BigFellaGear.com I have done a lot of research and have decided on the Sun Dolphin Excursion 120ss. Weight cap is 395 and has decent storage. Not to mention the price at about $525 total from an online store. Can't find a better fit for ME for less than $600. My opinion only. Thanks again for your help.
Dave Strum I've paddled that boat. Nothing wrong with it. My only suggestion would be to try that same boat in the sit-on-top too. Unless you're going to be doing a ton of cold water paddling, it's rare that I don't wish I was paddling a sit-on-top when I'm fishing. The Journey 12 from Sundolphin has the same capacity as the excursion and it's $399 from Rural King. Enjoy the water, whatever you decide!
BigFellaGear.com I was really wanting a sit in because of cooler water and storage. Minor use will be fishing and major use is touring/recreation. Rural king has it for $384. Still a reasonable first kayak for sure. I have been looking at both models but really think I want a sit in. Who knows...lol.
Great review, very helpful! I'm 6'0, 270pds and looking at getting into kayaking, I basically live in a bay, which is open water, but very calm, would not fish, but only paddle around, would you recommend it for that use? Thanks
Good morning. I probably wouldn't. For open water (even calm) you realistically either need to be on an open top or you need to be in a kayak that can roll (and YOU actually be able to roll). Or you need to be willing to sit out there until someone rescues you, because at your size (our size), even being really athletic, the odds of being able to do a self rescue in a recreational sit-in of any type is pretty slim, which means you're swimming, floating, or drowning. Depending on what you want to spend I'd take a look at a used Jackson sit-on-top at the high-end or maybe a Pelican on the low end, but definitely sit-on-top as opposed to sit-in so you can flip it over and crawl back on it in case it dumps in open water where you can't touch.
Shawn Baker I'm here cause of dicks sale too. Let me know what you think. I went to 3 different dicks and even gander mountain today. Still don't know what to get.
AequitasSaints just pulled up to my house with the kayaks on my trailer...nice coincidence to hear from you. We took them to a local conservation area (25 acre lake) and I loved mine. I’m a big guy so getting the 12 footer was worth it. Takes a little bit to get those stability muscles going again, but we spent 4 hours just tooling around. He was right, the.cup holders were worthless. I’m a big guy 6’2-250. It’s a little more narrow than what I would like, but I don’t think I’ll need to move the foot pedals forward. If you can get the local Dicks to match he online price like they did for us, I say, go for it! I don’t think you will be disappointed!! I’ll do a review on my channel in a couple weeks, as we are going to do an overnight camping trip. Be well..
Shawn Baker good luck man! My thing is though, I know I love kayaking I've been a few times. I don't know if I love fishing kayaking. So do I basically buy once cry once and get a really good kayak? Or get this field and stream.
AequitasSaints I’m not that much of a fisherman and I really don’t view this as a fishing kayak. The only indication is the two rod holders that are actually behind you. To really use this as a fishing kayak, one would have to get additional mounts etc. I basically bought it for the extra storage room up in the front and back for our camping equipment. Plan is to store gear underneath with waterproof bags and strap coolers on top. Plenty of room to do this and stay way under the 500 lb limit.
Shawn Baker good call. What area do you live in? I'm from Milwaukee Wisconsin and have been dreaming of a place to kayak and camp etc without going up to the boundary waters.
Awesome review. I'm 6'4" 315 lbs and looking for something that won't break the bank. I saw this in Dick's the other day and liked it. How did you fill in the footpeg holes when you moved them?
I have the same kayak I'm 6'1 300 pounds I moved the seat as far back as I could get to have a little more leg room in the cock pit I think the seat stinks for comfort I bring a cushion with me just getting into kayak fishing what sold me on it was the weight and being in my price rang it's not that bad over all but I would've definitely paid the extra money for a sit on top with a adjustable seat have a hard time getting in and out lol fat and out of shape definitely beats fishing from shore
Would this work for a 6’2, 247lbs guy and a 50lbs dog? I’m not sure if I want this or the talon one but seems like it’d be more comfortable for her in the f&s run
It wouldn't be my choice. A buddy of mine paddles with his dog and they both (man and dog) love the open deck for the dog to be able to spread out. There's not that much room between your stomach and the front of the cockpit for your dog to ever lie down.
