Just a quick update on pricing: The sale is already over at Tractor Supply, so the price has returned to $700 there (I must have squaked in under the wire). So Tractor Supply and Walmart are currently on equal footing (price-wise) if you prefer the lighter grey color. I will be shooting an "On-Water Performance" vid tomorrow (6/20) that will drop no later than Saturday, June 22. I will also keep a tentative calendar of episodes up to date in the description. Thanks for watching, folks!
Front compartment: On my Lifetime Tamarack Pro, I put a Yakattack Norqua 10h battery in the little container and installed 4" track on the lid for a Garmin Striker 4plus finder. Works great.
My first time using a kayak was two weeks ago. After 6 months of researching this came out and I knew immediately it was the one. I bought this $600 Manta from TSC specifically to flyfish from while standing on the deck. 3 times out now I can say the Manta is very stable, about as stable as the Lowe 12'x36" aluminum Jon I had owned years ago. At 50, I have no problem standing and casting, even casting while facing port or starboard side. For fly fishing on medium lakes, small ponds, streams and creeks it's been a great platform so far. The deck is relatively uncluttered for my line to fall on without snagging up when shooting the line back out. I wanted a stable platform with an uncluttered front deck and the Manta delivers. I am very happy with the Manta for my intended purpose. Having no previous kayak experience myself, I'm interested what other users had to say about the speed and agility of the Manta, which is what brought me here. Thanks for the review though.
Thanks for your insight, Brad! I was planning on taking it out for a test run today with nothing but the cameras, but was reminded the Potomac (where I planned to put-in today) is likely VERY busy today. I should be able to get that vid out by Friday. Stay tuned, as I've had a BUNCH of kayaks over the last few years and have a baseline idea of what the speed and agility should be. Stay tuned, and thanks again!
Me too, I was going to do so today, but was reminded that it's a holiday and the Upper Potomac ramps are probably VERY busy today. I should have that vid out by Friday (barring any nonsense). Stay tuned!
With 80lbs haul, it will a little rough on just pond hopping. I wish came out years ago and I had a truck. I would got this one instead of a Tamarack Pro.
Great review! I have the Pelican catch mode 110 and it supper stable at 34.5 in and around 75 lbs. I'm looking forward to your on the water reviews! Thanks for sharing!
This looks like great value! I have a Lifetime that I have as a loaner if anyone I fish with does not have a kayak, but it is fantastic for a entry level for the price. Good to see they are going slightly above entry level! Wow, just finished watching. That looks way above entry level! At that price, all day everyday!!!
It is a LOT of kayak for the money, for sure. I'm headed out to the Potomac (Lander ramp) tomorrow morning (before the landscape melts). That area is a nice balance between current and slack. We shall see how the Manta feels in the water.
@@BarryP Will be interested to know the stability and how it tracks. My buddy and I have been getting asked about entry level kayaks. This could be the one to recommend for sure! Tight lines for tomorrow!
@@beausoter1763 There won't be much fishing tomorrow. I'm just going to run it, stand in it and go over the planned mods arly and get out of there. Too freaking hot, man!
I haven't seen the new Outlaw color. You make it sound like I don't want to! This is a much different beast. I get the sense that it will be a lot more cooperative in current, perhaps at a slight sacrifice to secondary stability. I'm looking to find out tomorrow.
No that wasn't my intention. I want to like it, because it has a cool name, but there's something that falls flat for me. Can't put my finger on it. Maybe it's the similarity to the catch power 100. Idk
Great video Barry. Still haven’t put my new Lifetime Tamarack in the water. Vehicle in shop. That is a good looking kayak. Can’t wait to see what you think of that Manta
I'm going to put it on a piece of river tomorrow that offers both slack and fairly mellow current in a very short stretch. I'm hoping to have that vid out on Thursday.
Definitely targeting flatwater anglers with a preference for a cheap motorized setup. Not sure how it'll do in current with that hull design. Wasn't your Outlaw a bit of a tank in the river? Either way, great value and begging for a motor setup. Considering a Crescent Primo for that role with some paddling prowess.
Perhaps. The Outlaw is an absolute nightmare in current. This hull is nowhere near as aggressive. This kayak is bulky and heavy for its length, but it might actually be perfectly fine in moving water. I'm taking it out tomorrow for a quick float, and will report back as soon as I can! The Primo looks cool, but it's not exactly outfitted for fishing.
So, the transom mount, you said it went on the side rather than the back? I saw another guy who said Lifetime gave him a kayak, the trolling motor on the side, and he said it obstructed the majority of the four back rod holders. I just assumed he didn't know much about kayaks by mounting the trolling motor to the side than the back. However, if Lifetime is saying the side...that's a huge design flaw. I'm also wondering where you'd place your transducer on that thing. The more I look at it, the more I am tempted to pay an extra $300 and get Academy's store brand 10' pedal kayak made by Dagger (owned by Pelican). The handles and seat are more sturdy and it has a transducer protector on the bottom...in addition to a recessed area in the hull for said transducer.
