two slides on the front adjust by pulling up on two self retracting pins. Just pull the pins up and you slide the seat forward off of the track. Really simply. Seat adjusts front to back really easily and quickly also.