Hey guys! If you're anything like me, you're always on the lookout for the perfect kayak. Whether you're into fishing, recreational paddling, or just cruising around on the water, having the right kayak can make all the difference. Today, we're diving deep into the Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 kayak. This kayak has been making waves in the kayak community, and I wanted to give you my honest take on it. We'll cover everything from its design and features to its performance and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the Old Town Sportsman PDL 120

First things first, let’s get a general overview of the Old Town Sportsman PDL 120. This kayak is designed with the angler in mind, but it's also a fantastic option for anyone who enjoys spending time on the water. The Sportsman PDL 120 stands out because of its pedal drive system, which allows you to propel yourself through the water hands-free. This is a game-changer for fishing, as it allows you to keep your hands free for casting, reeling, and managing your gear. The kayak is 12 feet long and has a wide beam, providing excellent stability and making it easy to stand up and fish. It's made from a durable, single-layer polyethylene, which can withstand the bumps and scrapes that come with kayak fishing. One of the key highlights of the Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 is its exceptional stability. The wide hull design makes it incredibly stable, even in choppy water conditions. This stability gives you the confidence to stand up and fish, which is a huge advantage when you're trying to spot fish or make accurate casts. Additionally, the kayak features a comfortable and adjustable seat, ensuring that you can spend long hours on the water without feeling uncomfortable. The seat is designed to provide excellent back support, which is crucial for those long days of fishing. The pedal drive system is another standout feature. It's smooth, efficient, and easy to use, allowing you to cover long distances with minimal effort. The system is also very responsive, giving you precise control over your kayak's movements. The kayak is equipped with multiple mounting tracks, allowing you to easily attach accessories such as rod holders, fish finders, and camera mounts. This customization is a big plus, as it allows you to set up your kayak exactly the way you want it. Overall, the Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 is a well-designed and feature-rich kayak that offers a great blend of performance, stability, and comfort. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a recreational paddler, this kayak has something to offer.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's break down the nitty-gritty details. The Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 is packed with features that make it a top contender in the kayak world. Understanding these features will help you appreciate why this kayak is so popular and how it can enhance your time on the water. The dimensions and weight capacity are important factors to consider when choosing a kayak. The Sportsman PDL 120 is 12 feet long, which strikes a good balance between stability and maneuverability. It’s wide beam, typically around 34.5 inches, contributes to its exceptional stability. The kayak weighs about 84 pounds without the pedal drive and around 104 pounds with the PDL drive installed. While it's not the lightest kayak on the market, the weight is manageable, especially considering the robust construction and features. The weight capacity is 450 pounds, which is generous and allows you to carry plenty of gear and supplies for your fishing or paddling trips. The pedal drive system is a major highlight. It allows for hands-free propulsion, which is a huge advantage for anglers. The PDL (Pedal Drive System) is efficient and easy to use, providing smooth and responsive control. You can easily pedal forward or reverse, making it easy to navigate tight spots or maintain your position in the current. The drive system is also durable and well-built, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of regular use. The seating system is designed for comfort and adjustability. The kayak features the ElementAir seat, which is highly adjustable and provides excellent back support. You can adjust the seat height and recline to find the perfect position for your body. The breathable mesh material keeps you cool and comfortable, even on hot days. The seat is also removable, making it easier to transport and store the kayak. Storage is another key consideration for any kayak, especially for fishing. The Sportsman PDL 120 offers ample storage options, including a large tank well in the stern, a smaller tank well in the bow, and a center console with additional storage. The tank wells are perfect for storing gear bags, tackle boxes, and other essentials. The center console provides a convenient place to keep small items such as sunscreen, snacks, and your phone. The kayak also features multiple mounting tracks, allowing you to customize your setup with rod holders, fish finders, and other accessories. The hull design of the Sportsman PDL 120 is optimized for stability and performance. The wide, stable hull provides excellent stability, even in choppy water conditions. The kayak also tracks well, meaning it stays on course and doesn't wander around as you pedal. The hull is made from a durable, single-layer polyethylene, which is impact-resistant and can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. The kayak also features a rudder system, which further enhances its tracking and maneuverability. Other notable features include: paddle storage, which keeps your paddle secure when you're not using it; a stand-up assist strap, which makes it easier to stand up and sit down; and scupper plugs, which allow you to drain water from the kayak. With its impressive array of features and specifications, the Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 is a top choice for anglers and recreational paddlers alike.