It is very specifically designed to mount to the port side. It will very likely obstruct one of the four rear rod holders. I'll go over that in the "On-Water" video that I'm shooting today. The vid from today will launch by Saturday morning. If I outfit this yak with a finder, I'll likely drop it off the side with a Scotty arm via one of the track mounts.
With its shape, kinda awkward. Have a look at this vid, only instead of the roller assist (too narrow for this yak), I'm using a non-slip rug draped on the back of the Jeep: ua-cam.com/video/_pJDVwlIPmw/v-deo.html Also, the wheels like to move when loading like that, so I put a chock behind the yak when lifting the front of it up onto the Jeep. I'll make a Manta-specific video about this soon!
@@BarryP sweet thanks yeah I noticed the lbs was fairly higher than some of the kayaks I’ve been looking into and that concerned me since I usually lift mine and carry it to the water from my truck. Budget busting to get a trailer would send me away from this when I get enough to buy a new kayak.
@@ETXYakin It's totally do-able. The wheels aren't enough for non-paved surfaces, but I found a cart that works very well with the crazy hull. I've linked it in the description so YT doesn't nuke the external link. It's toward the bottom of the description. I'll be reviewing that, as well, in a near-future "Transportation" video.
Nice work! It's a great testament to the stability of this pig. It's phenomenal to me that Lifetime (of all companies) came out with a rig that is both this stable and VERY maneuverable despite its weight. I have no concerns going into more swift water, either. That vid is a bit away, but I know exactly where I'm going to go for that one. It's going to be rough, and the drone will be flying.
Just a quick update on pricing: The sale is already over at Tractor Supply, so the price has returned to $700 there (I must have squaked in under the wire). So Tractor Supply and Walmart are currently on equal footing (price-wise) if you prefer the lighter grey color. I will be shooting an "On-Water Performance" vid tomorrow (6/20) that will drop no later than Saturday, June 22. I will also keep a tentative calendar of episodes up to date in the description. Thanks for watching, folks!
Front compartment: On my Lifetime Tamarack Pro, I put a Yakattack Norqua 10h battery in the little container and installed 4" track on the lid for a Garmin Striker 4plus finder. Works great.
Thanks for sharing this. Have you seen the Manta Mods video yet? ua-cam.com/video/rIcXfiyFJ-U/v-deo.html
@BarryP No , kinda behind on you video content. I think Manta and the Wilderness Tactical Pro is the future of the new hull designs in kayak
@@lowlifeangler The Manta did REALLY well in swift water yesterday!
@@BarryP That's good! Safety first
My first time using a kayak was two weeks ago. After 6 months of researching this came out and I knew immediately it was the one. I bought this $600 Manta from TSC specifically to flyfish from while standing on the deck. 3 times out now I can say the Manta is very stable, about as stable as the Lowe 12'x36" aluminum Jon I had owned years ago. At 50, I have no problem standing and casting, even casting while facing port or starboard side. For fly fishing on medium lakes, small ponds, streams and creeks it's been a great platform so far. The deck is relatively uncluttered for my line to fall on without snagging up when shooting the line back out. I wanted a stable platform with an uncluttered front deck and the Manta delivers. I am very happy with the Manta for my intended purpose. Having no previous kayak experience myself, I'm interested what other users had to say about the speed and agility of the Manta, which is what brought me here. Thanks for the review though.
Thanks for your insight, Brad! I was planning on taking it out for a test run today with nothing but the cameras, but was reminded the Potomac (where I planned to put-in today) is likely VERY busy today. I should be able to get that vid out by Friday. Stay tuned, as I've had a BUNCH of kayaks over the last few years and have a baseline idea of what the speed and agility should be. Stay tuned, and thanks again!
A 10ft kayak that is super stable... very intriguing. Cant wait to see it on the water.
Me too, I was going to do so today, but was reminded that it's a holiday and the Upper Potomac ramps are probably VERY busy today. I should have that vid out by Friday (barring any nonsense). Stay tuned!
Nice little pond hopper.
Isn't it?
With 80lbs haul, it will a little rough on just pond hopping. I wish came out years ago and I had a truck.
I would got this one instead of a Tamarack Pro.
Thanks for the overview. Considering this kayak for river fishing.
Be sure to check out Ep 2: On-Water Performance ua-cam.com/video/QQH3-96ar0k/v-deo.html
Surprisingly impressed. Looking towards the rest of this series.
So was I. I'm kinda shocked at what it offers for the coin.
Great review! I have the Pelican catch mode 110 and it supper stable at 34.5 in and around 75 lbs. I'm looking forward to your on the water reviews! Thanks for sharing!
I am editing as we speak. Next vid should drop early tomorrow morning.
