The kayak community has a lot of adjusting (and quite frankly growing up) to do. These type of kayaks aren’t going anywhere, but the glory of it, you don’t have to do ANY of it if you don’t want to. What others do with their kayaks and their money doesn’t affect other anglers in any way unless you let it. This kayak is awesome. High end kayaks are a hyper specific category like you said, not everyone’s going to like it or see the benefit, but those that do, enjoy it and love it. But the people actually fighting over it or getting legitimately mad is weird… This vid is a great explanation with some of the issues with the kayak industry right now. Good video!
I think you can apply that type of thinking to a lot of things out there today. Countless times I’ve seen people talking down on a product, or content, or something. But the product has thousands of good reviews or the person has hundreds of thousands of followers and likes In the end, the market will adjust for this if it’s a complete failure. Or it’ll be a major hit and other companies will make their own that people will love these (I think I would). If it’s not for you, you can scroll or click off of this yak and buy something else in the end.
Right! Emotion over a boat that someone else buys?? Or the tackle they use? Go ahead, invite the world to live rent free in your mind. 🤣 I’ll enjoy my family and fishing, being out on the water is joy.
Picked up my XTR130 in camo the other day, look forward to building it out with two Garmin Echomap Ultra 2's, Livescope powered by 60AH Dakota Lithium and powered by an Xi3 with a 135AH Dakota Lithium battery. And yes... I have a boat. I just prefer to spend most of my time in the kayak. For those who follow me, YES... I'm keeping the PWR129 with the NK300 as my river fishing kayak. Why? Because I can.
Great perspective guys! Product development and innovation in this industry cannot be stagnated by the comments section! If boats don't get better or more versatile you stop getting new options and dealers!
I finally broke down and bought my full equipped three seater bass fishing kayak, it is extremely fast stable and reliable. The z518 made by Ranger take a look at it 😆🤙
I fished kayaks for four years and competed in tournaments. Had a Jackson Big Tuna, a Jackson Mayfly, and a Jackson Coosa. Sold them all after rolling one in very cold water. I now have a 16ft deep V boat with a 25hp motor and a trailer that I paid less for than any of those kayak’s singularly, let alone the cost of them all together. Kayaks are cool, but the prices of plastic crafts is unacceptable. I will never go back to the paddle world. And just a side note: throw a set of Railblaza Dinghy wheels on the back of any 12ft or less kayak and it’s easier to launch and load, as well as better fishing, than any yak I’ve been in.
Yet another option for the right angler, im happy to see the innovations in the fishing kayak industry i think the folks who complain about the price, wouldn't know what to do with it anyway people are always always hating on something, Great video.
This subject is dear to my heart as my fishing adventure began fishing saltwater bass kayak tournaments back in 2008. This series was extremely popular and it was called the plastic Navy series. It was routine to have 100+ Kayaks fishing these tournaments. Entry fees were affordable, technology was essentially limited to fishfinder, and everything was human powered. There are no trolling motors, there was no spot lock, and there were no expensive lithium batteries. The cost to get started was minimal and it actually pushed people to get in some form of reasonable shape in order to travel the distances required to fish, productive water. The lamentable part of the way kayak fishing has gone is that it has driven it from a point in which it was affordable to now into what essentially is a small plastic electric boat. You can call it Kayak, but the human powered aspect of it is for all intense cent, purposes gone. So my recommendation would be moving forward that Kayak tournaments incorporate two classes. A nova or beginner class that only allows a fishfinder/GPS chart plotter but no forward facing center and no electric power source. This would make getting into the sport significantly cheaper and those in this class would be competing only with those in the same class. Then leave the pro class open or two electric motors, lithium, polymer, batteries, forward facing solar, 18 flatscreen, whatever you want, but have a class for the beginning Kayak angler to get involved at a much lower entry price point and see what happens. I’ll bet you there’s a lot of people that are not fishing kayak tournaments because they see the uphill financial challenge of a nine to $10,000 Kayak in order to be competitive. Hey, and not to mention the health benefits of paddling or paddling a kayak all day. I think there’s room for both categories and it’s a shame that the organizing bodies are not taking advantage of splitting up the classes to gain more participation. Who knows those first generation adopters the most basic level could potentially move up to the higher category of electric mini boats with a short period of time. Let’s kayak fishing to where it is financially not feasible for most middle-class Americans. It’s a wonderful sport and led both. My brother and I do boat fishing. So there you go two cents worth for what it’s worth. Tight lines everybody stay safe!!!!
The only losers are us anglers in the pacific northwest and California that just want slim fast kayaks for deep reservoir lakes, wide rivers, and salt water. Our last options are the Old Town Salty and the Hobie Revo. We make up such a small portion of sales that there is no incentive to invest in those styles of kayak.
People are addicted to outrage. There is nothing to get upset about. Don't like it, don't buy it. There are a lot of things out in the world that people buy, that I wouldn't. Not mad about! I am not buying the Bonafide XTR 130 but enjoy watching people rig and use it.
totally agree...this "kayak" isn't for me but i don't understand the hate it is receiving....go out and have fun with whatever you want. it will be interesting to see how many bonafide will sell due to the other costs involved with it (engine, possible trailer).
