I’m sure this has been dicussed before but couldn’t find anything in the search option. Looking to get a first fishing kayak and have talked to dolphin dave a few times, but still unsure if the extra money for the cuda is worth it. I am testing some next week but just wanted some tips or advice on what to look for or try. Or even some opinions on each. I’m testing the ride 135 but unsure if I want the spend the extra 400 on the cuda.
Cuda. I had tarpon 12 & 14 and loved both boats, however, I would trade my Cuda’s for any other boat. Took a friend out last weekend, he’s never kayaked before. He saw me stand in the 14 and he instantly stood in the 12. I know many love the Ride, but for me it is Jackson.
Ride 135 all the way, especially considering the Cuda is extra money. If they were the same money, I’d still take the Ride. I have used a friends Cuda before and just bought a 2014 Ride, and we both like the Ride better than the Cuda. There’s a reason so many around Charleston own the Ride.
quote:
Originally posted by InshoreAnglerRide 135 all the way, especially considering the Cuda is extra money. If they were the same money, I’d still take the Ride. I have used a friends Cuda before and just bought a 2014 Ride, and we both like the Ride better than the Cuda. There’s a reason so many around Charleston own the Ride.
Good to know the Ride is popular here. Do most go with the high seat? That was one of the things I really liked about the cuda was the adjustable seat.
Yes, I have the high adjustable seat on my Ride. I think its called the Ride 135 Advanced. It’s a little extra on the price but worth it. Give me an inbox here JDem989353@aol.com and I can help you out including dealer if you’d like.
When I had my Cuda I never got comfortable standing in it. My first kayak was a Ride 135 and I could stand in it more confidently. Plus, with the Cuda in the high-seat position, you have to be very careful of your head/center in the kayak - it will dump you in a heartbeat if you’re not used to it.
If I can stand in a Ride, just about anyone can. Can’t say anything about the Cuda as I have never been in one. But, I really do like my Ride.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
Ride all the way
Boat drinks, Waitress I need 2 more boat drinks!
Seems the Ride has won the vote. I still need to test one out. Thanks for all the help.
Here’s a pro tip. Look at boats for sale used. You’ll find about 3 times as many nearly new Jacksons than any other brand, 
Boat drinks, Waitress I need 2 more boat drinks!
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Originally posted by Too BusyHere’s a pro tip. Look at boats for sale used. You’ll find about 3 times as many nearly new Jacksons than any other brand,
Boat drinks, Waitress I need 2 more boat drinks!
Dang, that is a good point. Only used Ride I have seen was so old it was made out of wood. HAHA. It had some miles on it. But there have been some “only used 3 times” cudas listed for sale. Must be a reason for that. Thanks for the tip.
Guess I’ll stand alone, but I love my Cuda’s.
If you’re going to get a ride 135, and not in a hurry, you may want to wait until October when the new seat comes out. But if you buy one before June 30th, Dealers are supposed to be giving you a $150 voucher toward the purchase of the new seat when it comes out in October. I purchased a Ride 135 back in March, and I love it except the seat. I have a Jackson Coosa for the last 3 years, and never had any comfort issues what so ever. I have fished almost entirely from the ride this year, and do experience back pain and leg numbness sometimes. On long fishing days, I have to get out of the kayak and stretch some. I think the new seat will fix this issue, and will be getting one when they come out. If you haven’t used a jackson, native or hobie with one of the lawn chair seats, they are very comfortable.
http://www.yakangler.com/kayaks-and-gear/item/3191-wildy-s-new-phase-3-airpro-max-seat
quote:
Originally posted by uncrossIf you’re going to get a ride 135, and not in a hurry, you may want to wait until October when the new seat comes out. But if you buy one before June 30th, Dealers are supposed to be giving you a $150 voucher toward the purchase of the new seat when it comes out in October. I purchased a Ride 135 back in March, and I love it except the seat. I have a Jackson Coosa for the last 3 years, and never had any comfort issues what so ever. I have fished almost entirely from the ride this year, and do experience back pain and leg numbness sometimes. On long fishing days, I have to get out of the kayak and stretch some. I think the new seat will fix this issue, and will be getting one when they come out. If you haven’t used a jackson, native or hobie with one of the lawn chair seats, they are very comfortable
I don’t want to wait til October. Will be sure to ask about the voucher. Thank you sir.
http://www.yakangler.com/kayaks-and-gear/item/3191-wildy-s-new-phase-3-airpro-max-seat
I have also been looking at kayaks with the same two models mentioned by the op but i also had the Coosa on the short list. how does it stack up against the other two?
The Coosa IS NOT A COASTAL boat! It is great in whitewater and moving rivers (Smallmouth type stuff), but it has too much rocker to be an efficient Coastal boat. IF you are going Jackson, leave the coosa off the list and look at the Cuda series instead.
Annoy a Liberal, Work Hard and Be Happy!
I have a Cuda 14 and love it. Stable, I can stand and fly cast. Had it in the Keys all last week. The seat is amazingly comfortable.
I have a cuda and love it. But if you want to stand, go with the ride. Jackson makes comfortable boats that are easy to paddle. But they aren’t made for standing. Unless you want to get wet.
If two wrongs don’t make a right, try three.
quote:Please take no offense, but the Cuda is made for standing. When I had my Tarpon's, I could stand in both of them and the Cuda is by far the easiest boat I have ever stood up in. I haven't tried throwing a cast net yet, but believe I will be able to do so. Not taking anything away from the ride as I don't have one, but I would be surprised to see that the Cuda is any less stable for standing as compared to the Ride. All have their tipping point, unless you go with a Native Ultimate or something similar, but I find the Cuda to be extremely stable for standing. In fact, I recently took a friend out whom had never stood in a kayak. He saw me stand and he immediately stood and began casting.
Originally posted by J.P.I have a cuda and love it. But if you want to stand, go with the ride. Jackson makes comfortable boats that are easy to paddle. But they aren’t made for standing. Unless you want to get wet.
If two wrongs don’t make a right, try three.
Just picked up my new Ride 135. Took it out on Folly river and it is a great boat. Very stable. I was able to stand and paddle around and this was with my six year old son riding with me. I see lots of accessories and mods in the near future. Thanks Dolphin Dave and Time Out Sports. So easy to work with and I’m sure I’ll be spending more time in the store. Going fishing Friday so pics and reports to come.