Anybody Own The Ascend Fs128T?

[Scorcher214]

I currently hav a trophy beach 126 that I'm getting tired of. Only 10'6", storage is a hassle and it's a sit in. I think I would like a sit on top much more. The FS128T looks like a TANK! 4 flush rod holders, looks like plenty of storage and a comfortable seat (My current seating arrangement is a painful one). I'm used to a small kayak so I guess I would have to get used to turning being different. Anybody got anything to say about this?

[hookedahawg]

I plan on getting the 128t in a couple weeks. As far as the downside is the weight, but other than that its pretty solid, I'm thinking of maybe getting some expanding foam or making a rib of some kind because it does have a little flex to it.

[Scorcher214]

Weighs 84lbs, about 30lbs more than my current kayak. It's not like Im hiking with this thing, though. I plan on getting it sometime hopefully mid summer. How much flex is it, is it really noticeable? And does it flex like from front to back or does it, uhh twist, now what Im saying? Seriously cannot wait to get one of theses. Going to be a HUGE upgrade from my current kayak.

[hookedahawg]

Well it comes with a styrofoam block underneath the seat, and another under the front square hatch. If I don't use expanding foam I'm going to definitely make a rib, its not too terrible but you can tell it flexes, not twisting so much. But honestly with the seat in its highest position I can't really see a need to stand as much as you might think. For the price its a steal I think. Any other brand and it would be at least a 1000.00

The plastic used is much better than their old materials. Have you seen the D10T? Its a heck of a boat also.

[Scorcher214]

So it flexes along the length or the width?

 

I thought the seat was petty cool also, Probably will take some getting used to, having a higher center of gravity. But yeah, definitely sure I'm getting this. The price of it is awesome for all the features and size. All I'm gonna need is a better rack though. Currently I just use foam blocks that go onto my factory roof rack on my Explorer. But I can tell it slides a bit on turns, and I tighten the crap out of all the tie downs, and that scares me lol. Maybe laying the kayak upside down would do better :/ Going to get one of those J cradle kayak racks.

[hookedahawg]

I've yet to find a j cradle that can handle the with of the 128T. I searched thules, yakima, and some off brands to no avail. Your best bet would probably be to use the blocks you have with the yak upside down. Or buy some crossbars and landing pads but those are pretty expensive. Best of luck man I'm 99% sold on this one as well.

[Neonsnow78]

those look like a nice yak to get into yak fishing. wide and flat top. not sure how it would handle rough water

 

 

 

[crankbait2009]

I know this thread is really old, but I will chime in since I own one.

I have the 2016 model.  I have owned it for two years now.

 

As others mentioned, the weight of the kayak is definitely something to think about.  Although it is only 86 pounds, with it being as long as it is, its definitely awkward.  After two years, It finally occurred to me, to move the location of my wheels to make it easier to move the kayak around.  Before this year, I would place the wheels at the front end of the boat and pull it around.  So I am pulling a 90 pound rock over bumps, rocks, ledges, etc.  As you can imagine, this was not a good common sense move.  Took me till now to see that.  I have since moved the Ascend scupper cart wheel towards the center of the kayak.  holy crap!  that was a life changer.  So that's one thing to keep in mind. 

 

I have read to not use scupper carts due to the damage it could cause to the hull.  But I haven't run in to that problem yet.  I will be replacing the cart with a cart that the kayak sits on top of, so it relieves the scuppers.  That will be this winter purchase.

 

Back to the reviews.  sorry.  I have yet to tip this kayak.  I haven't purposely tried to turn it over in the water but I have stood up, walked towards the front left/right and it did not spill.  I stand up and fish all the time.  Granted my legs are spread apart to distribute the weight evenly, but the kayak is very stable!

 

there have been many times when boats would fly by me causing a wake.  The wake definitely disturbs the fishable shore line, but the kayak stays true.  It rocks like any other boat, but I have never had to be concerned with it tipping. If you are that concerned with it, turn the nose of the kayak in to the waves.  Less chance of tipping that way.  But I have met the waves with the side of the kayak with zero issues.

 

I did remove, and rotate the hatch behind the seat.  I didn't like how that opened up away from me.  So reversed it and now it's easier to access the contents inside.  I don't carry a lot of gear, but the tackle I do carry fit in to a few Plano 3600's, that just happen to fit in the hatch in front of the seat.  So the hatch behind the seat holds anchor/wind chute, and whatever else I need.

 

The seat height options are very convenient.  I find I leave mine in the center at all times.  I've placed it on all levels to see how it works for maneuverability.  On the highest level, I found the paddle to hit my knees a lot.  So I dropped it down for that reason.

 

The two rod holders behind the seat that are angled in a way that they point towards the back of the boat are absolutely worthless to me.  So I created a rod rack out of PVC that span between those two rod holders. Works out great.  The rod rack I built doesn't interfere with the hatch behind the seat either.

 

All in all, it's an awesome kayak.  VERY VERY stable.  I have taken it on rivers, and lakes with zero issues.  I would definitely recommend.

 

[IgotWood]

I had one and I hated it. The only thing I liked was the stability. It was super heavy, slow in the water, it doesn’t track straight at all (not even a little bit), it acts like a sail in the wind. You get blown around very easily. And it was poorly made. The deck is very spongy when you stand up on it, and it doesn’t drain well at all. If you’re out in some chop, the water will continue to collect on the deck until you tip it over to empty it out. 

 

If if I were gonna spend $800 on a new kayak, I would save another $200 and buy a NuCanoe Flint. It’s super light, comes with four built in rod holders, gear tracks everywhere so you don’t have to drill hole for accessories, it’s just as fast as all the other boats, it track straight as an arrow, and you can’t tip it. You can walk all over the Flint and it won’t tip. The deck is flat and wide open and drain very well, and the seat is very comfortable. 

 

Im not sponsored by them. I just happened to buy one this year and I love it. It performs like a $2k kayak for half the price. I don’t mean to take the excitement out of your potential purchase. I’m just giving my honest advice. There are dozens of boats out there for the same kind of money that will perform way better than the Ascend. Shop on Craigslist. There are always a bunch of really good kayaks for sale, and for good prices too. Whatever boat you choose, good luck with it! 

[DogBone_384]

My first kayak was a ‘14 128T.  I liked it very much.  Stable, good seat, more than enough room for gear.

 

Best $700 kayak out there when I bought it. Sold it to a guy with two young kids to help pay for a Lure 11.5 with Overdrive.  

[JLBBass]

I have an Ascend 12T, and love it!

[volzfan59]

I have a 2015 Ascend 128t and love it! It is heavy, no getting around that. Due to arthritis, I trailer mine so no big deal. I actually made mine even heavier. Added a motor mount, 45 lb. thrust Minn Kota t/m and a Micro Pole to it. Plus a small wheel chair type 12 volt battery. Mounted the battery in the front hatch to help distribute the weight. I'm thinking about purchasing an Ascend H-12 next and doing the same mods. I would post pictures but I'm not good at that stuff. I would be glad to send some if you'll message me your phone number.

 

Edited August 30, 2018 by volzfan59
Some how my message was on here three times. Sorry