Day 1, Orlando Florida : ICAST - On The Water Demo
The 360 Drive comes on the PA 12 and PA 14 in Arctic Camo and features fins that spin in 360 degrees, plus they kick up over obstacles. That's right, the fins physically kick up an then kick back into place. This has been the big talk at ICAST. Hobie has once again created something unique. And for me? It was incredibly fun to use!
Pricing:
- PA 12 with 360 Technology: $4,649
- PA 14 with 360 Technology: $4,799
Jackson Kayak released a couple new kayaks, the KIlroy HD and the YuPick. The Jackson Kilroy HD looks big, like a battleship, but it shocked me in the water with it's nimbleness and speed.
The Jackson YuPick looked and paddled like a beefed up Bite with some new features like the scooped bow and elevated seat.
Wilderness Systems released a slew of new paddle and pedal craft. There was also a few new Perception Kayaks as well.
The Tarpon series got an overhaul with a redesigned Tarpon 120 and the Tarpon 105 replacing the Tarpon 100. They are both a hair wider but with new seat accents, and some above the water features like magnetic water bottle strap, dry box, new handles etc.
The Tarpon 105 also comes with a square front hatch.
The Wilderness Systems Patrol 120 is a slick fishing craft with great stability, a huge front hatch, and a cool deck paddling. Plus the highly adjustable seat.
The Wildy Recon 120 is the new pedal drive kayak, built on the same wide platform as the Patrol. It incorporates a drive unit similar to the Pilot from Perception. And it moves well.
Pictured next to it is the Perception Crank,a quick little 10'ft pedal kayak that packs a punch. The Recon 120 should retail for around $2149 and the Crank around $1399.
Perception also released the Outlaw fishing kayak. This is a $699 kayak with a lot of fishing action. It comes with a high seat, innovative rod holders, a big open deck, and a great standing platform.
The seat tucks away to make more room for standing.
Pelican Kayaks released a few new offerings, like the a 10'ft Catch with pedal drive and a 10'ft motor ready Catch.
Old Town and Ocean Kayak redesigned the Predator PDL and Malibu PDL adding some great value in deck padding and track plates on the Predator,and flush mounts and new color on the Malibu. Both come at a reduced price with the upgrades. That's a rarity.
Day 2 starts at 9am today, and we'll continue to post updates on our Facebook and Instagram page.Check there often. Also stay tuned to the blog as we'll come back and answer spec questions on these new kayaks.
Thanks!
