I don't normally leave comments but having watched dozens and dozens of kayak reviews and comparison videos, I just wanted to congratulate you on what was easily the most efficient. Exactly all the information not easily found anywhere else and presented with a nice pace without any gimmicks. A fantastically refreshing and perfectly informative video so please accept my subscription.
Thank you very much for this review. I am your size but 56 years old. I bought an Ascend 12T and used it once. I hated it and felt like it was very unstable. Been thinking about getting a PDL model but I need stability and a smaller kayak. I am leaning towards the 106 due to my age and inability to work with heavier objects. Your review has helped me greatly!
Both are great fishing kayaks. I bought the PDL 120. It is a large vessel and somewhat hard to handle. I hauled it in the bed of my truck for a while but eventually bought a trailer.
Good review, I was leaning towards the 120pdl . After watching some videos , and doing a little more research now I think the 106pdl is the right choice . I live in Florida , I 99.9% fresh water fish. I mainly do quicker fishing trips 2-3 hours . I would like to get into some inshore fishing/ inter coastal . I use to have a 14ft Jon boat and use to use my truck main to haul it around , i had a trailer but most places i used the Jon boat you couldn’t have a trailer . I think the 106pdl would be perfect just throw in the back of my truck and go .
I wish I lived in Florida. So much water and good year round weather especially if in the southern part of the state. I was born and raised in daytona beach and I didn’t appreciate it as much in my youth as I would now. My goal is to get back to florida. It’s so beautiful.
Like you, I am 6' 4" tall with a 37" inseam. I was wondering if the 120 had the legroom. Now I know it does. I will be getting one for my birthday in October. Thanks for the great review!
Ty for telling height and weight vs kayak.... your the first review that has done this. It helps us short people 😂 I'm in a 12 ft now and looking at going to 10 ft. It makes it a challenge to peddle in the 12 footer.
Good review, thank you. I am seriously considering the 106, I do a lot of river and creek fishing… both have a lot of shallow water. I also fish some lakes around it seems more versatile.
Just found your channel - I'll be watching some of your main fishing videos in the time to come. Congrats on being about to do YT full time, stepping away from HVAC. God bless!
@@thatdudeonyoutube I did not get a nucanoe due to thinking I wanted a pedal drive and nucanoe pedal drive is not good imo. But I wish I had bought the one I was looking at, the nucanoe Unlimited model. I instead went with the Oldtown Sportsman 120 PDL. The nucanoe is more stable, wider, lighter, and holds more weight, has swivel seats, can handle an outboard engine, has a rear transom, can take any power configuration available, and can take 2 seats and 2 people. The OT 120 is ok, and the pedal drive is the best in the business, but it does not have the flexibility or weight capacity, or swivel seats which I find are all very desirable. Overall it depends on what you want to do with it, and how much you want to spend. My OT 120 PDL was $2500, the nucanoe unlimited with their crappy pedal drive add on option costs even more, and I did not have, or want to spend more money. The OT was also available late 2021 before I could find a nucanoe unlimited and I was impatient. I regret not holding out and saving more money.
@@riverpirate1022 interesting I went from decked out 1448 jon to ss127-to nuCanoe unlimited with their pedal drive system. Hated that boat the plastic is SUPER SUPER thin floor is soft in areas and you have to be super careful how you haul it how you store it because of the thin plastic thats why its so “light” also its deceivingly wide says its 41 but the shape makes it feel not wide the back is very narrow and the front very narrow.
@@TruckinRoundTv Good to know. Thanks for sharing I will certainly look one over in person very closely before I make the final move. As of right now I just got a NK180 rear motor for my OT 120 PDL, that should help a lot, but this thing is still a slow barge, and I am tired of not being able to reach things in the back as twisting to reach behind me is super uncomfortable and awkward.
I thought you were tall didn't know how tall, I'm 6'3" & 240 in weight, you helped me make that decision with the 120, the peddle type is a lot better I believe, I guess you have to get in good shape to do what you do!
