I'm so glad you show that the water comes up when you're going fast.. I thought something was wrong with my brand-new sportsman pdl 120.. lol you're the only guy who addresses and shows this.. thankyou!!
@@AliexFolgueiraawesome I appreciate it.. and the new sportsman pdl's don't come with the valve scupper plugs just the top water.. but I'm gunna buy some ha thanks again brother!
Oh no!! The scupper plugs are upside down!! Haha flip the 2 under your seat around and you'll have way less to no water in your boat. Those plugs have one way valves that allow water to usually drain out, but when upside down they let water in just like that. My old town pdl never has hardly any water in it. Even in chop, water drains so quickly through those plugs it's amazing.
@@AliexFolgueira yeah the 2 little scuppers under the seat. The larger pdl scupper will let in a small amount when raising and lowering the drive, but all that water drains out of the one way scupper plugs that only old town provides.
I have it and love it. Just be careful with the paddle holder make sure that it is fully latched. I didn't fully close the latch on mine once and lost my paddle but thankfully found it later that day.
Lol.. I lost mine with an adrenaline rush while chasing a school of reds on a 1 ft of water.. chased them for 2 miles. By the time I realized, my paddle was gone, but never found it.. 😭
@@nickmoney6438 you'll love it man it can handle just about any type of freshwater conditions mother nature can throw at ya. I'm sure it would make a decent inshore yak as well.
Aliex my 2019 OutBack stay perfectly dry even when I hit 4.8 mph the other day. However paddling without the cassette is a total different story. I do love that that boat is 36” wide. My only issue is if the peddling motion on that drive would aggravate the arthritis in my knees. I tried a Blue Sky 360 last week and it instantly hurt my knees.
Aliex It most likely would depend on what the issue is. Torn Meniscus, or Arthritis from a bone spur. For me it was as I pressed down on the peddle. The Slayer bothered my hips more after a longer peddle. All to do with the high the of the seat. I would prefer the propeller drives for that instant reverse. Maybe when I get knew knees. Lol
For me the stability and weight capacity of the 120 pdls beats the pelican catch 130 but if you wanna save some money and have something easier with grass.... The 130hd is a great choice too. Both drive have warranty
@@AliexFolgueira Yeah, but the Pelican is not 5 years :) And the immediate reverse of the 120 PDL beats the Pelican I guess. I did not think that was big deal until I watched about 40 videos. :) Too bad it's such a large difference in price.
You didn't have those self-draining scuppers seated all the way. A lot of water was coming in through those ports. Not going to say the Topwater PDL is a dry ride, but it will get less water if you have those scuppers in properly. I really wish Old Town would put some more R&D into a better seal on the drive system.
Christopher Davis hello. Just bought my TW 120 and have a lot of water coming in through around the drive when you pedal as well. Can you send a pic of the plugs maybe I have my plugs on wrong as well. Thx
Aliex when you compare the 120 PDL to the predator can you check if it's possible to modify either the predator seat or the 120 PDL adjustment track to fit the Predator seat in the 120 PDL? That's the only thing that concerns me about the 120 PDL other than that it looks like a great Kayak. Old town needs to come up with a Premium seat upgrade option.
Another great video. The Old Towns are hard to beat for a circular peddle drive with the warranty and price. Do love my Hobies but man, the price is getting crazier for Hobie while everyone else is making better and better kayaks for so much less.
Great value from old town right now for sure, hobie is trying to do budget yaks with the passport and compass but then they quickly increased prices on those two models....
With the drive up and the kayak stationary, does this hull fill with water the same as the PDL 106? When I tried the 106 some water enters the hull when the drive is raised, but a LOT enters if I moved forward on the seat while the PDL drive was up. It is the killer for me on these yaks.
Aliex Folgueira Thanks Aliex. Apart from the fact I had stuff floating in the 106, I found it to be exceptional (although the seat nearly had to be wedged in, as either the hull was a little distorted or the bottom bar on the seat was too long). I reckon the major annoyance for me with the water entry would be the loss of the sneaky toilet you have in the Hobie :) In a Mirage Drive kayak, you can be in the middle of a canal estate and quietly relieve yourself through the drive hole and nobody even knows what you are doing. Not possible on the Old Town, as you’d need to stay in the seat. It is a factor on an 8 hour fishing session....
