Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty: Review & Features

by Alex Braham 52 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty kayak. This kayak is a pedal-powered fishing machine designed for anglers who want the ultimate hands-free experience on the water, especially in saltwater environments. If you're in the market for a stable, efficient, and feature-rich kayak, the Sportsman 120 PDL Salty might just be your perfect match. Let's break down everything that makes this kayak stand out from the crowd.

Overview of the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty

The Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is engineered for serious anglers. At its core, it’s a pedal-driven kayak, meaning you can propel yourself through the water using your legs, freeing up your hands for fishing. This is a game-changer when you need to manage your rod, reel, and other gear. The 'Salty' designation means it's specifically designed with components that hold up well in saltwater conditions, which can be corrosive to standard kayaks. This model combines stability, comfort, and a host of fishing-specific features to enhance your angling experience.

Key Features

Let's highlight some of the standout features that make the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty a top contender in the fishing kayak world:

  • PDL Drive System: The pedal drive system is the heart of this kayak. It allows for efficient and quiet propulsion, making it easier to cover distances and maintain a steady position while fishing. The instant forward and reverse are super handy. You can quickly maneuver to stay on top of the fish.
  • Stability: The hull design is incredibly stable, allowing you to stand and fish comfortably. This is crucial for sight fishing or when you need a better vantage point.
  • Comfort: The adjustable seat provides excellent support for long days on the water. Good lumbar support is essential for those extended fishing trips.
  • Storage: Ample storage options, including front and rear tank wells, a center console, and side pockets, ensure you can bring all your gear without feeling cramped.
  • Accessory Tracks: Integrated accessory tracks allow you to customize your kayak with rod holders, fish finders, GPS units, and other accessories.
  • Saltwater Ready: The kayak is built with corrosion-resistant hardware and materials, making it suitable for saltwater environments. This is a must-have if you plan to fish in coastal areas.

Detailed Feature Breakdown

To truly appreciate what the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty offers, let’s dive into each feature in more detail. Understanding these components will help you see why this kayak is such a popular choice among anglers.

PDL Drive System

The PDL (Pedal Drive and Launch) system is what sets this kayak apart. It’s a smooth, efficient, and easy-to-use pedal drive that allows you to propel the kayak with your legs. This frees up your hands for fishing, making it easier to cast, reel, and manage your gear. The system is designed for both forward and reverse, giving you excellent maneuverability. This is especially useful when fishing in tight spots or when you need to quickly adjust your position.

The pedal drive is also relatively quiet, which is a huge advantage when you're trying not to spook the fish. It's also easy to remove and transport, making it convenient to store and travel with the kayak. The durability of the PDL system is another plus; it's built to withstand the rigors of regular use, even in saltwater conditions.

Stability and Hull Design

The stability of the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is one of its most praised features. The hull is designed to provide a stable platform, allowing you to stand and fish comfortably. This is a game-changer for anglers who prefer to sight fish or who need a better vantage point to spot fish. The wide and flat hull provides excellent stability, even in choppy water. Whether you're casting, reeling, or just moving around, you'll feel confident and secure on this kayak.

The stability also makes it easier to enter and exit the kayak, which is especially important if you're launching from a less-than-ideal location. Overall, the stable hull design enhances your fishing experience by providing a secure and comfortable platform.

Comfort and Seating

Comfort is key when you're spending long hours on the water, and the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty delivers. The adjustable seat is designed to provide excellent support, helping to reduce fatigue and discomfort. The seat is also breathable, which helps to keep you cool on hot days. The adjustability of the seat allows you to find the perfect position for your body, ensuring maximum comfort throughout your fishing trip. Good lumbar support is crucial for preventing back pain, and this seat has it in spades.

Storage Solutions

Storage is another area where the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty shines. It features ample storage options, including front and rear tank wells, a center console, and side pockets. This allows you to bring all your essential gear without feeling cramped or disorganized. The tank wells are perfect for storing larger items like tackle boxes, coolers, and extra clothing. The center console is ideal for keeping smaller items like your phone, keys, and wallet within easy reach. The side pockets are great for storing tools, pliers, and other accessories that you need to access quickly.

The storage solutions are well-designed and strategically placed to maximize space and convenience. This ensures that you can keep your gear organized and accessible, so you can focus on fishing.

Accessory Tracks

The integrated accessory tracks are a fantastic feature that allows you to customize your kayak to your specific needs. These tracks are located along the sides of the kayak and provide a convenient way to mount rod holders, fish finders, GPS units, and other accessories. The tracks are compatible with a wide range of accessories, giving you the flexibility to set up your kayak exactly how you want it. This is a great way to personalize your kayak and make it even more functional for your fishing style.

Saltwater Ready Construction

As the 'Salty' designation suggests, this kayak is built to withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater environments. It features corrosion-resistant hardware and materials, ensuring that it holds up well over time. Saltwater can be very corrosive to standard kayaks, so this is a crucial feature if you plan to fish in coastal areas. The saltwater-ready construction helps to extend the life of your kayak and keeps it looking great for years to come.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, let's look at the pros and cons of the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty:

Pros:

  • Excellent Stability: Allows for comfortable stand-up fishing.
  • Efficient Pedal Drive: Frees up your hands and provides easy propulsion.
  • Ample Storage: Plenty of space for all your gear.
  • Customizable: Accessory tracks allow you to add rod holders, fish finders, and more.
  • Saltwater Ready: Built to withstand harsh marine environments.
  • Comfortable Seat: Adjustable and provides good lumbar support.

Cons:

  • Price: Can be expensive compared to paddle kayaks.
  • Weight: Can be heavy and difficult to transport alone.
  • Maintenance: The pedal drive system requires some maintenance.

Who is This Kayak For?

The Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is ideal for anglers who want a hands-free fishing experience and are willing to invest in a high-quality, feature-rich kayak. It’s perfect for those who fish in saltwater environments and need a kayak that can withstand the corrosive effects of salt. It’s also a great choice for anglers who value stability and comfort and want the ability to stand and fish. If you're serious about fishing and want a kayak that can enhance your angling experience, the Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is definitely worth considering.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty doesn’t quite fit your needs or budget, here are a few alternatives to consider:

  • Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12: Another high-end pedal kayak with similar features and performance.
  • Native Watercraft Slayer Propel 10: A compact and versatile pedal kayak that's easy to transport.
  • ** perception outlaw 11.5:** Good kayak for beginners.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is a top-tier fishing kayak that offers a fantastic combination of stability, comfort, and performance. Its pedal drive system, ample storage, and saltwater-ready construction make it a great choice for serious anglers. While it may be a bit pricey, the investment is well worth it if you're looking for a kayak that can enhance your fishing experience and provide years of reliable service. So, if you're ready to take your fishing to the next level, give the Sportsman 120 PDL Salty a closer look. You won't be disappointed!