Thanks for the great review John! I would add the following info. Pedaling is a LOT harder than you think, especially if you are not in shape. The prop has a lot of resistance in the water. If you have a belly, it's very uncomfortable. Without the seat risers getting up from the seat at 6'1" and 250lbs with a small belly is impossible. If you add seat risers like I did, the kayak becomes much more unstable when leaning over, but you can actually get up and stand if you are brave. (I find standing in a kayak VERY unstable/unsafe and I ride motorcycles and have great balance) These kayaks also weigh a ton like 120lbs+ without your gear, (moving them around loaded up is a bear) and cheap $50 kayak carts from Amazon the wheels will collapse right off the hubs when pulling the kayak loaded with gear. Buy a good sturdy name brand $200 kayak cart if you intend to use the cart often. You cannot move the paddle holder to the other side which sucks, and aftermarket mounts don't fit the stock holes/depression. No rear track rails to mount track items like a cam pole which sucks. Mounting a 9" Garmin fish finder to a front side rail causes the kayak to list uncomfortably to one side. The Kayak material is weak and the bottom will get gouged and torn up badly if dragged over rocks, (especially when you're in it loaded with gear) get keel guards and put them all over the bottom and front keel or you will regret it! Also, Old Town, and any kayak that does not have a 360 swivel seat sucks! Trying to reach behind you to get poles and stuff in the crate is difficult, a huge pita, and feels unsafe. I have the 120 PDL and totally regret it for the insane price and listed issues! I should have bought a Nucanoe Unlimited!
5’6 150lbs but I fish lake mead primarily, which is as big as it gets. I’m a little torn because how ruff it can be out there and tracking. I will be car topping, I’ve car topped 12ft kayaks but it is a pain. Any recommendations leaning towards the 106.
Hey John I’m 6’3 but only 150 pounds lol. I do mostly creek and river fishing but do some lakes also. Just got into my first kayak a few weeks ago. I went cheap so I could get in the water and see what I want in my next really nice one.. I’ve been eyeballing these two kayaks as potential options.. would you recommend the 106 for the easy of getting around smaller places or does the speed and my height make you think I should go with the 120? Keep in mind I’m only 150 pounds soaking wet. Thanks for any advice!
I second the question. I'm solo a lot and have a small car. The 10'6 would be way better, but I want to get out on lake Michigan, lake Huron and lake Saint Clair sometimes safely.
John question: why don't you get say a small trailer like a jet ski trailer for your kayak? I prefer that than putting mine in the bed of my truck and I have a full 8' bed.
That requires buying a trailer, paying tags and taxes, and then you can't get it in smaller parking areas, plus someone might steal it. Using my 5.5ft bed and a hitch extender sucks but it's way cheaper and simpler.
well i do have a small trailer frame just need to do some work on it to get it good to go. I dont have to have a trailer license in TN. I like how easy and simple it is to drive around without a trailer
Can you give me advice? I’m 335 pounds, obese and only 5’11. I currently use a cheap tandem sit-on kayak. It’s fun but after trying my friends native slayer pdl kayak. I defiantly want a pdl. My kayak is 36” wide and not meant to be stood up in. But his native was only 32” wide and felt extremely less stable. It took a lot more core strength than I’m used to, to stay balanced. I have a American bully dog, he’s short and stocky. I take him with me on my kayak and we are over the weight limit (he’s 90 pounds), but have been comfortable on lakes. I want to be able to bring him with me. Could I get away with the 106? Or must I get the 120? If I didn’t bring the dog along on this kayak, could I get away with the 106? I drive a ford maverick truck(lett), with a 4.5’ bed. 6’ with tailgate down. So the shorter the easier for transporting. I’d love you honest opinion. I think I should go for the 120, but I’m really impressed with your review of the 106. Thanks.
Did end up getting the 120? How did it work for you? I'm 335 and 6'2" and have struggled with stability in my seaghost 130. I'm dropping weight as I know that will help massively, but still want to yak in there interim hehe.
Thanks so much. I see plenty of videos about the 120 being stable for stand up fishing with a bigger guy but not with the 106. I was debating between the two of them because I'd like the 106 for size and portability but was very worried about being able to stand and fish comfortably. Thanks again.
See OT's website for specs here > oldtowncanoe.johnsonoutdoors.com/old-town-sportsman/fishing/sportsman-pdl-106 They don't carry much weight, but more than some other brands, and less than others. Nucanoe's holds much more weight and are more stable.
OT pedal drives only work in OT specific models, and won't fit in anything else, you also cannot buy them separately, or parts, you can only get warranty replacement if you're a registered owner under warranty. I do think the drive will swap between 120 and 106 PDL, but I am not positive. Also, you can't buy the kayak with the drive hole and no drive so there is a never a need to swap anything. You either have the drive hole and drive, or you can't use it.