@@TheRoastontoast very stealthy on the hobies lol, but with the 120 you have a lot of space, move the swat back, seat on the deck lift the drive up and boom lol
really thinking i need a pdl or mirage drive yak wish my bonafide had the option where i fish most of the time no motors electric or gas are allowed no no attaching a motor even if you do now you have to register with fish and game Love the reviews you do Cheers!! :))
gary m just sold my Big Fish 120 because it didn’t have a pedal drive and they weren’t going to make one and I bought this Yak, man it’s like night and day Fishing in this thing compared to paddle yaks. Your hands are free to skirt the banks etc and the instant reverse is nice as hell, would not even consider a hobie even though they’re great yaks but no instant reverse.
Hobie is great but those old town topwaters are very good to. Hobie's are a little over priced. If I had the money to buy another kayak. Which I do want to get a second one. I'm pretty sure from all my research and considering what's on the market right now. I'm pretty sure I would buy the 120 topwater. That's how much I like them.🙂
I think top speed should not be the selling point but the average cruising speed. We get super tired going all out for speed Haha. It's just the point of not having to pull cables for going into reverse. Hobie has great power from the start but for the $$$ that doesnt sell it for me. I have had multiple Hobies but couldnt resist the "lifetime" on the hull.
Top water PDL 12 or Hobie PA 12... that is my dilemma??? Aliex can you do one of your comparison videos for these two like you did for the old town & the outback?
Pa 12 is 36 by 12 just like the topwater pdl, but a bit more heavy and way expensive! What do you get on the PA for $1539 more? A way better seat with lumbar support, dual rudder control, hull rod storage (but outside, accessible) nice large front hatch, hrails and a sail mask. I don't think they pa12 is as stable as the topwater 120 but it is a bit faster
Aliex Folgueira all good points you bring up! One concern for me is the pedal position of the PDL. I have a few injuries (ankle, knees & back) which makes ergonomics a factor. Is the seat height of the PDL high enough that when peddling your feet are straight out or a little below the seat height? I have no old town dealers in my area....I so wish I could demo one. I’m familiar with the hobie as I was able to demo them. Thanks
@@AliexFolgueira I took the first trip with it today, very pleasantly surprised. Seat is real comfy, very stable boat and easy to cartop. It paddles amazingly well and very straight for a shorter yak, and holds great cruising speed without any effort. Managed to stand and fish pretty easily, little bit unstable when standing but manageable. Did get a little wet from waves hitting me sideways but that's to be expected. Overall I'm very happy with it, it will serve as my go to fishing machine for different lakes and the inshore.
I would love to hear more about the hurricane or native ultra light pedal kayak. How do you feel about the top water for off shore or in stronger currents?
I bought a $5 Basspro shop hat and you care use the action hat kit and make one or get it out of your old action hat, here is the kit (Amazon affiliates) amzn.to/2LsAjrq
David Crowson I’ve tried it, doesn’t work as well as a trolling motor does because you can get top speed reverse instantly and throw it off. But it’s real easy to open hatch and pull it off.
Nicky K.D Chaleunphone just sold my BF 120 I loved it but like night and day compared to this kayak if you’re a fisherman. This thing is nice. Except seat to me.
Aliex Folgueira cool yeah the guy online with them told me it would and gave me the part number but I’ll wait till this one tears up because I put a cushion in seat anyway.
The mirage drive I believe is the best. It will probably last forever. But definitely needs to be rinsed and oiled after every saltwater trip. If you have the money for hobie? Hobie's are very high quality kayaks. I believe it takes more effort to peddle then to kick the mirage drive. But hey those topwaters are a very nice kayak.🙂
Great video Aliex...Hey, I noticed a lot of UA-cam vloggers that do videos on Kayaks and Kayak fishing going to this particular boat..Lots of reviews on this boat and most are very positive...Hey is 4.5 mph faster than a gator can swim..hahaha..just kidding bro..
scupper holes are one way... water shouldn't be coming through those. water comes through gasket where pdl meets boat. definitely dont like it but it drains quickly
This is a crazy deal for the Topwater at dicks sporting goods (one day only) check it out (affiliate) geni.us/nEP45jj
I'm so glad you show that the water comes up when you're going fast.. I thought something was wrong with my brand-new sportsman pdl 120.. lol you're the only guy who addresses and shows this.. thankyou!!
Yeah no worries about that, if there is a hole water will find a way but it is fine
@@AliexFolgueiraawesome I appreciate it.. and the new sportsman pdl's don't come with the valve scupper plugs just the top water.. but I'm gunna buy some ha thanks again brother!
Oh no!! The scupper plugs are upside down!! Haha flip the 2 under your seat around and you'll have way less to no water in your boat. Those plugs have one way valves that allow water to usually drain out, but when upside down they let water in just like that. My old town pdl never has hardly any water in it. Even in chop, water drains so quickly through those plugs it's amazing.
