Wilderness Systems offers kayak fishermen a multi-use platform with its Radar 135. Featuring a versatile 13-foot, 6-inch hull that boasts both speed and stability, the Radar 135 is a nice hybrid craft, more than capable on both rough, open water and calmer in-shore stretches. “I was out there fly-fishing in windy conditions, standing up three-quarters of the time and the boat is really stable — it just cuts right through the chop” says Kayak Fish contributing photographer and resident Pacific Northwest ‘yak tester Jesse Coble.
Jesse Coble But perhaps the most innovative feature on the Radar 135 is its unique scupper portal used to mount either the Helix Motor or Pedal Drive. The options allow anglers to buy into the base kayak system for approx. $1,500, then modify as needed with pedals or a motor at a later time. Coble also tested the Helix PD pedal drive and came back beaming. “It’s a pretty slick little situation which allowed me to cover a lot of ground quickly.” The drive slides into place easily, and retracts with a simple foot switch. Coble admits that fly-fishermen in particular should be aware of line spooling around the pedals, but we all know this is a problem inherent with all pedal-drive kayaks. With the Radar 135, you can simply remove the drive and utilize a nice clean deck, ready for fly-fishing action — and stable at 36 inches wide.
Jesse Coble But where the pedals performed most was fishing salmon where, “you need to be able to troll at certain speeds,” Coble says. “And having your hands free ready to set the hook is key — with the right down-rigger setup, the PD pedal system works great.” As with most high-end kayaks, the Radar 135 comes completely ready to customize. It has SlideTrax rails, open storage in the stern and water-tight bulkheads in the center hull and bow. The Air Pro MAX chair was also one of the most comfortable and customizable seats he’s used. A particular feature that impressed Coble is the flex-pod. This quickly removable container for your fish-finder system also houses the battery and transducer. All in the kayak weighs 90 pounds.
Jesse Coble One issue Coble mentioned was the rudder assembly. It can be difficult to lower and raise the rudder while pedaling. But once deployed, the steering toggle performed well. All things considered, Coble concluded the Radar 135 is a great kayak for multiple types of fishing — one that allows you to keep your options open, when and if growing into the pedal- or motor-drive system upgrades fits your needs. BUY NOW FOR $1,499
Old Town Topwater PDL Angler
Read article
The article was originally published on Kayak Fish
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
More News
Famed Yosemite Climber Zach Milligan Dies After Ice Climbing Fall
Skiing in Japan Is Back Again—and the Powder Was Worth the Wait
10 Winter Hikes to Keep You Trailblazing All Year Round
The North Face Introduces Athlete Development Program
Ocean Rower Fiann Paul Completes Most Grueling Expedition
Snowmobile-accessed Ski Touring in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana
All Stories
More Videos
The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More
Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey
Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City
Wilderness Systems offers kayak fishermen a multi-use platform with its Radar 135. Featuring a versatile 13-foot, 6-inch hull that boasts both speed and stability, the Radar 135 is a nice hybrid craft, more than capable on both rough, open water and calmer in-shore stretches.
“I was out there fly-fishing in windy conditions, standing up three-quarters of the time and the boat is really stable — it just cuts right through the chop” says Kayak Fish contributing photographer and resident Pacific Northwest ‘yak tester Jesse Coble.
But perhaps the most innovative feature on the Radar 135 is its unique scupper portal used to mount either the Helix Motor or Pedal Drive. The options allow anglers to buy into the base kayak system for approx. $1,500, then modify as needed with pedals or a motor at a later time.
Coble also tested the Helix PD pedal drive and came back beaming. “It’s a pretty slick little situation which allowed me to cover a lot of ground quickly.” The drive slides into place easily, and retracts with a simple foot switch. Coble admits that fly-fishermen in particular should be aware of line spooling around the pedals, but we all know this is a problem inherent with all pedal-drive kayaks. With the Radar 135, you can simply remove the drive and utilize a nice clean deck, ready for fly-fishing action — and stable at 36 inches wide.
But where the pedals performed most was fishing salmon where, “you need to be able to troll at certain speeds,” Coble says. “And having your hands free ready to set the hook is key — with the right down-rigger setup, the PD pedal system works great.”
As with most high-end kayaks, the Radar 135 comes completely ready to customize. It has SlideTrax rails, open storage in the stern and water-tight bulkheads in the center hull and bow. The Air Pro MAX chair was also one of the most comfortable and customizable seats he’s used. A particular feature that impressed Coble is the flex-pod. This quickly removable container for your fish-finder system also houses the battery and transducer. All in the kayak weighs 90 pounds.
One issue Coble mentioned was the rudder assembly. It can be difficult to lower and raise the rudder while pedaling. But once deployed, the steering toggle performed well. All things considered, Coble concluded the Radar 135 is a great kayak for multiple types of fishing — one that allows you to keep your options open, when and if growing into the pedal- or motor-drive system upgrades fits your needs.
BUY NOW FOR $1,499
Old Town Topwater PDL Angler
Read article
The article was originally published on Kayak Fish
Old Town Topwater PDL Angler
Read article
Old Town Topwater PDL Angler
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
More News
Famed Yosemite Climber Zach Milligan Dies After Ice Climbing Fall
Skiing in Japan Is Back Again—and the Powder Was Worth the Wait
10 Winter Hikes to Keep You Trailblazing All Year Round
The North Face Introduces Athlete Development Program
Ocean Rower Fiann Paul Completes Most Grueling Expedition
Snowmobile-accessed Ski Touring in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana
All Stories
More Videos
The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More
Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey
Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City
More News
Famed Yosemite Climber Zach Milligan Dies After Ice Climbing Fall
Skiing in Japan Is Back Again—and the Powder Was Worth the Wait
10 Winter Hikes to Keep You Trailblazing All Year Round
The North Face Introduces Athlete Development Program
Ocean Rower Fiann Paul Completes Most Grueling Expedition
Snowmobile-accessed Ski Touring in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana
All Stories
More Videos
The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More
Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey
Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City
More News
Famed Yosemite Climber Zach Milligan Dies After Ice Climbing Fall
Skiing in Japan Is Back Again—and the Powder Was Worth the Wait
10 Winter Hikes to Keep You Trailblazing All Year Round
The North Face Introduces Athlete Development Program
Ocean Rower Fiann Paul Completes Most Grueling Expedition
Snowmobile-accessed Ski Touring in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana
All Stories
More Videos
The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More
Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey
Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City
More Videos
The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More
Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey
Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City
More Videos
The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More
Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey
Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City