@@anadventureoutdoors As I said, the drive from the 106 probably fits in the 120 also. But you cannot buy the kayak with the drive hole and no drive, and you cannot buy a drive without the kayak, so if you have the drive hole, you already have a drive, so there is no need to ever swap the drive. Make sense?
Kayaks have come a long way seems the old ones that would get you wet more times then not. Lost a lot if gear on them old things after bout droning. LOL
I don't normally leave comments but having watched dozens and dozens of kayak reviews and comparison videos, I just wanted to congratulate you on what was easily the most efficient.
Exactly all the information not easily found anywhere else and presented with a nice pace without any gimmicks.
A fantastically refreshing and perfectly informative video so please accept my subscription.
I appreciate that!
@@morecreekfishingadventures 100% agree with this comment! thank you so much brother! keep up the great work!
Thank you very much for this review. I am your size but 56 years old. I bought an Ascend 12T and used it once. I hated it and felt like it was very unstable. Been thinking about getting a PDL model but I need stability and a smaller kayak. I am leaning towards the 106 due to my age and inability to work with heavier objects. Your review has helped me greatly!
Both are great fishing kayaks. I bought the PDL 120. It is a large vessel and somewhat hard to handle. I hauled it in the bed of my truck for a while but eventually bought a trailer.
Good review, I was leaning towards the 120pdl . After watching some videos , and doing a little more research now I think the 106pdl is the right choice . I live in Florida , I 99.9% fresh water fish. I mainly do quicker fishing trips 2-3 hours . I would like to get into some inshore fishing/ inter coastal . I use to have a 14ft Jon boat and use to use my truck main to haul it around , i had a trailer but most places i used the Jon boat you couldn’t have a trailer . I think the 106pdl would be perfect just throw in the back of my truck and go .
I wish I lived in Florida. So much water and good year round weather especially if in the southern part of the state. I was born and raised in daytona beach and I didn’t appreciate it as much in my youth as I would now. My goal is to get back to florida. It’s so beautiful.
Like you, I am 6' 4" tall with a 37" inseam. I was wondering if the 120 had the legroom. Now I know it does. I will be getting one for my birthday in October. Thanks for the great review!
Ty for telling height and weight vs kayak.... your the first review that has done this. It helps us short people 😂 I'm in a 12 ft now and looking at going to 10 ft. It makes it a challenge to peddle in the 12 footer.
Just got my 106 pdl yesterday. Taking her out Friday morning. Can't wait to get it wet.
Good review, thank you. I am seriously considering the 106, I do a lot of river and creek fishing… both have a lot of shallow water. I also fish some lakes around it seems more versatile.
Hey John, if you ever decide to get rid of one of those old town kayaks I’d definitely be interested 👍🏻
Love the color of the 106
Great comparison video, very thorough. Exactly the kind of video I was looking for to help make up my mind. Thanks brother 👊
Just found your channel - I'll be watching some of your main fishing videos in the time to come. Congrats on being about to do YT full time, stepping away from HVAC. God bless!
Thanks!
Thanks for the review. This was helpful.
Awesome review man !!! Thankyou.
I’m getting ready to buy a kayak…pretty sure I’m going with 106…think you helped me make decision…Thanks!!!
I recommend looking into Nucanoe really hard before you make a decision you will regret, like I did.
@@riverpirate1022which nucanoe did you get
@@thatdudeonyoutube I did not get a nucanoe due to thinking I wanted a pedal drive and nucanoe pedal drive is not good imo.
But I wish I had bought the one I was looking at, the nucanoe Unlimited model.
I instead went with the Oldtown Sportsman 120 PDL.
The nucanoe is more stable, wider, lighter, and holds more weight, has swivel seats, can handle an outboard engine, has a rear transom, can take any power configuration available, and can take 2 seats and 2 people.
The OT 120 is ok, and the pedal drive is the best in the business, but it does not have the flexibility or weight capacity, or swivel seats which I find are all very desirable.
Overall it depends on what you want to do with it, and how much you want to spend.
My OT 120 PDL was $2500, the nucanoe unlimited with their crappy pedal drive add on option costs even more, and I did not have, or want to spend more money.
The OT was also available late 2021 before I could find a nucanoe unlimited and I was impatient.
I regret not holding out and saving more money.
