New Kayak Options

[MrJB00G13]

What's up everybody.

I have previously mentioned choosing between the WS Tarpon 120 or the WS Ride115x... Wellll, I'm the type that likes to go through thousands of options and change my mind 2323407809234 times, so I've now started looking between the JK Cuda 12 and the NW Slayer 12 (both 2014 models). Do any of you have any personal experiences with them? I liked what I've read all over the place about how fast they were and the stability they still manage to have, with the nice flat platforms to "stand on." What I do like about the JK Cuda is the storage space in the center console.

The ability to stand is a nice feature, as I've mentioned before, and these both claim to provide that ability to do so without sacrificing much speed. However, it is not a deal breaker as I do plan to get a 2nd one (Possibly a Hobie Pro Angler or NW Slayer 13 with Propel) in the late future, once I have my own garage to store it in. The kayak I purchase in the near future will be stored outside, covered up, and locked along side of a friend's garage when not in use.

Thanks in advance!

PS - Researching for kayaks is mind numbing! So many options with so many styles for so many different types of kayak fisherman.

[On the fly]

I have a cuda 14 with rudder. I really like the rudder not just for navigating but more so when I am drifting. Can drift with paddle down and rod in hand using rudder only. I tried both the 12 & 14 but for the waters I fish, Severn, magothy, bay, kent narrows etc. the 14 was a better opition and paddles easy. I am 6'1" and 235lbs. The seat is great!!!!!!!!! I have had back injuries but I can fish for 5 hrs or more with no issues and the new models come standard with lumbar support which I purchased it it really was worth it. If you want to try it out PM me and we can meet up and I can go over it with you and give you my perspective on it. Just to let you know my previous kayak was a Hobie Pro Angler and we can talk about why I switched. But remember everybody has their own opinion and you have to make the ultimate choice on what works for you.

Harry

[J.A. Veil]

Since you mentioned both the Native Slayer 12 and Slayer Propel 13 as possible fleet mates, let me suggest an option to give you more flexibility on the first kayak. The Slayer Propel and Slayer share a pretty similar hull except that the Propel has an oval hole in the hull where the Propel drive enters the water. If you purchase the Slayer Propel, you can use the kayak without the Propel drive and still paddle it easily. Two weeks ago, I arrived at the ramp and realized I had left my Propel drive at home. I launched anyway and paddled 5 miles, trolling most of the time. The hull paddles nicely.

If you are not in a position to pull the trigger on an expensive foot pedal kayak at this time, then the Slayer would be a good choice too. I fished a full day last fall in a Slayer. You can stand easily and still have plenty of stability. There are multiple gear tracks and plenty of storage under and behind the seat. If you order the hatch cover for the front well, you have a large dry storage area, or you can fill the well with ice for your drinks and fish.

[MrJB00G13]

I have a cuda 14 with rudder. I really like the rudder not just for navigating but more so when I am drifting. Can drift with daddle down and rod in hand using rudder only. I tried both the 12 & 14 but for the waters I fish, Severn, magothy, bay, kent narrows etc. the 14 was a better opition and paddles easy. I am 6'1" and 235lbs. The seat is great!!!!!!!!! I have had back injuries but I can fish for 5 hrs or more with no issues and the new models come standard with lumbar support which I purchased it it really was worth it. If you want to try it out PM me and we can meet up and I can go over it with you and give you my perspective on it. Just to let you know my previous kayak was a Hobie Pro Angler and we can talk about why I switched. But remember everybody has their own opinion and you have to make the ultimate choice on what works for you.

Harry

Thanks for the feedback Harry. I heard the 14 is definitely great for waters like that. The reason I am deciding to go with the Cuda 12 is for a bit more versatility, so I can do offshore (which would not be often), ponds, rivers and lakes. I'm 5'6" and 168 lbs so I believe I should be ok for it lol.

Would trying the 14 out still give me a good idea of how the 12 will be, just not as fast? If so, I would definitely like to give it a try. I'll PM you shortly.

