The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Ultralite kayak is the most sought after of the Tarpon kayak line. The Tarpon 120 Ultralite is even lighter and more maneuverable than its sister kayak, the Tarpon 120. As the winner of the “2008 Sea Kayaker Magazine Reader’s Choice Award for Best Sit on Top Kayak”, the Tarpon 120 Ultralite kayak is rigged to be unparalleled in its class.
Pros
The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Ultralite kayak is well thought out from top to bottom. Generous seat room and plenty of storage space trim out the Tarpon 120 Ultralite kayak for a fun paddling experience. The optional rudder adds additional tracking and maneuvering capabilities to this otherwise fantastic sit on top (SOT) kayak.
I found the Tarpon 120 Ultralite kayak to be incredibly versatile when I was doing my review. The Tarpon 120 kayak was also far more stable than most sit on top kayaks, providing a perfect platform for photography or kayak fishing. The rudder allows you to navigate into the hidden areas for excellent fishing where the weeds are too thick to go with a motorized boat.
Cons
Although I enjoyed the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Ultralite kayak’s light weight and great maneuverability during my review, this boat seems to wander without it. I still think it’s a quality kayak without the rudder, but I would urge you to fork out the extra $50 to get it; especially if you plan to do any touring or sea kayaking. You simply can’t fully enjoy the Tarpon 120 Ultralite kayak without the optional rudder.
Overall Review
I would rate my review of the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Ultralite kayak as 4.5 out of 5. Other than paddling without the rudder, every other feature of the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Ultralite kayak is setup for a comfortable and enjoyable day of kayaking. Add its stability and ability to be used as a fishing kayak, Wilderness Systems has once again set the standard for sit on top (SOT) kayaks with the Tarpon 120 Ultralite kayak.
Related Links:
- Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140 Kayak Review
- Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 Ultralite Kayak Review
- Wilderness Systems Tarpon 130T Kayak Review
- Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Kayak Review
- Wilderness Systems Ride 135 Kayak w/ Rudder Review
Category: Kayak Reviews
Tags: Kayak, Review, Wilderness Systems
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Never used Wilderness Systems but I think I’ll give them a shot now
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Really great kayak. I bought 2 of them just to keep up at my cabin in northern Texas. Most kayak stores in Texas carry the Tarpon 120 ultralite kayak and plenty of accessories for them too. Great kayak + availability + lots of accessories = excellent value.
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I bought this kayak, moving ‘up’ from a 9’10″ Ocean Venus sit-on-top (made for women). I can’t tell you how disappointed I’ve been with it… its way too big to be easily maneuverable, turned over and flipped me out over 4 times while on the ocean yesterday at Sebastian Inlet in it, waves crashed over it and kept washing everything out of the boat, … then in water over my head with huge ocean swells I couldnt get back into it. V-e-r-y disappointed. The long size is also harder to maneuver quickly, etc. its like a ‘cadillac’, big and heavy, compared to my lil sports car I was used to. I am very sorry I made such an expensive purchase… it doesnt suit me for what I need/want it for (exploring estuarine areas, riding in the ocean, etc, surfing, etc.)
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Anyone want to buy it? I’ve only used it like 4 times …. its the blue & white one, ultralite… 12′.
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Interested in your kayak. jzabala@cast.org
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