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Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Kayak - Product Reviews
Return to Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Kayak Product Details.
Price: $879.00 (+ $19 - $49*)
Description: They say you can't have it all, but you can. Introducing the redesigned Tarpon 120 Kayak. The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 is a sit-on-top kayak for those who desire a versatile kayak that performance capabilities outstretches the size, yet it still has plenty of room room for any sized paddler and their gear. The Tarpon 120 takes advantage of even more storage capacity with new hinged hatch covers and a large tankwell.
ACK Review: The S.U.V. of the Sit-on-Top world. The T-120 is nimble but still tracks well for a 12' yak. More than adequate storage and lots of deck space make this kayak at home in the lake, on the river or in the ocean.
Customer Rating: 4.9 of 5
Customer Reviews
| Reviewer: | Bob Petrovic | Rating: 5 | Date: 12/28/2011 |
| Review: | I haven't had a chance to put my Tarpon 120 in the water yet - it's still kinda cold out there. The kayak was in perfect order when it arrived. The packing and packaging were a wonder of their own. The kayak is very solid and seems to have every convenience I can think of for an off-the- shelf unit. I'm extremely pleased with my purchase. | ||
| Reviewer: | Sam S | Rating: 5 | Date: 08/29/2011 |
| Review: | Great boat, well designed and very stable on the water. | ||
| Reviewer: | thebushpilot | Rating: 5 | Date: 08/22/2011 |
| Review: | It's great. Tracks great, stable, and seems to be almost infinitely customizable. The first time I took it out I spent about 6 hours on the lake without getting fatigued or sore. There was a decent amount of wind and some @#!*tards blowing through the no wake zone and had no stability issues. 2nd time was on a super calm lake and it cruised like a dream. I'm super happy with this thing and am looking foreward to going out on the bay with it. (Bodega, San Pablo, SF Bay area).It's also really nice that the rail system and accessory blanks are sized for common mounts/accessories. The only complaints I have are that the seat bottom could be a little rearward in relation to the seat back and the cup holder would be more convenient closer to the seat. | ||
| Reviewer: | BJ Taylor | Rating: 4 | Date: 07/27/2011 |
| Review: | Love them... we've been out twice and really love the. We accidentally found out though that there's a $75 rebate on the kayaks, and wonder why no one from Austin called that to our attention. | ||
| Reviewer: | Chuck Thoma | Rating: 5 | Date: 05/08/2011 |
| Review: | Kayak as it arrived and inspected is almost too pretty to use. I haven't had a chance to get it on water yet because of high water levels on Allegheny River. The Tarpon 120 has the features I need to fully enjoy the recreation opportunities afforded by the local waterways. But I'm still trying to figure out what scupper plugs are all about. | ||
| Reviewer: | westTXyakker | Rating: 5 | Date: 05/06/2011 |
| Review: | I had my selection narrowed down to 2 kayaks and I picked the Tarpon for the Phase-3 seat. Best decision I have made. That seat is unbelievably comfortable. I didn't get the angler version but I put rear facing Scotty rod holders on the tankwell slidetrax and like it better because I can have my rods horizontal to keep them from snagging on trees/docks. I like the slidetrax because it sure is a relief not to have to cut into the hull. The hatches lock tight and are easy to open and close. It tracks really straight and it pretty quick for a 12 footer in my opinion. Everything on it is high quality and you will not be disappointed. | ||
| Reviewer: | Bill | Rating: 5 | Date: 03/28/2011 |
| Review: | I really like the Tarpon 120, it's very stable and turns very well. The ride is dry and I only leave the footwell plugs out to drain water from your feet. The customer service from ACK is great and the shipping is super fast. HIGHLY RECOMENDED!! | ||
| Reviewer: | yakker | Rating: 5 | Date: 10/10/2010 |
| Review: | this is my first kayak, so I was a bit nervous about expending this amount on something that I had no experience with. It has turned out to be an excellent purchase. I had several criteria in mind when deciding which kayak to purchase. I read every review I could find online and did as much research as I could. My criteria narrowed down to a comfortable and adjustable seat, easy to open hatches, adjustable foot pegs and lots of storage. The Tarpon 120 meet those needs and more. I really like the track system so I can mount fishing pole holders and other accessories with out having to drill holes in the kayak. And I can take them off when I want to use the kayak for recreation and not for fishing. The orbix hatches are great. Easy to open and no bungees or straps to mess with. I have used this kayak on small lakes and on rivers and have enjoyed every minute. The seat is very comfortable and is adjustable and have no problems sitting for long periods of time. The Tarpon 120 tracks very well, is stable and paddles well with minimal effort. I would definitely recommend this yak. I am planning on getting the Tarpon 100 next spring so my girlfriend can go on trips with me. The only negatives on this product are: 1. The owners manual is worthless, it has very little detail for instructions and for the most part is a safety manual. 