I think you’re right that people are scared that smaller/pedal/paddle kayaks will disappear. These get more attention, the most popular channels promote them, and so people have a false perception about the “direction” kayaks are going. I’m pumped for the Slayer LTE!
Excellent video Guys sorry you have to explain to people again to relax and take a chill pill! Ffs has created the same amount of raw fire in their eyes comments about using it drawing blood out of their pores angry! All I want to do is go fishing and spending time with my family on the water! I was a trout fishermen since 2008 fishing Colorado mountain lakes it was the most amazing experience the only thing I loved most about it was when I did I heard no noise from any direction instead of the noises of nature! No other soul was around me most of the time you ever said anything I loved those days! Now I want to fish for these green friends and get excited doing it for the first time, but I don’t want to die over it cause you don’t like something I say or do good grief! Thank you guys for sharing tight lines take care and God bless!
I am very fortunate to participate in the bass boat, custom jon boat and kayak world. Each is a tool and i choose the tool of the day depending on where i am going fishing.
roof racks have a 165 lb weight allowance...guess you have to strip it down before placing on your car/sub. truck really makes sense here...unlike the pa17, at 13 ft it is very doable.
I know for me, I pull a camper for work that I live in 300 days of the year, some years I cant pull a trailer and a camper by myself so I bought an XTR, I have a 70lb GSP that likes to fish with me so this fit the bill.. I use a bed extender with my short box pick up and just back my truck down a ramp to launch it. but yes i would love to buy a bass boat but right now this is what i needed. 100% Satisfied as well.
The Towee boat showed up in my feed earlier this year and it seems like an interesting option for moving to something a little bigger than my paddle kayak, without going to a jon boat. However, it might be for Florida man only and not this WI weekend warrior! Anyway, thanks as always for the perspective. Cheers, JJ
Honestly, I’m going to sell my boat and buy two of these for lake use and keep my other yaks for the river. I have too many restricted lakes around me to get full use out of my boat. I’ll be able to get a tandem jet ski trailer and just back these in the same as a boat. I’ll add a 3 horse gas motor and front mounted trolling motor. That will cover the electric only and the 9.9 lakes and I’ll still come out ahead.
I commented on Chad hovers video about trying that car topping after 6 hours on a hot lake. Then having to drive home to pull it back down again. Wears ya out.
Not sure if I want to spend close to $3k if I stay in a "kayak", however, the biggest factor that would make this viable for me in south Louisiana inshore fishing would be a somewhat dry ride in light chop using an electric motor. I'm running my NK300 on my 8 yr old Native slayer propel 13. When I push my SP13 at 6+mph I will get wet with any chop. My propel drive pushes me 3+mph and I only get wet on rough seas. I will likely go to a trailer even with my SP13 as I'm 70+ years old and getting tired of the lifts as I use a bed extender. The big question: Do I go with the XTR 130 (or a similar rig) or do I go the small boat route?
You can get a dry ride in a yak at those speeds, not sure about the XTR though, it’s got low gunnels. If it’s that important to you I’d go the boat route and be done with it
A kayak is a boat, but not every boat is a kayak 💯. The problem with the outboard fishing community is that when a kayaker always over outfit their kayaks like a boat, the boat guys say it's overkill. Just get a boat. And what I say is just mind your business bud 💯. Because what my money pays for is for. Boat guys can be a bit bothered & lil jealous in way by it because they're boat can't go in many tight & low tide areas like a kayak. The efficiency & the adventure of a kayak is bar none 💯. The only difference of having a kayak versus a boat is that you can go the distance in a boat, but with a kayak you can get into more off grid waterway areas & covered water in the most obscured places where the fish are with the compact capacity of a kayak. But in a personal standpoint, its much more affordable too👌🏻. The kayak fishing scene has really taken up a storm ever since it's been introduced over the last several years. Its very very popular now & the game has changed, improved, evolved & expand since it all started. So that's why the popularity of kayak fishing is like no other. Kayak fishing is extremely convenient, you can put a kayak on or in any vehicle without a strain. Its like wallet. You can carry it upon any vehicle wherever you go👌🏻. So overall, it has the advantage in its own right. Storage is a breeze anywhere you store it. That's why I love it so much & others too💯
It’s a sweet kayak, 3k isn’t bad at all for a professional level tournament rig. I boat fish, but I’m extremely interested in picking one of these up to try the kayak thing.
I'm currently rigging up my Tactical Pro demo and shooting video for our up coming launch. If you have any questions about it, let me know. I hope to be releasing the videos in the next couple of weeks.
i am just wondering how this compares with the hobie pa 17, which you can find for about 4000 used. of course the pa 17 is longer and heavier but does come with a functional pedal system that even one person can use. at 256 lbs, the pa really has to be trailered though. i also feel there would be quite a few extra costs and efforts to motorize the pa 17 compared to this which pretty much ready to roll with a motor.
Never used the 17 but that's the rub with any comparison that includes a motor. Also, the XTR is a late 2024 model so the price is going to be higher than an older model. Even with Hobie pricing.
@@paulglass7268 the pa 17 isn't made anymore but originally it went for 7500 so i think pricing killed it. i've never tried one myself but i do love hobie pedal systems. just an interesting comparisons. at 17ft i feel the hobie would be more comfortable for 2 adults then the 13 for the bonafide but maybe it doesn't make too much of a difference. the nucanoe 360 seat is also a wonderful thing for the xtr, but of course you could buy the ultimate for hundreds less and get that.