The little ones?
@@AliexFolgueira yeah the 2 little scuppers under the seat. The larger pdl scupper will let in a small amount when raising and lowering the drive, but all that water drains out of the one way scupper plugs that only old town provides.
Good to see you back on the water .
I think I'm feeling way better now! Almost 100%
I think this may be the best bang for the buck right now
I agree. I was looking for a good used Hobie, but this with instant reverse and the new price being the same or cheaper than a Hobie, I'm sold.
Def, alot of value here, crazy stable, fast enough and not much $$ compared to other options
Def gonna be my next kayak if i upgrade to pedal one. The 106
I have it and love it. Just be careful with the paddle holder make sure that it is fully latched. I didn't fully close the latch on mine once and lost my paddle but thankfully found it later that day.
Lol.. I lost mine with an adrenaline rush while chasing a school of reds on a 1 ft of water.. chased them for 2 miles. By the time I realized, my paddle was gone, but never found it.. 😭
My friend lost my paddle the other day but we found it
Yes i will def keep a paddle leash on it!
@@nickmoney6438 you'll love it man it can handle just about any type of freshwater conditions mother nature can throw at ya. I'm sure it would make a decent inshore yak as well.
Very nice. very fast. Good stuff man
Thanks bro this is a real nice boat
Aliex my 2019 OutBack stay perfectly dry even when I hit 4.8 mph the other day. However paddling without the cassette is a total different story. I do love that that boat is 36” wide. My only issue is if the peddling motion on that drive would aggravate the arthritis in my knees. I tried a Blue Sky 360 last week and it instantly hurt my knees.
Wow there are like two camps, my friend has knee problems, hates the Hobie drive but loves the propel drive...
Aliex It most likely would depend on what the issue is. Torn Meniscus, or Arthritis from a bone spur. For me it was as I pressed down on the peddle. The Slayer bothered my hips more after a longer peddle. All to do with the high the of the seat. I would prefer the propeller drives for that instant reverse. Maybe when I get knew knees. Lol
So which is better, the Pelican 130 HD or the Old Town? Any issue with the drives, cracks...etc.etc?
For me the stability and weight capacity of the 120 pdls beats the pelican catch 130 but if you wanna save some money and have something easier with grass.... The 130hd is a great choice too. Both drive have warranty
@@AliexFolgueira Yeah, but the Pelican is not 5 years :) And the immediate reverse of the 120 PDL beats the Pelican I guess. I did not think that was big deal until I watched about 40 videos. :) Too bad it's such a large difference in price.
You didn't have those self-draining scuppers seated all the way. A lot of water was coming in through those ports. Not going to say the Topwater PDL is a dry ride, but it will get less water if you have those scuppers in properly. I really wish Old Town would put some more R&D into a better seal on the drive system.
Those little ones did not go any deeper, you can try it if you want
@@AliexFolgueira I will send you a pic of mine installed later today
Christopher Davis hello. Just bought my TW 120 and have a lot of water coming in through around the drive when you pedal as well. Can you send a pic of the plugs maybe I have my plugs on wrong as well. Thx
Aliex when you compare the 120 PDL to the predator can you check if it's possible to modify either the predator seat or the 120 PDL adjustment track to fit the Predator seat in the 120 PDL? That's the only thing that concerns me about the 120 PDL other than that it looks like a great Kayak. Old town needs to come up with a Premium seat upgrade option.
Rob Phelps it would fit I asked and they will sell the predator seat if wanted
Signcarver Mike That’s great, thanks for the info
I have both now so let me test that this afternoon, comparison coming soon, early July
@@AliexFolgueira Hi Aliex, did you get a chance to try putting the Predator seat in the Topwater 120 PDL?
You can put it, check my yt story in a bit
I was considering getting the topwater 106 but after the 120 came out, I am seriously planning on buying the Top water PDL 120 over the Hobie
If you have the space the 120 is a better option but the 106 is also pretty good
@@AliexFolgueira I'm looking between the 120 and 106. I was also looking at paddle Kayaks but my elbow issue is forcing me to go to peddle kayaks
Nicky K.D Chaleunphone yeah and the 120 is only $150 more
I think with the WS Radar, the raised section keeps the water out better than being flush to deck drive, like the Topwater and the Hobies
The native do that as well but even those got water in
@@AliexFolgueira true... just looking for less water in the yak, as it's colder up here in the Great Northwest
I have a revo 13. No problem with water
I do really like this topwater kayak.🙂
Another great video. The Old Towns are hard to beat for a circular peddle drive with the warranty and price. Do love my Hobies but man, the price is getting crazier for Hobie while everyone else is making better and better kayaks for so much less.