2. The scupper plugs that come with the Tarpon are not the best design and can be kicked out accidentally with your feet or they can get caught on your fishing line. These two negatives are pretty minimal. Overall this is a great Kayak! I'm having a blast! | ||
| Reviewer: | Desiree | Rating: 5 | Date: 09/12/2010 |
| Review: | After wanting a kayak for years hubby and I decided to go for it and did much research and comparing as well as asking friends that owned kayaks. Our friends urged us to go with the sit-on style and we're so glad they did. They are remarkable in all aspects for us. They track well, are very stable, hold lots of gear and are great for recreation or fishing. Our Tarpon 120's are at the top of our list! We're hoping to get one for our son as soon as possible! | ||
| Reviewer: | Shirley | Rating: 5 | Date: 08/13/2010 |
| Review: | Great kayak. I have somewhat impaired balance and the Tarpon 120 is very stable, even in choppy water with rude water skiers all around. | ||
| Reviewer: | Ozarkwoods | Rating: 5 | Date: 08/08/2010 |
| Review: | I have had a chance to take the 120 out two times now. The first was a lake with some chop. I found without the scupper plugs in a 1/2inch of water at my heals and a about an inch of water in the rear storage area. I weight 270lbs and I did have a cooler with water and our lunch in rear storage area. The Tarpon is very stable easy to get in and out of, and the seat was very comfortable (I have had two back surgeries) the second trip we traveled from Rockaway Beach to Branson and back on Lake Taneycomo water was smooth with some boat traffic. With plugs in no water in rear storage and only a small amount from footwear. The Tarpon tracked well. Love it | ||
| Reviewer: | Andy | Rating: 5 | Date: 08/07/2010 |
| Review: | Great ride with the ability to fish out of. Very sleek cutting through the water. | ||
| Reviewer: | TJ | Rating: 5 | Date: 07/26/2010 |
| Review: | The kayak was everything they said it was and a little more compared to other kayaks. well done | ||
| Reviewer: | re2camp | Rating: 5 | Date: 07/20/2010 |
| Review: | I absolutely love this kayak. Best price and great service. | ||
| Reviewer: | Magilla Gorilla | Rating: 3 | Date: 06/28/2010 |
| Review: | I like the looks of this kayak although it is slower than my WS160. Bought it for my 13 yr. old son in hopes that he could keep up with me on my 160 but it did not work out. I switched kayaks with him I was on the 120 and he was on the 160 and I could not keep up. Great kayak for short distance paddling.(under 3 miles) | ||
| Reviewer: | Sean Taber - N.Y | Rating: 5 | Date: 01/19/2010 |
| Review: | In spring 2009 I purchased 2 tarpon 120 packages that had all I needed to get out on the water. The kayaks are pretty stable, enough to stand up in although you might want to consider something more stable if you plan on sight casting. I do plan on fishing with the tarpon but really bought them for recreation on the local pond and great swamp in Patterson N.Y…By recreation; I mean standing up in it and jumping into the water. Tipping it over and sitting on the bottom side with my feet in the water. Flipping it right side up, climbing back in and paddling away (Just make sure the hatch covers are locked and “all” but seat scupper plugs are out). I’m sure it’s not recommended and may sound reckless but the kayaks are very durable. After my reckless venture all I had stowed away inside the tarpon stayed fully dry. I found a 2009 Tarpon 100 for a really great price and could not pass it up. Now I’m the proud owner of 2 tarpon 120’s and 1 tarpon 100. The tarpon 100 is surprisingly fast although slower than the 120 by a fraction. It does however, turn a bit easier. I will purchase another tarpon 100 for my daughter this spring. We were a family of four kayaking with 3 tarpons. I would sit in the back storage area while one of my kids did the work. I can’t wait until spring to use these awesome yacks.I'm 5'11" about 170 lbs. and remember I said I sat in the back. The tarpon 100 and 120's are more than enough kayak for my weight and size. The smallest is my son weighing at 75 lbs. and under 5' did as well as me in all the tarpons. | ||
| Reviewer: | L D Van Meter | Rating: 5 | Date: 11/03/2009 |