In response to why didn't people react that way to the Titan X or Hobie, I think part of it is when you spent your 3 or 4 grand on a Titan or Hobie, it came with a peddle drive and was ready to go. This one you're spending 3 grand for the boat and then a couple more thousand for motors, batteries, and so on. Regardless of what Chad Hoover is trying to tell people, you are not paddling that thing around a lake all day. I thought the roll out of this boat was horrible. First of all, when you call something "The Greatest Fishing Kayak Ever" of course people are going to be critical instantly. Then Bonafide put out of video bragging about how big the boat is and purposely used camera angles and displayed the boat in a way to make the thing look gigantic then within 48 hours has Chad Hoover put out a second walk through video trying to down play the size of the boat because of the blow back they received. And then Chad arguing with people and even putting out videos where he's calling people trolls, assholes, and key board warriors living in their mom's basement because people were being critical of a boat / company he is sponsored by was a huge turnoff to me. Completely childish and unprofessional by someone who is basically that company's biggest brand ambassador. All he accomplished was turning me off from the Bonafide line all together. I don't see Drew Gregory acting like that when someone is critical of Crescent. I don't see Kristine Fischer talking down to people like that in her videos when people are critical of Hobie. Just my 2 cents.
agreed, AND, the Titan X is actually closer to 4k and the Hobie Pro Angler is closer to 5-6k. So you ARE paying for that pedal drive. This is 1-2k less without.
Question I thought all water vessels with some sort of motor needs to be registered with identification number on the hole, I know of my state that this is the case. I never hear this come up. I just hear install a motor. I’m speaking in general almost every UA-cam channel never mentions registration . This big kayak almost requires you to purchase a trolling motor using a paddle seems to be useless Asking your opinion
It does in 99% of states. We have talked about it in our motor rigging videos. It’s a pain and has an added cost as well. This kayak can be paddled. Can’t speak to the ease or speed of paddle until we test it though. You would definitely motor it.
Hi, do you know of any active kayak community sites in the US? I'm curious to hear opinions and rigging info from people, but the only one I know of is reddit. 😅
These prices are gonna turn a lot of kayak fishermen into jonboat fishermen. A 14 ft one at BPS is under 2k. Barely takes up any more room and for the extra 1k you save, well there goes your front deck and wiring setup for the jonboat with some to spare. All you need really is a trolling motor and battery. Heck your gonna need one for the bonafide too anyways.
@lowvpro9651 no my thoughts are if I plan on spending that much money money on a kayak. Not that I can spend less money. We know we can do that. I agree with you on that.
I've seen Chad car top this thing, but for me that would be too much. If I were to get this thing I would have to add the price for a trailer... Although to be said, I'm shopping for a trailer already.
In the realm of car topping an oversized vessels that are a bit too much for a sedan roof, im a bit of a local legend myself riding around with a 1236 jb on the roof of my 2013 civic si 😂
I think people didnt hate on the Native Titan X bc it comes with the pedal system. XTR doesn’t come with any form of equipment to even move it. No pedal no paddle no nothin
Take a deep breath and buy a canoe. The people who are designing "kayaks" are self proclaimed experts who are selling us a bill of goods. The reason that major manufacturers are moving toward powered kayaks is that their hydrodynamic designs suck and handle like giant Tupperware tubs. Imagine a world where the experts actually went to school and studied this stuff.
Agree to disagree there. We have a canoe, and prefer fishing kayaks to that for how we fish. Doesn't mean you are wrong, but it comes down to preference.
Other than tournament fishing. I’m not sure why this is better than a pond prowler, or a plastic Jon boat. People have a point here. The problem is kayak tournaments have lost their “essence” of KAYAK fishing. For kayak fishing tourneys as they stand today, this thing is really cool, but other than that, this thing shouldn’t exist. But I’d argue that tourneys are just trying to be knockoff bass boat tourneys, rather than leaning into what makes kayak fishing great in the first place. Overall I’m not “mad” it exists, I just think there are better options for a 175lb fishing boat out there for your money.
People are gonna spend their money to prove or disprove that lol. The fact that we keep seeing these types of kayaks says otherwise. It would be cool to see different types of tournaments get more attention though. Paddle only, and no sonar for example
@ I agree. Or what if kayak tourneys allowed the new raft style inflatables like the Newport NS130 or the Lite Skiff Air, or even something like the pond prowler, etc. the lines are definitely blurred for “what is a fishing kayak”.
First of all “ We” all created the need for the Industry to get bigger, get better and more competitive, Kayak builders are meeting the needs and wants from what we all put on social media. Secondly WTF, if you don’t like this Kayak shut up and move on, that being said I bought an XTR and love it and yes I bought a trailer. No different than most serious Kayak anglers. Did everyone freak out about the near $4500 tag for the Hobie Pro? If you want a Jon boat I suggest you do that then, but you can’t fish in Kayak tournaments which is a lot of fun and satisfying!
I like it but I'm 300 lbs and it gives me the ability to get on it with gear and not sink it. Meanwhile, look at hobie or native im paying 4000 to get the same carry weight.
This kayak doesn't make me mad, but I think they put way too much emphasis on having a front deck on the XTR. Like, who's actually gonna stand on the front of their yak and fish? Guess it all comes down to marketing...
