Nice video, thanks for sharing!! I switched from a 2016 Outback to a Strike and I’m REALLY happy with it (their customer service is AMAZING!). There are only 3 major issues killing me right now. 1) the seat is uncomfortable, even after you tied the straps down, I feel like I’m always not seating right. 2) it turns terrible! I’ve been using it at the bay and I’m getting very frustrated with how bad it is. The Outback used to turn on a dime. Thinking of installing a PA rudder soon. 3) hatches leaks, including the big front hatch. Got a nice wave yesterday, my entire front hatch under water, and inside liner had water. So yeah, few negatives that I think they MUST improve on their new release, but LOTS of positives! Anyone will love this yak, even those coming from older generation Outbacks!
I agree about the rudder; that will be an upgrade for sure when I find something that is compatible. I have an extra rudder for my PA that I have sitting on the shelf. Might have to look into a rudder mod too. The only thing I didn’t like about the seat was I wished you could recline back a little further but I’m thinking a saws all will fix that problem 🙂 I didn’t have any water in the hull but I’m definitely not gonna be using the center hatch because of the water coming up from the drive. The one thing that got me was there was no paddle included with the kayak. I mean really?
GetOutTheHouseGoFish I fish open water too and the basic paddle is no good anyway. When I had my Outback and I was using the Hobie one, I wasn’t moving fast enough through the surf. I could feel the paddle bend. I upgraded to a premium paddle (Warner) and what a difference! I’m now able to cut through the surf fast. So yeah, better pay less for the yak and spend the $ for the paddle you want. I just found out that the rudder on the Strike is identical in every detail to the PA one, just cut shorter to fit the hull. So no real mod necessary, just a rudder swap. :) Will probably post a video of mine with all the accessories I installed, fully rigged. Fish on!
Anyone have a underwater video of the propulsion system in action? I’m a bit surprised there is no rubber seal when you drop the propulsion system thru the hull, to keep water from coming in.
hey ive lost rods what did you use for your foam that's a fantastic idea or who sells them . the water thing seems to be everyone's issue that ive seen its like they could have raised the hatch 1/2 inch so the water would go around it. good video .
The sell the foam for rods at Dicks Sporting but they also have them at Bass Pro Shop. I’m sure they have them online too. They usually run 3 to a pack and cost $6-$9
It comes with the drive and recently they had a deal where they included the paddle, hatch liner, and 1 or 2 other things. The plus signs you just click on and it’s a description of each part of the kayak. You want the hatch liner 👍
I just purchased two camo Lightning’s like the one you have and I just thought for the money you get a lot. Only been out one time and only caught two little Stripers and also got fried by the sun but had a good time. I will be fishing again soon. Thanks and I found the same issues with the water coming through the drive and the not so good turning radius. Other wise it was good.
Hello how do you see this kayak compared to the 125 Vibe Shearwater? i don't know which choice. They're very good. You both tasted the Vibe? greetings and very good video
I can not give a comparison because I have not taken the Vibe Shearwater 125 out for a demo. I do know some people had some problems initially with the Shearwater but it’s best to go to the Vibe forums or lookup other videos for the Shearwater.
Nice video man. The kayaks looks good for the money. One question I have is where did you get those rod floaties? They look nice and I wouldnt mind getting a few for my rods so they dont sink to the bottom.
When you have time, can you compare this yak to the outback and (if possible) other pedal drive yaks you have experience in? I know you can adjust the pedals but I need to know. Do you think short people like me can reach the pedals and pedal comfortably? I'm 5'3"
My girlfriend Katie is your height so yes. The pedals will adjust to your height so you’ll be comfortable. During this video I was talking and comparing the floor area and back cargo space between the outback and lightning. The lightning has more room. The outback has more rod holders and comes with a paddle. I’ll have to try to do a comparison on the water.
Thanks. I'm gathering up as much info as possible before buying and demo-ing a pedal drive yak in this price range. Yup I saw the comparison in this video. I should've been more specific. How's the stability? How's the tracking with and without use of rudder? How's the build quality on the lightning? As for the screws, are the heads stripped/rounded?
