Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 Review
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- Опубліковано 17 жов 2024
- My review of the Wilderness Systems Tempest 170! It’s not a kayak for beginners in my opinion, but those who have built up a solid skill set, will enjoy it. If you own this kayak, you need to practice self rescue with a buddy and own a paddle float. I never recommend paddling alone. Be safe out there and thanks for watching!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Thanks to Felipe Behrens for pointing out that my MPH conversion from knots at 11:19 is incorrect. The equation for hull speed and the values for speed in knots are correct so focus on that to understand the point I make. The correct values in MPH are:
Water Line (ft) HS (knots) HS (mph)
12 4.64 5.34
13 4.83 5.56
14 5.01 5.77
15 5.19 5.97
16 5.36 6.16
17 5.52 6.35
Paddle Float Self-Rescue
• Kayaking | How to Self...
• NORTHSEAKAYAK - The Pa...
• Kayak Paddle Float Sel...
• Heel Hook Paddle Float...
T-Rescue followed by a Heel Hook Reentry
• Heel Hook - Kayak Rescue
• Kayak Assisted Deep Wa...
The Brunton 70P compass is commonly used in the compass recess but requires drilling, caulking and maintenance:
www.amazon.com...
I used a strap on compass:
www.amazon.com...
Paddle float:
www.amazon.com...
I was just given this kayak by a friend. It is my second kayak but I have only used my 1st one 3 times. I'm definitely what you'd call a novice kayaker. However I did take it out on some very calm water today and I really enjoyed it. Certainly much faster than I thought it was but I can definitely see why. I was told by my friend that gave it to me, that it is a very stable kayak which i didn't find to be true. I definitely need to work on solo re entry and I'm going to buy some of the stuff you and others have mentioned like a bilge and the paddle float and try it in a controlled environment.
Wow! What a gift! The paddle float will be a great investment if reentry is hard for you. Be safe!
This was exactly what I needed! Thanks for the excellent review, you touched all the topics I was concerned about. The comparison between the Tempest, Stratos and Expression 15 is really helpful for those relatively new to the sport, like myself, who are looking for that “first kayak” to develop our skills with.
I chuckled because I made a similar table a few days back, comparing a few of the kayaks specs. I also added price as a factor, which in my situation was important. I think the Expression 15 might be the best “bang for he buck” and a great choice for beginners.
Thanks for watching Carlos. I completely agree. You are looking at a price point of around $1000 for the expression and $1600 for many of these other kayaks. I plan to hang on to my expression and plan to make some modifications soon which I will do a video on. I'll be replacing the seat back and putting some different foot braces in it. Either way, the stock kayak is just fine.
looks like a good expedition kayak for the experienced who find composites limiting as to where they can beach .. but you recommend a better one?
Perfect description!
Hello, I can't decide on the size of this model, my height is 168 cm, weight is 60 kg, what model do you think to take 165 or 170?
Its hard to say as the weight capacity is for paddler and cargo. I would try to demo the kayak before purchase.
Thanks! I have a Tsunami 140, and as as tempting as the Tempest is, it sounds like it might not be the best idea. Any suggestions for an upgrade that can gain me a little speed, while still keeping good primary stability?
Thanks for watching! Sure. If it were me, I would look for one of the following used kayaks. You will have to get them used because they don't make them new anymore. Wilderness Systems Tsunami 160 or 170, Perception Expression 150, Perception Eclipse 17 ft or Wilderness Systems Zephyr 160. Most the zephyr and eclipse kayaks you see will be poly but if you find a fiberglass, know it will be much harder to take care of and maintain but may be a little faster. You should try to see if you can demo these as how they work for you will depend on your body type and size. Its not one size fits all unfortunately. Don't expect them to be faster by leaps and bounds but just by a little. The kayak you have is a great one for my build. I owned one and liked it. If you are in the market for a brand new kayak, you might consider a dagger Stratos or manufacturers outside of dagger, WS and perception. They are all owned by confluence water sports who has really gotten away from touring and expedition kayaks. There are many manufacturers outside of the US who still make great touring kayaks and those are harder to find in the US so you would have to get them new and they are very often much more expensive. Good luck in your search and be safe!