Who's going to stand on the front deck? Plenty of people. Ever heard of site fishing? Standing is an advantage in a lot of fishing opportunities. That's why it's there.
I stand all the time on my yak. Would love a platform that was rigid enough to stand on. This is the first one, other than skiffs to offer it. Pretty neat. Not for everyone for sure, but I think a lot of people want the option.
@@aaanglers It’s cool, but there’s a purpose for being at the bow of a bass boat, to control the trolling motor and look at your bow electronics. I don’t see the same purpose for standing at the bow of a kayak
The Kayak Community really needs to wake up and see that this is a "FISHING KAYAK", but, still a Kayak, it can be paddled when necessary. And, those skinny but people who fit into a white water kayak need to get a life, It is still a kayak just for another purpose, period!! This XTR130 IS going to be my next kayak, then I will have 2 and will be able to take a 2nd person with me.
To each their own, right? This stuff works itself out. If nobody buys them, they won't make any more. If people buy lots of them, they'll continue to make new models centered around these designs.
Now, where can you get a boat 17 or 18 footer for $3000 there’s no way plus it’s gotta be Alweld no rivets why peoples mad is because they didn’t think about this and there are not going to be rich. This guy‘s gonna be rich you watch who made this boat bona fide
I think the magic of kayaks comes from being able to self propel when necessary, or on days where you don’t want to motorize. I think chad saying you could paddle the xtr came off as dis genuine. However, I totally understand going all out on powering your yak with electronics especially for tournaments and the pros of not paying for gas or maintenance. But sacrificing the range of a gas boat especially when you don’t get a platform that can’t self propel, launch anywhere, still needs a trailer and doesn’t have the space of a real boat only makes sense if you’re a kayak tournament angler or want to be safe with money spent on gas/maintenance. In all honesty if you’re looking at buying this, just get a boat lol, being able to move from spot to spot with ease outweighs any of the pros of this boat.
Again, this comes down to preference and half the market would agree with you, the other half would disagree. Someone wants this. I get the feeling of disingenuous from the videos and arguments out there though.
@@aaanglers yeah I just don’t get why people would get it other than to big D others in kayak tournaments. It’s basically just an electric boat which can still technically enter kayak tournaments, but has all the flaws of being electric combined with the flaws of being a heavy boat. And it’s missing 2 key benefits of a kayak, self propulsion and all terrain launching, and also missing one of the key benefits of normal boat where if one end of a big lake isn’t cutting it you can move to the other side in a couple minutes (4-7pmh vs 40-70mph).
listen... I don't think we will ever get one. We also don't work with Bonafide. That said, if you haven't used or seen this thing rigged and in action, don't knock it 'til you try it. It has it's pros and cons. But it definitely serves a purpose. And from what I've seen, it does a good job of it.
@@aaanglers yeah its def one of the best kayak tournament boats out there, which as I was saying is its only real purpose. But that's what bonafide intended so props to them
The kayak community has a lot of adjusting (and quite frankly growing up) to do. These type of kayaks aren’t going anywhere, but the glory of it, you don’t have to do ANY of it if you don’t want to. What others do with their kayaks and their money doesn’t affect other anglers in any way unless you let it. This kayak is awesome. High end kayaks are a hyper specific category like you said, not everyone’s going to like it or see the benefit, but those that do, enjoy it and love it. But the people actually fighting over it or getting legitimately mad is weird…
This vid is a great explanation with some of the issues with the kayak industry right now. Good video!
Thanks, ya nailed it!
Appreciate ya! Thanks!
I think you can apply that type of thinking to a lot of things out there today. Countless times I’ve seen people talking down on a product, or content, or something. But the product has thousands of good reviews or the person has hundreds of thousands of followers and likes In the end, the market will adjust for this if it’s a complete failure. Or it’ll be a major hit and other companies will make their own that people will love these (I think I would). If it’s not for you, you can scroll or click off of this yak and buy something else in the end.
@@aggietommyjones 1000% correct
Right! Emotion over a boat that someone else buys?? Or the tackle they use? Go ahead, invite the world to live rent free in your mind. 🤣 I’ll enjoy my family and fishing, being out on the water is joy.
Picked up my XTR130 in camo the other day, look forward to building it out with two Garmin Echomap Ultra 2's, Livescope powered by 60AH Dakota Lithium and powered by an Xi3 with a 135AH Dakota Lithium battery. And yes... I have a boat. I just prefer to spend most of my time in the kayak. For those who follow me, YES... I'm keeping the PWR129 with the NK300 as my river fishing kayak. Why? Because I can.
Heck yeah!
Great perspective guys! Product development and innovation in this industry cannot be stagnated by the comments section! If boats don't get better or more versatile you stop getting new options and dealers!
I finally broke down and bought my full equipped three seater bass fishing kayak, it is extremely fast stable and reliable. The z518 made by Ranger take a look at it 😆🤙
lol, nailed it
I fished kayaks for four years and competed in tournaments. Had a Jackson Big Tuna, a Jackson Mayfly, and a Jackson Coosa. Sold them all after rolling one in very cold water. I now have a 16ft deep V boat with a 25hp motor and a trailer that I paid less for than any of those kayak’s singularly, let alone the cost of them all together. Kayaks are cool, but the prices of plastic crafts is unacceptable. I will never go back to the paddle world.
