I am looking for comments and recommendations. Please let me know your thoughts if you have either of these kayaks: pros;cons or jsut general frustrations/likes.

The new Jackson Cuda is great, it is well thought out, and a great kayak, a friend of mine has three of them and he loves them, Go with the Cuda!!

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MALIBU X FACTOR/HEROES ON THE WATER

thanks Harley. really leaning towards that boat. I just heard today that the tarpon 140 was similar and costs less.

Hello Tim!!!
I posted this review of test paddling the Cuda on Jan. 8th on another website, and after paddling it twice now, I still stand behind my comments....and I also STOOD in the Cuda!!!
Here it is.......JYJ

Traffic at our Outfitters slowed down a little yesterday about 4:00 so 3 of us decided to test paddle the Cuda for the first time!! Beautiful sunny day at 70* with light 5-10 mph winds and a slight ripple on the 22 acre lake behind the store.

General likes were obviously the wonderful seat, the general seating area and the "live well" did not get in my way at all, the layout for fishing and ease of reaching where my gear would go, and standing was easy and very steady even when I stood and rocked it vigorously and bounced on it...and I am about 190#. It was a very dry ride too. The "AARP" stand up strap (one guy coined that name for me!!) was helpful standing and sitting. It tracked fairly straight, altho not as straight as a Tarpon 140, and the glide was very impressive....I would quit paddling and glide for 50-100 yards depending on wind direction!!

General dislikes were mainly the weight and getting it actually moving and up to speed, altho once you hit your intended pace, it stayed on pace very easily....guess you gotta get that weight moving....LOL!!
(Big Props to Boyscout and Dave!! I am even more impressed with the video above and with you guys paddling upstream....very good of you!!)
I would probably use the "live well" for storage and for a rod pod for storing my rods/reels when entering and exiting the surf and of course in any type of Class II water..lots of room in there!!

Big disappointment about how to place rodholders, especially in the front....just like the Coosa, Drew forgot that some people, especially bait chunkers actually USE Scotty and Ram holder for more than "storing" your rods!! We use them to actually FISH and I never paddle without having lines in the water trolling. I wold have to have a Scotty 280 mounted on that plastic cover for the live well...and I think it is thick enuff to hold it....???

The guys chose the Werner Kalliste paddle....which we sell for $390, and quite frankly, I did not like it very well....it fluttered when I really dug it in, and it flipped water back on me.... In fairness, it is a VERY light weight paddle and has a long and thin blade and is used mostly for touring, and I really think that a larger bladed paddle with more heft/mass would help get the Cuda moving more quickly!!
The Werner website says: " They offer silky smooth strokes that make paddling all day long feel effortless. The Kalliste is the ultimate choice for low angle kayakers."

Hope this makes some sense and appreciate any comments....JohnYaksJax
PS: Hey JAG....hope your back is better and come over today and paddle it...gonna be a great day on Lake Skinner!!!

The Cuda all day long mate. The Tarpon is very nice too but that Cuda has the best damn seat ever.

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Malibu Mini-X
Wilderness Systems Commander 120

JYJ, I may have to come paddle one soon! I'll send you a PM to see what hours you work once I decide if I'm getting a new kayak.

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Ride 135

Aside from all the trout take note of the scotty rod holder mounted to the rod pod. It is a lot stronger than you might expect. That same day I hooked a crab pot and actually ended up dragging it before i saw my rod was bent nearly enough to snap. I got lucky that my rod didn't break but the scotty flush mount didn't seem to be bothered by the heavy load. I just drop my rod in the holder and start paddling along at the right speed to bounce the lure along the oyster beds and reel in the fish.

Disclaimer: I live in Louisiana where our trout limit is 25/day and 12" min.





The rest of the Cuda pics are here on my photobucket account.
http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y191/e ... 1QQtppZZ28

Simple, hobie revolution!

Hobie is out of my price range

Hobie is not the answer to every question.
Not everyone wants a hobie.


The Cuda is on my short list for my next boat......

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After extensive, diligent, and scholarly research, there is NO evidence that life should be so serious.

U14.5

T120

That sucks that its out of your range, some of the areas we fish i coukdint hardly imagine fishing without a hobie.but heard good things bout the cuda.

The Revolution and the Cuda are just about the same price in the end. Only difference is that the Cuda comes with all kinda fisherman friendly features and is super comfortable and the Revo comes with the Mirage Drive.
The Mirage Drive is AWESOME, I'll give it that but I'm also quite pleased with the Cuda. As for the Tarpon, That is a slick looking boat too. The slide tracks are a nice feature and from all I have heard it moves through the water like a bullet.

Sooooo I took a Cuda out for a paddle today. Pretty sweet boat...a little slower than my OK but it is heavier and wider so that's natural. I looked for reviews from fly fishermen and found a few videos but that's about it.

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Ride 135

Hobie Quest, unless standing up iin your kayak is a necessity for you. It is comparable to a tarpon 140, but with better seating and storage options.

Have you given any thought to the Wilderness Systems Ride 135. I just bought the 2012 model from Black Creek Outfitters. I paddled almost every fishing kayak they had, and i cant imagine fishing out of anything else. I went to the store with my mind set on a Native, and John made sure I tried the Ride 135. I was impressed with every aspect of this Kayak (not to mention the excellent service at the store!). It paddles extremely well for a large kayak. The stability is fantastic for standing and Fly casting etc. The seat has a design that allows it to be removed, adjusted back and forth, and has no pressure points on your back or butt. The hull is very strong, and the price will not brake the bank. If you have any additional questions I would be happy to answer them. Good luck on whatever purchase you decide to make.