Performance and Handling

Okay, let's talk about how this baby performs on the water. The Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 isn't just about looks; it's about how it handles, how it moves, and how it makes your time on the water more enjoyable. The stability of the Sportsman PDL 120 is truly remarkable. The wide hull design provides a solid and stable platform, even when you're standing up to fish. I've tested this kayak in various water conditions, including calm lakes, choppy bays, and slow-moving rivers, and it has consistently performed well. The stability inspires confidence, allowing you to focus on fishing or paddling without worrying about tipping over. The pedal drive system is incredibly efficient and easy to use. The PDL drive allows you to cover long distances with minimal effort. Whether you're cruising across a lake or fighting against a current, the pedal drive makes it easy to maintain your speed and direction. The system is also very responsive, giving you precise control over your kayak's movements. You can easily pedal forward or reverse, making it easy to navigate tight spots or maintain your position in the current. The tracking of the Sportsman PDL 120 is also excellent. The kayak stays on course and doesn't wander around as you pedal. This is due in part to the hull design and the integrated rudder system. The rudder helps to keep the kayak tracking straight, especially in windy conditions. The kayak is also surprisingly maneuverable, despite its length and stability. You can easily turn and maneuver the kayak using the pedal drive and rudder system. This is especially useful when fishing in tight spots or navigating around obstacles. The kayak also handles well in different types of water conditions. In calm water, it glides effortlessly, allowing you to cover long distances with ease. In choppy water, the stable hull provides a smooth and comfortable ride. The kayak also performs well in slow-moving rivers, allowing you to navigate currents and eddies with ease. One thing to keep in mind is that the Sportsman PDL 120 is not designed for whitewater kayaking. While it can handle some light rapids, it's not the best choice for more challenging whitewater conditions. Overall, the Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 offers excellent performance and handling. It's stable, efficient, and maneuverable, making it a joy to paddle and fish from. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a recreational paddler, you'll appreciate the way this kayak performs on the water.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. No product is perfect, and the Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 is no exception. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision. Let's start with the positives. The stability is a major selling point. The wide hull design provides a solid and stable platform, making it easy to stand up and fish. This is a huge advantage for anglers who want to be able to see more of the water and make more accurate casts. The pedal drive system is another significant pro. The PDL drive allows for hands-free propulsion, which is a game-changer for fishing. You can cover long distances with minimal effort and keep your hands free for casting, reeling, and managing your gear. The comfort of the seating system is also worth mentioning. The ElementAir seat is highly adjustable and provides excellent back support, allowing you to spend long hours on the water without feeling uncomfortable. The storage options are another plus. The kayak offers ample storage space for gear, tackle, and other essentials. The tank wells in the bow and stern, along with the center console, provide plenty of room for all your stuff. The customization options are also a major advantage. The kayak features multiple mounting tracks, allowing you to easily attach accessories such as rod holders, fish finders, and camera mounts. Now, let's take a look at the downsides. The weight of the kayak can be a challenge for some users. At around 84 pounds without the pedal drive and 104 pounds with the PDL drive, it's not the lightest kayak on the market. This can make it difficult to transport and launch, especially for solo paddlers. The price is another potential drawback. The Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 is not the cheapest kayak on the market. However, many users feel that the features and performance justify the cost. The pedal drive maintenance is something to consider. Like any mechanical system, the pedal drive requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. This includes cleaning, lubricating, and inspecting the components. The rudder system can be vulnerable to damage. The rudder is located on the bottom of the kayak and can be damaged if it strikes rocks or other underwater obstacles. Overall, the Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 has more pros than cons. While the weight and price may be a concern for some, the stability, pedal drive system, comfort, storage, and customization options make it a top choice for anglers and recreational paddlers.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word? The Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 is a fantastic kayak that offers a great blend of performance, stability, and comfort. It's an excellent choice for anglers who want a hands-free propulsion system and a stable platform for fishing. It's also a great option for recreational paddlers who want a comfortable and efficient kayak for exploring lakes, rivers, and bays. The kayak's stability is truly impressive, making it easy to stand up and fish, even in choppy water conditions. The pedal drive system is smooth, efficient, and easy to use, allowing you to cover long distances with minimal effort. The seating system is comfortable and adjustable, ensuring that you can spend long hours on the water without feeling uncomfortable. The storage options are ample, providing plenty of room for all your gear and supplies. The customization options are a major plus, allowing you to set up your kayak exactly the way you want it. While the weight and price may be a concern for some, the overall value of the Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 is undeniable. If you're looking for a high-quality kayak that will enhance your time on the water, this is definitely one to consider. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a recreational paddler, the Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 has something to offer. Its combination of stability, performance, and comfort make it a top contender in the kayak world. So, if you're in the market for a new kayak, be sure to check out the Old Town Sportsman PDL 120. You won't be disappointed!