Feel Free Lure 13.5

[CybrSlydr]

Interested in hearing from anyone on here if they have one what they like and dislike about it.  Thinking of purchasing one come spring.

[J Francho]

I've had some seat time in one.  They're very heavy, at 95 lbs., but super stable and can carry a ton of gear.  Not the nimblest boat to paddle, but tracks well.  It's definitely a stand up boat, if that's what you're after.  The cutting board up front is a bit weird.  I think it was a design ask from their salt team's input.  It's certainly a durable, well designed boat, not cheaply built.  The wheel is a help with all the weight. 

 

Are you looking for a pedal drive?  The Overdrive option is nice.  I still prefer my Hobie Compass with Mirage drive.  It's lighter, more nimble, and while lacking reverse, still my choice, especially when it comes time to launch or load.

 

If you're just looking for a traditional paddling boat, it's a good option.  Pedal drive muddies the waters a bit.  Keep asking questions, and get some seat time if you can.

[DogBone_384]

I bought my first Lure 11.5 in 2014 and an Overdrive 11.5 this past April.  They're super stable and have an ALL DAY comfortable seat.  One of the Lure's best features is its integrated wheel.  I like being able to remove the Overdrive and install the center console when fishing shallow, weedy ponds.

 

I chose not to get a 13.5 only because it's too heavy to lift on top of my truck's ladder racks.

 

If you get one, be sure to get the rudder with it.  It's well worth the extra money.

 

There's not much to dislike.  They're easy to rig, are well built, and offer good storage.  My only gripe is that the wheel's axle wears out after a couple seasons and needs to be replaced.  Sand & dirt gets in there, and combined with kayak's weight on it while transporting, just wears out.

 

What's best about the Lure's is FeelFree's customer service.  The few issues I've had with both my kayaks were taken care of very quickly.  They return emails and phone calls in a timely manner.

 

To me they've been good purchases.  Best of luck if you get one.

[CybrSlydr]

Pedal systems costing $1000 just blow my mind.  I cannot fathom how in the world they can cost THAT MUCH.  

 

I'd love to get one with a pedal system but the price is just obscene.

[CybrSlydr]

The other kayak I've been looking at is the ATAK 120.  Allegedly from my reading the ATAK is faster but the Lure is more stable.

 

Anyone have input on the ATAK seating comfort?

[Brad Reid]

If you are looking for a stable paddler (maybe fill us in here a bit), I'd also look at the new Native 12XC. One of my acquaintances was one of four or so people involved in defining the vessel.  What I like about it is the fact that it has a built-in retractable skeg; and, it has a chain anchor chute that slopes down and off the stern. If one fishes out of a paddler, a good and easy anchoring system is a big deal.

 

36.5" wide, a little over 12' and heavy. 

 

For rivers, small lakes, etc., this would be on my list.

 

Brad

[J Francho]

15 hours ago, CybrSlydr said:

Anyone have input on the ATAK seating comfort?

@clayton86 can probably give you some info.  My short stint in a 140 says stability is same, and seat is better.

[CybrSlydr]

1 hour ago, J Francho said:

@clayton86 can probably give you some info.  My short stint in a 140 says stability is same, and seat is better.

Interesting.  My reading lead me to believe that the Feel Free had the more comfortable seating.

 

The vast majority of my fishing will be done on lakes/reservoirs.  Occasionally a river if I feel up to it.

 

Having never stood on a Kayak or any sort of boating device, I don't know if it's something that'll be important to me or not.  Instinct says I'll spend most of my time seated.  Ability to add a fish-finder later on is a definite plus (Hence the Lure, ATAK, Radar, ect).  Weight isn't too big of a deal I don't think, but lighter is nicer.  

 

Local shop has a layaway program - think I'll utilize it so come spring I've paid for one and can use it.

[J Francho]

15 minutes ago, CybrSlydr said:

I don't know if it's something that'll be important to me or not.

It's HUGELY important to me.  There's no point in trying any boat out that I can't stand in.

 

15 minutes ago, CybrSlydr said:

Ability to add a fish-finder later on is a definite plus

You can add a graph to ANY boat.  We've been doing since before there were fishing kayaks.

 

16 minutes ago, CybrSlydr said:

Weight isn't too big of a deal I don't think, but lighter is nicer.

I said this too, but after a year of car topping an 85 lb. boat, my tune changed.

[the reel ess]

32 minutes ago, CybrSlydr said:

Interesting.  My reading lead me to believe that the Feel Free had the more comfortable seating.

 

The vast majority of my fishing will be done on lakes/reservoirs.  Occasionally a river if I feel up to it.

 

Having never stood on a Kayak or any sort of boating device, I don't know if it's something that'll be important to me or not.  Instinct says I'll spend most of my time seated.  Ability to add a fish-finder later on is a definite plus (Hence the Lure, ATAK, Radar, ect).  Weight isn't too big of a deal I don't think, but lighter is nicer.  

 

Local shop has a layaway program - think I'll utilize it so come spring I've paid for one and can use it.

I tried mine out yesterday and caught 4. I can tell you the seat is pretty comfy. The height adjustability is nice but I didn't prefer it all the way up. The deck stayed completely dry. I fished about 2.5 hrs. I could stand in mine and fish. I did twice, but I'm not still comfortable doing it yet. I didn't need to because I couldn't sight fish yesterday. I may when bass get back on the beds. Even so, it's really good to be able to stretch your legs after sitting a couple hours. This kayak is at least 30 lbs heavier than my last one (Perception Pescador). it's more difficult to load and unload. The wheel in the keel is helpful. Being that much heavier, it doesn't handle as easily. Fish also don't pull it around as easily. 

 

edit: Mine already had a graph/GPS on it. The transducer is mounted to the bottom of the console. It's tucked in above the bottom of the hull so you won't damage it dragging or running over stuff. The place I was fishing is so small and shallow, I didn't need it. My hand makes a decent water temp gauge. But if I was fishing a bigger or deeper lake, I'd appreciate it.

[the reel ess]

I should also say, in reference to standing up in a kayak, I'm 6-2, 200 lbs. and not the most agile person. 

[Hook2Jaw]

6'1", 210.  I was standing and paddleboarding for redfish in a 2010 Outback, and that boat wasn't designed for standing on.

 

At 34" wide and designed to be stood on, you're gonna be fine in the Lure, @the reel ess.

[the reel ess]

@Hook2Jaw I'll get used to it.