Kong Vang stability is good; standing up in it was not a problem and I’m a big guy; 6’2 and 238lbs I didn’t test tracking without the rudder. I did notice it doesn’t turn as sharp as our Outback but we have an upgraded rudder on the outback. The steering felt a bit loose too on the lightning as far as tension goes. The flooring on the Lightning had some flex when standing. I know the Hobie’s place foam in the hull to help with that and I haven’t looked down in there yet so I may end up doing that. I mean brand new the Outback is twice as much as the Lightning unless your getting a used one and it’s still gonna be your preference. A Hobie is hard to beat.
Soon I will demo a hobie; probably the PA 12 360 and outback along with the BF 108 and shearwater. The Lightning is the only one I can't demo. If hobie is the one and worth the price I will save up to buy one. Thanks for your input.
Best information I've found so far on the strike. Struggling with the decision between that and a pro angler. How is it compared to the pro angler as far as the drive area and water coming in? Sadly I dont have the opportunity to demo either (or any other kind for that mattter). I'm leaning towards the pa12 but figured the strike is less $$ even tho price isn't an issue.
If you find a used PA12 on marketplace for $2k then yes get it. The ProAngler is a fishing machine and you will absolutely love it and you’ll be glad you got it. I am disappointed with the rudder of the Lightning. It bothers me that it’s slow to drop and the turning radius is horrible. Definitely needs an upgraded rudder. I think the Hobie ST fin upgrade was an improvement; that video is coming soon with another outing in the lightning catching Reds 👍🎣
They do not compare at all. The PA is a high end titan class kayak whereas the Lightning Strike is an Entry Level basic pedal kayak. If money and weight isnt an issue I would go with a PA or Outback. IF money is an issue go with the Lightning Strike
Nice video, thanks for sharing!! I switched from a 2016 Outback to a Strike and I’m REALLY happy with it (their customer service is AMAZING!). There are only 3 major issues killing me right now. 1) the seat is uncomfortable, even after you tied the straps down, I feel like I’m always not seating right. 2) it turns terrible! I’ve been using it at the bay and I’m getting very frustrated with how bad it is. The Outback used to turn on a dime. Thinking of installing a PA rudder soon. 3) hatches leaks, including the big front hatch. Got a nice wave yesterday, my entire front hatch under water, and inside liner had water. So yeah, few negatives that I think they MUST improve on their new release, but LOTS of positives! Anyone will love this yak, even those coming from older generation Outbacks!
I agree about the rudder; that will be an upgrade for sure when I find something that is compatible.
I have an extra rudder for my PA that I have sitting on the shelf.
Might have to look into a rudder mod too.
The only thing I didn’t like about the seat was I wished you could recline back a little further but I’m thinking a saws all will fix that problem 🙂
I didn’t have any water in the hull but I’m definitely not gonna be using the center hatch because of the water coming up from the drive.
The one thing that got me was there was no paddle included with the kayak.
I mean really?
GetOutTheHouseGoFish I fish open water too and the basic paddle is no good anyway. When I had my Outback and I was using the Hobie one, I wasn’t moving fast enough through the surf. I could feel the paddle bend. I upgraded to a premium paddle (Warner) and what a difference! I’m now able to cut through the surf fast. So yeah, better pay less for the yak and spend the $ for the paddle you want. I just found out that the rudder on the Strike is identical in every detail to the PA one, just cut shorter to fit the hull. So no real mod necessary, just a rudder swap. :) Will probably post a video of mine with all the accessories I installed, fully rigged. Fish on!
@@justonefilippo have you done the rudder upgrade! I want to do the PA rudder but don’t think it will sit flush with the hull
Anyone have a underwater video of the propulsion system in action? I’m a bit surprised there is no rubber seal when you drop the propulsion system thru the hull, to keep water from coming in.
Stealth rod holders are great. Im looking at getting a lightning . have a outback and a compass already
Great review Mike!! got me wanting to upgrade my Yak!!
You gotta get you a pedal drive;
I’ve seen some deals on marketplace
Nice review.....I know why Hobie’s cost a bit more......they seem to be worth it.
Love my Hobies ❤️
hey ive lost rods what did you use for your foam that's a fantastic idea or who sells them . the water thing seems to be everyone's issue that ive seen its like they could have raised the hatch 1/2 inch so the water would go around it. good video .
