There are a few paddle "experts" on UA-cam. One particular fella who puts out at least a video a week. He really hits box store kayaks pretty hard as he tries to promote paddle shops over box stores. I like the fact that you are an advocate for people who want to get on the water rather than a biased paddle-shop guru. I understand that many people who want to get out and on the water cannot afford to invest in the tutelage of purists who are mainly trying to steer business away from affordable options. You tell it like it is, paddle purists or not. That is important to those of us who are not able to spend our hard earned $$$ on "experts" who will forget your name the minute you walk out of their store. Thanks for all you do Dan!
That's why i love and trust your videos Dan. You could have edited the video, or even reshot it. But you owned up to your own mistake in forgetting your pfd and then made it a point in the video on how important they are! That's awesome! Stay safe out there!
If you're a heavy person. Just get an old town sportsman. You don't need the auto piolet or the pdl. It'll hold your weight and some. It's spendy but worth every penny. I'm was about 300, I've lost weight since owning my kayak down to 220 but I've never felt like I was going to tip or flip the old town even at 300.
Excellent review thank you, I have a bad back so the seating is important to me, Ive tried a few different brands and by far the most comfortable was Native Watercraft kayaks, they arent cheap but for someone with back problems its money well spent.
I want to mention that lifetime kayaks (at least the Yukon/Titon pro, which is the model before this one) do i actually have threaded "inserts". They don't go strait into the boat. I have checked mine out as much as i can see in the drain hole and the handles seem to also be in threaded portions, not jsut bare hardward. The easier place to see is under the front hatch. You can feel with your fingers wher the bungees are connected
I agree that $500 would be a better value for this pond hopper. The blue looks much better than the gray, IMO. I'm curious: what brand of water sandals are you wearing?
I was hoping the $699 would be the weird MSRP and the the real price would be ~$500, in the same way that lots of places list the Tamarack Pro at $649 when they really retail for $350-400. At $500 it'd be tempting, but $699 doesn't look great when the Big Fish 105 is $599 right now.
Thing look pretty good. We dont have them here in canada. Just saw this... this or pelican pwr. This is cheaper and wider and has alittle more features i think. Does this have built in outlet for the trolling motor like the pwr? I have the classic 100 (first yak) terrrible tracking. Also the jonny bass boat
Hey Dan, I'm heading up to your Rancho location tomorrow. My wife and I are lookin to pick up a couple crescent ck1s . I appreciate all you have done for us (the kayak community) if your ever on the water in the Yosemite area, hit me up, and I could show you some amazing local spots.
A $399 price point seems appropriate for that rig only because people from the suburbs usually will be buying 2 a the same time and they can makeup the difference money wise with a paddle and life jacket combo kit.
Thank you for the review! Can you check something for me? I have a Tamarack Pro, and the screws that look like they are just drilled into the kayak actually have backs to them. They are molded into the kayak. I was quite impressed when I was feeling around inside the Tamarack Pro. True, the paddle keeper bungee is just knotted through a hole.
For sure I can check it out. I’m sure it’s screwed into a plastic kiss off for some of the load bearing stuff. Probably not on the accessory tracks and rod holders through.
Hello Dan good review of the kayak 🛶 man . The price is not to bad . I am trying to get a buddy of mine to get this kayak 🛶 cuz he thinking about getting a kayak 🛶 . I do have a question . Dan what kind of sandals are you wearing cuz I like to try to get me a pair . I like the back strap on them to help keep the sandals on while being in the water . I have to kayak 🛶 barefooted 👣 because I have extremely wide feet 🦶 . Good video. Thanks you for sharing this video .
I'll start by fessing up I am very out of shape, about zero core strength. I was unable to get stable enough on a lifetime tamarack, my son did just fine at 270# and first time on a kayak. I'm 275, me no way, could not even settle without flipping. I had fun getting wet at Tablerock but was disappointed that I was unable to even try to paddle. would something like this kayak maybe work better for what I am describing? or should I be more worried about getting me core to some degree of strength because there is no way to kayak with a weak core? Thanks
Well it’s easy to stand on, but it’s going be nicer than a paddle board when you’re sitting and paddling. Just personal preference. Not a huge Paddleboard fan over here.