This looks like great value! I have a Lifetime that I have as a loaner if anyone I fish with does not have a kayak, but it is fantastic for a entry level for the price. Good to see they are going slightly above entry level! Wow, just finished watching. That looks way above entry level! At that price, all day everyday!!!
It is a LOT of kayak for the money, for sure. I'm headed out to the Potomac (Lander ramp) tomorrow morning (before the landscape melts). That area is a nice balance between current and slack. We shall see how the Manta feels in the water.
@@BarryP Will be interested to know the stability and how it tracks. My buddy and I have been getting asked about entry level kayaks. This could be the one to recommend for sure! Tight lines for tomorrow!
@@beausoter1763 There won't be much fishing tomorrow. I'm just going to run it, stand in it and go over the planned mods arly and get out of there. Too freaking hot, man!
I want to like it. At that price point, it could potentially contend with the outlaw, which has a hideous new color this year.
I haven't seen the new Outlaw color. You make it sound like I don't want to! This is a much different beast. I get the sense that it will be a lot more cooperative in current, perhaps at a slight sacrifice to secondary stability. I'm looking to find out tomorrow.
No that wasn't my intention. I want to like it, because it has a cool name, but there's something that falls flat for me. Can't put my finger on it. Maybe it's the similarity to the catch power 100. Idk
Great video Barry. Still haven’t put my new Lifetime Tamarack in the water. Vehicle in shop. That is a good looking kayak. Can’t wait to see what you think of that Manta
I'm going to put it on a piece of river tomorrow that offers both slack and fairly mellow current in a very short stretch. I'm hoping to have that vid out on Thursday.
Although its a basic budget like seat, I have the same seat on my Tamarack Pro. I can fish for 7-9 hrs with no problem.
I find it to be very comfortable. I really like how the straps make it easy to adjust. A simple, very functional design.
Definitely targeting flatwater anglers with a preference for a cheap motorized setup. Not sure how it'll do in current with that hull design. Wasn't your Outlaw a bit of a tank in the river? Either way, great value and begging for a motor setup. Considering a Crescent Primo for that role with some paddling prowess.
Perhaps. The Outlaw is an absolute nightmare in current. This hull is nowhere near as aggressive. This kayak is bulky and heavy for its length, but it might actually be perfectly fine in moving water. I'm taking it out tomorrow for a quick float, and will report back as soon as I can! The Primo looks cool, but it's not exactly outfitted for fishing.
Are you still glad you purchased the manta?
Absolutely! This is a ridiculous amount of fishing kayak for the money.
So, the transom mount, you said it went on the side rather than the back? I saw another guy who said Lifetime gave him a kayak, the trolling motor on the side, and he said it obstructed the majority of the four back rod holders. I just assumed he didn't know much about kayaks by mounting the trolling motor to the side than the back. However, if Lifetime is saying the side...that's a huge design flaw. I'm also wondering where you'd place your transducer on that thing. The more I look at it, the more I am tempted to pay an extra $300 and get Academy's store brand 10' pedal kayak made by Dagger (owned by Pelican). The handles and seat are more sturdy and it has a transducer protector on the bottom...in addition to a recessed area in the hull for said transducer.
It is very specifically designed to mount to the port side. It will very likely obstruct one of the four rear rod holders. I'll go over that in the "On-Water" video that I'm shooting today. The vid from today will launch by Saturday morning. If I outfit this yak with a finder, I'll likely drop it off the side with a Scotty arm via one of the track mounts.
Do a maiden voyage video.
There it is. ua-cam.com/video/QQH3-96ar0k/v-deo.html
Could you tell me what unloading and loading is like?
With its shape, kinda awkward. Have a look at this vid, only instead of the roller assist (too narrow for this yak), I'm using a non-slip rug draped on the back of the Jeep: ua-cam.com/video/_pJDVwlIPmw/v-deo.html Also, the wheels like to move when loading like that, so I put a chock behind the yak when lifting the front of it up onto the Jeep. I'll make a Manta-specific video about this soon!
@@BarryP sweet thanks yeah I noticed the lbs was fairly higher than some of the kayaks I’ve been looking into and that concerned me since I usually lift mine and carry it to the water from my truck. Budget busting to get a trailer would send me away from this when I get enough to buy a new kayak.
@@ETXYakin It's totally do-able. The wheels aren't enough for non-paved surfaces, but I found a cart that works very well with the crazy hull. I've linked it in the description so YT doesn't nuke the external link. It's toward the bottom of the description. I'll be reviewing that, as well, in a near-future "Transportation" video.
We put it on the water! Full stability test! ua-cam.com/video/ulSP2WH39Ng/v-deo.html
Nice work! It's a great testament to the stability of this pig. It's phenomenal to me that Lifetime (of all companies) came out with a rig that is both this stable and VERY maneuverable despite its weight. I have no concerns going into more swift water, either. That vid is a bit away, but I know exactly where I'm going to go for that one. It's going to be rough, and the drone will be flying.
@@BarryP Im def a fan! I have a few of their kayaks.