@@riverpirate1022 interesting I went from decked out 1448 jon to ss127-to nuCanoe unlimited with their pedal drive system. Hated that boat the plastic is SUPER SUPER thin floor is soft in areas and you have to be super careful how you haul it how you store it because of the thin plastic thats why its so “light” also its deceivingly wide says its 41 but the shape makes it feel not wide the back is very narrow and the front very narrow.
@@TruckinRoundTv Good to know. Thanks for sharing I will certainly look one over in person very closely before I make the final move. As of right now I just got a NK180 rear motor for my OT 120 PDL, that should help a lot, but this thing is still a slow barge, and I am tired of not being able to reach things in the back as twisting to reach behind me is super uncomfortable and awkward.
Love my PDL 106!!
Nice video mister John love your videos keep up the good work and go catch some more big ones for us
I thought you were tall didn't know how tall, I'm 6'3" & 240 in weight, you helped me make that decision with the 120, the peddle type is a lot better I believe, I guess you have to get in good shape to do what you do!
im sure ill get a lot bigger some day but i do stay pretty active
Love it keep the great work up man
Racking up the kayaks buddy
Great review!!!! Well done.
Thanks for the great review John!
I would add the following info.
Pedaling is a LOT harder than you think, especially if you are not in shape.
The prop has a lot of resistance in the water.
If you have a belly, it's very uncomfortable.
Without the seat risers getting up from the seat at 6'1" and 250lbs with a small belly is impossible.
If you add seat risers like I did, the kayak becomes much more unstable when leaning over, but you can actually get up and stand if you are brave. (I find standing in a kayak VERY unstable/unsafe and I ride motorcycles and have great balance)
These kayaks also weigh a ton like 120lbs+ without your gear, (moving them around loaded up is a bear) and cheap $50 kayak carts from Amazon the wheels will collapse right off the hubs when pulling the kayak loaded with gear.
Buy a good sturdy name brand $200 kayak cart if you intend to use the cart often.
You cannot move the paddle holder to the other side which sucks, and aftermarket mounts don't fit the stock holes/depression.
No rear track rails to mount track items like a cam pole which sucks.
Mounting a 9" Garmin fish finder to a front side rail causes the kayak to list uncomfortably to one side.
The Kayak material is weak and the bottom will get gouged and torn up badly if dragged over rocks, (especially when you're in it loaded with gear) get keel guards and put them all over the bottom and front keel or you will regret it!
Also, Old Town, and any kayak that does not have a 360 swivel seat sucks!
Trying to reach behind you to get poles and stuff in the crate is difficult, a huge pita, and feels unsafe.
I have the 120 PDL and totally regret it for the insane price and listed issues!
I should have bought a Nucanoe Unlimited!
Is the Nicanor a pedal kayak?
Hey you are John? Wow thought you were Chuck😁😁😁🤪🤪😉
Thanks for posting this. Anybody carry their 206 in a CRV?
5’6 150lbs but I fish lake mead primarily, which is as big as it gets. I’m a little torn because how ruff it can be out there and tracking. I will be car topping, I’ve car topped 12ft kayaks but it is a pain. Any recommendations leaning towards the 106.
Best way to load em both in a truck bed together?
Great overview! Have you had a chance to try the Native Slayer Max 10? I wonder how it compares to 106?
havent used the max 10, i had the slayer 10 and it felt small for me
Well hell I'm 250lb i got the 106 🤷♂️😂. Good stuff buddy 🍻.
Have you taken either out in saltwater? I've been wondering if the 106 would handle inshore or not. I'm leaning towards the 120.
no i haven't, i would definitely lean towards the 120 for saltwater
Hey John I’m 6’3 but only 150 pounds lol. I do mostly creek and river fishing but do some lakes also. Just got into my first kayak a few weeks ago. I went cheap so I could get in the water and see what I want in my next really nice one.. I’ve been eyeballing these two kayaks as potential options.. would you recommend the 106 for the easy of getting around smaller places or does the speed and my height make you think I should go with the 120? Keep in mind I’m only 150 pounds soaking wet. Thanks for any advice!
Nice video 👍
How do peddle drives do going up stream in rivers like you fish. If I get one I will be going upriver then fishing back down
its OK, not great if its fast current
Would the 106 be ok for Lake Michigan not too far off the shore? I’ve never owned a kayak and would have to rent storage since I live in an apartment.