And just a side note: throw a set of Railblaza Dinghy wheels on the back of any 12ft or less kayak and it’s easier to launch and load, as well as better fishing, than any yak I’ve been in.
Yet another option for the right angler, im happy to see the innovations in the fishing kayak industry i think the folks who complain about the price, wouldn't know what to do with it anyway people are always always hating on something, Great video.
For sure!
This subject is dear to my heart as my fishing adventure began fishing saltwater bass kayak tournaments back in 2008. This series was extremely popular and it was called the plastic Navy series. It was routine to have 100+ Kayaks fishing these tournaments. Entry fees were affordable, technology was essentially limited to fishfinder, and everything was human powered. There are no trolling motors, there was no spot lock, and there were no expensive lithium batteries. The cost to get started was minimal and it actually pushed people to get in some form of reasonable shape in order to travel the distances required to fish, productive water. The lamentable part of the way kayak fishing has gone is that it has driven it from a point in which it was affordable to now into what essentially is a small plastic electric boat. You can call it Kayak, but the human powered aspect of it is for all intense cent, purposes gone. So my recommendation would be moving forward that Kayak tournaments incorporate two classes. A nova or beginner class that only allows a fishfinder/GPS chart plotter but no forward facing center and no electric power source. This would make getting into the sport significantly cheaper and those in this class would be competing only with those in the same class. Then leave the pro class open or two electric motors, lithium, polymer, batteries, forward facing solar, 18 flatscreen, whatever you want, but have a class for the beginning Kayak angler to get involved at a much lower entry price point and see what happens. I’ll bet you there’s a lot of people that are not fishing kayak tournaments because they see the uphill financial challenge of a nine to $10,000 Kayak in order to be competitive.
Hey, and not to mention the health benefits of paddling or paddling a kayak all day. I think there’s room for both categories and it’s a shame that the organizing bodies are not taking advantage of splitting up the classes to gain more participation. Who knows those first generation adopters the most basic level could potentially move up to the higher category of electric mini boats with a short period of time.
Let’s kayak fishing to where it is financially not feasible for most middle-class Americans. It’s a wonderful sport and led both. My brother and I do boat fishing. So there you go two cents worth for what it’s worth. Tight lines everybody stay safe!!!!
The only losers are us anglers in the pacific northwest and California that just want slim fast kayaks for deep reservoir lakes, wide rivers, and salt water. Our last options are the Old Town Salty and the Hobie Revo. We make up such a small portion of sales that there is no incentive to invest in those styles of kayak.
People are addicted to outrage. There is nothing to get upset about. Don't like it, don't buy it. There are a lot of things out in the world that people buy, that I wouldn't. Not mad about! I am not buying the Bonafide XTR 130 but enjoy watching people rig and use it.
Exactly!
100
totally agree...this "kayak" isn't for me but i don't understand the hate it is receiving....go out and have fun with whatever you want. it will be interesting to see how many bonafide will sell due to the other costs involved with it (engine, possible trailer).
I think you’re right that people are scared that smaller/pedal/paddle kayaks will disappear.
These get more attention, the most popular channels promote them, and so people have a false perception about the “direction” kayaks are going.
I’m pumped for the Slayer LTE!
We are going to review the LTE as soon as we can!
Excellent video Guys sorry you have to explain to people again to relax and take a chill pill! Ffs has created the same amount of raw fire in their eyes comments about using it drawing blood out of their pores angry! All I want to do is go fishing and spending time with my family on the water! I was a trout fishermen since 2008 fishing Colorado mountain lakes it was the most amazing experience the only thing I loved most about it was when I did I heard no noise from any direction instead of the noises of nature! No other soul was around me most of the time you ever said anything I loved those days! Now I want to fish for these green friends and get excited doing it for the first time, but I don’t want to die over it cause you don’t like something I say or do good grief! Thank you guys for sharing tight lines take care and God bless!
appreciate ya!
I am very fortunate to participate in the bass boat, custom jon boat and kayak world. Each is a tool and i choose the tool of the day depending on where i am going fishing.
When I watched Chad's video of rooftoping the XTR it gave me hemorrhoids
😂 it’s so “easy”
💀
roof racks have a 165 lb weight allowance...guess you have to strip it down before placing on your car/sub. truck really makes sense here...unlike the pa17, at 13 ft it is very doable.
I know for me, I pull a camper for work that I live in 300 days of the year, some years I cant pull a trailer and a camper by myself so I bought an XTR, I have a 70lb GSP that likes to fish with me so this fit the bill.. I use a bed extender with my short box pick up and just back my truck down a ramp to launch it. but yes i would love to buy a bass boat but right now this is what i needed. 100% Satisfied as well.
The Towee boat showed up in my feed earlier this year and it seems like an interesting option for moving to something a little bigger than my paddle kayak, without going to a jon boat. However, it might be for Florida man only and not this WI weekend warrior! Anyway, thanks as always for the perspective. Cheers, JJ
those look sick!
Considering a Towee as my next boat. Would be strictly used for rivers and duck hunting, while my 16ft boat would be for the majority of my fishing.