| Review: | This is the 2nd kayak that I have purchased, the first one is a whitewater kayak, I discovered this kayak last January, and fell in love with it. Looks to be the best fishing kayak on the market today, after 10 months of research, I finally decided on the Tarpon 120. I want to tell anyone that is in the market for this kind or any kind, the guys at Austin Canoe and Kayak are the very best, they customized it for me just the way I wanted and it got here in record time, I ordered late Friday afternoon, they had to fix it up I guess on Saturday, and shipped it on Monday and I got it on Tuesday, unbelievable, great job guys. Very happy with my comlete experience with ACK. | ||
| Reviewer: | Doc in Missouri | Rating: 5 | Date: 10/12/2009 |
| Review: | The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 is everything all of the other reviews have said and more. This is my first SOT and it is outstanding for stability. The storage hatches are great and this yak will hold a three day tour worth of gear easily both dry inside and in the well. The seat is very comfortable and the ride is as dry as claimed even without the plugs although I recommend them on the moderate rivers of MO. First rate design is both stable and a straight tracker. This will not be my last Wilderness Systems yak. | ||
| Reviewer: | AC in Santa Barbara | Rating: 5 | Date: 11/24/2008 |
| Review: | I agonized over (and tested) many makes and models before settling on the Tarpon 120 as a 70/30 fishing/recreational platform. I think it is easy to get sold on more kayak than you need on the theory that you really need half your garage out on the water with you when you're fishing. But I remembered how much fun I have with minimalist float tubing inland, and got the Tarpon. The Tarpon is fast and incredibly stable. Blind folded I'd guess it's a 13 footer easy. I like the minimal width because it lets me dig deep on my paddle stroke without banging the gunwales all the time like I did on the big Prowler models. And no flippers to retract in the kelp beds. Besides Hobie, I want an upper body workout! I am a big enough guy, well over 200#, and I still manage to keep my butt dry, even without scupper plugs. My FAVORITE part is that at 12 feet even, the Tarpon fits INSIDE my VW van! That puts me out on the Pacific in less than 20 minutes door to surf, including loading. My only complaint is that the space between my legs doesn't have room for much more than one small tackle tray. I may opt for a vest PFD like I use on my float tube. | ||
| Reviewer: | Marvin Blystone | Rating: 5 | Date: 07/29/2008 |
| Review: | Well, we started with two Tarpon 100's, but the wife's long legs cried for the adjustable footrests of the 120. All of a sudden, four (that's right, FOUR) 120's had been purchased for members of the family and the 100's sold to a friend who is planning on buying a 120 for his wife. The boats are very stable and seem to be a bit faster than the 100's. The only complaint would be the pinetree plugs that hold the seats to the hull. We've lost two already, but since the hulls are threaded, they might just get replaced with some stainless steel screws! All in all, great boats with lots of value for the money. Buy yourself a couple and go get on the water! | ||
| Reviewer: | Josh - San Antonio | Rating: 5 | Date: 02/26/2008 |
| Review: | This kayak is extremely stable and easy to fish out of. It is the best kayak I have ever been in. I can't see myself in any other kayak. The first time I had it out I went on a 4 day, 26 mile adventure and couldn't have been happier. | ||
| Reviewer: | Paul Schmidt | Rating: 5 | Date: 04/17/2007 |
| Review: | After agonizing over reviews and brochures, I finally got to try the T120 at ACK's demo day, and drove straight over to the shop to make one mine. We've been out on Lake Travis on a big boating day, and Lake Austin with wakeboard boats blasting by, and this boat is totally stable. Took wakes on the side just to see what would happen, no problem. It's my first kayak, so it seems plenty fast for me, tracks very well, and handles a big cooler with lots of stuff. Did I mention I LOVE this boat? | ||
| Reviewer: | Craig Lollar | Rating: 5 | Date: 09/27/2006 |
| Review: | I've had several boats from 14' to 17'. This is the sweetest fishing vessel you'll ever own. I heard about the Tarpon 120 from a friend of mine and then I just had to try one out. I think this will revolutionize the river fishing in Florida. If you like to fish, this is your ticket to freedom. | ||
| Reviewer: | Jeff in Austin, TX | Rating: 5 | Date: 05/31/2006 |
| Review: | Love this thing. Terrific fishing vessel and a great overall kayak. Does great on the big lakes and handles just fine on narrow fast moving rivers. Lots of storage and it just looks cool. Get a lot of compliments on this boat. | ||
