Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty: Review & Features

by Alex Braham 52 views

Let's dive deep into the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty, a kayak that's been making waves (pun intended!) in the fishing community. If you're an angler looking for a stable, efficient, and feature-rich kayak, this might just be your perfect match. We’re going to break down everything that makes this kayak stand out, from its pedal drive system to its salty-specific design tweaks.

Overview of the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty

The Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is designed with the serious angler in mind. It's part of the renowned Sportsman series by Old Town, known for their stability, comfort, and fishing-focused features. The "Salty" variant is specifically tailored for saltwater environments, incorporating materials and design elements that enhance its performance and durability in marine conditions. One of the key highlights of this kayak is its pedal drive system, which allows for hands-free propulsion, giving anglers the ability to fish and maneuver simultaneously. This is a game-changer for those long days on the water when you need to cover ground efficiently. The kayak also boasts a plethora of mounting options, allowing you to customize your setup with fish finders, rod holders, and other essential gear. The Sportsman 120 PDL Salty also features a comfortable and adjustable seat, ensuring that you can spend hours on the water without feeling fatigued. The hull design prioritizes stability, making it easy to stand and cast, which is a huge advantage for sight fishing or when you need a better vantage point. Furthermore, the kayak includes ample storage space for all your tackle, gear, and catch, so you can stay organized and focused on fishing. Whether you're navigating calm bays or battling strong currents, the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is built to handle the challenges of saltwater fishing. It's a versatile and reliable platform that will elevate your angling experience.

Key Features and Benefits

When it comes to the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty, the features are what truly set it apart. First and foremost, let's talk about the PDL (Pedal Drive) system. This is a huge advantage for anglers. It allows you to propel the kayak with your legs, freeing up your hands for fishing. The pedal drive is not only efficient but also incredibly responsive, giving you precise control over your kayak's movement. This is especially useful when you're trying to hold your position in current or maneuver around structures. The durability of the pedal drive is also noteworthy. It's built to withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater environments, ensuring that it will last for many fishing trips to come. Another standout feature is the kayak's stability. The Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is designed with a wide and stable hull, making it easy to stand and cast. This is a game-changer for anglers who prefer to sight fish or need a better vantage point for casting. The stability also makes the kayak feel more secure in choppy waters, giving you the confidence to fish in a variety of conditions. Comfort is also a top priority in the design of this kayak. The seat is adjustable and provides excellent back support, allowing you to spend hours on the water without feeling fatigued. The seat is also breathable, which helps to keep you cool and comfortable on hot days. In terms of storage, the Sportsman 120 PDL Salty offers plenty of options. There's a large tank well in the stern for storing your tackle crate or cooler, as well as a sealed hatch in the bow for keeping your valuables safe and dry. The kayak also has multiple accessory tracks, which allow you to easily mount rod holders, fish finders, and other gear. The Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is packed with features that are designed to enhance your fishing experience. From the efficient pedal drive system to the stable hull and comfortable seat, this kayak has everything you need to take your angling to the next level.

Design and Construction

The design and construction of the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty are critical to its performance and durability, particularly in harsh saltwater environments. The hull is made from a high-density polyethylene, which is known for its impact resistance and longevity. This material can withstand the bumps and scrapes that are common when launching and landing a kayak, as well as the wear and tear of dragging it across rough surfaces. The hull is also designed with a tri-hull shape, which enhances stability and tracking. This design allows the kayak to glide smoothly through the water while maintaining a stable platform for fishing. The Sportsman 120 PDL Salty also features a reinforced keel, which protects the bottom of the kayak from damage and improves its tracking performance. The pedal drive system is another key aspect of the design. It's made from marine-grade aluminum and stainless steel, which are resistant to corrosion and can withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater environments. The pedal drive is also designed to be easily removable, making it easy to transport and store the kayak. The seat is made from a breathable mesh fabric that provides excellent comfort and support. The seat is also adjustable, allowing you to customize the fit to your body. The kayak also features a number of convenient features, such as molded-in carry handles, paddle storage, and a transducer mounting plate. These features make it easy to transport, store, and rig the kayak for fishing. The Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is thoughtfully designed and constructed to provide anglers with a durable, stable, and comfortable platform for fishing in saltwater environments. The materials and construction techniques used in this kayak are top-notch, ensuring that it will last for many years of fishing adventures.