Eeessh I couldn’t justify $699 for this. 10ft long and that wide is going to leave you behind everything else on the water. If you’re on ponds and small lakes, basically anything without a current.. for $450 maybe lol. But then you’re in the realm of a lot of tried and true options already out there. And if you motorize it’ll eat up battery like crazy trying to push that over 3-4mph.
It’s never going to be a fast boat. But a stable platform for small lakes and sloughs. Agree that the price puts it in the realm of more competitive options. However I bet we see them go on sale this fall.
Came here for the comments. For large paddlers over about 200 pounds up to 300 pounds, I'm definitely a Pungo 125 and Loon 126 fan. Looking for more heavy weight capacity sit in kayaks. Sure, kayaks can be rated for 300 pounds but they dont paddle very well. More and more larger sized folks are getting into kayaking and Id really like more boats in the fleet to accommodate. I appreciate that your height and weight is somewhat reflective of larger paddlers, but we need to think of less athletic types. I personally paddle a Pungo 140 as Im 220 pounds and overweight. Love the large cockpit and super comfy seat. If I'm camping, I usually take a Pungo 125.
Pungo are tough to beat for speed and stability. Different end use as compared to a wide fishing platform like the Lifetime, but for some One who wants to cover miles Pungo and Loon are great options.
I didn’t hear that they sent it out to me last year. Maybe the price point was too high for consumers. I thought it was a great little boat for the money.
I gotta agree with your comments on the design. I want to like Lifetime (made in USA), but the fastening choices they make in their kayaks is a huge no for me. I’m sure they do it to keep manufacturing costs down to be able to sell at a certain price point, but as you said, there are other boats for the same price that will perform better.
Great review! I like the looks of it, perhaps to replace my catch mode 110 someday. Can you please lift it and carry it using one of the side carry handles? Do they feel sturdy enough? I do that frequently with my catch mode, and those handles are just riveted on. It honestly amazes me that they have yet to fail. Thanks!
Hi Dan. Thanks for another great review. I just bought this kayak and will be taking it out for the first time on Sunday. I’m a bigger dude at 260 lbs and I like to take with me a lot of gear like a larger cooler and fishing crate. How would you rate this Manta in terms of stability ONLY, in comparison with the Big Fish 105 and the Crescent Primo? I’d love to be able to cast standing up.
There are a few paddle "experts" on UA-cam. One particular fella who puts out at least a video a week. He really hits box store kayaks pretty hard as he tries to promote paddle shops over box stores. I like the fact that you are an advocate for people who want to get on the water rather than a biased paddle-shop guru.
I understand that many people who want to get out and on the water cannot afford to invest in the tutelage of purists who are mainly trying to steer business away from affordable options. You tell it like it is, paddle purists or not. That is important to those of us who are not able to spend our hard earned $$$ on "experts" who will forget your name the minute you walk out of their store.
Thanks for all you do Dan!
Just try to share the joy of paddling no matter what the budget. It’s all good. ✌️
That's why i love and trust your videos Dan. You could have edited the video, or even reshot it. But you owned up to your own mistake in forgetting your pfd and then made it a point in the video on how important they are! That's awesome! Stay safe out there!
I thought about it but seemed like a honest mistake in a good learning opportunity. Better to keep it real.
Wish they would donate some to veterans to get out on the water with . Cool boat , thanks for the review
You should check out heroes on the water. It’s a veteran organization that gets people out kayak fishing
@@HeadwatersKayak right on , thanks brother
Because of your videos, the first thing I did when I got a kayak was buy a life jacket, a paddle float, and a pump since I have a sit in kayak.
That’s great to hear.
If you're a heavy person. Just get an old town sportsman. You don't need the auto piolet or the pdl. It'll hold your weight and some. It's spendy but worth every penny. I'm was about 300, I've lost weight since owning my kayak down to 220 but I've never felt like I was going to tip or flip the old town even at 300.
