hoosierbass07 Posted February 16, 2015 Posted February 16, 2015 Has anybody heard about the new Wilderness Systems ATAK kayak they are going to release later in 2015? I guess there is a lot of talk going on about this kayak. I have a Ride 115. I'm not much into peddle kayaks but having a little trolling motor that fits inside does sound very very cool. And this: "The deck is highly walkable" I don't stand much in my Ride 115. I've been thinking it would be awesome if kayaks allowed you to walk a little on your kayak besides standing and not moving. I can't wait to see this kayak in action! http://www.wildernesssystems.com/community/introducing-atak http://www.kayakfishmag.com/news/atak/ http://www.rapidmedia.com/kayak-fishing/categories/4374-prototype-process-wilderness-systems-atak.html http://www.wildernesssystems.com/community/wilderness-systems-atak-top-secret-dream-boat Quote
Turtle135 Posted February 16, 2015 Posted February 16, 2015 I have heard a little about it. I know two Wildy Pro Staffers who are being rather secretive about the design. That article is the first I have seen to confirm the motor element being installed in the pod. p.s. - I also have the Ride 115 Quote
MidTNKayakAngler Posted February 17, 2015 Posted February 17, 2015 I have seen the kayak. I don't know if you could say walkable, but it does have a larger and flatter deck than the Ride 135, it is wider than the Ride 135, it is more stable than the Ride 135, lower deck to catch less wind, and faster. I've been in the Ride 135 for almost 3 years, and the ATAK is what is going to get me out of my Ride. Mine should be here in April. I've had Hobie Pro Anglers, Hobie Revolutions, Jackson Coosa's, Tarpon 160i, Tarpon 140, Tarpon 160i, Tarpon 120, Ride 135, Ride 115, and the ATAK is the kayak I have most anticipated. 1 Quote
hoosierbass07 Posted February 17, 2015 Author Posted February 17, 2015 Any idea what the price will be with the motor and without the motor? Quote
MidTNKayakAngler Posted February 18, 2015 Posted February 18, 2015 $1795 without the motor, not sure with the motor, but I think it's safe to say substantially more. Quote
Jay Ell Gee Posted February 18, 2015 Posted February 18, 2015 I have seen the kayak. I don't know if you could say walkable, but it does have a larger and flatter deck than the Ride 135, it is wider than the Ride 135, it is more stable than the Ride 135, lower deck to catch less wind, and faster. I've been in the Ride 135 for almost 3 years, and the ATAK is what is going to get me out of my Ride. Mine should be here in April. I've had Hobie Pro Anglers, Hobie Revolutions, Jackson Coosa's, Tarpon 160i, Tarpon 140, Tarpon 160i, Tarpon 120, Ride 135, Ride 115, and the ATAK is the kayak I have most anticipated. How would you compare it (width, stability, and fishability) for bigger guys compared to the Big Rig? I'm 6'1 270. I was dead set on a Big Rig this year until I saw this. If it also has a stand assist strap and maybe a lean bar option, I may heavily consider it. 1 Quote
Turtle135 Posted February 18, 2015 Posted February 18, 2015 I'm guessing that a specialized motor and battery like that will cost as much as the kayak if not more. For example, the Torqeedo Ultralight goes for around $ 1900.00. 1 Quote
hoosierbass07 Posted February 18, 2015 Author Posted February 18, 2015 I'm willing to pay from $600 to $1500 or so for a really nice kayak. But going over $2,000 for a motorized kayak, I'm not sure I want to go that high. I could probably find a nice John Boat (maybe with a trailer) for $2,000. 1 Quote
Turtle135 Posted February 18, 2015 Posted February 18, 2015 As I understand it, the motor is optional. Personally, I'm not looking for a kayak with a motor. I am interested in a kayak that paddles faster however. They are "teasing" the ATAK again today saying that is it faster and more stable than the Ride 135. Definitely a kayak I need to see when they come out. 2 Quote