@@shootingthehooch7259 Thanks a lot! I will look into those options!
When you say not for larger paddlers do you mean big guys or tall? I am 6’4” and skinny build and sat in the tempest 170 today and it felt good in the store but was wondering about the paddler size.
I mean big guys, not tall. There isn't much room inside compared to some other models. The kayak would probably work better for a slim person. Your center of gravity will be higher so you will have to balance more but you should be just fine if your balance is OK. Good luck!
Excellent review on the Tempest 170. I have learned more from you about touring kayaks than anyone else. ...Watching your video's have been much more helpful than anybody I have had questions for. Plus, they are more informative than the Wilderness Systems sales reps I talked with a few weeks ago. You have the best kayak review video's on UA-cam, Period! Also, The kayak comparison chart was great, and thanks for the info on the accessories... I am looking forward to the Zephyr 160 review. Keep up the great work. Thanks. take care, and Happy Paddling.
Thanks for the great comment and for watching! I'll keep making videos. Wilderness Systems is great, but their goal is to get you to buy a kayak. Hopefully these videos help folks get the right kayak for them. I've got a couple new videos planned... one the Zephyr and also one on how to pick the right kayak for your needs. Stay tuned!
Do you know if the AirPro seat with higher back can replace the backband in this kayak? I was told by several kayak shops it is possible, but the Tempest does not have anywhere for the AirPro seat "pins" to snap into.
People commonly replace the higher seat back with backhands for WS kayaks. Rarely the other way around. I'm sure its possible for this kayak but I would not recommend it due to this kayak's low profile and low primary stability. You will likely need to learn to role and role a lot. The higher seat back makes that a little more difficult and less practical IMO.
@@shootingthehooch7259 thanks, I'll see how my back does on an extended paddle. Yes, I'm going against the grain on this one. I haven't needed to roll once in 11+ years, so that wasn't my concern like many others that do not like high backs. I suppose I can put a foam pad behind me in a pinch.
Excellent kayak that I have tested in many conditions. Very reliable! Good sensible review of it.
Thanks for watching Albury!
Great video! Thanks for posting. I have had a WS Tsunami 140 for 2 years and love it. But I would like to try something faster and be able to take on bigger lakes etc... Do I need a Tempest 170? Or should I just stay in my Tsunami? I'm in Minnesota and want to start paddling on Superior someday. Thanks Hooch!
Thanks for watching. I don't think you need the tempest by any means. I think you would notice a big difference between the Tsunami 140 and the tempest but it also depends on your weight and balance as is always the case with these types of kayaks. If you are heavy, it might not work for you. I wouldn't limit yourself the the tempest, while it is a great kayak, I just sold mine. It really came down to comfort. It was a tight fit for me and getting back in it in deep water was so much more work than with other kayaks. The two kayaks I still own are the expression 150 and zephyr 160. Both are more comfortable for me and nearly as fast as the tempest. Neither are made any more for some reason. If you like your Tsunami, you might also consider the Tsunami 165 and 175. Its always advisable to demo first and by used when you can. Good luck.
@@shootingthehooch7259 Thanks Hooch. Good advice. I am also looking at the CD Squall GTS boat. Do you have any thoughts on this kayak as well compared to the Tempest 170?
@@stevekimball7697 I've heard good things about CD but have never owned or paddled one. See if you can find a place to demo one. Good luck!
I have the Zephyr 160 and and have had a Tempest 170 now for a month. I’m 6’3 230lbs and love the 170’s tight fit. I would take the Tempest over the zephyr if I had to keep one. Tempest has significantly more glide and speed and feels more stable. I love the zephyr too though. Very good review
Do you have any experience with the Wilderness Systems Zephyr 16ft? I bought one a couple of months ago and it is performing worse than the Perception Expression 15 I have. I'm constantly having to do corrective strokes (which might be in part to what I believe is skeg wobble making it act like an awful rudder).
