Trying To Decide Between These 2 Kayaks

[Jim McC]

Malibu Mini X, Wild. Ride 115. The kayak will be used to fish lakes that are 250 acres or less. Will there be a big difference in tracking and paddling these 2? Both are reported to be very stable, which is important to me. The Mini X is a LOT lighter, which I like, but would I be happier with the Ride 115(comfort, tracking, paddling ease, etc)? I think I will be able to test out the Ride 115, but not the Mini X(dealer way too far). I weigh about 235 lbs. Will the Ride 115 be "slower" because it's 30 lbs. heavier? Thanks for any advice.

Mini X - 9 ft. 3" long, 33" wide, 45 lbs. Weight capacity 325 lbs. Is my weight too close to this capacity?

Ride 115 - 11 ft. 6", 33" wide, 76 lbs. Weight capacity 500 lbs.

[moguy1973]

I think that if you are only using it on lakes the longer the kayak the better. It'll be easier to keep straight on long paddles across the lake, plus you'll be able to carry more stuff with you if you need to...I'd go with the Ride

[jkarol24]

Get the Ride 115, there is really no comparison. The ride is a MUCH better fishing platform, you can stand in it, it will track much better, and it will not be any slower.

[Jim McC]

Thanks guys

[flyfisher]

If i am fishing lakes pretty much exclusively i wouldn't get either. Take a look at the commander. I picked up one this spring and it has been a great boat and is stable as they come, tons of room for gear, slidetrax for rigging and paddles and tracks very well. I have also used mine on slow moving rivers up to class II rapids with no issues.

[J Francho]

They're both VERY good boats. Malibu has really stepped things up, as far as fit and finish. My buddy is a pro staffer, and I've seen the evolution first hand. That said, the Ride is the boat for me. . I've had considerable seat time in both, and I recommend the same before you make your choice.

[HeavyDluxe]

+1 what J Francho said. I don't know anything re: the Malibu boat, but I can tell you that you will learn all kinds of stuff if you can paddle the boats beforehand.

In the absence of that, I can only say that I was very impressed with both the Ride and Commander series from Wilderness. I think they are both about the same in terms of tracking/speed and stability. The thing that distinguished them for me was really around my personal comfort in the boat. I flat liked the sit-on-top 'experience' better.

Again, seat time is key. Still, I think that most people would be able to get along just fine with most of the name-brand fishing kayaks if they 'had' to do so. You adapt. People without our financial resources and the blessings of choice do it all the time.

[Jim McC]

Thanks guys. I tried the Commander 12 and Native U12, and I did not like either. They were too hard for me to get in and out of. I definitely want to stay with a SOT. I'd like to throw 2 more out there for your opinions.

1) Malibu Stealth 12 - 12' long, 33" wide, 60 lbs, 450 lb. capacity. Probably too expensive though.

2) Ocean Prowler 11 - 11' 5" long, 30.5" wide, 54 lbs, capacity 350 - 400 lbs. I'm concerned that it's too narrow for stability. Is it? What does it mean when they give a capacity "range" like this?

[Jim McC]

They're both VERY good boats. Malibu has really stepped things up, as far as fit and finish. My buddy is a pro staffer, and I've seen the evolution first hand. That said, the Ride is the boat for me. . I've had considerable seat time in both, and I recommend the same before you make your choice.

As far as the Mini X, the weight capacity is 325 lbs, and I weigh about 235. Do you think I'm too heavy for the Mini X? Thanks.

[moguy1973]

I have a Prowler 11T...I think it's a great boat. I also have a Trident 11 which is the same boat but it comes with the rod pod cover with the provisions to hold finders, cup holders, rod holders, etc, and it also came with a rod holder to use with the rod pod. The rod pod itself is great for putting large items inside the kayak. I can easily slide a small tent and sleeping bag inside using the rod pod opening where on some kayaks the opening isn't that big. It's also easy to put rods inside which is what it's really meant to be used for.

It is kind of narrow to stand in. i've tried and while I can stand without any problem, the moment I try to cast or move it becomes pretty unstable, not to the point where it'll tip over, but enough that it makes it difficult to stand up.

It tracks and handles well though and I really like fishing out of it. Wish I had more time to use it.

[Jim McC]

Thanks moguy1973. I weigh about 235. Do you think the Prowler 11 would work well for me? How much do you weigh? How is the stability when seated? I'm concerned that the 30.5" width is a little narrow.

[moguy1973]

I weigh about 185. I don't think you would have a problem. I've had 50lbs of gear in mine with me and it worked just as we'll as without the extra weight. Seated stability is pretty good and I can kick my legs over the side to reach in the back and it doesn't feel like it wants to tip whatsoever. It has a pretty good secondary stability I think.

[Jim McC]

I weigh about 185. I don't think you would have a problem. I've had 50lbs of gear in mine with me and it worked just as we'll as without the extra weight. Seated stability is pretty good and I can kick my legs over the side to reach in the back and it doesn't feel like it wants to tip whatsoever. It has a pretty good secondary stability I think.

Thanks. How is the initial stability?

[moguy1973]

Thanks. How is the initial stability?

It's good unless you try to stand up

[J Francho]

If your're looking at Ocean Kayak, then the Prowler Big Game is what you want for standing. I have one. It's like a floating dock. You'll fall off it before you turtle it. The trade of is it paddles like a sheet of plywood. The rudder "option" is required equipment.

[Jim McC]

If your're looking at Ocean Kayak, then the Prowler Big Game is what you want for standing. I have one. It's like a floating dock. You'll fall off it before you turtle it. The trade of is it paddles like a sheet of plywood. The rudder "option" is required equipment.

I'm not looking for a kayak to stand in. With my back, I'd never be able to get from a sitting to standing position anyway. I'm considering the Big Game, but I think it may be too long for me. It would be hanging out of my van about 4'. I don't even know if it would be legal to transport it like that. If the Mini X was about 1' to 1.5' longer, it would be perfect. I can't find anything with a width of 33" to 34" and about 11' long.

[J Francho]

I have 6' hanging off my pickup. I just tie a red flag on the end.

[flyfisher]

I'm not looking for a kayak to stand in. With my back, I'd never be able to get from a sitting to standing position anyway. I'm considering the Big Game, but I think it may be too long for me. It would be hanging out of my van about 4'. I don't even know if it would be legal to transport it like that. If the Mini X was about 1' to 1.5' longer, it would be perfect. I can't find anything with a width of 33" to 34" and about 11' long.

Closest thing to that that i can think of is the jackson coosa at 32" wide and under 12' long bu that boat is primarily a river boat and i wouldn't want one if i fished mostly lakes. I learned that from experience when i bought my coosa and tried fishing lakes for a season with it....great seat and stabilty but horrible tracking and it catches wind like a sail. Hence the reason i picked up a commander

[Jim McC]

Thanks Minnow. I'm leaning toward the Ride 115 or Prowler Big Game(may be too long though).They're both about the same weight, but the Ride 115 is 15" shorter. I'll probably wait until spring to buy unless some super duper sale comes up with one of these. Has anyone paddled both of these? If so, how would you compare them? Thanks.

[J Francho]

I own the PBG, but I prefer the Ride 115. Ideal all around boat.

[Jim McC]

I own the PBG, but I prefer the Ride 115. Ideal all around boat.

At my weight of 240 lbs. would either kayak be considered a "drier" ride? Would water be coming up thru scuppers if not plugged? Which would be more stable and which would track better? Thanks.