Thanks for the feedback
The bungees hold the seat-back in the folded position during transport. My Pungo has them too.
I really appreciate this video. Thanks for sharing this with us!
Excellent review thank you, I have a bad back so the seating is important to me, Ive tried a few different brands and by far the most comfortable was Native Watercraft kayaks, they arent cheap but for someone with back problems its money well spent.
Thank you for reviewing kayaks at all price points
We bought 2 of the Mustang 100 after watching a review you did. Really like them a lot!
These kayak on water reviews are always my favorite. Thanks for all the great content
Thank you for the review, after seeing I'm definitely considering purchasing one for myself.
I want to mention that lifetime kayaks (at least the Yukon/Titon pro, which is the model before this one) do i actually have threaded "inserts". They don't go strait into the boat. I have checked mine out as much as i can see in the drain hole and the handles seem to also be in threaded portions, not jsut bare hardward. The easier place to see is under the front hatch. You can feel with your fingers wher the bungees are connected
I agree that $500 would be a better value for this pond hopper. The blue looks much better than the gray, IMO. I'm curious: what brand of water sandals are you wearing?
Astral Webbers. Agree on price 💯
The seat latches are a holdover from the Teton 100. The break early. Replaced mine with some bent coat hangers. Two upgrades later running a RvR 119.
Nice. How are you liking the RVR. I reviewed that last year and had mixed feelings. Didn’t get a ton of time in it though.
@@HeadwatersKayak Best fast water YAK available. Takes Class III’s like a champ.
I was hoping the $699 would be the weird MSRP and the the real price would be ~$500, in the same way that lots of places list the Tamarack Pro at $649 when they really retail for $350-400. At $500 it'd be tempting, but $699 doesn't look great when the Big Fish 105 is $599 right now.
That was my thoughts exactly. When I saw the Big Fish for 105 I questioned the true value of this one. I think it would crush at $499
Awesome video
nice review probably would be hard to paddle in choppy water thanks for sharing
Yes it’s for flat water ponds and small lakes
Thing look pretty good. We dont have them here in canada. Just saw this... this or pelican pwr. This is cheaper and wider and has alittle more features i think. Does this have built in outlet for the trolling motor like the pwr? I have the classic 100 (first yak) terrrible tracking. Also the jonny bass boat
Hey Dan, I'm heading up to your Rancho location tomorrow. My wife and I are lookin to pick up a couple crescent ck1s . I appreciate all you have done for us (the kayak community) if your ever on the water in the Yosemite area, hit me up, and I could show you some amazing local spots.
Nice enjoy!
A $399 price point seems appropriate for that rig only because people from the suburbs usually will be buying 2 a the same time and they can makeup the difference money wise with a paddle and life jacket combo kit.
I wonder if it comes with all the paperwork to register in Florida.
Thank you for the review! Can you check something for me? I have a Tamarack Pro, and the screws that look like they are just drilled into the kayak actually have backs to them. They are molded into the kayak. I was quite impressed when I was feeling around inside the Tamarack Pro. True, the paddle keeper bungee is just knotted through a hole.
For sure I can check it out. I’m sure it’s screwed into a plastic kiss off for some of the load bearing stuff. Probably not on the accessory tracks and rod holders through.
Wonder how quick the wheels wear out? if I were able to get out and fish more this would be perfect upgrade.
That would be my concern too. I’ll try to give it some more testing and report back
Hello Dan good review of the kayak 🛶 man . The price is not to bad . I am trying to get a buddy of mine to get this kayak 🛶 cuz he thinking about getting a kayak 🛶 . I do have a question . Dan what kind of sandals are you wearing cuz I like to try to get me a pair . I like the back strap on them to help keep the sandals on while being in the water . I have to kayak 🛶 barefooted 👣 because I have extremely wide feet 🦶 . Good video. Thanks you for sharing this video .