Robert, I'm not sure what year your kayak is but this is a known issue in some of the older ones. I have a 2014 model and there is some skeg wobble but it isn't as significant as you describe. I was considering fixing it by using self adhesive Velcro strips. I had planned to take the soft or bristle side only and put two on both sides of the skeg or in the skeg well. It would need to be located toward the end of the stern side of the skeg well or skeg to be effective. I have not done it because the skeg wobble hasn't been a problem for me. I can just hear a little noise once and a while. I'm not sure what solution other owners have use but this one may or may not work. Keep in mind that the zephyr is not a kayak designed to go in a strait line, but with the skeg down it should be manageable. Good luck!
@@shootingthehooch7259 i'm beginning to think I shouldn't be using it in the rivers and springs I have been taking it. Shame, beautiful kayak.
I would think it would be OK if you are dealing with anything below a class two rapid on mostly slow rivers and streams. I wouldn't take it in fast moving water. This kayak is specifically made for use in the surf, but like most kayaks, it is versatile and can be used for other things. It is my favorite kayak right now. I've not gotten around to a video review though. It takes time to master stroke correction. I would put some time into learning to bow rudder. I use this stroke a lot and it works well. Also practice putting more power into the side (aft or stern) you want to turn away from. It takes time with a new boat and the zephyr is designed to do more than go in a strait line. It should work well with advanced strokes if you put the time into it. UA-cam has a lot of good videos on this topic.
Love my tsunami 145. I always thought the tempest 170 was sexy. At 238 lbs I’m at the upper range of what this kayak was meant for. So if the weight keeps coming down this is on my short list of kayaks to add. Watch all your kayak videos and your tsunami video was part of my research before I bought one.
Thanks for watching Shay. I'm Tsunami glad the video helped you make up your mind. You can't go wrong with the Tsunami!
I can never get my seat right in this kayak 🛶 to where it's comfortable. Not sure if it's the foot pedlas, thigh braces or poor seat but I'm miserable after a few miles of paddling.
It's a tight fit for most people. I agree it isn't comfortable.
Do the foam separators inside of yours also have like a slice on them between each space?
chukob5, Yes, my bulkheads to have cuts / slices near where they meet the hull of the kayak. These are there so the foam bulkhead can bend towards its edges, to confirm to the contour of the kayak hull.
Shooting the Hooch that makes sense thanks for the response I appreciate it. I thought maybe someone tried to sabotage my boat since I leave it outside
Does it have to framework to add a rudder?
I does not. It does have a skeg.
I was not able to see the pedals. Does it have any?
It has two adjustable foot pegs. They are good ones of high quality.
Tempest vs Eclipse, which one would you pick for expedition, camping and photography trip?
Thanks for watching William. The Eclipse is much better for those. Its more stable and has more weight capacity.
I had to look it up as you didn't mention the beam. 22" is a little skinny for a beginner, but should be easy enough to grow into. It takes seat time to get synced with your ride. I think my first time in a sea kayak was a 22" beam Necky. I felt a little on the edge, but got comfy after a while.
Self rescue should be the first skill you learn and a paddle float (and a bilge pump) your first investment.
All that being said it does look like a great flat water touring boat. My 17' Skerray (yep 25 years old) has a bit more rocker and a 23" beam and as a noob paddler I have a blast on the lake and even the back streams.
Thanks! Looking for a beginning kayak. I like Wilderness Systems kayaks and am comparison shopping. Sadly, I don't think I'm ready for the Tempest just yet, according to your descriptions. But I hear you've got a video on the Tsunami (which I've paddled in before) and I plan to check it out.
Thanks for watching. Have a look at my videos on the Tsunami or the Expression 150. Both are great long boats and can take you from beginner to beyond.
Hi ! I have Tempest 165 . I am 6.1 tall, 195 pounds . I feels very tight inside.
Based on your height and weight, you would probably be much better off on the 170. Even the 170 isn't roomy though.
Nicely done. Thanks!
Saved me buying the wrong boat. Thanks
im use it. good kayack !!
That chart doesn’t look right. 1 knot is 1.2 mph
Thanks for catching that Felipe! The knots and equation for hull speed are correct, but the conversion to MPH is off. I'll add a the correct MPH in the chart description.
GREAT VIDEO VERY EDUCATIONAL 👍👍
Thx.
You are welcome
I also like using a strap on.