MidTNKayakAngler Posted February 19, 2015 Posted February 19, 2015 How would you compare it (width, stability, and fishability) for bigger guys compared to the Big Rig? I'm 6'1 270. I was dead set on a Big Rig this year until I saw this. If it also has a stand assist strap and maybe a lean bar option, I may heavily consider it. I'm a larger person also, not as large as you as I'm 6' +/- and 225-230# I honestly cannot compare the ATAK to the Big Rig, as I've not paddled the ATAK yet. I do have a Ride 135, and the ATAK supposed to be more stable and faster than the Ride 135. Here's a comparison. I have paddled the Big Rig, so I can say the Ride 135 is faster than the Big Rig, but less stable although the Ride 135 is a very stable boat. So I would say the ATAK will be faster than the Big Rig, and will be comparable in stability. If you are interested in the Big Rig and possibly the ATAK I would wait for the ATAK to come out paddle both, and put an hour or two of seat time in each. I'm willing to pay from $600 to $1500 or so for a really nice kayak. But going over $2,000 for a motorized kayak, I'm not sure I want to go that high. I could probably find a nice John Boat (maybe with a trailer) for $2,000. I'll pay good money for a good kayak also, and I've paid over $3000 for kayaks before, but I don't think I'll go with a motor. I won't rule out not ever getting a motor, but at this time I feel if I'm going to get a motor then I may as well get a boat. Jeremy 2 Quote
hoosierbass07 Posted February 19, 2015 Author Posted February 19, 2015 I read the comments from a Wilderness Systems Pro Team member who said he helped design it and said when you stand on it, it's like standing on a bass boat. I assume that's one job of a Pro Team member - advertise the boat. And they know their audience. Probably most kayak fishermen are bass fishermen. Still, that comment is interesting and has me pumped up about it. 3 Quote
Jay Ell Gee Posted February 19, 2015 Posted February 19, 2015 Ill have to see it to believe it. I bass and saltwater marsh fish and standing in the marsh helps exponentially to sight cast shallow reds. If it has the stability of the BIg Rig (which i have fished for a full day) without the bulk and weight, it's going to really be successful down here in south La. Quote
hoosierbass07 Posted February 19, 2015 Author Posted February 19, 2015 I'm still looking online and finding some comments about this ATAK. I found another guy who says he's a pro staffer and he said it's super stable, stable enough to "dance" on. Again, take it with a grain of salt. Can't wait to see it in action on Youtube. Quote
kikstand454 Posted February 20, 2015 Posted February 20, 2015 I have stood and fished a short while in the big rig. Its really nice as a fishing platform, awesome seat. Lots of space. Its just too wide/slow for me and the fishing I do. Plus its big and heavy. I need to split the difference with a fast boat I can stand in- that's why I want the native slayer 14. I have absolutely ZERO interest in a motorized kayak. It defeats the entire purpose/premise of kayak fishing- simplicity. If I have to worry about maintenance and repairs and registering and what have you. ... ill buy a used bass boat. Quote
Mattfrom_NJ Posted February 21, 2015 Posted February 21, 2015 Is that the big thing w this yak, a motor? I thought I was setting my sights on a thresher but then I saw this. I agree with kikdtand, motor defeats the purpose of a kayak. 1 Quote
Turtle135 Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 Is that the big thing w this yak, a motor? I thought I was setting my sights on a thresher but then I saw this. I agree with kikdtand, motor defeats the purpose of a kayak. From what I have read it appears the big thing with the ATAK is that it is a more feature filled fishing kayak that than the popular Ride series (and it paddles faster). Quote
alathrop721 Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 not to high jack this thread but has anyone used the new wilderness systems seat the air pro max they came out with i have a ride 115 and love it but the seat kills me, any thoughts or info would be great. 1 Quote
Turtle135 Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 not to high jack this thread but has anyone used the new wilderness systems seat the air pro max they came out with i have a ride 115 and love it but the seat kills me, any thoughts or info would be great. I have the new seat on my 2012 Ride 115. It is the most comfortable kayak seat I have ever used. I get great lumbar & back support and the seat kind of cradles the angler so I find either in the high or low position I feel rock solid stability-wise. It makes a difference when I am on the water from sunrise to sunset.The only complaint I have heard from seriously big guys is that they are so large that they feel that frame in uncomfortable places on their back-side (and they have been happier with the standard high seat for the Rides). I believe that new seat is the standard seat on the Atak. Quote
