Perception Pescador VS. Ascend FS128T

Academy has the perception on HOT DEAL for $449.99 and the sticker on the ascend $699.99. Is it worth the extra $250? Or even the extra $100 for the FS12T. I love the way the Ascend's look, and the platform decks, but the reviews aren't always the best either. Give me some insight, I've paddled all...

I personally haven't bought one but I have spent an enormous amount of time reviewing them, sitting in them, etc. So I don't have any true knowledge of how they track, etc.

What I did find is the FS128T had a much stiffer surface than the FS12T to stand on and fish. The Perception is an excellent Kayak and for the cost is well worth it, maybe even a better value overall. But I feel in love with the FS128T. I was looking for something to stand and flyfish from. The bigggest problem for me is the weight. I would have to have a trailer or at least a truck to transport it.

I have/had a Pescador. I actually just sold it to a friend. I am upgrading to a PA14, but I caught many a fish from that Pescador. It tracks well, and it can get up and go pretty darn quick too. It is a proven yak, and has been used by many a fisherman. my buddy is actually the 3rd owner of this particular kayak... if that helps verify the quality and dependability. As for the Ascend I cant help.

Scooter

pescador. i looked at the ascends the plastic looks thin and soft to me. but thats my .02

Nate, if you weigh more than 200#, especially if you want to carry alot of gear, you should look for something with more weight capacity. If you weigh less than, say, 190#, I imagine either one would work fine for you. The Pescador is a proven design, for what it is. The FS12T has some perceived issues. But with an organization like Bass Pro Shops behind it, I'm sure they will stand behind their products and work hard to satisfy every customer they can.

Try them out, then decide.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the insight. I am a bigger guy. I weigh a solid 230#, and am 6'4"... Hmm, flip a coin?

I'm sitting right around 220# right now and have no problems in my pescador.

Was about the same when I bought my pescador. No complaints.

I think I'm leaning towards the proven and very recommended pescador!

my buddy has an FS12T and it's pretty sweet. he's able to stand, but the seat is the big difference maker. try and test both, but I'd go with the ascend personally.

Or keep an eye on craigslist or the yak classified section here. Occasionally you may see a Ride 115 for not too much more than the ascend 128.

Either way, both are solid yaks that get the job done.

Good luck

Is it just me that thinks the Pescador is just a cheaper version of a Tarpon120?

I have had a pescador and sold it to get into the FS12T. The seat and ability to stand in the 12T is what made me switch, not fond of the real lack of dry storage the 12T has though. The pescador definitely tracks better but is horribly uncomfortable to be in for longer then 3 hrs.

Could you elaborate on this?



It's the old tarpon 120 mold.

I second the Pescador its for sure proven it's worth.

It is the Wildernes Tarpon Mold of 2007 and The Tarpon has been Wilderness Sysytems #1 for a long time, so One can get A NEW/OLd wilderness tarpon for a very discounted price when You purchase a Pescador

Have owned 2 FS128T - seems to have a possible design problem concerning warping around the rear hatch ! BPS customer was great to work with, however I am moving up to the PA 14 !

Thanks again guys... I'm upgrading from a Pelican Castaway, so either will be a huge upgrade. Patches, is the FS128T worth the money?

They're different boats. The Pescador is fast, tracks well, but is not overly stable at 28". It was my first boat and I loved it. The Ascend is wider so not quite as fast, but more stable.

The Pescador was a very wet ride even with scupper plugs and I weigh 170#. I can't imagine at 240#. I would demo both before you drop $450-650.

Thanks man, I appreciate it!

It has a lot of bang for the buck - tracks fairly well (a little pull to the right) - seals around all hatch's must be redone-- standing if you reinforce under you. Their foam pads they use will flip down and that is a lot of the support.. right next to the scuppers which eventually will lead to hull issue, i'm guessing !

Would I buy one, yes if that was my budget. Good info on youtube as well..

I owned the pescador 10 for a year, and just recently sold it to buy the FS128T.

Pescador 10:
Much easier to manuever, load, and carry.
Handles well in surf
Solid kayak
Without scupper plugs, did always have water splashing inside
Not as conducive for fishing, cant hold as much gear, harder to get to rear area
Would work well in small creeks.
Good for kayaking in all bodies of water


Ascend FS128T
It's a fisihing machine, the setup and ergonomics are much better
Much easier to attach accessories
Tons of easily accessible storage and rod holders
Very stable for standing, even paddling while standing
Harder to manuever, wind does push it around more
Super heavy and awkwardly big for trasnporting
Doesn't fit easily in many truck beds without an extender
Even with replacing all sealant around hatches with silicone, it still leaks if you take water over the front, possibly through hinges, not bad at all on lakes, but definitely somthing to watch out for in ocean.
Bow does go under water in bigger waves, which brings waater into the boat, but I talking about pretty big waves.
Best for kayaking on lakes and large creeks with lower wind.
Can't touch anything like it for less than $1400.

All in all, knowing what I do now, I would have made the same decision to upgrade to the FS128T. I built a cart to roll it round and a bed extender for transporting which helps tremendously with its size. I added an addition sturdy piece of foam under the front area that you stand at, maybe not needed, but it did stiffened it up.

At 28 inches the pescador felt tippy to me . also water by my feet. I'm about 220 . other than that its good yak

I don't think you can get more bang for the buck than you do with a Pescador, period!
.....if you're under 6' and weigh less than 200

I just don't see it as a big guy's yak.

JMHO

I will be purchasing the FS128T, Unless i find a used deal on something a little better sooner. Being 6'4 and 220lbs the pescador just didn't fit. Will be buying in the next few weeks, lucky I have a buddy letting me use his Ride 135 until I can fork over the cash!

If you like your buddies Ride 135 they pop up pretty often in the classifieds when guys want to upgrade, and you can pick up an older one for around $700 to $800 price range. The hulls are pretty much the same from 2008 on up to the 2012's, where they changed a little, and they also have the high low seat option.
There is an issue with the seat rivets pulling free on the FS128T but don't know if they've addressed that issue recently. All I know is there seems to be a lot of issues as already mentioned and $700 isn't exactly pocket change to a lot of people, me included.

http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=200212

I have a brand new 2012 or 13 (not sure which) Jackson Cuda 14' that has never been on the water. I bought it a few months ago from a guy in Wylie that fixed it up but never took it out nor have I. It has the rudder and anchor trolly. Asking $1200. Price them with the extras and tax and you will see that's a good deal. Can send pics if interested. It's blue.