Great value from old town right now for sure, hobie is trying to do budget yaks with the passport and compass but then they quickly increased prices on those two models....
For the price and quality it's hard to beat
More stable than the predator too! This is a beast
With the drive up and the kayak stationary, does this hull fill with water the same as the PDL 106? When I tried the 106 some water enters the hull when the drive is raised, but a LOT enters if I moved forward on the seat while the PDL drive was up. It is the killer for me on these yaks.
I personally don't mind the water, but you do have more space on the 120, I feel like less water gets in
Aliex Folgueira Thanks Aliex. Apart from the fact I had stuff floating in the 106, I found it to be exceptional (although the seat nearly had to be wedged in, as either the hull was a little distorted or the bottom bar on the seat was too long). I reckon the major annoyance for me with the water entry would be the loss of the sneaky toilet you have in the Hobie :) In a Mirage Drive kayak, you can be in the middle of a canal estate and quietly relieve yourself through the drive hole and nobody even knows what you are doing. Not possible on the Old Town, as you’d need to stay in the seat. It is a factor on an 8 hour fishing session....
@@TheRoastontoast very stealthy on the hobies lol, but with the 120 you have a lot of space, move the swat back, seat on the deck lift the drive up and boom lol
Aliex Folgueira True, but with that water coming into the deck, you might be swimming in it :)
Hey Aliex, have you used the Topwater long enough to have any issues with the seat material?
I’ve seen some negative feedback on the material
My original yes but it had the old fabric they changed it
Aliex Folgueira thank you for the feedback
By the way I really enjoy all the kayak reviews and fishing videos
Another great video to add too the series awesome video
Thanks Ruben, what's missing??? 🤔🤔Surf test
really thinking i need a pdl or mirage drive yak wish my bonafide had the option where i fish most of the time no motors electric or gas are allowed no no attaching a motor even if you do now you have to register with fish and game Love the reviews you do Cheers!! :))
It is not that much more than the ss127
gary m just sold my Big Fish 120 because it didn’t have a pedal drive and they weren’t going to make one and I bought this Yak, man it’s like night and day Fishing in this thing compared to paddle yaks. Your hands are free to skirt the banks etc and the instant reverse is nice as hell, would not even consider a hobie even though they’re great yaks but no instant reverse.
Hobie is great but those old town topwaters are very good to. Hobie's are a little over priced. If I had the money to buy another kayak. Which I do want to get a second one. I'm pretty sure from all my research and considering what's on the market right now. I'm pretty sure I would buy the 120 topwater. That's how much I like them.🙂
Had my friend fish out of the topwater 120 pdl today he loved it, says it is better than the outback
Well done 👍 kayak master!!!
What do you like better? Topwater 120 PDL or the Predator PDL? For saltwater flats/marshes and close to the beach offshore?
If you want speed, predator, if you want stability topwater 120..... Me I'm conflicted lol 😂 gotta do more testing, today?? Topwater 120
I think top speed should not be the selling point but the average cruising speed. We get super tired going all out for speed Haha. It's just the point of not having to pull cables for going into reverse. Hobie has great power from the start but for the $$$ that doesnt sell it for me. I have had multiple Hobies but couldnt resist the "lifetime" on the hull.
Yeah top speed it just for FYI, lifetime hull warranty and 5 year drive! Epic old town warranty
Fishing ManiYaks I cruise at about 3mph in this yak and I’m a 58 year old 250lb old man lol
Wow Mike keep it up!
Top water PDL 12 or Hobie PA 12... that is my dilemma??? Aliex can you do one of your comparison videos for these two like you did for the old town & the outback?
Pa 12 is 36 by 12 just like the topwater pdl, but a bit more heavy and way expensive! What do you get on the PA for $1539 more? A way better seat with lumbar support, dual rudder control, hull rod storage (but outside, accessible) nice large front hatch, hrails and a sail mask. I don't think they pa12 is as stable as the topwater 120 but it is a bit faster
Aliex Folgueira all good points you bring up! One concern for me is the pedal position of the PDL. I have a few injuries (ankle, knees & back) which makes ergonomics a factor. Is the seat height of the PDL high enough that when peddling your feet are straight out or a little below the seat height? I have no old town dealers in my area....I so wish I could demo one. I’m familiar with the hobie as I was able to demo them. Thanks
@@richh.2022 How tall are you?