aceman387 Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 not to high jack this thread but has anyone used the new wilderness systems seat the air pro max they came out with i have a ride 115 and love it but the seat kills me, any thoughts or info would be greI I bought one last month for my ride 115. The bad news is that i wont be able to give you an opinion on it for a few more week until the ice melts.I did install the new seat (simple) and have donned my winter clothes to venture out to the cold garage and sit in it temporarily (comfortable like a lawn chair) i promise to get back to you with a review once i get the chance to get the yak out in open water. I remember turtle 135 telling me about one of the unexpected benefits with his air pro seat was that when the seat is placed in the high position it was perfect height for supporting the back of his lower legs while standing. This was a big plus for me since i am 54 and find standing in mine a little unstable. Quote
hoosierbass07 Posted February 23, 2015 Author Posted February 23, 2015 I want the ATAK badly. lol. Quote
Super User Darren. Posted February 23, 2015 Super User Posted February 23, 2015 One thing is for sure, we are all the beneficiaries of great and competitive engineering! Native, WS, Feel Free, and so many others are on the hunt to make the next great fishing platform. This ATAK appears to be WS's shot at the crown. I'm sure it'll be a fantastic fishing yak. Will look at it, but the Yak Monkey shall not bother me, thanks to satisfaction with my current yak!! Quote
alathrop721 Posted February 23, 2015 Posted February 23, 2015 hey turtle 135 thanks for your insight i to have a 2012 model ride 115 and just bought the high rise seat that came standard in the 115x and i liked it but not as much as a native ultimate seat i used a while back. so now i see this seat and i want to instantly buy it but at 350 and change yeah i don't wanna waste more money and at that point ill have 3 seats for one yak hahaha. aceman387 i feel your pain about the ice we've had below zero for about 2 weeks now oh the joys but i look forward to your review on it even if you just pm me thanks. and as far as the atak goes minus the price tag it seems to be going after the jackson cuda yak which is pretty nice i just hope that wilderness systems keeps up on the quality doesn't sacrifice being the front of the class for the super durability that i have come to love out of them. Quote
blcksheep0327! Posted February 24, 2015 Posted February 24, 2015 Anyone know what lengths Wilderness will be offering this kayak in besides 14'1" ? My guess is 12'1". Quote
Turtle135 Posted February 25, 2015 Posted February 25, 2015 Anyone know what lengths Wilderness will be offering this kayak in besides 14'1" ? My guess is 12'1". I kind of doubt you will see a shorter version of the ATAK in 2015. I think something would have leaked out if that was on the table. Maybe if customer response for the ATAK really takes off a shorter lighter version would be available somewhere down the road. The Ride 135 was available for years before the Ride 115 was introduced. Quote
hoosierbass07 Posted February 25, 2015 Author Posted February 25, 2015 One thing is for sure, we are all the beneficiaries of great and competitive engineering! Native, WS, Feel Free, and so many others are on the hunt to make the next great fishing platform. This ATAK appears to be WS's shot at the crown. I think the next big thing will be affordable small motors to go on these yaks. After that it might be putting a standing platform on the front of these yaks. I don't know how they might do it, but a sit-on-top kayak with a nice round standing/casting area at the very front of the kayak, sort of like bass boats, would be the ultimate cool thing to come out next. Quote
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