Honestly, I’m going to sell my boat and buy two of these for lake use and keep my other yaks for the river. I have too many restricted lakes around me to get full use out of my boat. I’ll be able to get a tandem jet ski trailer and just back these in the same as a boat. I’ll add a 3 horse gas motor and front mounted trolling motor. That will cover the electric only and the 9.9 lakes and I’ll still come out ahead.
I commented on Chad hovers video about trying that car topping after 6 hours on a hot lake. Then having to drive home to pull it back down again. Wears ya out.
For sure
For the price!? The XTR is legit!
Not sure if I want to spend close to $3k if I stay in a "kayak", however, the biggest factor that would make this viable for me in south Louisiana inshore fishing would be a somewhat dry ride in light chop using an electric motor. I'm running my NK300 on my 8 yr old Native slayer propel 13. When I push my SP13 at 6+mph I will get wet with any chop. My propel drive pushes me 3+mph and I only get wet on rough seas. I will likely go to a trailer even with my SP13 as I'm 70+ years old and getting tired of the lifts as I use a bed extender. The big question: Do I go with the XTR 130 (or a similar rig) or do I go the small boat route?
A general question: Do any of the new, huge kayaks offer a dry ride at the speeds that 3hp electric motors would provide, say maybe 6mph.
You can get a dry ride in a yak at those speeds, not sure about the XTR though, it’s got low gunnels. If it’s that important to you I’d go the boat route and be done with it
You 2 made even a boat review without the kayak entertaining, that was pretty good.
Thanks!
That is the ULTIMATE Yack! I want one over a boat!
A kayak is a boat, but not every boat is a kayak 💯. The problem with the outboard fishing community is that when a kayaker always over outfit their kayaks like a boat, the boat guys say it's overkill. Just get a boat. And what I say is just mind your business bud 💯. Because what my money pays for is for. Boat guys can be a bit bothered & lil jealous in way by it because they're boat can't go in many tight & low tide areas like a kayak. The efficiency & the adventure of a kayak is bar none 💯. The only difference of having a kayak versus a boat is that you can go the distance in a boat, but with a kayak you can get into more off grid waterway areas & covered water in the most obscured places where the fish are with the compact capacity of a kayak. But in a personal standpoint, its much more affordable too👌🏻. The kayak fishing scene has really taken up a storm ever since it's been introduced over the last several years. Its very very popular now & the game has changed, improved, evolved & expand since it all started. So that's why the popularity of kayak fishing is like no other. Kayak fishing is extremely convenient, you can put a kayak on or in any vehicle without a strain. Its like wallet. You can carry it upon any vehicle wherever you go👌🏻. So overall, it has the advantage in its own right. Storage is a breeze anywhere you store it. That's why I love it so much & others too💯
It’s a sweet kayak, 3k isn’t bad at all for a professional level tournament rig. I boat fish, but I’m extremely interested in picking one of these up to try the kayak thing.
🤙🙌
I'm currently rigging up my Tactical Pro demo and shooting video for our up coming launch. If you have any questions about it, let me know. I hope to be releasing the videos in the next couple of weeks.
Each watercraft has its plus and minuses buy what you want and just have fun .I own both.
i am just wondering how this compares with the hobie pa 17, which you can find for about 4000 used. of course the pa 17 is longer and heavier but does come with a functional pedal system that even one person can use. at 256 lbs, the pa really has to be trailered though. i also feel there would be quite a few extra costs and efforts to motorize the pa 17 compared to this which pretty much ready to roll with a motor.
Never used the 17 but that's the rub with any comparison that includes a motor. Also, the XTR is a late 2024 model so the price is going to be higher than an older model. Even with Hobie pricing.
@@paulglass7268 the pa 17 isn't made anymore but originally it went for 7500 so i think pricing killed it. i've never tried one myself but i do love hobie pedal systems. just an interesting comparisons. at 17ft i feel the hobie would be more comfortable for 2 adults then the 13 for the bonafide but maybe it doesn't make too much of a difference. the nucanoe 360 seat is also a wonderful thing for the xtr, but of course you could buy the ultimate for hundreds less and get that.
No idea, never used the PA 17. If you can get a pa 17 for 4k, I'd do that all day though.
In response to why didn't people react that way to the Titan X or Hobie, I think part of it is when you spent your 3 or 4 grand on a Titan or Hobie, it came with a peddle drive and was ready to go. This one you're spending 3 grand for the boat and then a couple more thousand for motors, batteries, and so on. Regardless of what Chad Hoover is trying to tell people, you are not paddling that thing around a lake all day. I thought the roll out of this boat was horrible. First of all, when you call something "The Greatest Fishing Kayak Ever" of course people are going to be critical instantly. Then Bonafide put out of video bragging about how big the boat is and purposely used camera angles and displayed the boat in a way to make the thing look gigantic then within 48 hours has Chad Hoover put out a second walk through video trying to down play the size of the boat because of the blow back they received. And then Chad arguing with people and even putting out videos where he's calling people trolls, assholes, and key board warriors living in their mom's basement because people were being critical of a boat / company he is sponsored by was a huge turnoff to me. Completely childish and unprofessional by someone who is basically that company's biggest brand ambassador. All he accomplished was turning me off from the Bonafide line all together. I don't see Drew Gregory acting like that when someone is critical of Crescent. I don't see Kristine Fischer talking down to people like that in her videos when people are critical of Hobie. Just my 2 cents.