I second the question. I'm solo a lot and have a small car. The 10'6 would be way better, but I want to get out on lake Michigan, lake Huron and lake Saint Clair sometimes safely.
I had no option I saw 120 for $1700 at scheels and had to get it.
thats a good deal
A 120 pedal drive for only $1700?
@arthurhenk3919 yes, couldn't deny getting it for that price.
John question: why don't you get say a small trailer like a jet ski trailer for your kayak? I prefer that than putting mine in the bed of my truck and I have a full 8' bed.
That requires buying a trailer, paying tags and taxes, and then you can't get it in smaller parking areas, plus someone might steal it.
Using my 5.5ft bed and a hitch extender sucks but it's way cheaper and simpler.
well i do have a small trailer frame just need to do some work on it to get it good to go. I dont have to have a trailer license in TN. I like how easy and simple it is to drive around without a trailer
Im a fan of old tow but $100 for that blockoff plate?? Come on old town
Right? One should come with the boat for what you're spending already
I’m 5’9 200pounds. Is 106 good for me? I’m in New Jersey so more likely I’m gonna be in the ocean?
i think it would be totally fine in calmer waters but i dont know much about it being on the ocean
Can you give me advice? I’m 335 pounds, obese and only 5’11. I currently use a cheap tandem sit-on kayak. It’s fun but after trying my friends native slayer pdl kayak. I defiantly want a pdl. My kayak is 36” wide and not meant to be stood up in. But his native was only 32” wide and felt extremely less stable. It took a lot more core strength than I’m used to, to stay balanced. I have a American bully dog, he’s short and stocky. I take him with me on my kayak and we are over the weight limit (he’s 90 pounds), but have been comfortable on lakes. I want to be able to bring him with me. Could I get away with the 106? Or must I get the 120? If I didn’t bring the dog along on this kayak, could I get away with the 106? I drive a ford maverick truck(lett), with a 4.5’ bed. 6’ with tailgate down. So the shorter the easier for transporting. I’d love you honest opinion. I think I should go for the 120, but I’m really impressed with your review of the 106. Thanks.
i think the 120 is definitely better for you than the 106
Did end up getting the 120? How did it work for you? I'm 335 and 6'2" and have struggled with stability in my seaghost 130. I'm dropping weight as I know that will help massively, but still want to yak in there interim hehe.
That’s a good review. I’m 235lbs and I love my 106 PDL. My size is not a problem for this kayak.
Can you stand and fish on the 106? Is the stability differance noticeable?
yes i can easily, it is still very comfortable to me
Thanks so much. I see plenty of videos about the 120 being stable for stand up fishing with a bigger guy but not with the 106. I was debating between the two of them because I'd like the 106 for size and portability but was very worried about being able to stand and fish comfortably.
Thanks again.
How much does the 10ft weigh such as carrying weight?
See OT's website for specs here > oldtowncanoe.johnsonoutdoors.com/old-town-sportsman/fishing/sportsman-pdl-106
They don't carry much weight, but more than some other brands, and less than others.
Nucanoe's holds much more weight and are more stable.
Are those peddle drives universal?
OT pedal drives only work in OT specific models, and won't fit in anything else, you also cannot buy them separately, or parts, you can only get warranty replacement if you're a registered owner under warranty. I do think the drive will swap between 120 and 106 PDL, but I am not positive.
Also, you can't buy the kayak with the drive hole and no drive so there is a never a need to swap anything.
You either have the drive hole and drive, or you can't use it.
@@riverpirate1022 so the 10 foot on won’t work in the 12? Seems like it would be cheaper to build one. Lol
@@anadventureoutdoors As I said, the drive from the 106 probably fits in the 120 also. But you cannot buy the kayak with the drive hole and no drive, and you cannot buy a drive without the kayak, so if you have the drive hole, you already have a drive, so there is no need to ever swap the drive. Make sense?
@@riverpirate1022 lol. Yes sir
Does it go in reverse??
Yes
are the drives the same?
no, very close but a small difference in size of the shaft going down, the bigger kayak has the longer one because it sits higher i beleive
Kayaks have come a long way seems the old ones that would get you wet more times then not. Lost a lot if gear on them old things after bout droning. LOL
First comment mister John
I’m 5’ 8” and 225 lbs.
Would the 106 adequately support my weight and gear?
yeah i think its fine, i am 230 lbs and i have fished tournaments out of it with lots of gear on it