Derrick Dilts that’s what I was thinking, probably going to go with the f&s eagle talon is like to get the ascend sot but the f&s is more in my budget. Just going to suck to have to carry it up 3 flights of stairs to my apartment haha!
@@firefighter2699 For what it's worth the Sit-in isn't a treat to carry either. Have you looked on craigslist for a Jackson cruise? Much better boat, killer seat, and you can sometimes find them used for about the same price as a new big box boat.
Derrick Dilts Id kill for Jackson, but there’s never anything good in Cl where I’m at. And yeah I figured,. But i thought with a sit in you could atleast carry over your shoulder versus holding on your side or whatever. And my limits really $400 and I can get the f&s for $399 right so that’ll have to work I suppose. My plan is to start saving for a Jackson Coosa hopefully get one for next year
What kind of kayak do you use now if you don't mind me asking? I'm 350+ and for a big man after you sit for a while , you back and legs start hurting. It would be nice if they made one that you could stand up and stretch in.
Depends what you're willing to spend. You're a bit heavier than me, but not much. I'm about 330 currently. My daily is the Jackson Big Rig. I picked up a used one for $900. You can check out my reviews of it here and here: th-cam.com/video/Ko8_Wc1ZOoo/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/ge2RnKT96hY/w-d-xo.html Stay away from anything that says "350" or "375" weight limits. It's a crap number. Jackson uses real numbers for weight limits and will still be dry, but they're expensive. My boat new is over $1,600, as are most of their larger-paddler boats. Malibu does a pretty fair job of real weight limits. The Ocean Kayak Big Game Prowler II will hold you and the Ride 135 from Wilderness will too. You'll run into some decent priced Old Town Predators, but anything but the largest XL will get your butt wet. Feelfree Lure 13 would hold you fine. Everything I've said is a sit-on-top, by the way. I'm a pretty athletic guy for my size and I freaking hate my sit-in anymore to be honest with you. Also, for a guy our size, you're really gonna need to fork over a bit more cash to be comfortable. My $0.02. Enjoy. Let me know if I can answer anything else. Also, get a decent paddle. If you're 350 pounds and agile enough to even consider a sit-in kayak, then you're also strong enough that you'll hate a $40 Chute aluminum paddle. At a minimum spend the $75-100 for a bass pro ascent paddle with a fiberglass shaft. It makes a difference.
Ryan Jones It was my 1st kayak and I've never tipped it. It's not a flat bottom like the really inexpensive Walmart or Menards boats (those are virtually impossible to tip), but it's certainly not "tippy". Basically you'd have to hit something at speed or just do something dumb and quick to dump it.
Ryan Jones Yeah you can dump a Skimmer without doing something dumb. This would be more along the line of a Pungo but a bit slower. My buddy has the Pungo 140 and it's a nicer boat than mine but it doesn't have the capacity this one does. If you aren't quite as heavy or you don't plan to load it down I'd recommend the Pungo over this one hands down.
Watch at about the 2:30 mark and I lay my hand on about where the front bulkhead stops. You don't have a ton of room past the foot pegs, but you do have some. When I camp I put a couple of 10L drybags down there with retrieval paracord that comes back to where I have my paddle leash clipped.
![ง้อ (ALRIGHT) - FOURTH [ TEASER ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ya6MBfo-Wvg/mqdefault.jpg)
We are the same size and you gave me the info I was looking for. Thanks.
Well that's exactly the kind of comment I like to hear! Enjoy the water.
BigFellaGear.com I have done a lot of research and have decided on the Sun Dolphin Excursion 120ss. Weight cap is 395 and has decent storage. Not to mention the price at about $525 total from an online store. Can't find a better fit for ME for less than $600. My opinion only. Thanks again for your help.
Dave Strum I've paddled that boat. Nothing wrong with it. My only suggestion would be to try that same boat in the sit-on-top too. Unless you're going to be doing a ton of cold water paddling, it's rare that I don't wish I was paddling a sit-on-top when I'm fishing. The Journey 12 from Sundolphin has the same capacity as the excursion and it's $399 from Rural King. Enjoy the water, whatever you decide!
BigFellaGear.com I was really wanting a sit in because of cooler water and storage. Minor use will be fishing and major use is touring/recreation. Rural king has it for $384. Still a reasonable first kayak for sure. I have been looking at both models but really think I want a sit in. Who knows...lol.