The sell the foam for rods at Dicks Sporting but they also have them at Bass Pro Shop.
I’m sure they have them online too.
They usually run 3 to a pack and cost $6-$9
@@GetOutTheHouseGoFish great im in Canada we dont have as much stuff available to us as you do but ill go check on them . Thanks for your reply
Dana
So on the site do you just pay for the kayak or does it come with the drive and everything? What do this plus signs mean?
It comes with the drive and recently they had a deal where they included the paddle, hatch liner, and 1 or 2 other things.
The plus signs you just click on and it’s a description of each part of the kayak.
You want the hatch liner 👍
Thank you so much!!
I just purchased two camo Lightning’s like the one you have and I just thought for the money you get a lot. Only been out one time and only caught two little Stripers and also got fried by the sun but had a good time. I will be fishing again soon. Thanks and I found the same issues with the water coming through the drive and the not so good turning radius. Other wise it was good.
Good stuff
Hello how do you see this kayak compared to the 125 Vibe Shearwater? i don't know which choice. They're very good. You both tasted the Vibe?
greetings and very good video
I can not give a comparison because I have not taken the Vibe Shearwater 125 out for a demo.
I do know some people had some problems initially with the Shearwater but it’s best to go to the Vibe forums or lookup other videos for the Shearwater.
@@GetOutTheHouseGoFish okay, thanks for answering
Nice video man. The kayaks looks good for the money. One question I have is where did you get those rod floaties? They look nice and I wouldnt mind getting a few for my rods so they dont sink to the bottom.
They sell them at Dicks Sporting Goods and also at BassProShop
When you have time, can you compare this yak to the outback and (if possible) other pedal drive yaks you have experience in?
I know you can adjust the pedals but I need to know.
Do you think short people like me can reach the pedals and pedal comfortably? I'm 5'3"
My girlfriend Katie is your height so yes. The pedals will adjust to your height so you’ll be comfortable.
During this video I was talking and comparing the floor area and back cargo space between the outback and lightning. The lightning has more room.
The outback has more rod holders and comes with a paddle.
I’ll have to try to do a comparison on the water.
Thanks. I'm gathering up as much info as possible before buying and demo-ing a pedal drive yak in this price range. Yup I saw the comparison in this video. I should've been more specific. How's the stability? How's the tracking with and without use of rudder? How's the build quality on the lightning? As for the screws, are the heads stripped/rounded?
Kong Vang stability is good; standing up in it was not a problem and I’m a big guy; 6’2 and 238lbs
I didn’t test tracking without the rudder.
I did notice it doesn’t turn as sharp as our Outback but we have an upgraded rudder on the outback.
The steering felt a bit loose too on the lightning as far as tension goes.
The flooring on the Lightning had some flex when standing.
I know the Hobie’s place foam in the hull to help with that and I haven’t looked down in there yet so I may end up doing that.
I mean brand new the Outback is twice as much as the Lightning unless your getting a used one and it’s still gonna be your preference.
A Hobie is hard to beat.
Soon I will demo a hobie; probably the PA 12 360 and outback along with the BF 108 and shearwater. The Lightning is the only one I can't demo. If hobie is the one and worth the price I will save up to buy one. Thanks for your input.
I have the compass and it stays dry as a bone always.
Best information I've found so far on the strike. Struggling with the decision between that and a pro angler. How is it compared to the pro angler as far as the drive area and water coming in? Sadly I dont have the opportunity to demo either (or any other kind for that mattter). I'm leaning towards the pa12 but figured the strike is less $$ even tho price isn't an issue.
If you find a used PA12 on marketplace for $2k then yes get it.
The ProAngler is a fishing machine and you will absolutely love it and you’ll be glad you got it.
I am disappointed with the rudder of the Lightning.
It bothers me that it’s slow to drop and the turning radius is horrible.
Definitely needs an upgraded rudder.
I think the Hobie ST fin upgrade was an improvement; that video is coming soon with another outing in the lightning catching Reds 👍🎣
They do not compare at all. The PA is a high end titan class kayak whereas the Lightning Strike is an Entry Level basic pedal kayak. If money and weight isnt an issue I would go with a PA or Outback. IF money is an issue go with the Lightning Strike