I hear that!
agreed, AND, the Titan X is actually closer to 4k and the Hobie Pro Angler is closer to 5-6k. So you ARE paying for that pedal drive. This is 1-2k less without.
trolling motor options: Lowrance recon or the garmin force kraken could be good substitutes.
They’re great, but double the price of motorguide. Hopefully a new “budget” option comes out
I am seeing some local lakes going no motorization at all. Including no electric trolling motors. Do you see more of that nationwide?
I doubt it. It will always be a small percentage of lakes.
Question
I thought all water vessels with some sort of motor needs to be registered with identification number on the hole, I know of my state that this is the case. I never hear this come up. I just hear install a motor.
I’m speaking in general almost every UA-cam channel never mentions registration .
This big kayak almost requires you to purchase a trolling motor using a paddle seems to be useless
Asking your opinion
It does in 99% of states. We have talked about it in our motor rigging videos. It’s a pain and has an added cost as well.
This kayak can be paddled. Can’t speak to the ease or speed of paddle until we test it though.
You would definitely motor it.
I can't wait to get one
it's pretty dang sick!
A perfect example of the "trickle down effect" are Shimano reels.
Our local Tractor Supply in Clayton Ohio has the Sun Dolphin 12 ft plastic Jon boat in camo currently on sale for only $499. Just saying.
That certainly exists
You can not use a johnboat in a kayak tournament or kayak club.
Yes
So are Sun Dolphins and Bass trackers going to be KBF legal now? I mean their made of plastic too....
Maybe 😂 🤔
I don’t tourney fish but that’s about the only category where “what’s a kayak?” will ultimately have to be dealt with.
I wonder how it would handle a nice 2 stroke on the back?
Pretty well Im sure!
I hope nothing wrong with the old town PDL 120 caused I saved up for one.
It ain’t going anywhere. Solid rig
@aaanglers I hope so...Im like 6'1 270lb. That's why I picked the 120. And thanks...I really enjoy your vids!
Hi, do you know of any active kayak community sites in the US? I'm curious to hear opinions and rigging info from people, but the only one I know of is reddit. 😅
Facebook has a million kayak communities. I would start there.
These prices are gonna turn a lot of kayak fishermen into jonboat fishermen. A 14 ft one at BPS is under 2k. Barely takes up any more room and for the extra 1k you save, well there goes your front deck and wiring setup for the jonboat with some to spare. All you need really is a trolling motor and battery. Heck your gonna need one for the bonafide too anyways.
Why's that? Do these Kayaks at this price make all the lower priced ones disappear or something?
@lowvpro9651 no my thoughts are if I plan on spending that much money money on a kayak. Not that I can spend less money. We know we can do that. I agree with you on that.
Native titan last…. Slayer LTE this year. They listening
Exactly! 🙌
Yeah….. id say go to bass pro and finance the little tracker. This kayak thing is getting out of control. Only get a kayak for backyard ponds.
Agree to disagree. Some people do not want an actual boat. And that is okay. This is for them
I've seen Chad car top this thing, but for me that would be too much. If I were to get this thing I would have to add the price for a trailer... Although to be said, I'm shopping for a trailer already.
Hahaha
💯
In the realm of car topping an oversized vessels that are a bit too much for a sedan roof, im a bit of a local legend myself riding around with a 1236 jb on the roof of my 2013 civic si 😂
pics or it didn't happen lol. Love it!
@aaanglers if only youtube allowed photo replies 🥲
Good news, send it on instagram: @aaanglers
It's all in what you want. I don't see it being a river yak unless you are doing flat water. I think most people will use this on the lake.
definitely lake and pond.
I think people didnt hate on the Native Titan X bc it comes with the pedal system. XTR doesn’t come with any form of equipment to even move it. No pedal no paddle no nothin
Fair
What do you think? Is this kayak awesome, or nah?
Take a deep breath and buy a canoe. The people who are designing "kayaks" are self proclaimed experts who are selling us a bill of goods. The reason that major manufacturers are moving toward powered kayaks is that their hydrodynamic designs suck and handle like giant Tupperware tubs. Imagine a world where the experts actually went to school and studied this stuff.
Agree to disagree there. We have a canoe, and prefer fishing kayaks to that for how we fish. Doesn't mean you are wrong, but it comes down to preference.
If I could afford it I’d consider it. I can’t find a stable enough kayak to allow me to stand with my prosthetic leg. That thing looks wide
it's insanely stable. Maybe see if there are shops near you that could let you demo it.
Other than tournament fishing. I’m not sure why this is better than a pond prowler, or a plastic Jon boat. People have a point here. The problem is kayak tournaments have lost their “essence” of KAYAK fishing. For kayak fishing tourneys as they stand today, this thing is really cool, but other than that, this thing shouldn’t exist. But I’d argue that tourneys are just trying to be knockoff bass boat tourneys, rather than leaning into what makes kayak fishing great in the first place. Overall I’m not “mad” it exists, I just think there are better options for a 175lb fishing boat out there for your money.
People are gonna spend their money to prove or disprove that lol. The fact that we keep seeing these types of kayaks says otherwise. It would be cool to see different types of tournaments get more attention though. Paddle only, and no sonar for example
@ I agree. Or what if kayak tourneys allowed the new raft style inflatables like the Newport NS130 or the Lite Skiff Air, or even something like the pond prowler, etc. the lines are definitely blurred for “what is a fishing kayak”.