Dave Strum Straight-up paddling get a sit-in. You'll end up with both!
Thanks for the info! I'm 6'5" and have been having trouble finding into about gear for tall people! You have a new subscriber!
Thanks brother for the honest review. I’m looking at a used version in 2022 for $350. Definitely will be offering less.
I have the Eagle Talon sit on top and it is a pretty good kayak for the money. Great review by a "Traveling Man".
I am a big guy 6' 350 looking at this on to start kayak fishing thanks for the information.
Garry Staggs did u end up buying this kayak ?
Thanks for the info man. May your lines always be tight and your feet dry.
Great review, very helpful! I'm 6'0, 270pds and looking at getting into kayaking, I basically live in a bay, which is open water, but very calm, would not fish, but only paddle around, would you recommend it for that use? Thanks
Good morning. I probably wouldn't. For open water (even calm) you realistically either need to be on an open top or you need to be in a kayak that can roll (and YOU actually be able to roll). Or you need to be willing to sit out there until someone rescues you, because at your size (our size), even being really athletic, the odds of being able to do a self rescue in a recreational sit-in of any type is pretty slim, which means you're swimming, floating, or drowning. Depending on what you want to spend I'd take a look at a used Jackson sit-on-top at the high-end or maybe a Pelican on the low end, but definitely sit-on-top as opposed to sit-in so you can flip it over and crawl back on it in case it dumps in open water where you can't touch.
Just bought it at Dicks on sale for $399. Will put out our own video in the next couple of weeks. Thanks for the informative video!
Shawn Baker I'm here cause of dicks sale too. Let me know what you think. I went to 3 different dicks and even gander mountain today. Still don't know what to get.
AequitasSaints just pulled up to my house with the kayaks on my trailer...nice coincidence to hear from you. We took them to a local conservation area (25 acre lake) and I loved mine. I’m a big guy so getting the 12 footer was worth it. Takes a little bit to get those stability muscles going again, but we spent 4 hours just tooling around. He was right, the.cup holders were worthless. I’m a big guy 6’2-250. It’s a little more narrow than what I would like, but I don’t think I’ll need to move the foot pedals forward. If you can get the local Dicks to match he online price like they did for us, I say, go for it! I don’t think you will be disappointed!! I’ll do a review on my channel in a couple weeks, as we are going to do an overnight camping trip. Be well..
Shawn Baker good luck man! My thing is though, I know I love kayaking I've been a few times. I don't know if I love fishing kayaking. So do I basically buy once cry once and get a really good kayak? Or get this field and stream.
AequitasSaints I’m not that much of a fisherman and I really don’t view this as a fishing kayak. The only indication is the two rod holders that are actually behind you. To really use this as a fishing kayak, one would have to get additional mounts etc. I basically bought it for the extra storage room up in the front and back for our camping equipment. Plan is to store gear underneath with waterproof bags and strap coolers on top. Plenty of room to do this and stay way under the 500 lb limit.
Shawn Baker good call. What area do you live in? I'm from Milwaukee Wisconsin and have been dreaming of a place to kayak and camp etc without going up to the boundary waters.
I love this kayak I also have a tarpon 120 but always going go with the F&S both are great kayaks tho
Awesome review. I'm 6'4" 315 lbs and looking for something that won't break the bank. I saw this in Dick's the other day and liked it. How did you fill in the footpeg holes when you moved them?
I have a flat-iron and just melted some black plastic into the holes and sanded it back down.
I have the same kayak I'm 6'1 300 pounds I moved the seat as far back as I could get to have a little more leg room in the cock pit I think the seat stinks for comfort I bring a cushion with me just getting into kayak fishing what sold me on it was the weight and being in my price rang it's not that bad over all but I would've definitely paid the extra money for a sit on top with a adjustable seat have a hard time getting in and out lol fat and out of shape definitely beats fishing from shore
Are you still around to answer a few questions about this kayak?
sure thing. just been a while since i've had the time to do a new one!
Nice video. Do you use silicone or anything when you drill in with the pad eyes?
I did. Marine grade silicone. I just dabbed it on the threads of the bolts before I ran them in.