[MrJB00G13]

Since you mentioned both the Native Slayer 12 and Slayer Propel 13 as possible fleet mates, let me suggest an option to give you more flexibility on the first kayak. The Slayer Propel and Slayer share a pretty similar hull except that the Propel has an oval hole in the hull where the Propel drive enters the water. If you purchase the Slayer Propel, you can use the kayak without the Propel drive and still paddle it easily. Two weeks ago, I arrived at the ramp and realized I had left my Propel drive at home. I launched anyway and paddled 5 miles, trolling most of the time. The hull paddles nicely.

If you are not in a position to pull the trigger on an expensive foot pedal kayak at this time, then the Slayer would be a good choice too. I fished a full day last fall in a Slayer. You can stand easily and still have plenty of stability. There are multiple gear tracks and plenty of storage under and behind the seat. If you order the hatch cover for the front well, you have a large dry storage area, or you can fill the well with ice for your drinks and fish.

With regards to a pedal system, the only reason why I haven't considered pulling the trigger on one is mainly because of the price, but also because I would like to have a big investment like that to be stored inside of a garage (which I currently do not have since I live in an apartment).

You do bring up some good points about the storage system for the Slayer though. I did notice that a hatch cover can be purchased in the event that I did want to use the front hatch for dry storage. Where do you mount the paddles? I did not see any paddle bungees or clips in any of the photos.

[J.A. Veil]

Where do you mount the paddles? I did not see any paddle bungees or clips in any of the photos.

When I look in the 2014 Native catalog in the Slayer section, it shows Native's Cam-Lock paddle holders on either gear track.

Slayer.jpg

cam-lock paddle holder.jpg

I do not know if that is a standard feature, but I can find out for you if necessary or a dealer can tell you. If not, you can add a Taco (clip-in) style paddle holder like I have on my Manta Rays.

Taco paddleholder.jpg

[MrJB00G13]

I do not know if that is a standard feature, but I can find out for you if necessary or a dealer can tell you. If not, you can add a Taco (clip-in) style paddle holder like I have on my Manta Rays.

The Taco clip is probably what I would prefer over those Cam-Loks. Thanks for the information John!

[Bulldog]

I have no paddle clips on my yak, but have heard others complain about the noise clipping in and how hard the Taco style are on paddles, I loaned a wood paddle to my friend with a new Big Game two, and the clip damaged the wood pretty good, I was amazed. the Native cam lock are very quiet and nice to use, with the big drawback being the size of them. The operation of them on a paddle is beauty in motion. Nuff said.......Jack

[JohnE]

I also seriously considered a Slayer or a Cuda before going with the Ride 135. One of the main deciding factors for me was the price...I got the ride almost $5 or $600 less than either one of those (since I found a previous year model leftover and had a local place price match ACK). I am definitely not disappointed, especially with how much I paid. But, even if the cuda and slayer were more affordable, I'm not sure I would pick either one over the ride now that I've spent so many hours on one. I may also add a Slayer propel or one of the Hobies sometime in the future.

Have you looked at the Old Town Predator? If I was looking for a new paddle kayak, top of my list would be the Ride, Predator, Slayer and Cuda.

[Snakehead Hunter]

I think you should consider Ocean kayak as well. I chose the Trident 13 after I demo in choppy condition, no other yak come close in term of cutting through the wave. It also got great stability. I stand and fish for SH in calm condition.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk

[On the fly]

Josh, as you can see everyone has their own preference of kayaks so you really need to get in the ones you narrowed down and try them for yourself. With all the great kayak manufacturers and models it will be hard. One of the things that I also looked for was the style seat in the cuda. Native, Hobie Pro Angler, as well as others have similar seats. Like I said before try them and choose what fits your needs. I know what I went through before I bought the Cuda, the more I read and talked to people the more difficult the decision became. But if you stick with a major manufacturer, Native, wilderness systems, Jackson, Ocean, etc., you will normally get a good quality kayak.

Good luck!!

[MrJB00G13]

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions everybody! I am going to head to Delaware Paddle Sports and check out what Chris and Brian have over there, and demo a few kayaks. Hopefully that'll definitely help me make a more concrete decision. Saving a few hundred bucks would be nice, but we'll see what I decide with.

Thanks again everybody!