Astral Webbers. Thanks for watching
I'll start by fessing up I am very out of shape, about zero core strength. I was unable to get stable enough on a lifetime tamarack, my son did just fine at 270# and first time on a kayak. I'm 275, me no way, could not even settle without flipping. I had fun getting wet at Tablerock but was disappointed that I was unable to even try to paddle. would something like this kayak maybe work better for what I am describing? or should I be more worried about getting me core to some degree of strength because there is no way to kayak with a weak core? Thanks
This would be ideal I think. Or something like 3 Waters Big Fish. Those are on sale right now for $599 and are very stable.x
Nice review! Thank you. I appreciate your unbiased comments and insight.
Nice review, been trying to get lifetime to send me one with no luck yet. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
They don’t just send kayaks out, it helps I have a paddlesports channel with 100k plus subscribers.
Thanks for doing a review for kayak good for us larger folks
Just did a video on this kayak. Love it !
Hmm, what do you think if this for standing and casting vs a paddleboard?
Well it’s easy to stand on, but it’s going be nicer than a paddle board when you’re sitting and paddling. Just personal preference. Not a huge Paddleboard fan over here.
Eeessh I couldn’t justify $699 for this. 10ft long and that wide is going to leave you behind everything else on the water.
If you’re on ponds and small lakes, basically anything without a current.. for $450 maybe lol. But then you’re in the realm of a lot of tried and true options already out there.
And if you motorize it’ll eat up battery like crazy trying to push that over 3-4mph.
It’s never going to be a fast boat. But a stable platform for small lakes and sloughs. Agree that the price puts it in the realm of more competitive options. However I bet we see them go on sale this fall.
Great video. Ive been looking for a cheap kayak for fishing.
Came here for the comments.
For large paddlers over about 200 pounds up to 300 pounds, I'm definitely a Pungo 125 and Loon 126 fan. Looking for more heavy weight capacity sit in kayaks. Sure, kayaks can be rated for 300 pounds but they dont paddle very well. More and more larger sized folks are getting into kayaking and Id really like more boats in the fleet to accommodate. I appreciate that your height and weight is somewhat reflective of larger paddlers, but we need to think of less athletic types. I personally paddle a Pungo 140 as Im 220 pounds and overweight. Love the large cockpit and super comfy seat. If I'm camping, I usually take a Pungo 125.
Pungo are tough to beat for speed and stability. Different end use as compared to a wide fishing platform like the Lifetime, but for some
One who wants to cover miles Pungo and Loon are great options.
I'll keep my Crescent LiteTackle. This Lifetime wide boat may be ok for some. Heavy for a 10 footer.
Totally different craft for sure. Also a different price point though.
If these kayak are so awesome why did they get discontinued
I didn’t hear that they sent it out to me last year. Maybe the price point was too high for consumers. I thought it was a great little boat for the money.
Definitely looks like a good candidate for a front mounted, small power (30lbs thrust) foot controlled trolling motor.
Video is great Dan, you should add the ultimate stability test of throwing a cast net from the boat! Great boat!
You never showed the bottom of the kayak. Big review mistake
You’re right. Missed that one.
I gotta agree with your comments on the design. I want to like Lifetime (made in USA), but the fastening choices they make in their kayaks is a huge no for me. I’m sure they do it to keep manufacturing costs down to be able to sell at a certain price point, but as you said, there are other boats for the same price that will perform better.
nice and cheap
Great review! I like the looks of it, perhaps to replace my catch mode 110 someday. Can you please lift it and carry it using one of the side carry handles? Do they feel sturdy enough? I do that frequently with my catch mode, and those handles are just riveted on. It honestly amazes me that they have yet to fail. Thanks!
I e moved it around the yard that way, but not very far. I tend to rely on the built in wheels
Remove all the screws and put a dab of silicone sealant on the hole and then put the screws back.
Hi Dan. Thanks for another great review. I just bought this kayak and will be taking it out for the first time on Sunday. I’m a bigger dude at 260 lbs and I like to take with me a lot of gear like a larger cooler and fishing crate. How would you rate this Manta in terms of stability ONLY, in comparison with the Big Fish 105 and the Crescent Primo? I’d love to be able to cast standing up.
More stable than a Primo and similar to a big fish 105
step up for lifetime but for that price id rather get a bass pro john boat or pond prowler
Fair enough