I have an one of these kayaks and my seat strap clip broke. Any idea where I could find a replacement?
what is some other sit ins with a weight limit over 375
Would this work for a 6’2, 247lbs guy and a 50lbs dog? I’m not sure if I want this or the talon one but seems like it’d be more comfortable for her in the f&s run
It wouldn't be my choice. A buddy of mine paddles with his dog and they both (man and dog) love the open deck for the dog to be able to spread out. There's not that much room between your stomach and the front of the cockpit for your dog to ever lie down.
Derrick Dilts that’s what I was thinking, probably going to go with the f&s eagle talon is like to get the ascend sot but the f&s is more in my budget. Just going to suck to have to carry it up 3 flights of stairs to my apartment haha!
@@firefighter2699 For what it's worth the Sit-in isn't a treat to carry either. Have you looked on craigslist for a Jackson cruise? Much better boat, killer seat, and you can sometimes find them used for about the same price as a new big box boat.
Derrick Dilts Id kill for Jackson, but there’s never anything good in Cl where I’m at. And yeah I figured,. But i thought with a sit in you could atleast carry over your shoulder versus holding on your side or whatever. And my limits really $400 and I can get the f&s for $399 right so that’ll have to work I suppose. My plan is to start saving for a Jackson Coosa hopefully get one for next year
What kind of kayak do you use now if you don't mind me asking? I'm 350+ and for a big man after you sit for a while , you back and legs start hurting. It would be nice if they made one that you could stand up and stretch in.
Depends what you're willing to spend. You're a bit heavier than me, but not much. I'm about 330 currently. My daily is the Jackson Big Rig. I picked up a used one for $900. You can check out my reviews of it here and here:
th-cam.com/video/Ko8_Wc1ZOoo/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/ge2RnKT96hY/w-d-xo.html
Stay away from anything that says "350" or "375" weight limits. It's a crap number. Jackson uses real numbers for weight limits and will still be dry, but they're expensive. My boat new is over $1,600, as are most of their larger-paddler boats. Malibu does a pretty fair job of real weight limits. The Ocean Kayak Big Game Prowler II will hold you and the Ride 135 from Wilderness will too. You'll run into some decent priced Old Town Predators, but anything but the largest XL will get your butt wet. Feelfree Lure 13 would hold you fine. Everything I've said is a sit-on-top, by the way. I'm a pretty athletic guy for my size and I freaking hate my sit-in anymore to be honest with you. Also, for a guy our size, you're really gonna need to fork over a bit more cash to be comfortable. My $0.02.
Enjoy. Let me know if I can answer anything else.
Also, get a decent paddle. If you're 350 pounds and agile enough to even consider a sit-in kayak, then you're also strong enough that you'll hate a $40 Chute aluminum paddle. At a minimum spend the $75-100 for a bass pro ascent paddle with a fiberglass shaft. It makes a difference.
How is this boat as far as stability on the water?
Ryan Jones It was my 1st kayak and I've never tipped it. It's not a flat bottom like the really inexpensive Walmart or Menards boats (those are virtually impossible to tip), but it's certainly not "tippy". Basically you'd have to hit something at speed or just do something dumb and quick to dump it.
I've gotten wet in a Hurricane Skimmer 140 before. I've also paddled a Wilderness system Pungo and had no issues
Ryan Jones Yeah you can dump a Skimmer without doing something dumb. This would be more along the line of a Pungo but a bit slower. My buddy has the Pungo 140 and it's a nicer boat than mine but it doesn't have the capacity this one does. If you aren't quite as heavy or you don't plan to load it down I'd recommend the Pungo over this one hands down.
315 lbs and the kayak 'has a little give?! Lol.. yeah, a tricycle is a little close on knee space, too!
can you store stuff in the front down past the foot pedals or is that all sectioned off
Watch at about the 2:30 mark and I lay my hand on about where the front bulkhead stops. You don't have a ton of room past the foot pegs, but you do have some. When I camp I put a couple of 10L drybags down there with retrieval paracord that comes back to where I have my paddle leash clipped.
Bert kreischer
wow. i had to google it. give that guy some curly hair and you're pretty close.
@@derrickdilts8385 Your voice is what I meant. You sound almost on point to him. Check out a podcast on youtube.
@@mrthedudeman hell the picture isn't a whole lot different either, but now I'll listen to a youtube of him too.
yeah. weird.