Performance in Saltwater

When it comes to performance in saltwater, the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty truly shines. The design and features of this kayak are specifically tailored to handle the challenges of marine environments. The pedal drive system is a game-changer in saltwater, allowing you to cover long distances with ease and efficiency. This is especially important when you're fishing in areas with strong currents or tides. The pedal drive also gives you precise control over your kayak's movement, allowing you to maneuver around structures and hold your position in the wind. The stability of the Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is also a major advantage in saltwater. The wide and stable hull makes it easy to stand and cast, even in choppy conditions. This is essential for sight fishing or when you need a better vantage point for spotting fish. The stability also makes the kayak feel more secure in rough waters, giving you the confidence to fish in a variety of conditions. The materials used in the construction of the Sportsman 120 PDL Salty are also well-suited for saltwater environments. The high-density polyethylene hull is resistant to saltwater corrosion, and the marine-grade aluminum and stainless steel components of the pedal drive are built to withstand the harsh conditions of marine environments. The kayak also features a number of saltwater-specific features, such as scupper plugs to drain water from the deck and a transducer mounting plate for installing a fish finder. These features make the kayak more convenient and efficient for saltwater fishing. The Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is designed to excel in saltwater conditions, providing anglers with a stable, efficient, and reliable platform for fishing in marine environments. Whether you're fishing in calm bays or battling strong currents, this kayak is up to the challenge.

Pros and Cons

Like any kayak, the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty has its pros and cons. Let's break them down to give you a balanced view.

Pros:

  • Stability: The kayak's wide hull provides excellent stability, making it easy to stand and cast.
  • Pedal Drive System: The PDL system allows for hands-free propulsion, which is a huge advantage for anglers.
  • Saltwater-Specific Design: The materials and features are tailored for saltwater environments.
  • Comfort: The adjustable seat provides excellent support for long days on the water.
  • Storage: Plenty of storage options for tackle, gear, and catch.

Cons:

  • Price: The Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is a premium kayak, so it comes with a higher price tag.
  • Weight: The kayak is relatively heavy, which can make it difficult to transport and launch.
  • Size: The kayak's size can make it challenging to store and transport, especially if you have limited space.

While the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty has some drawbacks, its advantages far outweigh its disadvantages. If you're a serious angler looking for a stable, efficient, and feature-rich kayak, this is definitely worth considering.

Alternative Kayaks to Consider

If the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty isn't quite the right fit for you, here are a few alternative kayaks to consider:

  • Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12: The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 is another premium fishing kayak with a pedal drive system. It features a comfortable seat, plenty of storage, and a variety of accessory mounting options. However, it's even more expensive than the Sportsman 120 PDL Salty.
  • Jackson Kayak Coosa FD: The Jackson Kayak Coosa FD is a versatile fishing kayak with a pedal drive system. It's designed for both freshwater and saltwater environments and features a comfortable seat, plenty of storage, and a variety of accessory mounting options. It’s known for its maneuverability and stability.
  • ** perception Pescador Pro 12.0:** The Perception Pescador Pro 12.0 is a budget-friendly fishing kayak that offers many of the same features as the more expensive models. It features a comfortable seat, plenty of storage, and a stable hull. However, it doesn't have a pedal drive system, so you'll need to paddle. This is a great option for anglers who are just starting out or who are on a tight budget.

Final Verdict

The Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is an excellent choice for anglers who are looking for a stable, efficient, and feature-rich kayak for saltwater fishing. The pedal drive system, comfortable seat, and ample storage make it a pleasure to fish from, and the saltwater-specific design ensures that it will last for many years to come. While it's not the cheapest kayak on the market, its advantages make it well worth the investment for serious anglers. If you're ready to take your saltwater fishing to the next level, the Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Salty is definitely worth considering.