First of all “ We” all created the need for the Industry to get bigger, get better and more competitive, Kayak builders are meeting the needs and wants from what we all put on social media. Secondly WTF, if you don’t like this Kayak shut up and move on, that being said I bought an XTR and love it and yes I bought a trailer. No different than most serious Kayak anglers.
Did everyone freak out about the near $4500 tag for the Hobie Pro? If you want a Jon boat I suggest you do that then, but you can’t fish in Kayak tournaments which is a lot of fun and satisfying!
Like we said
I like it but I'm 300 lbs and it gives me the ability to get on it with gear and not sink it. Meanwhile, look at hobie or native im paying 4000 to get the same carry weight.
That xtr is sexy
Fer sure
That's a great price for that platform.
Right?!
Ya think?
Ask yourself why most boat owner transitioned to Kayak for tournament fishing?
Do they? Not big on the tournament scene, but I guess I get it
Ha, we drank a monster at the same time...jinx... knock on wood... you owe me a bonafide xtr
I'm sipping on the white monster right now
😂
This kayak doesn't make me mad, but I think they put way too much emphasis on having a front deck on the XTR. Like, who's actually gonna stand on the front of their yak and fish? Guess it all comes down to marketing...
Who's going to stand on the front deck? Plenty of people. Ever heard of site fishing? Standing is an advantage in a lot of fishing opportunities. That's why it's there.
I stand all the time on my yak. Would love a platform that was rigid enough to stand on. This is the first one, other than skiffs to offer it. Pretty neat. Not for everyone for sure, but I think a lot of people want the option.
@@lowvpro9651 Standing is a huge advantage. There isn’t much of an advantage being about 8 inches higher though.
@@aaanglers It’s cool, but there’s a purpose for being at the bow of a bass boat, to control the trolling motor and look at your bow electronics. I don’t see the same purpose for standing at the bow of a kayak
It’s a pretty big difference
When you can’t cartop and paddle it anymore it’s no longer a kayak . People keep calling kayak a “boat” for stupid reason
The xtr need a trailer
All kayaks are boats. Not all boats are kayaks. It's just a definition. We need more nuanced definitions within the kayak industry though.
@@aaanglersRight! Check out the wide range of vehicles labeled as SUV’s, it’s hilarious.
The Kayak Community really needs to wake up and see that this is a "FISHING KAYAK", but, still a Kayak, it can be paddled when necessary. And, those skinny but people who fit into a white water kayak need to get a life, It is still a kayak just for another purpose, period!! This XTR130 IS going to be my next kayak, then I will have 2 and will be able to take a 2nd person with me.
Agreed! Nice!
Still cheaper than a hobie PA.
For sure
If you sell the drive they’re the same price lol
@@cloutmaster965 Why would you sell the drive?
Hang on" like a boat" I thought a boat is anything that floats 😆 lol
Yup
To each their own, right? This stuff works itself out. If nobody buys them, they won't make any more. If people buy lots of them, they'll continue to make new models centered around these designs.
Not much bigger than titanx
Exactly
I like the boat but it is a boat, not a kayak.
All kayaks are boats. Not all boats are kayaks
Now, where can you get a boat 17 or 18 footer for $3000 there’s no way plus it’s gotta be Alweld no rivets why peoples mad is because they didn’t think about this and there are not going to be rich. This guy‘s gonna be rich you watch who made this boat bona fide
not far enough
That's the spirit
We must go further!
It doesn’t have a galley or bathroom so no thanks. 😂
Big miss by Bonafide
I think the magic of kayaks comes from being able to self propel when necessary, or on days where you don’t want to motorize. I think chad saying you could paddle the xtr came off as dis genuine. However, I totally understand going all out on powering your yak with electronics especially for tournaments and the pros of not paying for gas or maintenance. But sacrificing the range of a gas boat especially when you don’t get a platform that can’t self propel, launch anywhere, still needs a trailer and doesn’t have the space of a real boat only makes sense if you’re a kayak tournament angler or want to be safe with money spent on gas/maintenance. In all honesty if you’re looking at buying this, just get a boat lol, being able to move from spot to spot with ease outweighs any of the pros of this boat.
Again, this comes down to preference and half the market would agree with you, the other half would disagree. Someone wants this. I get the feeling of disingenuous from the videos and arguments out there though.
@@aaanglers yeah I just don’t get why people would get it other than to big D others in kayak tournaments. It’s basically just an electric boat which can still technically enter kayak tournaments, but has all the flaws of being electric combined with the flaws of being a heavy boat. And it’s missing 2 key benefits of a kayak, self propulsion and all terrain launching, and also missing one of the key benefits of normal boat where if one end of a big lake isn’t cutting it you can move to the other side in a couple minutes (4-7pmh vs 40-70mph).
listen... I don't think we will ever get one. We also don't work with Bonafide. That said, if you haven't used or seen this thing rigged and in action, don't knock it 'til you try it. It has it's pros and cons. But it definitely serves a purpose. And from what I've seen, it does a good job of it.
@@aaanglers yeah its def one of the best kayak tournament boats out there, which as I was saying is its only real purpose. But that's what bonafide intended so props to them