I’m a bigger guy at 6’2” and current weight 270
Aliex Folgueira
Not sure if my reply went back. I’m 6’2 270
I was recently shopping for a new pedal kayak, went with the hobie passport though.
Did you try it already? How did it go? Congrats
@@AliexFolgueira I took the first trip with it today, very pleasantly surprised. Seat is real comfy, very stable boat and easy to cartop. It paddles amazingly well and very straight for a shorter yak, and holds great cruising speed without any effort. Managed to stand and fish pretty easily, little bit unstable when standing but manageable. Did get a little wet from waves hitting me sideways but that's to be expected. Overall I'm very happy with it, it will serve as my go to fishing machine for different lakes and the inshore.
That sounds good bro! Maybe add some hobie sidekick stabilizers and boom
I would love to hear more about the hurricane or native ultra light pedal kayak. How do you feel about the top water for off shore or in stronger currents?
Looking forward to ordering mine 👍
Nice boat!
I love my topwater pdl such a fun kayak. Hey Aliex what camo hat is that you are wearing with the camera mount??? Great job
I bought a $5 Basspro shop hat and you care use the action hat kit and make one or get it out of your old action hat, here is the kit (Amazon affiliates) amzn.to/2LsAjrq
@@AliexFolgueira awesome man have a great weekend
Aliex how you install tranducer on these kayaks? Thanks
It has a cavity for the transducer check my walkthru video ua-cam.com/video/6HsxrgCjtgY/v-deo.html
Great review 👍 I bet you could pedal backwards to remove the grass.
Yup sometimes
David Crowson I’ve tried it, doesn’t work as well as a trolling motor does because you can get top speed reverse instantly and throw it off. But it’s real easy to open hatch and pull it off.
Have you ever done any reviews on Native Kayaks, Feel Free Kayaks or even the Bigfish 105 and 120 kayaks
Bunch on the native propel 13 and titan and feelfree Dorado
Nicky K.D Chaleunphone just sold my BF 120 I loved it but like night and day compared to this kayak if you’re a fisherman. This thing is nice. Except seat to me.
Hey how do you feel about the angler 360 by blue sky boat works?
Bad that I missed the Kickstarter!! I sat on one at icast
@@AliexFolgueira They're a little pricey, but I'd say it's the best thing out right now
I'm really liking the top water, thinking of buying the 10 foot. But would like to see see a review on the mako riot thow.
Mako maybe next month, I love my tiny topwater pdl 106
Aliex is there a way to send you a photo? I did a seat mod and wanted to see your thoughts.
Sure bro AFishingtV@gmail.com
Aliex Folgueira I emailed you photos
Thanks Mike I'll take a look at them, just put the predator seat on the 120 it worked
Aliex Folgueira cool yeah the guy online with them told me it would and gave me the part number but I’ll wait till this one tears up because I put a cushion in seat anyway.
What drive do you think is better, Propel or PDL?
I would say they are about the same, my old native never gave me an issue in years
PDL!! it floats!!
Yup it does float 😎
The mirage drive I believe is the best. It will probably last forever. But definitely needs to be rinsed and oiled after every saltwater trip. If you have the money for hobie? Hobie's are very high quality kayaks. I believe it takes more effort to peddle then to kick the mirage drive. But hey those topwaters are a very nice kayak.🙂
I wonder if the new pelicans will make the market lower the prices for pedal kayaks
I hope they bring the heat!
The floor needs to be higher to self bail better
Would just add more weight and it is not worth it, most of the time you will be moving at 2mph no water gets in
good promotion bro
Real stuff
And that's the yak you suggest I use for the 25th?
Yessss
Great video Aliex...Hey, I noticed a lot of UA-cam vloggers that do videos on Kayaks and Kayak fishing going to this particular boat..Lots of reviews on this boat and most are very positive...Hey is 4.5 mph faster than a gator can swim..hahaha..just kidding bro..
Yeah old town send them to a bunch of us, pretty smart... The difference here is that I have been doing this for year
Is the feel free a "better" kayak?
Which feel free?
Id love to pick one up if I had the $$$$. Time to start saving.😁
Broo sell some stuff that you don't need
Nice yak but I pick up my new yak tomorrow.
Flip it!
scupper holes are one way... water shouldn't be coming through those.
water comes through gasket where pdl meets boat. definitely dont like it but it drains quickly
Does drain quickly
Nice boat, and all they have to do, is not raise their prices, like someone else.......
They won't, that's what I hear but you never know
Lol yall keep dreaming.....
@@BrandonBarton13 dreaming is free 😁
Not for me.
There are countless options 😁😁😁